I'm back to work today - since John is doing so amazingly well after yesterday's surgery. We went to see a specialist to do the third surgery, and literally it took him SEVEN minutes to get in and get the stone out. They came to get me for the doctor to talk to me, and I saw them wheel my awake husband past me and off to recovery. That was such a different experience than the first time he had that procedure. The first time what was supposed to take 45 minutes (the same time frame they quoted us yesterday) - took them 2 hours or more! It also took him a LONG time to wake up from that first procedure... so we were both really pleased that this one went so much more smoothly.
For the first time in about a week and a half, John was actually hungry and acting like he felt better last time... which was really lovely to see. I am so incredibly grateful that this was all able to happen and be behind us before we get a baby - I can't imagine trying to do it all with a small infant in the picture.
Like I said earlier - I'm back at work - and the pettiness is going strong. I just find it all pathetic and silly - because ultimately... they are going to great lengths to make this a miserable work environment, but I simply don't care. This place doesn't define me - it is a job. For me, it is a means to an end... a paycheck so that I can get on with my life and enjoy the things that are important - church, family, and friends. The rest of it just doesn't matter to me... and at this point, the more they do - the more I actually laugh at how rediculous it really is.
In light of me being away for a bit while taking care of John - I know I missed Talk to Me Tuesday yesterday... I honestly didn't remember what day it was until I got here this morning. Anyway, we'll just skip that feature for this week - and open up the comments section for questions to be answered as part of Question and Answer Wednesday.
My goal will be to answer some questions tonight - but keep them coming because I'd like to get back to the format where questions are asked and then answered the following Wednesday.
Showing posts with label John's Journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John's Journey. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
John Update
JLI again.
Approximately 4:10 p.m. CST and I just heard from Kim. John is out of surgery and doing fine. They got 5 gall stones out of his bile duct and the surgeon now has one more gall bladder for his collection.
John is still jaundiced so the doctors will be keeping a close eye on that. If all goes well, he could be going home on Sunday.
Our little lovely is faring well, all things considered. But really, how well can you rest in a hospital waiting room?
Keep those prayers coming!
Approximately 4:10 p.m. CST and I just heard from Kim. John is out of surgery and doing fine. They got 5 gall stones out of his bile duct and the surgeon now has one more gall bladder for his collection.
John is still jaundiced so the doctors will be keeping a close eye on that. If all goes well, he could be going home on Sunday.
Our little lovely is faring well, all things considered. But really, how well can you rest in a hospital waiting room?
Keep those prayers coming!
Is It A Stay-Cation If You Spend It At The Hospital?
Hello friends! JLI here stopping by to drop a few words for my good buddy, Kim.
As we all know, The Hawkins Family has been busy. But a few days ago, things got a little busier.
A few days ago, Kim informed me she was taking John to the hospital because he was dehydrated and in some pain. As it turns out, the pesky gall bladder decided to make its presence known. After some testing, they found out a gall stone was loose but also that his GB would need to come out. Surgery was scheduled to remove the loose stone by going down his throat (I'm sure there's some fancy medical term for doing that, I just don't happen to know what it is, so please bear with the elementary "terms" being used here). As it turns out, the surgeons were unable to get the stone, so an MRI was scheduled to check further. As if this isn't enough, the doctors found out the stone was stuck in his bile duct and he was jaundiced as well (style may not be my forte, but I don't think yellow is a good look on most people...).
As of today, doctors believe the stone may have passed on its own, but they are going to run more tests. John was just taken back for the lap surgery to remove his gall bladder. Kim said he was feeling much better today and not in a lot of pain, praise God!
Hopefully he will be coming home tomorrow; we'll know more later on today.
Although this is a very routine surgery, Kim & John would welcome your prayers for a speed recovery, rest for them both and of course, for their adoption to continue to be covered in prayer as well.
As we all know, The Hawkins Family has been busy. But a few days ago, things got a little busier.
