Friday, March 23, 2007

Just Another Kink in the System

I have had a few health issues since 2000.

I prefer not talking about my health problems unless I can give someone going through the same thing support by doing so or I have to explain to someone why I can’t physically do something, or I have to explain to someone I’m having a conversation with why I’m in excruciating pain and cannot continue to act 'normal' anymore as I clench my teeth and roll my eyes to the back of my head as I double over.

Ummmm, not that I EVER act ‘normal’; anyone that has been reading my blog for any length of time can say an ‘Amen’ to that.

Hey......you didn’t have to be so quick with that ‘Amen’.

My belief is, what’s in the past is just that....in the past. So I try to move to the now and forward. And I try to not dwell on all of the operations, the complications and all the inconvenience I cause my family and friends when I am in bad health.

Thoughout my life, I’ve never, ever been on the medical charts as being in the ‘norm’, so the thing that cracks me up is this: to date, virtually all of my internal organs have suffered in some way, be it in a big or small way or having to be removed due to adhesions, cysts, growths, reactions to medications....all except one.

As my doctor finished reading me the results of my latest MRI and blood work she added, “But the good news is, your gall bladder is still there and looking great.”

Note to my much appreciated healthy gall bladder: Oh, how I love thee, but I would gladly trade you in a heartbeat in exchange for any of the other organs now suffering because you.....well, sorry about this....but - you are the only organ left in my body that I could live without.

At this time, I am, once again, facing another one of those annoying operations to my abdomen. After a few tests, which I’ve been taking this past week, my doctors feel that it would be best to get a good look at what is going on and to see what can be done.

I don’t have cancer. I’ve never had cancer. Right now my colon isn’t working properly, my intestinal wall is looking suspicious, adhesions are causing kinks, my liver has a few cysts and my lymph nodes are inflamed. And then there is the pain I've been experiencing.

Undergoing an operation and recuperation during my current move to another state is not looking like fun. Anyone that has been through abdominal surgery knows that picking up anything weighing more than a piece of paper is a no-no for the first month or two.

I'm thankful for all the sage advice I've been receiving as I am spreading the word to my friends and family.

I think my daughter said it best when she told me this yesterday: “Mom, you’re going to be fine. You’ve had many operations and been through many horrible things in your life and you always, always, always come out better than before, so don’t even worry about this.”

So I sit here, asking God for another miracle, yet not feeling worthy of one and thanking Him for a wonderful family, awesome boyfriend and supportive friends.

And, um, oh yeah, trying not to freak-the-heck out.

8 comments:

someone else said...

That's a lousy break! I'm sending prayer and good thoughts your way. Aren't you glad we don't have to be worthy to benefit from the love of God??

Queen of the Mayhem said...

Theresa,
I am sorry to hear about your medical woes. Isn't that just what we mothers need, something ELSE to worry about!

I will pray for your swift and painless recovery.

Nadine said...

I'm so sorry about all the pain and suffering you have. I pray that God would work a miracle in your life and bring full and complete healing to your body.

Dawn said...

From one whose only surgery has been a tubal ligation and who hasn't moved in 29 years, I can't say I feel your pain, but I can sympathize even if I can't empathize! God bless you as you face this complication.

Lala's world said...

I am so sorry to hear that you have to have an operation at this time let alone any time! I think you are pretty strong and I will pray that you come through it better than ever!!

yerdoingitwrong said...

oh wow! Thinking of you, sugar and sending good thoughts and prayers your way. God will grant you this request. I have no doubt. And listen to your sweet daughter. She sounds very wise.

xo.

rena said...

Theory has it that we are not worthy of ANYTHING that God has given us, but as a wonderfully loving Father, He gives it to us anyways.

Anyway, it totally completely sucks that you are going through this. You are in my prayers.

Monica said...

It just seems so hard to get that peace and keep it for a good amount of time, eh? It's like a butterfly, you've got to be so careful with it.

But I do hope and pray you will come sailing through this. My only hospital stays have been my 2 C-sections and that's the extent of my knowledge about abdominal surgery as well but that was more than enough for me! No fun in that healing process! But your wit as well as faith will certainly lift you and carry you through. And we'll be here to help keep you up.