Sunday, October 11, 2009

The view from my couch

It’s very early Sunday morning as I write this. I’m on the couch in the living room, waiting for the pain meds to work. It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. My husband is at the WalMart picking up something for me and my bff Karen is still asleep upstairs in the guest room. I lit the candles in here because it was dark and I’m listening to Channel 848 on the DirecTV. It’s the Coffee House music station. Love it.

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I had gallbladder surgery early Friday morning and my sister Charlotte drove down from York, PA to take me to the hospital, stay with me and bring me home. Hey, I’m fine, honestly. I took the coming week off from work to recuperate.

And I didn’t mention it here because I don’t want any pity, k? Yeah, it hurts but so do a lot of people. And it won’t last. I began to get sick in January and since then had 7 episodes of what I can only describe as awful.

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After numerous tests, I found out that I had a large stone in my gallbladder. They do these surgeries laproscopically now. I’m not even sure I spelled that right.

But look! I can still take pictures. And yesterday I walked all around the outside of the house. And then I came inside and took a big nap.

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George is helping the only way he can. He knows something’s up, so he brought me his monkey toy. What a sweetheart!

I’ll be back in the swing of things soon, so no worries. Hope you’re all well and that your Sunday is a lovely one.

Until later, my friends . . .

58 comments:

Mary said...

Omigosh Kate, I'm so sorry to hear this! My husband had it a while back, and I know it can be very painful. Hope you are soon feeling better!

Oh, and George is such a sweetie to bring you his fave toy. :)

Molly said...

Feel better!

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

No pity here - but lots of empathy! It is quite amazing how they handle g.b.stones these days. It used to be major debilitating surgery - and you are up and walking around - simply amazing. Enjoy your week off (reading, taking pictures, playing with George) while recovering - and soak up that extra love from George.

Daryl said...

Ah its so amazing when you mind says I feel well enough to take a long walk and then your body says Gotchya! and you go take a big nap.

Do not let the drugs mask the pain so you overdo!!

xox

Annie said...

Sorry to hear, Kate. Do hope you will be feeling well soon. Left a whole bunch of flowers on my site for you today. Thinking of you! God Bless.

45+ and Aspiring said...

Kate--
You even make recuperating look lovely. What a great self-caring nature you have--to give yourself music and comforting light and the added care of good friends--two and four legged!

Best wishes,
Sandy

Ellen said...

Feel better soon Kate. Sorry to hear about your surgery, but I'm glad it was not more serious than your gall bladder.

Isn't it amazing how dogs can sense that you are not feeling well? I'm sure that George will be by your side until you are feeling better.

Shelley said...

I sympathize with you totally! At least you are thru the worst part - I know how painful those gallbladder attacks can be. I had my gallbladder removed 2 yrs ago. Sleeping at 180 degree angles helps w/ the pain - lol! Take it easy - be sure not to overdo it. George is sweet to be bringing you his toys. Feel better soon!

Mental P Mama said...

Keep on taking it easy. I hope you are past this bad part soon...and my George is such a good boy;)

Hilary said...

I'm glad you have three devotees to look after you.. your husband, your bff and of course that incredible angel, George.

Sending warm, healing thoughts your way. I hope you feel much better soon.

A Scattering said...

I'll bet you're looking forward to a pain free future. 7 attacks this year?! You poor wee bairn. Bless you on this (Canadian) Thanksgiving.

J'Ollie Primitives said...

Ouch.
When friends would ask my mom how she was doing she'd brightly reply "Oh, I'm enjoying ill health." (AKA taking it slowwwww)
Hope you're feeling much better, Kate, and soon.

A New England Life said...

You better suck it up girl! No loafing around, got that?

Okay, hows that for no pity ... hee hee

That George, he's a born nurturer. Enjoy your time with your friend. I'm sure you'll be good as new before you know it! Nothing like a good, cool Sunday to sit around and relax : )

Sharon

Gail said...

Even in your pain, you have given us beauty and wonderful words.

Get better.

Kerri Farley said...