A few days ago, Kim informed me she was taking John to the hospital because he was dehydrated and in some pain. As it turns out, the pesky gall bladder decided to make its presence known. After some testing, they found out a gall stone was loose but also that his GB would need to come out. Surgery was scheduled to remove the loose stone by going down his throat (I'm sure there's some fancy medical term for doing that, I just don't happen to know what it is, so please bear with the elementary "terms" being used here). As it turns out, the surgeons were unable to get the stone, so an MRI was scheduled to check further. As if this isn't enough, the doctors found out the stone was stuck in his bile duct and he was jaundiced as well (style may not be my forte, but I don't think yellow is a good look on most people...).
As of today, doctors believe the stone may have passed on its own, but they are going to run more tests. John was just taken back for the lap surgery to remove his gall bladder. Kim said he was feeling much better today and not in a lot of pain, praise God!
Hopefully he will be coming home tomorrow; we'll know more later on today.
Although this is a very routine surgery, Kim & John would welcome your prayers for a speed recovery, rest for them both and of course, for their adoption to continue to be covered in prayer as well.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Where have I been?
I'm sorry that this week has gotten away from me... it's been a whirlwind that I will surely tell you about soon - when I have some time to catch up! Work has been nuts, and things at home have been busier than ever... so bear with me, and I promise that rewards for your patience will come very soon.
In the meantime - I wanted to share a photo with you that is simply amazing...
We'll be in our Life with Baby class and Infant CPR class tomorrow for the bulk of the day - but I'll try to write on Sunday!
In the meantime - I wanted to share a photo with you that is simply amazing...
John has lost over 150 pounds at this point, and the transformation is incredible! He will have his one year anniversary of his surgery on March 5th, but I had to share this photo with you already!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Brilliance On Hold
Ya'll, I came home last Sunday from church 100% inspired to write an awesome post based on our sermon - but somehow, I didn't get to it. For the last 5 days - I've had my Dad's side of my family here at our house which means that our house of normally 2 people... became 13 people. Whew!
We had some good times though - and I got a massage for Christmas!! I got several other things, and the baby got some nifty things too... more about that later.
Did you guys know that today is a palindrome? 01022010... pretty neat, huh?! Someone much smarter than I am told me that this morning... so thanks Pammers!
Anyway - I hope that you're all having a fanastic start to the New Year... 2009 wasn't good for a lot of people close to me... so here's praying that 2010 will bring us all some peace, happiness, and our heart's desires.
So at church on Sunday - we talked about looking back at the accomplishments of 2009, and looking ahead to setting some new goals for 2010... which is our sermon for tomorrow. One challenge that our pastor gave us all was to look back at the year, whether it has been good or bad and make a list of the blessings that you have had in your life... so in that light... here is mine... better late than never, right?
In the meantime, what blessings did you have in 2009? What are you most excited about for 2010?
We had some good times though - and I got a massage for Christmas!! I got several other things, and the baby got some nifty things too... more about that later.
Did you guys know that today is a palindrome? 01022010... pretty neat, huh?! Someone much smarter than I am told me that this morning... so thanks Pammers!
Anyway - I hope that you're all having a fanastic start to the New Year... 2009 wasn't good for a lot of people close to me... so here's praying that 2010 will bring us all some peace, happiness, and our heart's desires.
So at church on Sunday - we talked about looking back at the accomplishments of 2009, and looking ahead to setting some new goals for 2010... which is our sermon for tomorrow. One challenge that our pastor gave us all was to look back at the year, whether it has been good or bad and make a list of the blessings that you have had in your life... so in that light... here is mine... better late than never, right?
- John had weight loss surgery in March of 2009
- John has lost 145 pounds so far in his journey
- Our fertility treatment journey came to an end with a beautiful outcome...
- My relationship with Christ has become deeper than it has ever been before
- I stepped outside of my box and did a very rewarding interview for one of our church services
- I completed the New Testament Challenge - in 12 weeks, I read the entire New Testament
- I've made some wonderful new friends and deepened relationships this year - I am so grateful for Danielle, Jenn, Summer, Natalie, Trace, all of my CFF family, Kristen, Becky, Bonnie, Joanna, Christy, the Heathers, Kim, Jil, Laurie, Meghan, and all of my blog readers!
- Ironcially - I am also grateful for Facebook... because I've connected more deeply with lots of my church family and my cousins this year...
- We started the adoption process, and are hopefully expecting an addition to our family in 2010!
