LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,wys-out
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 12:15 PM

Printed just a few pages of this for Hardi to take to Michelle, up to:

14 Jan 10 - 06:15 PM (#2812126)
Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Fri. Surgery- comfort etc welcome
From: Mrs.Duck

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:37 PM

Wow.

Hello Everybody!!!! Thanks for all the good wishes, prayers, love and laughter.

I am home. Dr. came into my room about 3:00 and told me that people who can walk, pee, pass gass and eat even a tiny bit need to get out! He, of course, was kidding.

More details later. I am exhausted and going to sleep.

Susan and Hardi....I don't know how close you were to Danville but I'm really sorry that I wasn't able to notifiy you earlier in the day. I just didn't know.

I had a particularly painful night last night and thought for sure I'd be there at least one more day.

Details tomorrow or the day after.

I'm a sleepy puppy who is very glad to be home in her own space.

Love....lots and lots of love to you all.

(((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 09:18 PM

HEY!!!!! LOOK WHO SHOWED UP AND SOUNDING PRETTY DAMN GOOD!!!!!!

Even the way you come through the ether sounds so much better. Glad to have you back. Now get on with the healing and the followups and just (need I say this again?), get on with your life!

My best to both of you!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: maeve
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 09:37 PM

Welcome home, Michelle.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:06 PM

Yes, welcome home!!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 12:17 AM

I was planning to call during the late afternoon, but I see I would have missed you, with the time difference. (My kiddo called to say she was coming down, so I ended up racing around to get dinner stuff in place.)

You have my number--I'd like to hear how things went. It sounds like you're well on the mend. There will be times when things hurt for a while, that's part of the process, but I think after a couple of days at home I was getting by with ibuprofen (my sister and I have compared notes about this kind of surgery--there seems to be a high pain threshold in the family--so your mileage may vary).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 03:20 AM

Welcome home Michelle. Sending you lots of healing energy for a full and speedy recovery. (((Hugs)))

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 06:27 AM

Nice to see that you are home and posting here again !

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 07:45 AM

Doing the happy dance! Yay, Michelle!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 08:58 AM

Welcome home Michelle.
But after all the work I did on your room at the Mudcat Recovery Ward, I expected you would at least try the bed out once.

Isn't it wonderful to be in your own space with no lights blinking, lines buzzing and alarms screaming not to mention the moaning from the next bed?
Rest! Be well.
That's your job for now.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,wys-out
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 10:04 AM

LF, please do not worry about (or use your strength apologizing here or in email about) our ride to Danville. :~) We take a lot of rides like that, always enjoy the time together they afford, and it is NEVER a burden to take them. In this case, for instance, a second parishioner also had been in the same hospital and originally it was to have been a double-call for Hardi but she ALSO got sprung early-- and as far as we are concerned that is always good news, not an inconvenience for us. We just wished that the weekend schedule had not been so heavy (a faraway Saturday funeral, a Sunday emergency) that there was no way to attempt it sooner. I believe Hardi plans a call or visit later this week but we just got emailed news of another faraway funeral this week, and we have not hooked up yet for joint schedule planning. I'm not sure he can find your house by himself.... he'll be in touch I am sure.

Sorry to put all this here, but I'm not sure what-all you are keeping an eye on, and I'm off and running now....

Don't forget to pat yourself on the back for your pre-surg house-prep to nest back into, as you regain your strength and your daily routine-- I say a loud AMEN to Spaw's post. He's never wrong, as I continue to re-discover on a regular basis. LOL-- you can always trust his "gut." :~) That focus on the nice life you've built? Go for it!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: Tinker
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 10:32 AM

Yeah you are home!!! I still owe you a few bear photos, I confess I've been a little crazy getting some work stuff done... but I haven't forgotten..... Rest and Relax... whoops that's actually the name of our local sexton service.... but not bad advice regardless...


Tinker


No Spaw they do not provide "that" kind of house call......

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 12:14 PM

I bet you're glad to be home.