Glad you are up and about! I had this surgery several years back. The "symptoms" leading up to the surgery were much worse than the surgery itself -- did it work that way with you too?? And hey, you get a week off from work - so that's pretty good too (I'm trying to see the POSITIVE in this) How nice of George to bring you his toy...what a sweet boy!
Hope you are feeling better soon!!!

Michelle said...

You have the sweetest dog. Feel better soon.

Char said...

you will feel so much better in no time. I had one attack only and my stone lodged itself in the duct so I had emergency surgery.

glad you got it done and that you're recovering well. xoxox

Kathy's Klothesline said...

The bad part is over! No more episodes. Just be careful not to overdo, take time to heal. Sending good thoughts your way.

CHummelKornell said...

Get well soon. It's so much better to have had the GB taken out. Hopefully you will heal fast. Your photos are lovely and what a great buddy you have in George, friend in Karen and husband. Take time and enjoy them all as you convalesce.

Thinking of you,

Skogkjerring said...

Hi Kate, it's ok to get a little pity ever now and then, we know you are a strong lady but even strong people need some TLC sometimes...sure hope you'll be feeling better quickly. You've got excellent helpers to look after you so you're in good hands.
I have had candles burning all day also, it's one of the nicest things about this time of the year getting darker...
Oh I love your book shelves (the whole unit) really lovely!! And the monkey George has I've seen in shops here, I might have to get one for my gang now that they've seen George's....;-))
Take care honey!! :-))

kclily said...

Coffeehouse and candles, sounds like a good day to me. Take care.

Betty said...

That is a very comfortable looking place to curl up with a comfy blanket and a cup of tea and a good dog. I am sure that with all of the love you receive you will feel wonderful real soon.
~~ Hugs and Love ~~

PS. I heard from Pom Wonderful too.
check out my blog.

Jeanne Walker said...

I thought/they thought I had a heart attack last May. After having a heart cathe, my veins were clean and my heart is in great shape. Further testing revealed 'gallstones'. Have not had the surgery and have had no more attacks, but even now my gallbladder is feeling a little unsettled knowing you had yours removed. My husband has been working out of state, but when he returns, I'm going to have the thingy removed. Hopefully it'll be before the end of this year since I've met my annual deductible!!!

Relax, enjoy the music and candlelight, cups of tea, being taken care of by hubby and bff...and of course, last but not least, precious George! Jeanne

Jeanne Walker said...

PS: In the future, if you need prayers for something, let us know...I'm sure you've got lots of prayer warriors reading your blog!
I'm one of them! J

Sugar Creek Beads said...

Feel better soon Kate. I had the same operation and I know it can be painful but the good part is the very painful gallbladder is gone. George is such a sweetie to bring you his toy, aren't pets wonderful they just seem to know when a person isn't feeling well and try to do something to help. Enjoy your couch and have a blessed day. Jeanne

Country Girl said...

Thank you so much everyone. I don't even know what else to say.

~ C.G.

The Weaver of Grass said...

You sound in good spirits Kate - so just to say Get Well Again Soon. Lots of licks from George should do the trick (and cuddles from husband too of course!!)

Hilary said...

Glad you got that out of the way.....I have been there and done that, and your description of "awful" is very kind, indeed. Gallbladder attacks are worse than giving birth, in my opinion.
I was over the surgery quite quickly, and never looked back.
You will do fine, and feel SO much better...never having to go through that again.
Good for you.....relax and enjoy your week off.

Sharon said...

Caregivers aren't supposed to get sick! ;)

Take care of yourself.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I hope you don't need the pain meds soon! I had gallbladder surgery nine years ago.
Brenda

Michelle said...

Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad you're finally rid of the stone and on the mend! Good boy, George. :-)

If you want to see the new doggy at Boulderneigh, come on over!

CarlaHR said...

Kate, glad to hear that the surgery went well and that you are getting help while recovering (both two and four legged) - take it easy and don't overdo. You are quite an amazing woman with your can do attitude - I admire you.

Terri said...

I love the look from your couch...so comfy and cozy...I'd give anything to have your bookcase!

I hope you feel much better soon...glad your surgery went well!

Hugs
Terri

Mommas Soapbox said...

I hope you have a quick recovery girl!

