Laparoscopic Surgery

A week ago Friday I had a procedure done called laparoscopic "something or another"!!!  In my world they went inside and looked around to figure out where the pain was coming from!!  Whatever word they want to call it is fine with me.  :)

Turns out I had some scarring from one of my C-sections (I'm assuming my most recent one) that was causing me some problems.  He (the Doctor) cleaned it up and now all is well!!  Now as simple as that may seem, it turns out this procedure was a little more than what I thought it was going to be.

I had honestly downscaled this thing to a couple of little incisions, home by noon, carry on with your day.  I had even thought about going shopping afterward!  Well, that was a little bit of an underestimate, now, granted it wasn't as bad as a C-section, but it was definitely not as simple as I had made it out to be.

The big problem?  It wasn't the three little itty bitty incisions, it wasn't being "put under", and it wasn't all the stupid prep stuff you had to do before you could even arrive.  It was the "air" they used to "blow up your belly" to make sure there's plenty of room to do what they need to do.  Now they had told me about the whole air thing, and I was fine with it.  What's a little bit of air??  ..."You may have some pain in your right shoulder as your body works to get rid of the excess..." the doctor told me the day we discussed doing the procedure.  A little bit of pain?  Eh...no big, I have a high pain tolerance, I can handle it.  Well, again, this procedure that I had downscaled in my mind to no big deal ended up being a bigger deal that I had realized.

Mind you we're pastors and I have four children (two away and two at home).  I made the decision not to tell anyone I was having this procedure because I didn't want to explain all the details of why to every Tom, Dick and Harry in the country, and the church, and my home.  Coincidently, the two kids still at home were all gone the day of the procedure only making it even easier to not have to explain any details.  So, off we go to our 6:00 a.m. appointment, procedure at 7:30.  As I mentioned earlier, everything went fine, we were in fact in and out, Patrick and I left the hospital around 11:00 and we were home by noon.  This is when the reality started settling in.  Not only did I not feel like going shopping afterward, I was groggy, and felt like a stuffed pig.  My belly was tight, they put me on weight lifting restrictions, and submersion in water restrictions (kinda a problem for my water aerobics class) and, they sent me home on pain pills!!  Pain pills????  WHAT???

The IV bruise!! The nurse told me... "It's going to bruise
bad, it's already started..." that was after surgery when she
was getting ready to take the IV out.

I tried going without the pills.  Nope that didn't work.  I tried half doses.  Nope.  That didn't work either.  I finally ended up taking full doses for two days to help with the pain.  And again, it was the incisions, it was the air.  Remember that pain in my shoulder that I might have.  Well, there's no doubt, I had it.  And it hurt!!!

It's been a full week now and I did quit my pain pills after the 4th day, but had to continue with Tylenol pretty regularly.  Yesterday I only had two doses so I foresee being off even Tylenol in a day or two.  The pain from the air is almost completely gone; every now and then I still have a little twinge, but it's almost gone--Thank God! (literally)

So, to wrap it up, if your Dr. recommends laparoscopy just know that though it may be on the low end of the scale of surgeries, its still definitely on the scale!!!  Don't downplay it too much, if it was just an office procedure, you wouldn't be checking into the hospital.  Just sayin'....

I'm glad I did it.  The Dr. told Patrick I probably didn't even realize how much pain I was actually in because I had probably adjusted over the years (an important detail here...it's been 11 1/2 years since my most recent C-section) and I am already recognizing some of the adjustments I have made through the years in these first days after the procedure.  It's actually pretty amazing how God designed our bodies.  I'm so thankful for the wisdom God has granted my Dr.  I'm really looking forward to being pain free!!

My Crazy Idea!!

I decided to go back to school this year!!!  On one hand, its a fabulous idea.  I need the accolade for my resume, so its a great idea to go back and finish what I started SOOOOO many years ago.  I only lost a few hours in the transition of a medical focus to a business focus, so overall, it was a great plan.

This is my instructor for my
History of the Nine Tribes.
She's standing next to a
mannequin of an Indian Chief.

Next, since I'm such a busy woman, I decided it was in my best interest to have all my classes on Tues, Thurs.  Good idea right???  Well, I'm not sure if it was a good idea or not!  Right now I have back to back classes, which means I leave at 8:30 and don't get home until 5:30, then if there's homework, I have only have Wednesday to get it done before Thursday arrives again.  I'm not so sure that was such a great idea.

Beyond that I hate being completely unavailable on Tues/Thurs.  I can't help anyone with anything on those days...that's driving me crazy!!!!  In a couple of weeks, my first 8 weeks class will end and my 2nd eight weeks class will start which will change me to having 1-3 on T/TH open and book me from 11-12:30 MWF.  Not sure I'm going to like that either, but were going to give it a whirl!!!

btw...it's nice to be back...I missed you all!! :)

Yes, I'm still here!!

Today I wanted to update on exercise and weight loss!  I have started using HCG to help with my weight loss.  If you have any questions about it just ask.  This is my third round and I've lost a total of 30 pounds.  I was EXTREMELY skeptical of the program, but after reading the manuscript "Pounds and Inches" I decided to give it a try.  It's  working very well, and I am pleased with the outcome.

I have also started water aerobics.  And though I'm not a water bug, I like it A LOT!  I can't believe how much twice a week is affecting my over all health.  :)

Will be back soon for more updates on other things...

Empty Nest is getting closer!!