In the meantime, what blessings did you have in 2009? What are you most excited about for 2010?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
John's Journey Update
If you happened to notice - over the weekend, John has surpassed my weight loss number! He's at 98 pounds lost... and I couldn't be more proud of him. He's also lost 56 inches... amazing work for his 4 month anniversary!
I asked him to do the comparison photo today so that I could update you on his progress. For the first time, he actually saw the difference in himself. There aren't words that truly can tell you how deceiving the mirror can be... if you haven't been through a journey of this type... you just can't understand.
He opened his before picture - and just said "WOW... I've lost a LOT of weight." I remember the first time that I saw a photo of myself after getting a good way through the journey - and having a hard time wrapping my head around the difference. You can't deny what you see in the photos... and I'm so glad that John can finally see how far he's come in such a short time.
He still has a way to go to reach his goal... but BOY... he's come so far. I don't even think that I realized how much of a difference there is in him. I mean, I know rationally that he's lost 98 pounds - and that it is a HUGE number for 4 months... but I don't know that I truly realized the difference in the pictures.
I couldn't be more proud of him, and I'm so excited for the journey that is still to come. Things have changed for him in so many ways... this weekend... we went out for lunch, and for the first time that I can remember in recent history - we didn't specifically ask for a table. We both fit in the booth without a problem - and with room to spare... and I know that it is such a relief to not have to worry about making special requests to accommodate our weight.
I'll have him update his photos again in a month or two... it is an amazing transformation!!
I asked him to do the comparison photo today so that I could update you on his progress. For the first time, he actually saw the difference in himself. There aren't words that truly can tell you how deceiving the mirror can be... if you haven't been through a journey of this type... you just can't understand.
He opened his before picture - and just said "WOW... I've lost a LOT of weight." I remember the first time that I saw a photo of myself after getting a good way through the journey - and having a hard time wrapping my head around the difference. You can't deny what you see in the photos... and I'm so glad that John can finally see how far he's come in such a short time.
He still has a way to go to reach his goal... but BOY... he's come so far. I don't even think that I realized how much of a difference there is in him. I mean, I know rationally that he's lost 98 pounds - and that it is a HUGE number for 4 months... but I don't know that I truly realized the difference in the pictures.I couldn't be more proud of him, and I'm so excited for the journey that is still to come. Things have changed for him in so many ways... this weekend... we went out for lunch, and for the first time that I can remember in recent history - we didn't specifically ask for a table. We both fit in the booth without a problem - and with room to spare... and I know that it is such a relief to not have to worry about making special requests to accommodate our weight.
I'll have him update his photos again in a month or two... it is an amazing transformation!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
John's Journey 9
I don't know if you guys noticed, but on Sunday - my husband hit the 50 pounds lost mark!!
He was so excited - picture him dancing into the bathroom while I'm in the shower...singing some sort of song he made up about losing 50 pounds... yeah, yeah, yeah. HA!
He's doing so great, and I couldn't be more proud of him... and happy for him... he totally deserves the success that he's getting right now.
The last couple of days for him have been rough - it's probably a combination of dehydration from this weekend... he's a man after all, and over-doing it comes naturally. The difference now though is that it is MUCH harder to catch up on the fluids if you miss out on them during your allotted drinking moments.
The not drinking 30 minutes before or after a meal - and having to eat every 2 hours... it's tough to do outdoor projects and things while keeping with that schedule, and when you can't gulp down a bottle of water/Gatorade because it won't fit into your pouch... it makes for a challenge.
So he had some trouble getting most of his food in yesterday - and looked/felt horrible this morning. I just talked to him and he says that he's feeling better, but we'll see... I fully intend on banishing him to his chair this evening and making sure that he constantly sips on some water or tea... I need him better before I leave on retreat Friday.
He was so excited - picture him dancing into the bathroom while I'm in the shower...singing some sort of song he made up about losing 50 pounds... yeah, yeah, yeah. HA!
He's doing so great, and I couldn't be more proud of him... and happy for him... he totally deserves the success that he's getting right now.
The last couple of days for him have been rough - it's probably a combination of dehydration from this weekend... he's a man after all, and over-doing it comes naturally. The difference now though is that it is MUCH harder to catch up on the fluids if you miss out on them during your allotted drinking moments.
