Last Day Off

Tomorrow it will be back to the grind! I'm slightly nervous, but at the same time I feel ready. Mentally, that is. Physically I still have discomfort and I am pretty tired. 

I have not accomplished all I wanted to do this weekend, but I got many tasks completed. Later this evening there will still be more to do. Right now, though, I need to tend to my plan book. (After this post.)

The weekend was low key, as I knew it would be, but I found that even getting around to the stores and walking exhausted me. It seems strange because I do go for walks a few times a day. Maybe being more aware of people and making sure I don't get hurt becomes a little more mentally draining. I really do not know. 

During this morning's walk, I was feeling pretty down. I wanted to work out this weekend, but never made it to the gym. I was nervous about hurting myself, so begrudgingly I decided not to go. While I was out I decided to take some pictures. 

This park is usually filled with children and their parents. The nasty weather has everything soaked, though. Still, the sight of it made me happy. 

For some reason, I love this house. Every time I run by it, I stare in awe. I happened to notice it today and my spirits were lifted a bit. 

When I got home, I was able to complete some upper body exercises with my very light hand weights. Hopefully I will get to go for another walk in a short while. Working out makes me feel better. 

Tomorrow will be a big day. I'm looking forward to seeing my friends. Everyone from work has been supportive and caring while I have been out. I'm looking forward to seeing the children and talk to them about what their month away from me has been like. Hopefully tomorrow won't be too draining or stressful. 

5 Weeks of Healing

Today, once again, I relive the day I went in for surgery. 5 weeks and 3 and a half hours ago.

I feel decent. Not 100%, but okay. I will go for a walk when this post is complete and then I will see if I can get the car going. The car does go, but the drive isn't so comfortable due to the push of the clutch. It feels slightly strenuous on my abdomen. Well, it did last week. 

The tiredness has not worn off which means next week I will exhausted. I believe I will be more ready for work this upcoming Monday than I was the last one. I just have to remember to take it easy. 

Thankfully, I have nothing really going on this weekend aside from Shannon's son's birthday today, and that's it. Tomorrow and Sunday, I will prepare things as best I can here for the week and that is it. I do have a great deal of work to complete for school, and I will look at it after my walk. I did want to made it to the gym today, but I'm afraid it might not be time. Let's see if I can attend a spin class tomorrow. 

For now, I will walk. 

Happy Birthday to Him!

In all this healing, there has been some room for celebration. Earlier in the month we celebrated my Dad's birthday, and last weekend I celebrated my sweetie's. 

Saturday morning was spent at my friend, Angela's Bridal Shower. It was lovely and I was thrilled to be out of this apartment and amongst friends. My friend, Debby, picked me up so I could attend. She was also thoughtful enough to bring me an Easter basket filled with a lot of chocolate. Yum! Thankfully everyone who has come here has helped me in eating them!

After the shower, I rested for a bit and then we went to X2O for a romantic and delicious dinner. The ambiance was perfect, the view was beautiful as the restaurant is right on the water, and the food was amazing. 

These were our appetizers:: Spicy Tuna Sushi Rolls. 

For the main couse, he ordered tilapia and I had swordfish.

I surprised him with a Happy Birthday dessert. 

And I had an Apple Cherry Crumbler with Custard.

Sunday, his birthday, I gave him his present -- new sneakers -- we went for breakfast, and after that I rested while he spent some time with his brother. Later in the evening we went to the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. Sadly they lost, but we still had a nice time. He ran into some childhood friends who are family members of Cleveland player, Kyrie Irving, then we got to meet him! Very cool! 

I enjoyed this weekend. I was sad that it went so quickly, but I hope it was a sweet, although simple, celebratory weekend for him. 

3 Weeks & 1 Day

This week was a challenging one. I had some great feeling moments and some harder feeling days. I'm surprised at how long this recovery is taking ... But I had major surgery. Maybe if I continue to remind myself of that, I won't be so disappointed that my recovery isn't as fast as I had hoped it would be. To be honest, I have been doing a lot of reading online about people's recoveries and I feel like I am the exception. I feel badly that some people have had such painful recoveries. 

During this week I had a lot more discomfort than I was prepared for. It started to beat me up mentally. One day I went outside just to get out of my mental and emotional funk. Again, though, my surgery was a big one and maybe I did not realize how slow the healing would be. That's okay. I'm learning. 

