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

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 08:07 AM

Ahhhhhh, the familiar cozy bed. I hope you slept long and deeply, and woke (will wake? will have woken?) to sweet cuddles and lazy rising.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 08:04 AM

when I came out of hospital 12 months ago, one kind friend collected me & fed me a yummy lunch (hospital food is not good) then took me to another friend's place where I stayed two nights & got lots more yummy food & a friendly cat for company, but it was great when I finally got home to my own bed.

keep resting

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 07:09 AM

snugglin up to sweetie is wunnerful stuff. hope you take good sense of well being from that snuggle.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:06 PM

Sniff...

Makes ol' hillbilly wanta get him one of them hystericalectomies so I can come home and snuggle with the P-Vine...


























...not!!!

Glad yer feeling better 'cause it's about time to get seedling going fir the veggie garden...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 07:27 PM

Sleep well dear. Sweet dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 07:25 PM

Yes. Sweet sleep to you both, Michelle. Having my Truelove beside me makes all the difference.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 07:22 PM

I am looking forward to tonight. Since I've been home, we've been sleeping in our recliners because I couldn't manange the stairs to our bedroom. Tonight we are sleeping in our bed. I can't tell you how much I've missed curling up next to my husband and feeling his protective arms wrapped around me as I drift off to sleep. YAY.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:47 PM

Take care of yourself, Michelle. Give yourself time to heal and try to use the time to catch up on books you wish you'd read, movies you might like to see (on dvd of course) and all the music you never had time to listen to.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:17 PM

With all this resting, how do I keep my mind positive?

Well... :~).... there's always music. Music to play at home on one's instruments, music to click to play here, music to find online, CDs within easy reach.......

So, what music is at your disposal and what feel right?

(Addendum to an earlier good suggestion from a wise woman-- the more one writes HERE (at Mudcat), the more "help" will be forthcoming. One can drown in that..... Writing it all out is great, but IMO it's also a good idea to be thoughtful about where you display it. Maybe nowhere but for one's own use on one's own computer?)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 12:52 PM

The only place I was comfortable was on my big oversized green corduroy couch - lost it to Alice's kittens when they thought it was a kitty litter.
Anyway...the only TV station I could get was Home Shopping. I had the best time watching these silly people trying to describe pure crap in the most glowing terms. Of course, I couldn't pass up a bargain and ended up with a box of about fifty non-working plastic children's watches. I had ordered three for $10. I must have been the only one to order them. They dumped them all in a box and shipped them.

The "What If's" are your worst enemy right now, Lily. They affect your mental attitude and your healing. Books, CDs, a "project" crocheting or knitting or anything that appeals. Perfect time to set up a recipe file or update an address book. The fear is normal and real.

I kept sanitary napkins in the house for months because I didn't trust that the surgery had been done right. Keep sharing here. Putting your fears in writing takes away some of their power. Call Jacqui or anyone you trust to listen.

One day at a time...

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:49 AM

I learned a lesson fairly early on in life, during the Cold War when, after reading Neville Shute's book 'On The Beach' at too early an age, followed by the Cuba Crisis, my thoughts kept turning to the possibility of nuclear war.

I had many sleepless night s with those fears. when I thought about it I knew there was little I could do at the time and that I was just making myself ill with the thoughts. From then on, every time the thought came into my head I would consciously make myself think of something else - something funny one of my kids had said or done, a song I had heard, a beautiful place that I had visited or wanted to go to, anything to drive the thought away.

It takes some effort to get there, but it does work. When you start thinking that way find some good threads on the 'Cat, that maybe make you laugh, phone someone to have a chat, not about what is happening, but maybe to talk about something that they are doing or to catch up on good news. Whenever the thoughts intrude just tell them that, since you can't do anything about this right now, you do not want to hear what they say.

If you find that the above is not working than talk to your doctor and tell them that these thoughts are making you ill. Sometimes temporary medication may help to ease things.

