Upcoming Procedure

Hi all-

I am four weeks post-op as of yesterday.  That is really hard for me to believe, except for the fact that I am getting a bit of cabin-fever.  I thought that January/February would be the best time to do this, and logistically it still is. But I find myself longing for spring weather and temperatures to lift my spirits.

Before anything else, I first want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone that has sent me cards, sent me magazines, visited with me, prayed for us, made food for us, or in any way has uplifted us in the last month.  I am utterly, completely, totally overwhelmed by the support we have received. I don't have any words to truly express my appreciation, other than I love all of you!

Recovery has been a little bit slow for me.  Not because of any complications resulting from the surgery but other hurdles in my path.  Two weeks ago I ended up back in the hospital with un-diagnosed pain which resulted in a CT Scan.  That turned up a kidney stone - because what could a girl want more than a kidney stone for her birthday?  In my 36 years I have never had a kidney stone, but as luck would have it, two weeks after major surgery....well let's just say I rolled my eyes more than a few times at that one.  The CT Scan also showed a small *possible, maybe, we're really not quite sure* infection on some of my internal sutures.  So they put me on some heavy-duty antibiotics as a preventative measure.  That didn't make my stomach too happy.

Then there was just the general feeling of malaise, nausea, sleeplessness yet utter fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, and really really strong craving for salt.  Wierd, right??  So after these symptoms got worse and worse and worse, I finally went to the doctor on Monday and found out that I have Adrenal Insufficiency.  Basically my body is not making enough cortisol (natural steroid) and at the same time I am tapering off the prednisone (prescription steroid), so I was not getting enough total steroid to sustain my normal body functions.  Once we figured that one out and bumped my prednisone dosage back up a bit I am feeling much better!

I also have a blood clot on my arm as a result of a blown IV line from a month ago.  I went to have that ultrasounded on Monday - no issues there luckily!!

And the kicker this week....our sewer line from the house to the street broke.  You didn't read that wrong.  It.Broke.  Gross.

But, every day is a new day.  Today has been good, with God's grace tomorrow will be even better!

My next surgery is scheduled for February 18th.  I am so ready to get the next (last) phase of this over and done with.  I am so ready to be on the downhill side of this mountain.  I am sooooooo ready to have my life back after this past 12 months.  We are coming up on the 1 year anniversary of the beginning of my never-ending-flare just about the day that I will have surgery.  It is amazing what has happened in a year.  It's crazy how fast and how slow it has gone.  I can't wait to see where I am next year!  I am praying that next year I am feeling good, on my feet, running kids around, volunteering at school, volunteering at church.  Maybe next February I will have to convince Scott we should sit on a tropical island with fruity drinks in hand to celebrate how far we've come in two years!?!  Hmmmmm.....now there is a thought.