The not drinking 30 minutes before or after a meal - and having to eat every 2 hours... it's tough to do outdoor projects and things while keeping with that schedule, and when you can't gulp down a bottle of water/Gatorade because it won't fit into your pouch... it makes for a challenge.
So he had some trouble getting most of his food in yesterday - and looked/felt horrible this morning. I just talked to him and he says that he's feeling better, but we'll see... I fully intend on banishing him to his chair this evening and making sure that he constantly sips on some water or tea... I need him better before I leave on retreat Friday.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
John's Journey 8
Today is less about his progress... although, I do see that his ticker went down a little again. Mine on the other hand should go up two... but WHATEVER!
Anyway, a little story about my funny husband...
Last night he set out to do his workout, even while his wife sat on the couch because she felt like crud. He did his normal walking routine, and came back to the house... this is the conversation that happened at that moment: (a rough memory version of the discussion at least)
John: "I bought a tree."
Kim: "You what?"
John: "I bought a tree."
Kim: "For where?"
John: "To replace the dead maple tree."
Kim: "Where on your walk did you find a tree?"
John: "These guys were delivering a tree to someone and he only wanted one of the two he ordered."
Kim: "How in the world would that conversation have started?"
John: "I walked on my normal route and saw them several times. I finally said, 'You are having a tough time getting rid of that tree.' To which they said, 'I'll make you a deal on it.' I talked them down from $100 to $75."
Kim: "You are the only person I know that could go out for a workout and come back having purchased a tree!"
Seriously ladies, what's the strangest thing your husband has ever come back with from a workout?!
Anyway, a little story about my funny husband...
Last night he set out to do his workout, even while his wife sat on the couch because she felt like crud. He did his normal walking routine, and came back to the house... this is the conversation that happened at that moment: (a rough memory version of the discussion at least)
John: "I bought a tree."
Kim: "You what?"
John: "I bought a tree."
Kim: "For where?"
John: "To replace the dead maple tree."
Kim: "Where on your walk did you find a tree?"
John: "These guys were delivering a tree to someone and he only wanted one of the two he ordered."
Kim: "How in the world would that conversation have started?"
John: "I walked on my normal route and saw them several times. I finally said, 'You are having a tough time getting rid of that tree.' To which they said, 'I'll make you a deal on it.' I talked them down from $100 to $75."
Kim: "You are the only person I know that could go out for a workout and come back having purchased a tree!"
Seriously ladies, what's the strangest thing your husband has ever come back with from a workout?!
Monday, March 16, 2009
John's Journey 7
An update on my favorite recovering WLS patient. He had a great weekend!
He sang and played the guitar at our church's Men's Breakfast this Saturday - which I wasn't sure if he'd be able to do. He said that he was a little short breathed a few times, but overall it he did great. His Dad was the speaker - so I know that they had a good time. In fact, John was told that he will be asked to do this regularly - as the haven't ever had a singer before...
On Sunday he was back to his regular routine with church - despite having a weepy mess of a wife. He played and sang in both services - and managed to slip out during the second service to drink a protein drink. We got to church at 7:50 and didn't make it back home until 1... but no nap for him! There was basketball to watch, you know. (I laugh because I totally crashed out for 4 hours!)
He is back at work today - even if he didn't want to get out of the car when we pulled up to the building... I don't blame him though. It's always sad getting back to work. We'll see how the day goes, he's planning on getting a workout in tonight - but he might be surprised at how tired he'll be after a full day at the office. You never know with him though - he's pretty stubborn.
He's doing really great as you can see...
He sang and played the guitar at our church's Men's Breakfast this Saturday - which I wasn't sure if he'd be able to do. He said that he was a little short breathed a few times, but overall it he did great. His Dad was the speaker - so I know that they had a good time. In fact, John was told that he will be asked to do this regularly - as the haven't ever had a singer before...
On Sunday he was back to his regular routine with church - despite having a weepy mess of a wife. He played and sang in both services - and managed to slip out during the second service to drink a protein drink. We got to church at 7:50 and didn't make it back home until 1... but no nap for him! There was basketball to watch, you know. (I laugh because I totally crashed out for 4 hours!)
