Day Three!

O.K... so I got to go home last night. Horray! But before they let me go I had to have the drain pump removed and several staples. Yikes! I didn't even know I had staples in me. I had six incisions, about 1 1/2 " each and around 4-5 staples in each incision. Then I had this bulb and tube hanging from an incision which had a small stitch holding it in place. I hope I'm not grossing anyone out! The nurse was so gentle and so caring. She asked which I wanted out first, the bulb or the staples. I remembered getting the drain out when I had my gall bladder out and it killed. I'd had it in for a few days and I heal so fast that the skin had grown around the tubing and when they pulled it out I nearly hit the ceiling. So, I was preparing for the worst. She told me to take a big breath and while I was breathing in she tugged it out. Wasn't bad at all. And as for the staples, it was piece of cake! She put steri strips on all of the incisions and I can shower and keep them on until they fall off on their own.

Since I'm not a narcotic gal, there isn't much than I can take that will help relieve the pain. I picked up my prescription, which has codeine in it, which I'm allergic to, but only took about 1/8 of a teaspoon and that's just enough to take the edge off and not make me too dizzy or nauseated.

Oh ... I forgot to tell you one more thing about my lovely CNA. I handed her my glasses to carry for me and she DROPPED them! She said, "I hope there wasn't anything too important in that case." I said, "Oh ... only my glasses." Luckily she only broke the glass case. She felt bad about it and I kept telling her that it was an accident and to not feel bad.

Addy and Laurel came over last night to visit shortly after I got home. I rested in bed and felt pretty good. Had a really good night. Only had to get up once in the night to use the WC.

Lynn left me alone today and I had a really good day. I just stayed in bed, walked when I should, savored my one ounce portions of chicken broth and sugar free jello. Man, I never thought broth could taste soooo good. I did think that when I got home and smelled food it wouldn't smell the same or I wouldn't want it. Oh contrar! I looked at a stem from some grapes on the shelf that Lynn had been eating and my mouth started drooling. I was putting away his chips and they smelled sooo good. And then I thought, "Wow ... I would be one sick puppy if I ate that. And then I had no desire!"

I can't have carbohydrates for one year. No breads, sweets, potatoes, or rice. If I do ... I'll get the dumping syndrome. Rapid heartbeat, sweats, nausea and vomiting, and you'll love this one ... explosive diahrea! No thanks ... not for me!

I'm still really bloated. My stomach was so bloated I couldn't even button up my pants to go home. I think they filled me up with gas. For reals! If I could just give a good burp or a burp out the other end, I'd feel wonderful!

Our son, Reese called from Boot Camp. He was given special permission to call home to see how his Mom had fared with her surgery. Isn't that sweet. He's been out in the field for three days and loving it! He loves to camp and he said they had so much fun firing mortar shells at each other. He said it reminded him of his army days when he was a boy firing things at Kenneth in his front yard. He said it is very hot and miserable trying to sleep at night. He has heat rash and they weren't allowed to shower for three days. They used baby wipes to clean them selves up. He said that they gave him some good Gold Bond powder which is really helping! He says he likes it and he's positive and happy. I'm proud of him!

Some of you are wondering if I've lost any weight yet. Only a couple of pounds. I'm still really bloated. You'd think I would have lost 20 pounds by now with the amount of food I've been allowed to eat. But there's really no difference just yet. I'm sure time will tell!

Thanks again for keeping in touch with me. Love to you all! I'm here for any of you who decide to go on this incredible journey too.