People keep telling me that Empty Nest isn't that great, but being, at the very least, 7 years away from it, it's looking pretty sweet to me!! :)  I can't help it, I just like being with my husband!!  Empty Nest looks incredibly inviting to me....

But on to the reason Empty Nest is getting closer.  Our second oldest, Camry, graduated from high school today.  She was one of two top scholars.  Her speech was the most unique speech I have ever heard; to the point that I didn't know if it would get approved because it wasn't really even a speech!  The principal approved it with no hesitation and she was all set for the graduation ceremony.

When it came time for her speech, she presented herself so well.  Her speech was so totally and completely NOT about HER.  I cried all the way through it because I was so proud of my daughter's final act as a high school senior.  It was so selfless; the act of a responsible young woman.  Other parents were taking pictures during Camry's speech!  What a testament to my daughter.  :)

She'll be off to SAGU in Texas in the fall.  she and her sister will be roomies.  Camry's looking forward to her new journey and all the excitement it will bring.  Me?  It'll be weird not have any girls but me in the house, but I've no doubt I'll adjust.  :)

Resting...

whether I want to or not!

It's not exactly what I've had in mind for the last year and half, but it is what it is.  :)  I just reread some of my posts and realized I'm pretty evasive when it come to giving info about myself...it's so much easier to talk about other people! 8-/

So enough about everyone else, let's talk about me for a while!

It started a year ago last June, maybe July.  Patrick (my husband) and I knew change was on the horizon so we calmly waited for it to arrive.  An announcement was made that rocked my world, someone I knew was retiring and her position was going to need to be filled. Just to end any drama for you here, I didn't fill that position!  But that announcement has lead to complete and total upheaval in my life.  My nice little structured world went flying out the door and has never returned.

Over the last year and half, I have found all kinds of "reasons" why God is doing whatever it is that He's doing, but honestly, I still don't have a clue what it is.  I know Patrick and I have a unique ministry style and I know God is going to use that style to accomplish some amazing things, but what to do in the mean time? I don't know, and I am searching every day.

I've tried to get involved with volunteering for various things, but I find my heart isn't in it, and I find no fulfillment there either. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy volunteering, I do very much.  But volunteering in and of itself doesn't bring me fulfillment.  I can do it, and I do it well.  But it's not my destiny, its just something to fill my time and be a servant to others.

Basically, I had a meltdown a couple of days ago.  Now my kind of meltdown isn't yelling and screaming.  It's being very quiet and shedding some tears (not a lot, but some).  When I'm having a meltdown, everything, and I do mean everything, is in question.  So while I ponder the complexities of life, God works in my spirit. By the time it was time to sleep I had finished my tears, asked all my questions, and peacefully greeted sleep.

The next day wasn't anything like the day before and God slowly revealed to me that whether I like it or not, I'm going to continue taking a break.  Pete Wilson says in his book, Plan B, that while we are waiting on God, we should rest.  So rest it is. Rest I am going to do.  I will do it efficiently and effectively! And hopefully, while I rest, God will give me some tangible answers for whatever it is he's doing and I will continue to calmly wait for change to come. :)

I have removed all comments from my blog...

...the problem here is that I didn't mean too!!  OOOPS!  Not sure how to fix it at this point...sorry about that.  Please rest assured I'm working on it and will return you're ability to comment on my blog ASAP!

I need a personal IT guy.......

A lot has happened...

My nephews leukemia is being treated, and things are going well as far as I can see. He seems to be in good spirits and dealing with the ins and outs of being a cancer patient. The past week has been a test for his family in that they have had to endure a 10 day hospital stay. (after his most recent treatment the chemo levels in his blood wouldn't go down) Trust me when I say your prayers have not went unheard. I believe with everything in me that God is absolutely doing a work in my nephew. It may not be an instant healing, but it matters not to me, as long as God's plan is being perfectly played out! :)

As far as my personal life goes, our oldest daughter Sierra is now attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). We took her down the last weekend of August. She and I cried and boo-hooed when it was time to leave, but she is doing well and adjusting to her new life. I am so very proud of her. Classes are good and she likes her new Coach. She says he stays positive and will be a good role model for her. I'm also thankful for that! :-)

Camry's latest and greatest moment is that she has been chosen for football homecoming queen candidate. She is, of course, thrilled, nothing could have made her happier. The other candidate is her best friend, so they are thrilled for each other and enjoying every minute of the excitement. Homecoming is October 1st. The dress is purchased, shoes and jewelry taken care of. The only thing left is make up and hair on homecoming day. I've no doubt we'll be having lots of fun that day!!

Camry is also playing softball for the first time since 7th grade when she slid into 3rd and broke her ankle. She did make the varsity team, but is not the top player (which is okay!). She is learning to overcome her fear of sliding and she is working hard to gain back the skills she lost over the last four years. She only has a few weeks left, but she's working hard, and putting her best forward and I'm proud of her for that. Good job Cam!

Logan is getting ready for his first football game of the season tomorrow. He's playing center this year and seems to be excited about it. He worked hard over the summer and it has paid off for him. He learned the value of consistency and hard work this summer. Couldn't have asked for more from a 13 year old!!

Spencer has arrived in 5th grade and is doing well. Spencer's world doesn't involve athletics. He has ZERO interest in any kind of sport (although he does play in the churches fantasy football league). He has taken up drums in band this year and seems to be enjoying that.

Patrick and I are good. Just working away, staying busy with life, and enjoying all of it. =) We are so blessed to be a pastors of an amazing church and parents of great children.