He is back at work today - even if he didn't want to get out of the car when we pulled up to the building... I don't blame him though. It's always sad getting back to work. We'll see how the day goes, he's planning on getting a workout in tonight - but he might be surprised at how tired he'll be after a full day at the office. You never know with him though - he's pretty stubborn.
He's doing really great as you can see...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
John's Journey 6
Just a little update on the patient... who by the way now has lost 36 pounds!! I'm not kidding that this guy is going to surpass my weight loss in like another month!
Anyway - after talking to the bariatric coordinator at the hospital yesterday and then his doctor as well, (have I mentioned how wonderful his doctor is?!) he is doing MUCH better.
Poor thing was trying so hard to stick with the food schedule that the doctor's office gave him that it worried him when he couldn't get it all in. Talking with the doctor was able to free him from that worry - and refocus on staying hydrated.
He also had some concerns about his digestive system that were discussed and gave him peace of mind. Further research on his part told him that the pain medications were part of the problem there - who knew those had an effect on your digestion?!
So he's taken himself off of the pain meds - and now is experiencing some withdrawl symptoms... jittery and shaky... those sorts of things, but seems to be doing much better today. I'm so shocked that he's experiencing this since I took ALL of my pain meds for my bypass and for my gall bladder and don't remember once having withdrawl.
I've talked to him twice though - and he's already done his workout for the day... which means that my old pal Jillian and I have a date on the treadmill tonight. It'll be interesting to see how my body reacts to getting back to a Jillian workout after walking with John all week - knowing that it wasn't pushing my body as much as the treadmill workouts would. In retrospect though, it has probably given my muscles time to recover from the weekend's walking adventures.
Anyway - after talking to the bariatric coordinator at the hospital yesterday and then his doctor as well, (have I mentioned how wonderful his doctor is?!) he is doing MUCH better.
Poor thing was trying so hard to stick with the food schedule that the doctor's office gave him that it worried him when he couldn't get it all in. Talking with the doctor was able to free him from that worry - and refocus on staying hydrated.
He also had some concerns about his digestive system that were discussed and gave him peace of mind. Further research on his part told him that the pain medications were part of the problem there - who knew those had an effect on your digestion?!
So he's taken himself off of the pain meds - and now is experiencing some withdrawl symptoms... jittery and shaky... those sorts of things, but seems to be doing much better today. I'm so shocked that he's experiencing this since I took ALL of my pain meds for my bypass and for my gall bladder and don't remember once having withdrawl.
I've talked to him twice though - and he's already done his workout for the day... which means that my old pal Jillian and I have a date on the treadmill tonight. It'll be interesting to see how my body reacts to getting back to a Jillian workout after walking with John all week - knowing that it wasn't pushing my body as much as the treadmill workouts would. In retrospect though, it has probably given my muscles time to recover from the weekend's walking adventures.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
John's Journey 5
Please keep John in your prayers today - we had a VERY rough night last night. It seems that all the fluids are leaving him with the feeling that they are stuck in his pouch and not passing through his system.
The worst part is that I had to come to to work today, and have an overwhelming guilt with that... I am such a worrier that in my mind and heart there is no other place to be than at home helping him in any way that I can, but today - I couldn't be there.
He is going to call the doctor this morning and see if there is anything he can get from them to help with moving things along.
Any prayers would be welcomed... as you all know how I feel about this man. :-)
The worst part is that I had to come to to work today, and have an overwhelming guilt with that... I am such a worrier that in my mind and heart there is no other place to be than at home helping him in any way that I can, but today - I couldn't be there.
He is going to call the doctor this morning and see if there is anything he can get from them to help with moving things along.
Any prayers would be welcomed... as you all know how I feel about this man. :-)
Monday, March 9, 2009
John's Journey 4
He keeps going strong... although I think the liquids are wearing thin today - I accidentally kissed him after eating a peanut butter and banana sandwich... and well, I had to kiss him twice so that he could taste the peanut butter again. HA!
Our walk went much better today for him, and we took the dogs - which was fun and challenging at the same time. Our dogs must be the most out of shape animals on the planet because about half way through - I had to pick Missy up and carry her for a while.