My friends from work came over last night and that really did uplift my spirits. Before they came Shannon took me to the grocery store to pick up some snacks. We laughed at her driving skills because they were lacking just a bit. Lol. We swung around, and so did my uterus. It was roughhhhh, but she realized it and all was much better! I was very grateful that she helped me out.  

When my friends arrived, we ate, talked, laughed (which hurt some) and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. It was just like being at breakfast or lunchtime at work. When they left, though, I was in some definite pain. I laid down and didn't move until I dragged myself into bed. 

My friend, Angela, asked her grandma to make cookies for dessert and goodness we ENJOYED them! 

The chocolate dipped ones are my favorite. 

She and my friend, Cathy, bought me an Alex and Ani bracelet. 

I was touched! I truly love it! 

Today I woke up with a throbbing feeling where the fibroid was, and overall soreness around the incision. I'm still moving slowly but at least I am trying. I'm resting when I can and walking when I can. On Wednesday I have another follow up appointment with the doctor.  Wednesday. We will see what she says and what the next step will be.  

For now I will continue to rest and relax as best I can. 

Day 18

Just one week ago, I was at my post op. A week later, while I feel one week better, I'm not as 'better' as I hoped I would be. With one more week left before my anticipated return to work date, I'm worried that I won't feel as well as I want to. However, my doctor thinks I will be, so perhaps I'm psyching myself out? Not sure. I'm trying to listen to myself & my body and I want to do what is best. I know I can take another week if that's what I feel. I mean, I could take another two weeks, because my doctor said it isn't unheard of. The recovery period is 4-6 weeks. However, I'm nervous either way. I'm going to try and relax, rest and listen to my body. That's what I need to do.

This week has been a little trying. I've had more cramping than I'm used to. I'm uncomfortable due to that and the internal healing. It's a hard place to be, really. I could take Motrin to help, and I probable should. Still, I don't want to be dependent on medicine, and while it helps, it also hurts my stomach. 

The highlight of the week was seeing Nat and my mom. 

They came down on Monday to visit with me. Although our time together was short, I enjoyed being with them. I won't see her for a few months again, so I'm slightly sad. However, there's always FaceTime. She sure is funny!

Today I went outside for my usual slow walks. 

That's a silly picture I sent to a friend!

The walks are still challenging, but better than walking inside. Tomorrow, since the weather will be terrible, I will have to walk inside. My neighbors have been very kind as they watch me go by. I'm sure some of them watch me through their peep holes and think I am insane. Lol. However, being inside this apartment will make me insane so being outside is better; even if that means walking in the hallway. 

I'm hoping to improve because tomorrow is Thursday and that means one more week. My plan is to closely monitor how I feel and go from there. That's all I can do. I pray this healing goes smoothly. 

A Sweet Weekend

It's a new day! Thankfully I wake up every morning feeling just a little bit better. It's encouraging. 

This past weekend I was able to go outside and walk, as opposed to walking up and down my hallway, as I did first thing this morning. 

I made sure to get a photo w my sweetie, as well!

He joined me for my first walk. I took the other two on my own. 

I was thrilled to be outside and the weather was beautiful! Perhaps I went one too many times as by the time evening came I really did not feel so wonderful. We had gone out to dinner, and had a great time, but the car ride was once again very uncomfortable. I do not plan to get into a car again until next weekend. By the time I got home, I was pretty much done. 

This was our delicious, but so not needed, dessert!

Yesterday was another nice day, but I was very tired. I didn't walk nearly as much as I normally do, but we did get to TraderJoe's. We had a good time walking oh so slowly around the store. It's kind of amusing when a walk through the grocery store becomes the highlight of your day ... But time spent with the one you love is all that matters. Plus, it was his first time there! 

He looks great! 

I had to jump in for a photo, as well!

Before the day ended, Shannon came by with soup! Spending some time chatting it up and laughing with her was great. Tina came by Friday, too, and again, our time together was very sweet! I've been so blessed that Shannon and some other friends have sent me care packages, made food, and have consistently been checking on me. Their lives are very busy, and I'm aware of that. The thoughtfulness and love I have felt has been overwhelming. I am incredibly thankful. 

Our night ended with homemade tacos, laundry and t.v. Very exciting, haha, but definitely time well spent - together.  Today, I'm hoping my mom and sister are coming by ... That remains to be seen. Other than that, I'm going to continue the routine -- walk, rest, repeat! 