I wish I could send you some chicken noodle soup via the internet.... I'd make some for ya!

Heather said...

OH, stop it. It is not pity that we give, it is absolutely sincere love, Miss Kate! :)

I've known so many who've dealt with this, gallbladder removal and the effects of it tearing up their insides beforehand without any knowledge of what it was all about. That nasty old gallbladder gives us the most difficult of issues, Kate. I'm glad that you are now able to find comfort away from yours :)

You'll be feeling better soon, don't fret at what you shouldn't be doing right now...enjoy it.

Love to you.

Beth said...

My thoughts are w/you. It looks as though you are in good hands. Feel better soon.

Love your posts.

emily said...

PLEASE PLEASE post a picture of the stone!!
Glad you're doing okay. kisses.

msdewberry said...

I hope you feel better real soon. Take care and take it easy. Let others take care of you.

JC said...

I had mine out almost 17 years ago. The old fashion way. I hear that you recover faster now.

I hope your pain goes away soon.

Donna S. said...

Hope you are back to normal quickly. What a blessing that you have people that care enough about you to come care for you....sister...bff...George....hubby

diane b said...

Wishing you a quick recovery. Your room looks homely and cosy and I love George.

maillady said...

WOW KATIE, wish i had known maybe i would have taken a ride with karen...well. get lots of rest and let them take care of you. don't over do it.. it's easy to think your better than you really are. just take it easy and rest ALOT.. love to george and andrew

ELK said...

stay warm...get better...love your attitude Kate!

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Kate, I followed the link over from Annie's blog. I want to wish you a speedy recovery from your surgery. I had the same thing done a few years back and know that you will be feeling so much better soon. Those episodes you mentioned I remember only too well. Wishing you a very speedy recovery. I bet George is being ever so gentle with you right now. I remember my little Bridgette being the same way. Good health!

FireLight said...

Hey with a slobbery monkey toy....you will be better in no time! There is great healing quality in that stuff! George knows just what he is doing!
Peace be with you.

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Take care chickie!
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abb said...

Take care my friend.

Sweetpea said...

Hope you're fast on the mend, CG, enjoy your respite :>}}

Dogs a-l-w-a-y-s seem to know, don't they...now isn't that just a bloom'in miracle?!?!

Deb said...

I miss your blog for a few days and you go and have your gallbladder out. How dare you! Honestly, you must be feeling better very soon.
love to you
deb

Unknown said...

That George is such a sweet dog. Sending prayers your way, feel better!

Anonymous said...

My best wishes for a very speedy recovery Kate. George is such a dear to bring you his toys.

Kay on south coast of Oregon said...

I don't think what I just wrote went thru. Just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. Be like a Queen for a few days. Kay

Kacey said...

You know, sometimes a bit a pity and sympathy is good for you. I'm just sayin' !. Hope you feel better real soon!

(though this seems like a lot of trouble just to get a week off of work... ;)

cottage farm villa said...

Dear Kate, I am sorry I didn't stop by sooner ~ I was surprised to hear that you had surgery. When I was 10 years old, I came home from school one day and my mom was on the living room couch and I thought she was dead. She had been in so much pain from her gall bladder. We rushed her to the hospital and she was there for 3 weeks recovering. She has a scar about 8-10 inches long. They didn't have the advancements they have now. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

I am glad to hear that you are being taken care of by your bff sister, and hubby. Take care of yourself girl. hugs.

GailO said...

I hope your recuperation leaves you comfortable enough to have lots of time for photos, processing, relaxing...Feel Better!

xo

The JR said...

That beautiful sweet George would make me feel better in no time.

Ramona

Diane said...

I am glad you're feeling better. My gosh, being sick is no fun.

I had laproscopic surgery on my kidney and the recovery is so much better than a full blown incision. I'm sure you'll be up an around soon!

In the meantime, George is so sweet. Isn't it wonderful when the dogs know you need some TLC? The brute squad is always ready to cuddle when duty calls!

Feel better soon, Kate!

Jill of All Trades said...

I feel so bad that I've been letting my Reader fill up and not reading stuff so I have missed this most important post. So sorry you are having to go through this. Take care, take care. Carla