John did great, and is currently trying to work out some air bubbles that he's feeling in his shoulder blades. I remember that all too well - it was the only discomfort that I felt during my recovery period.
He's down another pound today, and has learned how to update his own ticker - so I'll have to watch it just as you guys do to know how he's doing... at least unless I'm here when he weighs and I hear a party coming from the half bathroom. (that's where our scale is)
When we got back from the walk - I shaved Maggie, and gave both dogs a bath... they've needed it, and well... Missy hasn't moved since... here are some pictures to prove it.
Modesty is not her strong suit...
The "roll and yawn"...
And comfortable again...
This is exactly how she is at this very moment - using my leg as a pillow.
Our walk went much better today for him, and we took the dogs - which was fun and challenging at the same time. Our dogs must be the most out of shape animals on the planet because about half way through - I had to pick Missy up and carry her for a while.
John did great, and is currently trying to work out some air bubbles that he's feeling in his shoulder blades. I remember that all too well - it was the only discomfort that I felt during my recovery period.
He's down another pound today, and has learned how to update his own ticker - so I'll have to watch it just as you guys do to know how he's doing... at least unless I'm here when he weighs and I hear a party coming from the half bathroom. (that's where our scale is)
When we got back from the walk - I shaved Maggie, and gave both dogs a bath... they've needed it, and well... Missy hasn't moved since... here are some pictures to prove it.
Modesty is not her strong suit...
The "roll and yawn"...
And comfortable again...
This is exactly how she is at this very moment - using my leg as a pillow. Saturday, March 7, 2009
John's Journey 3
The second day at the hospital started off a little more scary. I was on the way to the hospital, and I got a call from John - he sounded really scared. Apparently his uvula (the hanging thing in the back of your throat) had been damaged during the surgery by the tubes that they used in his throat, and it had swollen 5 times the normal size. It was causing him to have trouble breathing, and he said it basically felt like there was a finger stuck in the back of his throat.
It took us a little while to get him calmed down, but they went ahead and treated it like it was an allergic reaction... so they gave him some Benadryl. Then they came and got him for his scan to see if there were any leaks in the surgical site. I was able to go with him, and then they put me in one of those lead aprons and I watched the scan along with the doctor and nurse. I've now seen all of John's insides! It was amazing to watch him swallow the dye and see how hard it was for it to pass through because of the swelling.
Here he is getting his post operative instructions and discharge papers.
A shot with his parents... seriously ya'll take a look at how dressed he is! I walked out of the hospital after my surgery a whole day later than he is into the recovery here - and I wore pajamas!
A picture of us together getting ready to load him into the wheelchair.
Once we got home and he got a nap in... we went for our first walk of the day.
It took us a little while to get him calmed down, but they went ahead and treated it like it was an allergic reaction... so they gave him some Benadryl. Then they came and got him for his scan to see if there were any leaks in the surgical site. I was able to go with him, and then they put me in one of those lead aprons and I watched the scan along with the doctor and nurse. I've now seen all of John's insides! It was amazing to watch him swallow the dye and see how hard it was for it to pass through because of the swelling.
Here he is getting his post operative instructions and discharge papers.
A shot with his parents... seriously ya'll take a look at how dressed he is! I walked out of the hospital after my surgery a whole day later than he is into the recovery here - and I wore pajamas!
A picture of us together getting ready to load him into the wheelchair.
Once we got home and he got a nap in... we went for our first walk of the day. John was having trouble feeling like all of his fluid intake was getting stuck in his tummy but not moving any further... it just seemed blocked. Then he started getting the shakes - so I called his doctor (who is good looking and wonderful!!) it was amazing... I called the answering service, and she then told me not to hang up. I think like 10 seconds passed and I was immediately talking to Dr. St. Laurent... talk about always available - it was like 8 o'clock on a Friday night!
He told me to keep having John drink stuff - and eventually it would pass through his system... it was the swelling that was backing it up... he also said to give him some straight apple juice and that ought to bring his blood sugar back up - the shaking was most likely a reaction to the lack of calories in his diet.