Two Weeks!

Today makes two weeks post-op! I'm pretty excited about it. I'm walking w more ease, standing a little straighter and my morning hallway walking time is increasing. 

I'm terribly bored, though. I've started bringing my magazines along for the walks to help pass the time. Sometimes I run into a neighbor or two. But then I'm alone again. I know my mom would come every day if I asked, but the drive is long and again, one can only sit for so long. It's not worth so much travel. Hopefully she will be here next week with my sister. This morning I am alone as my sweetie has things to tend to. That's understandable. He's been here every day for the past two weeks helping me, and I've been very thankful. Everyone has things to take care of which is why I really don't expect anyone to be here, but am grateful when they are. 

Yesterday I made cookies (healthy ones) and that was the extent of my 'excitement' for the day. 

Lisa said they looked scary ... But she happily ate two. Lol. 

I'm hoping for some excitement this weekend. Hoping to walk outside for even 15 minutes. I can't go alone because I have no one to open the heavy doors for me. I can barely open my Nutribullet. I'm literally at the mercy of everyone else. 

For today, I'll finish my hallway walks and wait on some friends who are stopping by after work. Looking forward to seeing them. Then, rest, read and walk. Because resting really is what I am supposed to be doing. 

Post-op Visit

I'm certain I am not the only one who goes to their doctor with a list of questions. I'm glad I did! I feel 100% better mentally, and 1/6 better physically. 

Great news :: the doctor said I am healing well, thank God, and that all looks and feels as it is supposed to. I'm truly thankful. I have a very low risk of any future fibroids.  That's great news! She showed me how big it was -- large! Definitely comparable to a grapefruit or baby's head. 

Important news :: I was reminded that I'm still 'fresh' out of surgery and I need to chill. I still need to rest, as my insides are healing and I can't over-do it at all. I think I needed that reminder. I woke up feeling great, had some discomfort mid-day and while I feel 'okay', I am exhausted. My back hurts from hunching over, so that's something I need to try and improve upon. Let's see how tomorrow goes. 

Semi-'Debby downer' news :: still waiting out 6 weeks on most things. My coveted running ... Just living, really. Basic every day things need to be taken slowly. I can't drive yet as my response and reaction times aren't up to par, and really I am still moving so slowly, I couldn't dream of it. I miss working out, but it's not an option right now. My health and healing come first. 

Work :: going back after 4 weeks is still questionable. I will see how I feel after 3 1/2.  I have a doc appt in two weeks and will see at that point if I am ready for work. If not, another week should suffice. 

All things considered, I seem to be doing well. Like I said, I just have to remember to do less and rest more. Although I can't possibly do less! It feels like im doing nothing. 

I'm grateful to and for my mom who came down to take me to the appointment.

Although the ride was ROUGH due to the many pot holes and short stops, our time together was sweet. I enjoyed her company and she helped me a lot here in my apartment. She even drove me to a few stores for necessities. While if was great to be OUT of this apartment, I was just as eager to be back home. Walking outside just isn't as easy as I had anticipated. So, I'll happily keep walking the halls of my apartment building for a little while longer. 

Let's see what the next few days hold. 

Day 12

Here I am ... Sitting at home (of course) patiently awaiting my mom to come get me for my post-op appointment this afternoon. 

It will be my second time out since surgery. The first time doesn't count, though. I walked up the block and back. It was pretty trying. Today I am moving much more easily, but still slowly. At times there is discomfort, but less pain. I'm being careful not to over-do ANYTHING, including my walks. They are slow and occasionally tiring. One thing they definitely are is BORING. ha! If I get the 'okay' from my doctor, I will move these walks to outside ASAP! 

I've been blessed to have visitors every now and then. My friends have brought me food, and have come to spend a little time with me. My sweetie has been kind enough to be here daily and help out with things I can not do before going off to work. I'm grateful for everything that I have been blessed with. 

Last week my friends from work sent me this sweet gift!

And last Saturday some other friends brought me flowers and delicious lunch!! 

Every one has been very supportive and caring. 

We even moved my dad's birthday dinner from a restaurant to my apartment. 

He said he had a good time. I sure hope so.  

He didn't love this photo, but it's the best one of us all!

So now I'll catch up on a walk before my mom arrives, and then sit again. 

Till the next time ....