I'm alive and I am home

Well as you know I made it thru surgery and the hospital visit and I am now at home.
So let me go back to the morning of my surgery:

The day started off before the crack of dawn. We decided to let Brandon, my oldest son, take me that morning so Jim could get Emma off to school. I just figured if we were both gone in the morning it would make her worry, and I didn't want that. So we arrive at the hospital at 5:15, I get checked in, stripped down and put on one of their fashion gowns...and why is it all hospital gowns smell the same? We did all my vitals, weight check, and it was time to go back to the place of the unknown. I had to leave all of my belongings with my family. I couldn't even wear my glasses or contacts, so I couldn't even SEE my surroundings. It was driving me crazy. I was in an open room with about 9 other people. Girls beds were lined up on one wall, guys on the other. (for you malvern folks, the only thing that crossed my mind was the skating rink when the girls lined up on one wall waiting for the guy to ask her to couple skate). So anyway, everyone is talking and getting to know each other. I made the comment I couldn't see a thing, so the older gentleman across from me says, "I am Brad Pitt"! I just laughed. He was a funny guy. He kept me from crying at least. I was really nervous when they were wheeling me to that room. I knew what was about to happen. I had tears rolling down my cheeks, and all I could think about was my family. I had the chaplain come in and say a prayer with me. It did make me a little more relaxed.
So after the dreadful waiting, my RN and RNA came in a met with me and got the ball rolling. They got my IV started, asked me a few questions, and off I went. They knew I was a little anxious so they gave me some meds thru my IV to calm my nerves. I barely remember making it to the operating room. The last thing I remember is someone saying "you are going to go to sleep right now". BAM! That was it!!! I don't remember anything after that until I was in my room. It's crazy how that much can go on with your body and you not have a clue.
I was in my room by noon on Thursday. I spent the first few hours just drifting in and out. I took my first walk by late afternoon. They really push the walking as soon as possible to avoid clots. I get it, just dont like it! So I walked a couple of rounds around the halls, then back in the bed pushing the morphine pump! lol Seems as every time I would drift off, a visitor would walk in. I didn't mind, it kept me company. After everyone left and I got snuggled in for the night. I thought to myself, "as tired as I am, I'll sleep like a baby"......NOT!!! I seriously got woke for one thing or another all night long! It was ridiculous! How do they expect you to feel better with no rest? I sucked it up, never said one grouchy thing to them. But needless to say I was still very sleepy on Friday. I slept quite a bit, but I walked just as much. I was actually feeling pretty good, and my doctor was impressed. Not much went on Friday. Visitors, walked, slept, and oh I finally got started on clear liquids. It was a whole new experience trying to even drink water. Little sips at a time, thats all I can take at once. Before the night was over they advanced me to stage 2 liquids. I could have thicker liquids now. My favorite is the sugar free carnation instant drink. Its packed full of protein without fat and sugars. Basically the lifestyle I will have forever is a high protein, low fat, no sugar diet.....FOREVER! My doctor asked me if I had the "what have I done feeling yet". NOPE! I really did know what I was getting myself into. For anyone who dare say "THIS IS THE EASY WAY OUT", to hell with them!! The easiest thing I could have done is nothing. There is nothing easy about this. From the past few months, to the surgery, to the here and now, not one ounce of this is easy.
So now it is Saturday afternoon. I actually wrote the above a little earlier today. But right in the middle of typing I got really flushed and spiked a fever. Jim sent me straight to bed and I napped it off. I took some childrens liquid tylenol and that seemed to do the trick. After an hour nap I feel a little refreshed. Well as refreshed as I can be two days post-op. I am still pretty weak and kinda groggy. I could easily sleep the day away, but I know that is not what is best for me. So I sit here as promised giving updates on me, the surgery, and my new life. Not a whole lot else to tell right now. I am on stage two liquids for a couple weeks, then to my doctor to advaned to pureed foods.
So there you have it. I am hanging in there. I think I am going to be just fine.
XOXOXO