Surgery

A couple weeks ago my world was turned up-side down.

I had been having upper abdominal pain(that was as bad, if not worse than labor pain)and apparently after eating Golden Corral for lunch one Sunday afternoon just REALLY ticked off my stomach, which turned out to be my lovely gallbladder...ya know, that thing you never really even know is there or what it's purpose is...until you anger it.

So, after barely eating or drinking anything for 4 days I went to see my family doc. Love this guy. The kids see him too. I told him my symptoms, he felt around and decided he was almost positive it was my gallbladder. He sent me to have an ultrasound that afternoon and said surgery PROBABLY in the next couple weeks. Ok, I have time to prepare. The kids and I then went to play in bounce houses for the next 3 hours. They ate nachos and french fries...my mouth was watering. See, thanks to the ultrasound I couldn't eat or drink anything...NOT even WATER.

We get to the imaging center at 3:00. at 3:30 I had my ultrasound. Everything to go as normal. Until the tech showed the Dr my pictures. They got on the phone right away with my family doc. The tech came back and said my doc was fixing to call me. I was a bit confused and left. As I get to the parking lot my phone rings. It's my doc. He tells me he's calling the ER doc and the SURGEON on call at the local hospital. Pardon me? Say what? Why? He told me I was in worse shape than he thought and "this" isn't going to wait until Monday...that I WON'T MAKE IT til Monday. Still not sure what that meant but as you imagine at that moment I was terrified. Thank GOD my dad had decided to come sit with the kids while I had the ultrasound. He kept me in one piece...otherwise I would have collapsed.

By 4:15 I was in the ER. Crying hysterically. Matt was on a job...in Houston...6 hours away. I didn't know what to do or think. I thought I had at least 2 weeks to prepare.

I got a room 5 hours later and settled in for the night. My amazing mom by my side the entire time. Would have been lost without her. She was my backbone for 2 days. Sleeping in the most awkward, "eat you alive" recliner for 2 nights, taking me and my IV pole to the bathroom every 30 minutes. I was only strong thanks to her.

Next morning, bright and early they wheel me into surgery. I again couldn't stop crying. Texted Matt and told him I loved him and to tell the kids I loved them...ya know, in the terrible case that I didn't wake up(my worst fear EVER). As they drugged me I told my mom to sue if I didn't wake up. That way my family would be set financially.

Surgery went great and within 2 hours I was back in my room...for another night. I saw the kids and my folks a few minutes then off my dad and the boys went to a track meet. The boys had a great time helping out and hanging with the high school boys. I'm SO glad they had that escape from the reality of me being hooked up to machines and in the hospital. Taya, however, stayed at the hospital with my mom and I that whole day. She was awesome. She fed me jello and ice chips and made certain I drank enough water and did my breathing treatments as directed.

Later that night Matt got home and came to see me. He was definitely a sight for eyes. Such a relief to have him finally by my side.

The next day I went home. It was then that I realized just HOW much I need and love my husband. Poor guy, I know I must have worn him out.

I have to say after all is said and done I have a regret. I really wish my kids never had to see me like that. Crying inconsolably. Terrified. I could tell by the look in their eyes they knew something was wrong. Really hit me how affected they were when Ethan...my strong one, the one that tries to be so tough and independent, told my dad "Pepa, I want my mom the way she used to be."

Glad to say I'm back the way I used to be, just gallbladder free, a bit wiser and WHOLE LOT more thankful...for my own life...and the amazing people in it.