Rest up, let everyone else do anything that can be done. Right now it's all about YOU!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,wys
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 01:20 PM

Folks pls keep in mind that her primary home-thread is the Declut one, more than this one. That's more likely to be the main place she's following till she's better.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 02:07 PM

She can follow it, but she'd better not de-clutter anything heavier than a facial tissue. . .

;-D

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,wys-out
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 02:08 PM

Too late. She already got ahead of hersel'.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 02:14 PM

Since The Gilded Lily chose to post her news here, I suspect she will be checking in once in a while. The Recovery Ward is still awaiting a visit. Sorry Michelle, Jacqui is in your room in a drunken stupor. You may not want to disturb her. We will get your bears for you later.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 02:20 PM

Do as I say not as I do.
I came home to an empty house from the hospital after my surgery and moved a large television twice until I found where I was most comfortable. I guess tidying a table isn't too bad.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: GUEST,wys-out
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 02:33 PM

Yes, she did post here. She has since posted elsewhere and I suspect may continue to do so. If you remind her, there, to post here, you will just be adding to her not-resting, though.

Do whatever you decide to do-- I'm just telling you that your posts are more likely to be seen in the other thread, for today.

~Susan (with Hardi's guidance)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 03:23 PM

No worries about where to post, I'm poking around as it gives me something to do when I'm awake...which isn't much.

Feeling kinda drifty and wonderful in the same breath to know that you all are sending out good thoughts and sometimes some silliness too. You're all making my heart really happy.

I'm off for a nap. Sweet dreams my friends.

Love to you all

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 03:33 PM

I could use a nap. . .

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 03:34 PM

I nap at my desk at work occasionally. Long story for another time.

Meantime,sweet dreams, lady.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 03:39 PM

Have a nice nap, Michelle...it gives your body lots of time to heal up. I am about off for one myself. Take care.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc wel
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 04:00 PM

     ___    ___    ___    ___  | |_   | |_   | |_   | |_   | |_    
    (_-<   (_-<   (_-<   (_-<  | ' \  | ' \  | ' \  | ' \  | ' \   
    /__/_  /__/_  /__/_  /__/_ |_||_| |_||_| |_||_| |_||_| |_||_|  
  _|"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""||"""""| 
  "`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-'"`-0-0-' 

         


Michelle is resting. Welcome home, Petal.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 09:07 PM

Two years ago I had a miserable cold. I took two days off but had to get back to work, so I did. A co-worker gave me Day-Quil assuring me that it was non-drowsy. I should have known better. I simply can't tolerate any of that stuff.
Now, our offices are freezing cold. The thermostat reads 75 and we are all shivering. People actually wear their coats with hoods up when it gets really bad.
I was cold; I was sleepy; I fell sound asleep at my desk with my MMario shawl over my head. Now most of you know I DO NOT SNORE. So when I did not snore, I attracted the attention of the entire office.
I awoke to find people watching from over the cubicle walls, taking pictures with their cell phones and, in short, enjoying the moment thoroughly. I still haven't lived it down. And the pictures still circulate.
Rest, Michelle.
I am on guard. No pictures will be taken. No recordings made...but that is another story.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 03:49 AM

It's 3:37am and I'm wide awake. Hm. I suppose my sleeping schedule will be wonky for awhile and that's ok! For the first time since my surgery, I am up at this time without being in a ton of pain. Excellent! My day was a lazy day....did my breathing treatments, had the visiting home health people here, walked and puttered (a very small amount of puttering)and slept on and off all day. I talked to a few people on the phone but not for long...starts to make my abs hurt after about 10 minutes. I also received a basket of beautiful springy flowers...pinks, purples, soft yellows, white and greens. And NO MUMS! YAY! Mums always make me thing of funeral sprays....NOT what I want in my house!

One of my staples fell out. Not sure how that happened...but I had lifted my nightgown to check things out and it was just laying there. I'm also getting itchy where the staples are and sometimes they are a little bit pokey. I don't know if that's normal or not and will call the Dr. in the AM to find out. I do NOT want an infection.