He was perfectly right on all accounts - by about 4 o'clock this morning - John turned the corner, and has been pretty self sufficient all day. He did his same walking route today in 5 minutes less than yesterday... I'm so proud of him... and I'm not kidding - he'll be running before I will be!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Hospital Update 2
I'm sorry about Update 1 - apparently every time the television computer told me there was an error with posting... it actually went through. I've fixed it and gotten rid of all the excess posting...
I'm waiting for our sheets to get done washing right now, and then I'm going to hit the sack while they dry. I want them to be clean for John when he comes home - so I'll put them on the bed in the morning, and just curl up on the mattress pad with a blanket. (Yes, I am THAT tired!)
Since the words aren't coming to me at this point... here are some pictures from today.
Here is the patient on one of our walks... he is doing amazingly well! He walks a little farther every time, and has walked every two hours like clock work. I'm so proud of him! One one walk though - well on all of them... we pass through the labor and delivery area. We walked by one room as a nurse entered and was asking the people inside if "there is a head yet" - EWWWW - I sort of sped up the walking for that moment to get out of that hallway. The nurses are really thrilled about the amount John is walking... and if I know him - he'll get himself up if he's awake and walk tonight while I'm here snoozing.
This is John's sister, Susan and our niece Taylor visiting this evening... they were my saviors when we found out that the cafeteria was closed around 6:30 tonight. They ran out and got me dinner from Panda Express... which incidentally wasn't good at all... so now I know that I'm not missing ANYTHING there. I'll stick to other forms of Asian food for my dieting pleasure.
Renee, K and their daughter L came back to visit again this evening - L had to test out the bed with John... and she's just been so cute all day. When they left earlier this afternoon she just looked so worried about John - at that point he was still pretty groggy. So it was good for her to bring him a picture tonight and see how excited he was about it. It's funny how attached she is to him... the whole time he was in surgery - she'd look at us and ask when she could see "Her Mr. John" - I just love this adorable kiddo!
This actually was the first picture I took of John this afternoon - and honestly his face looks a little swollen to me, but I think it was from the tube being in his throat and the fact that his mouth is so incredibly dry. The poor guy is such a camel... I mean he just sucks down the fluids throughout the day... and the hardest thing on him right now is not being able to have any fluids until after his x-ray in the morning. Thank God for the swabs that they've been giving him to wipe around in his mouth - and brushing his teeth each time he walks seems to be helping him too. At least he can rinse his mouth out... he can't swallow any of the water - but I'm sure that it makes him feel better to get some water in there anyway.
That's about it for us tonight - I updated his ticker based on his starting weight at the doctor's office - I don't want to make the ticker any lower - but I know they told me his starting weight - but the last number I heard him give me doesn't quite jive with the weight loss total that the doctor told us today. I'll get it sorted out tomorrow - but what the doctor says is that he's lost 26 pounds since his initial consultation... and 19 of those pounds has been in the last week - since he's been on the liquid diet. He's done amazing!
I'm waiting for our sheets to get done washing right now, and then I'm going to hit the sack while they dry. I want them to be clean for John when he comes home - so I'll put them on the bed in the morning, and just curl up on the mattress pad with a blanket. (Yes, I am THAT tired!)
Since the words aren't coming to me at this point... here are some pictures from today.
Here is the patient on one of our walks... he is doing amazingly well! He walks a little farther every time, and has walked every two hours like clock work. I'm so proud of him! One one walk though - well on all of them... we pass through the labor and delivery area. We walked by one room as a nurse entered and was asking the people inside if "there is a head yet" - EWWWW - I sort of sped up the walking for that moment to get out of that hallway. The nurses are really thrilled about the amount John is walking... and if I know him - he'll get himself up if he's awake and walk tonight while I'm here snoozing.
This is John's sister, Susan and our niece Taylor visiting this evening... they were my saviors when we found out that the cafeteria was closed around 6:30 tonight. They ran out and got me dinner from Panda Express... which incidentally wasn't good at all... so now I know that I'm not missing ANYTHING there. I'll stick to other forms of Asian food for my dieting pleasure.
Renee, K and their daughter L came back to visit again this evening - L had to test out the bed with John... and she's just been so cute all day. When they left earlier this afternoon she just looked so worried about John - at that point he was still pretty groggy. So it was good for her to bring him a picture tonight and see how excited he was about it. It's funny how attached she is to him... the whole time he was in surgery - she'd look at us and ask when she could see "Her Mr. John" - I just love this adorable kiddo!