You have my phone number - if you think it might help call me.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:39 AM

All natural worries Michelle, I'd feel the same in your place. You can only place your trust in those guys who did the op. The track record for procedures like yours are very good, so I should relax a bit if I were you.
Same with the tearful aspect, it's probably mostly hormonal, and it's one of those things that go with being female. Or so I'm led to believe ;)
The 3rd Mrs MacKenzie had a hysterectomy, and was very hormonal for a while afterwards.
Crochet, knit, tie flies, read a book.
Don't, jog, sky dive, or trampoline !!
Lots of Catters pulling for you lassie.

John

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:36 AM

Write it all down, Michelle. Get your thoughts, fears, questions on paper. What you do with it then is up to you. You can't control much of what is happening with your body. You can control your responses to it.

Make plans, both short and long term. Learn something new. Call/PM/email/write to friends and family who are proven to be healthy support for you. Plan something special for someone else. Live the moment you are in. Remember that the world is bigger than we individuals are. Good things are happening everywhere. You are one of those good things to many people. Smile. Breathe. Dream. Imagine the best. Plan a garden.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:27 AM

With all this resting, how do I keep my mind positive? I have so much time and despite what the Dr. said, I am so full of fear about maybe they made a mistake. What if it spread? I know there's nothing I can do until I get the pathology and they will treat whatever if need be but it's absolutely maddening and sometimes I feel like I just can't take it.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:23 AM

Good for you, Michelle. I know it's hard to be patient with your body sometimes. I'm glad you have good care.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:14 AM

Excatly SRS - Michelle, please listen to your nurse and rest up COMPLETELY!

I know how difficult it is just to sit and do nothing - my daughter wouldn't even let me outside her front door for two weeks following my operation and that drove me mad, but it did mean that all my system had to do was to heal. Back then I wasn't doing any craft work so spent my time watching TV and reading - I couldn't even play with my three year old grandson. However, boredom is better than landing up back in hospital.

Take care melove.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 12:56 AM

Michelle,

I think you're doing it right with the pain medications. There seem to be wildly divergent approaches to narcotic drugs--ranging from under-use through abuse. But when you are experiencing pain, the narcotic effect doesn't cause a high because it is soothing the pain. So if you don't need it, use the milder meds, but if you have pain when you try to sleep, then it's doing what it's supposed to be doing. Soothing pain and letting you sleep.

I saw an acquaintance this evening who is an ontological ob/gyn. I mentioned our virtual support system here at Mudcat--he was pleased to hear that you have this online community. Positive thinking and support do have a good effect. And he said you're doing it exactly right--the surgery and the chemo follow-up to be sure to keep it away. That's good to hear, as one in this support group. :)

Make it a really lazy weekend. Find an old movie to watch, or have someone come over and show you a new knitting or crochet stitch, something quite but satisfying. No cruising the local mall for clearance sales, okay? ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 10:52 PM

I did spend today resting. The home health nurse came and all is just fine and my incision is healing as it should. She said the same thing as some of you did....lots of what I am going through is just the anesthesia working it's way out of my body. I am very teary and anxious. I wonder when it will ever go away. It is a miserable way to be.

She told me I way over did it by going to church on Wednesday and then to lunch on Thursday and I am to STAY HOME, try to eat and walk around a bit. NOTHING ELSE.

I cut back on my pain meds for the past 2 days but think tonight I'll take both pills as I am sore (really kinda feeling like someone has kicked me in the stomach) and they help me sleep...of which I did very little of last night and today.

Many thanks for the continued prayers and healing thoughts.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 07:17 PM

Lily visited some other threads very briefly today. Hopefully she is resting.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 07:06 PM

Good to hear from you, take it easy - the worst thing you can do now is too much.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 06:56 PM

Checking in, from the office. I hope you had a restful afternoon. That pot roast is always good reheated--most of them are better after a day or two.

