One Week After Surgery

Today, I'm one week out from surgery. I'm amazed with my progress when I think about the fact that it has only been a week. I'm also impatient, wanting it to go more quickly.

My first follow-up doctor's appointment is Friday morning, June 26. Thanks to Sharon Lessley for taking Elizabeth and me. I MIGHT get my staples out. The doctor told me after surgery that he often leaves them in for two weeks because abdominal incisions have a lot of pressure on them as we move. We'll see. I'm also supposed to get a bone stimulator -- to help the bone in between the vertebrae grow more quickly. I have no idea what kind of device that is. I'll be curious to know what that is like.

Yesterday and today have been a bit more frustrating. I'm still having pain at my incision site and in my lower back. I'm sure this is normal and to be expected, but I'm ready for it to go away! The pain medications do really help -- I just don't like the way they make me feel.

I also have a particular function that has not returned -- don't want to be too graphic. In the hospital, Dr. Robertson told me to expect this. He said the abdominal surgery means that all your insides get moved and disturbed -- and it is often hard to get things back on the right track. So, I wait.

Elizabeth has been at my mom and dad's for the day. She is glad for every step toward normal we take. She has been a wonderful help and has shown tremendous patience for a nine year old. Like me, though, she is ready for this to be over and for our world return to "normal." She and Kurt are getting excited about their trip to Washington, DC. They will leave next Wednesday -- catching the Amtrak train in Newton, KS. Kurt's cousin lives in DC and has invited our family to come stay with them and enjoy the sites. Kurt and Elizabeth arrive in DC on July 2 and leave on July 9, taking the train back to Newton. They should be back in Choctaw late on July 11.

I'm planning to make a gradual return to the office during their vacation. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to help me while they are gone with household tasks. I'll be calling on you, I'm sure!

Once again, I appreciate all the prayers and thoughts. Today, I'm praying a prayer I normally try to avoid -- I'm praying for patience. I've found that when I pray this prayer, there are plenty of opportunities to learn it. Please -- pray with me.