And Mary...if someone WERE to take pictures while I was sleeping, they could probably use them in a cold medicine commercial....hair all pulled back, no make up, giant jammies that are bright blue with daisies and bumblebees, a dark green prayer shawl and for a special accessory...as we all know accessories MAKE the outfit, how about some drool? P~R~E~T~T~Y!!!!!!!

Ok....body is calling for more sleep.

Night all.

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: JennieG
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:11 AM

Good to hear you are awake and coherent! Look after yourself and don't do any heavy furniture moving for a day or two yet.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 10:06 AM

I don't think I drooled at the office.

My staples fell out on day 4. That's when they said I could go home. They told me it meant things were healing properly. Redness is a concern. Check regularly for that.

Have they let you take a shower yet? I had to wait for the staples to come out.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 11:44 AM

Good to hear from you Michelle.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 12:04 PM

So far I've been spared staples.

It sounds like you're coming right along!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 12:17 PM

Ooh sexy jammies Michelle ☺☻
You sound good from here, keep up the good work.

John

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 12:46 PM

Indeed. Good to hear.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc wel
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 01:32 PM

bit of itchiness is indication of healing so long as there are no angry red streaks. that'd be infection.

good to read you are up and about. has my little package arrived yet?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 02:00 PM

When the staples fell out of my magazine, it fell apart. So I'd be careful if I were you Michelle :)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 02:34 PM

I went to the healing mass at church today and fell asleep about 5 minutes after the service on the ride home. My staple area is kind of itchy and a little bit pokey and the nurse said both of those are fine. The itchiness is actually a sign of healing, so GOOD! I have been able to take a shower...actually, I could have had one the day after my surgery if I wanted but waiting until the following day....just can't have the water aimed at my incision area...it's ok to be wet and even if soap gets on it....but no direct water pressure allowed.

It's hard for me to believe but this is only my 2nd day at home. Feels like much longer and I feel like I should be doing more but am going to just hang out and nap like I'm supposed to. :)

And John? The jammies have now changed to a green and navy blue plaid, complete with white compression stockings.....I'm telling you, I am BOOTIFUL! And my prayer shawl is right here too..........

;) Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 02:35 PM

MacKenzie, come over here so I can whack you this side of your head.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 03:08 PM

OOOOHHH Compression stockings. Do they have iodine stains on them? Mine did. I got in trouble with the head nurse because I cannot stand to have my feet covered. Despite being totally immobile I was able to slip them down from my thighs to my feet and off. This meant I was stuck in a plastic sleeve from a compression machine. They couldn't get me out. LOL I am sockless at work; sockless at home. I hate socks. If I had my way I would be barefoot all the time.

You will be very tired for a long time. You have had an enormous shock to your body as well as a huge dose of drugs. As they work out of your body, you will feel stronger but honest - six weeks before it's all gone.

Enjoy your rest. Wish I could nap whenever I feel like it.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 03:20 PM

I feel like I should be doing more

That's a good sign of recovery but please try and ignore it! You really do need not to do anything other than getting well. This is a major operation and lots of rest is the best way to heal, take it from one who's been there! Enjoy having the time to read, listen to music, whatever you enjoy doing and that daily life doesn't usually allow you much time for.

(Sorry if I sound a bit bossy - just very concerned.)

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 04:00 PM

The more you do, the longer the recovery AND you could damage the stitches. Sit down; lie down.
Bossy SINS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc wel
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:11 PM

Yes Michelle - rest is your primary business. No feeling bad or wrong about that.

Barefoot Mary is my Barefoot sister. Me too. I hate having my feet covered. My toes poke out from under the covers even if it is freezing.

