Life's Journey

Today is Christmas. I am home with my amazing husband. We are spending the day comfortably, relaxing, and watching a South Park marathon on the comedy channel. It's a quiet Christmas and I am so glad to be home with Roy and Ben. My mom and Dean will be coming over for the afternoon and evening. They are bringing all the stuff to make a yummy Christmas dinner.

I'm feeling a little better every day. I'm recovering much better and faster than I ever expected for this type of surgery. I think because I felt so bad before the surgery this recovery is almost easy it feels so good to have relief from all the pain, bloating, nausea I was experiencing. Once I am able to wean off the pain meds I think I will feel more like "myself" than I have in a long time.

I have a poop update: there has been poopage! I had some movement while I was in the hospital and more today. I can't tell you how strange this whole thing is… all I think about is poop right now. Have I had any? Am I going right now? Is there something in the bag? Do I need to do something? Am I sitting in the wrong position? Is stuff squishing? The thoughts are running through my head all the time right now. I assume once I get used to having this thing I will get used to it and these thoughts will go away. It's just going to take time to get used to everything.

The home health care nurse came to see me yesterday. She will come twice a week and help me with everything for at least the next 3 weeks and then until I am comfortable with everything and no longer need her help. It's so strange to say that I have home nursing care at 38 years old, but I do. And I'm glad to have her, it's mostly a piece of mind thing. There are a lot of steps in changing out the whole apparatus and it's good to have someone looking over my shoulder so I know I'm not screwing it up.

I'm still on a lot of pain meds. I am trying to wean off them, but for now they are a lifesaver. I hurt through the plethora of pain pills so I can't imagine the pain without them at this point. But eventually I will be able to wean off them and hopefully go pain free for a while. Definitely less pain than before the surgery.

Well, my family has just arrived. I will sign off for now. I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas with friends, family, and loved ones. Embrace these moments with the ones you love. Smile, laugh and enjoy.

Sending hugs and smiles!
Sarah