I hope the tender spots are easing up.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 04:30 PM

He wants them all to himself. It's my favourite fish to eat, too.
Tam, I'm not a masochist.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Janie
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 04:27 PM

Just checking in Michelle. Imagining lovely healing for you.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 03:48 PM

OK I'll bite...why not, Spaw?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 11:46 AM

Eat the livin' hell outta' whatever sounds good to you.   I think what you're feeling on that is more related to surg/anasth than anything else. My weirdest one was sweet potato. I hated the damn things all my life and suddenly I LOVED them. We eat them maybe once or twice a week........go figure.

Hopefully you won't have a taste for broiled sea bass..........


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 11:41 AM

Trust yourself.

Listen to your body.

Take time to heal.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:13 AM

When I had the last hernia op I was given strong painkillers that took my appetite away completely. The smell of food made me feel ill.

Yoghurt is good if you like it, just follow the dictates of your body on what food can be tolerated right now. When Kendall couldn't eat recently I made up drinks of whole milk, ice cream and strawberries - the doctor confirmed that, for a short while, that would help put some nourishment in him that he couldn't cope with otherwise. The energy drinks you can buy can also help.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:05 AM

Myteary day was Day 3 after the surgery. It was part relief, part hormones, part pain, part loss - you have had a huge chnage in your body and your life.

To this day, I can't tolerate garlic. If I eat anything with garlic in it, I taste a bitter metallic taste for hours afterwards. Go figure.

Now lady. Stay at home and rest. You have had major surgery. It takes six weeks to fully recover. The anaesthesia alone takes weeks to work its way out of your sytem. No going out unless it is to a doctor. I am surprised you weren't given these orders by your doctor. Mine gave it to me in writing.

Find a good book. Read until you fall asleep. Nibble on whatever appeals. Spoil yourself. You have earned it.

Mother SINS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 07:17 AM

What Maggie and Kat said. Anaesthesia and hormones- you can't fight that! Yoghurt is very good. Listen to your body and eat what feels good to you!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:48 PM

And tell Pete how lucky he is to get the whole pot roast all to himself.**bg**

Rest, rest, and rest some more.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:44 PM

Anesthesia probably is a contributor to how you're feeling now--it takes a while to get it out of your system. It was always a kind of low grade hangover for me.

Also, depending on what your ovaries were doing in their end stage, you may have hormones that were doing some unusual things. At some point, if you haven't already, your doctor may give you (or you may want to ask for) information on hormone replacement therapy. There are so many factors that go into it--family history is a big one. What did other women in your family experience? Osteoporosis, breast cancer, types of arthritis, other diseases, anything like that?

Christiane Northrup has some good books on Women's Health, with appendices full of extra information and resources. You may have seen some of her lectures on PBS during their pledge drives over the years.

For now, sleep, don't overdo, and I'm glad you have the home health folks coming over to check you out again. When surgical wounds heal they are different than when a simple cut scabs over. Ask lots of questions!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:52 PM

Today was too much. I was falling asleep at the table. Spent the next 6 hours sleeping at Mom's. Another staple fell out. Some questionable stuff is going on around my navel so I called for Home Health to come tomorrow and check it out. The last thing I want or need is an infection.

I'm staying home tomorrow and probably until next week when I have my Dr.'s appointment. I overdid today. Found my wall. BANG.

And weight? I'm down about 20 pounds since December. Can't eat much...nurse said my appetite would be the last thing to come back. Mom brought me home with a pot roast, complete with veggies. Normally I LOVE that but today it just doesn't smell good to me. Pete enjoyed it for his dinner and is unhappy with me that I didn't have any. I had yogurt. I'm not hungry and most stuff is just unappealing. And garlic? Something I previously used LOTS of...now the smell of it makes my stomach churn.

Anyway.....I'm tired, have been kinda teary today too.

Goodnight Friends.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 06:58 PM

Oh, Michelle, what you are feeling is normal. I hope you had a fine day with mom and friends. Keep being gentle with yourself and know that we are still holding you in love.

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

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 - 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 - 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 - 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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 -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 -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: 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 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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 :)