I'm sorry everyone - I've been AWOL for a week or so, trying to regain some strength and pull myself out of a little "funk"...it got a little tough for me to stay positive for a few days there, but I think I've got my head and heart screwed on straight again.
Tonight, I've been home from the hospital for a week. Last Friday was a nightmarish day, with some violent vomiting and other problems. Of course, Frank was here to clean up behind me, hold my hand and assure me that everything would be ok. We finally got the nausea controlled late that evening and I was able to rest a bit. I stayed "puny" until Tuesday and was very anti-social, negative and just plain tired of being sick. My back hurt so badly from lying in one hospital bed after another and then even my own bed wasn't much solace.
On Wednesday, I forced myself to start acting like a human and I've had 2 fairly "normal" days - whatever that means for now. I've cooked dinner, done dishes, watered my garden and even floated in the pool for an hour each day with Becca. The staples are out, and although it doesn't seem as though this new incision will ever heal properly, I'm just thankful it's over and hopeful it's the last time. The "hole" from the hematoma removal is healing nicely - it's about 1/3 of the original size and I'm encouraged that it appears to be quicky improving.
My family has been wonderful and supportive through this last bump in the road - loving me, supporting me, feeding me, cleaning, listening to me cry and pitch a real pity party. It's hard to know that I missed Andy's and Robbie's graduations, most of Grant's visit home and half of our annual summer visit with Josh and Becca - as well as my planned extended visit with Shelby. I've missed my church family as well, who have been so wonderful, sending cards, calling to check on me, loaning books and especially praying for my healing, which so many of you have done. I cannot thank you all enough for your prayers - I truly believe that your faith and prayers on my behalf have made the difference, not only in my physical health, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
Since I've been incognito online and by phone this week, I have some business to attend to...
KT - I am so proud of the way you handled your pregnancy. What a beautiful reward God has given you, by blessing you with a healthy baby boy! I can't wait to see pictures - I know you guys are so happy and I thank the Lord for seeing you through the past months with dignity, humor and compassion for others. You're one of my heroes, girl!
Priscilla and Christie - Across the miles, you both lift me up, love me and give me hope. God has sent me angels on earth to watch over me. Even through your own illnesses, you reach out to others so consistently and give of yourselves - what an example to the rest of us you are.
Cindy, Les, Shell - I love you guys and I'll see you all very soon, I hope. Thanks for calling, even when I don't call back right away.
Mom and Dad - THANK YOU! I hope you guys are having a wonderful visit and that you enjoyed the wedding and graduation. Please hug em all for me and Frank.
So, now I begin another journey back. I'm still on lots of narcotics, so after another week or so, it will be time to start titrating back down step by step until I'm at least back where I was before the obstruction. My insulin pump start was scheduled for the day I was first admitted to the hospital, so I need to re-schedule and get that started. Baby steps on the activity, once again. No swimming, lifting, vaccuming (YAY), bending, etc. Get back to a 3 meal a day regimen (stomach's still a little particular and shaky). I guess I have several months to convalesce - each setback saps my strength a little more, but I'm determined to get it back. We'll just take it "one day at a time", one more time.
Love you all - and thanks for hangin' in there with me through it all!
Tracy
