The other side

Here I am! on the other side! All the doubts and all the fears - I am so glad it's over!

So Monday night we dropped the kids off with my cousin and I packed my bag with any essentials I may need. My husband took my 'before' pics, and looking at them made me so sad. I took a long hot shower and actually managed to sleep for a few hours before taking off for the hospital.

It took 3 times to get an IV in (my nurse had to call in her charge nurse - my veins are that bad!) but once it was in I was off and rolling to the operating room. I remember them moving me to the operating table and then telling me to take a few deep breaths. The next thing I knew i was in short stay - and in excruciating pain. It took about an hour for them to get my pain under control. Then finally they moved me up to my room around 10:30 (by myself I may add), and dozed off and on for a couple of hours.

My husband didn't get to my room until after 1. Apparently they were only able to leave him a message, so he didnt know what was going on. I was so relieved when he made it though, and was able to relax a bit more at that point. they got me up and out of bed at about 2:30, to try and go pee. Which was impossible. I just couldn't go. I knew it was there, but it refused to come out. I sat there for over an hour. We tried everything - I got up and walked around a little bit and putting my hand in warm water. No dice. So the nurse ended up catheterizing me, but immediately took it back out once my bladder was emptied. I eventually was able to go a little while later and can hopefully escape the catheter for the rest of my stay.

At this point I've had quite a bit of head hunger, and my stomach doesn't feel any different. I started sipping water, and even some protein shake, but I didn't notice any fullness or hunger. There's been a lot of gas and I feel pretty bloated. I've even let out quite a few good burps.

My cousin brought the kids over for a visit last night, and I think it was good for them to see me. They don't fully understand what everything, but i think Gaven especially was feeling much better after seeing me.

After their visit we tried to catch a couple of our shows but I drifted in and out. Thankfully they are recording on our DVR at home. Chuck slept on the recliner chair next to my bed, and was able to sleep through most of the night. I of course, was awakened several times for random reasons - as well as trying to force myself to pee. Chuck left about 5:30 to go home and shower, it was so hot in my room that we've both been sweating!

They're talking about taking me off the pain pump soon :( and starting me on pills. Looks like I'll be heading home tomorrow!

Well that's the best I can do as an update in my drug addled state. I'm so glad I did this, even though I would kill for some food right now :).