Are you sure that smacking the Mack isn't exactly what he's hoping for?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -Surgery UPDATE comfort etc welcome
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:32 PM

No worries gang, I AM taking it easy....lots of naps. I am getting up to get myself water or to the bathroom and that's about it. I sleep a lot and have to remind myself that this is only my 2nd day at home. Feels longer to me. My mom got me a Grabber thing so I can at least pick up stuff that I drop or knock over instead of having to ask my husband who is doing EVERYTHING....I hate to ask him to do even more, especially the small stuff, you know?

Michelle who's off to read for a bit

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 07:42 PM

Michelle,

Do you have a hobby like embroidery or knitting or crochet, something you can do seated or lounging? It might help the time feel more like you're doing something without any physical strain.

As you feel better you'll be able to move around and do a little more every day, but there is a wall--you'll know it when you hit it--that can sneak up on you. I remember going to the store or a couple of short errands, and just suddenly feeling like I had to stop, sit, and sleep. It is a colossally tired feeling, and I suspect everyone discovers it at some point after surgery. It's not a bad thing--it lets you know you have to pace yourself, and after a while you will be well enough to not have to worry about it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Maryrrf
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 10:38 PM

I just want to add my good wishes to this thread - glad you are on the mend and home!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:19 AM

Day 4. Are you shedding staples everywhere? Careful they are mean to step on.

Good morning Michelle.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:24 AM

Good Morning,

   I lost one staple the day before yesterday and today I have one that looks like it might come out. I'm not messing with them. I have an appointment on Tuesday for the Dr. to take them out.
   I am having some pain this morning but not in my incision area....rather off to the side of it. I don't know if it's where something was removed, scraped or just phantom stuff...but it's bothersome. I've been kind of panicky this morning too. It's my first day of having ANY time alone and it's only for a little over an hour but it's the first time in about a month and a half. I took a shower and am dressed and my mom will be here shortly. She is taking me to have lunch with some church friends I haven't been able to see in some time and then I'll either sleep at her house or she will bring me home and I will sleep here. She's made dinner for us and will be hanging out with me until Pete gets home.
   I don't know why but I just don't want to be alone.

I'm watching Clean Sweep and taking notes for days ahead. :)

Much love from a much too jittery Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:50 AM

Deep breaths, Lily.
You have been through a LOT emotionally and physically. If you need your mother to come earlier, call her.

That pain may be stitches or "moved" tissue. But let the doctor know about it. If it becomes worse today, call the doctor. Don't wait.
When I turned a certain way, I had a sharp pain from scar tissue that continued for two years. But don't take any chances on ripped stitches or infections.

I am amazed that you are up to getting dressed and going to lunch. Go easy girl! Your body has been hit by a Mack truck. Jittery is normal -
you are recovering from a life threatening surgery.

Let us know when Mom arrives. OK?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 11:00 AM

Michelle, you may find that you're sitting differently, moving differently, as you compensate for the surgery spot, so you may be using muscles that aren't accustomed to such use.

When you're out, if it is nice weather, let the sun shine on your face for a little while. I find that is such a great boost if my mood is low. I think it's a combination of nerves sensing the sun, the light coming in through the eyes (or lids) and the vitamin D that you're making. This is something good with or without surgery. :)

Give yourself a few more days before you start weaning yourself from round-the-clock company. At least until the staples have come out and the high power pain medications are finished. Did they tell you when you can drive?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 11:55 AM

The told me six weeks before I could drive. But I wanted to go back to work after three weeks and I think that was used to stop me. LOL

Have you weighed yourself, Michelle? I remember being thrilled at losing ten pounds in two days.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 12:07 PM

Mary, having major organs removed is not a recommended weight loss method. I hope you're not considering it. :)

Michelle, you'll have to visit the Recovery Ward. They've had the place set up for your arrival for several days now. Just watch where you're walking, and don't let them smother you in bears.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 01:40 PM

LOL We are having a Biggest Loser contest at work. I borrowed a hacksaw and announced that I would win even if it meant taking off a leg. Some believed me.

My loss was dehydration and a five pound fibroid. If I never have surgery again it will be too soon.
M