A Personal Reveal

This ends better than it starts...

Due to a medical issue brought on by 3 C-sections decades ago, I decided to have an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) this past October.

Most women signing up for this procedure are far younger than someone like me who is now on Medicare. However, I was assured that while everyone recovers at a different pace, I am in good health and would likely experience the typical recovery of about 4-6 weeks.

Unfortunately, one month from the date I had the initial procedure, I was admitted to the hospital due to a variety of issues: abdominal swelling, cellutis and a reaction to antibiotics. One of the causes was that my lymphatic system could not handle all the fluid brought about by the surgery. Initially I wasn't aware of the functions of the lymphatic system, which was rather embarrassing when I realized how little I know about how the body works. My doctor recommended a procedure to insert 2 drainage tubes into the swollen areas, as guided by a CT scan in interventional radiology. By Day 2 in the hospital, the drains were in place and that, in conjunction with IV antibiotics, began to calm the perfect storm brewing within.  

While lying in my bed night after night - 6 of them - at the hospital, I tried not to worry about anything. I had a team of doctors and nurses attending to my health concerns, a dining room with pretty good food and snacks available to me anytime between 7 am and 11 pm, my hubby, family and friends keeping me company and calling and texting and honestly…what more could I ask for?

Yet, I could not relax. I was freaked out. Those first couple of nights, I could not concentrate enough to read, write, watch TV, or even shop online. I had lost interest in everything and had no energy for anything. With nothing to do but ruminate about the situation, I felt sad and sorry for David, who was the most amazing caregiver, and I was also mad at myself for causing him such angst. I was also afraid that the life I once lived was gone and wondered if maybe I had taken too much of it for granted.    

After the nurse came in with medication on that third night, I was in such a tizzy that I closed my eyes trying to tune out the world...but found myself dreaming instead. I imagined earlier times when I was happy, laughing, driving my car, walking on the boardwalk, even showering before bed with my delightful goat soap. These uplifting images lasted well into the next day.

I was only in the hospital for 7 days, but when I came home, I was marveling over all that was commonplace before I had gone: What a cozy home! Wow, there’s nice fresh fruit in the refrigerator! Boy those deer behind my house are beautiful! My car rides so smoothly! The cold water is so delicious! And of course, all the people in my life. 

It's now almost 2 months since my hospital stay, and all is good. My appreciation for everyone and everything in my life has continued to grow, and I am so very grateful.