This actually was the first picture I took of John this afternoon - and honestly his face looks a little swollen to me, but I think it was from the tube being in his throat and the fact that his mouth is so incredibly dry. The poor guy is such a camel... I mean he just sucks down the fluids throughout the day... and the hardest thing on him right now is not being able to have any fluids until after his x-ray in the morning. Thank God for the swabs that they've been giving him to wipe around in his mouth - and brushing his teeth each time he walks seems to be helping him too. At least he can rinse his mouth out... he can't swallow any of the water - but I'm sure that it makes him feel better to get some water in there anyway.That's about it for us tonight - I updated his ticker based on his starting weight at the doctor's office - I don't want to make the ticker any lower - but I know they told me his starting weight - but the last number I heard him give me doesn't quite jive with the weight loss total that the doctor told us today. I'll get it sorted out tomorrow - but what the doctor says is that he's lost 26 pounds since his initial consultation... and 19 of those pounds has been in the last week - since he's been on the liquid diet. He's done amazing!
He was so cute tonight - on one of our walks... it's been typically just the two of us going on those... he asked me if I thought the doctor would use him in his promotional materials if he did well enough on his weight loss. I think that John is absolutely capable of being that poster patient... he's determined, and I know that the sky is the limit when he sets his mind to something. He's already aiming high for his 3 month goal... and I have a feeling that if today is an indication of things to come - this guy is about to become a workout machine! If he can jump out of bed and walk longer and farther each time... and honestly - MY feet hurt after our 3 or 4 walks this evening... (by the way - hiking boots... not a smart plan if you're going to spent a lot of time on your feet... just sayin) he's going to spend lots of time working out... I'm just glad I've got a month on him in terms of getting my cardio going!
Off to bed now - as I'm going to be back at the hospital in the morning between 6:30 and 7... Starbucks in hand... I know I'm trying to quit, but this is not the week. My hot tea stuff arrived today - so I'll be starting the testing and getting used to that this weekend! I'm so excited. I have 12 different flavors of tea to try out over the next few weeks!
Hospital Update 1
Here we are, once again on the other side! We just got to John's room - and we have llimited internet service on the televiion in his room. Pretty nifty.
He seems to be doing well - says that his pain level is at 4/10. He has his pain medicine pump, and is resting right now. He's a fairly light sleeper so every noise is a distraction.
I'm going to go home when his parents get back from lunch to let the dogs out and feed myself. Renee and L were wih me the whole time and I was so grateful to have them there for the distraction. (It is fantastic to have such wonderful people in my life!)
The doctor said that everything went well. He had a hiatal (sp?) hernia that they fixed while they were doing the sugery, but other than that it was picture perfect. I will get some pictures of the recovering patient and his guests later on this afternoon.
Keep the prayers coming for when we get him up and walking! Also for his x-rays n the morning.
He seems to be doing well - says that his pain level is at 4/10. He has his pain medicine pump, and is resting right now. He's a fairly light sleeper so every noise is a distraction.
I'm going to go home when his parents get back from lunch to let the dogs out and feed myself. Renee and L were wih me the whole time and I was so grateful to have them there for the distraction. (It is fantastic to have such wonderful people in my life!)
The doctor said that everything went well. He had a hiatal (sp?) hernia that they fixed while they were doing the sugery, but other than that it was picture perfect. I will get some pictures of the recovering patient and his guests later on this afternoon.
Keep the prayers coming for when we get him up and walking! Also for his x-rays n the morning.
Prayers for John
Good morning! I don't know when I'll have a computer again - so I'm prewriting this to post in the morning.
I'll be taking John to the hospital at 6 in the morning and his surgery is scheduled for 7:30 in the morning. I know that we will be praying - but it never hurts to have as many others out there praying as possible.
Here is my prayer for tomorrow:
"Heavenly Father, please be with John today as he goes through surgery for the first time. He is everything to me, and I trust in you to see him through this procedure. Please be working through the doctors, nurses and other hospital workers as they care for John's needs throughout his stay at the hospital. They are our guide as to how to take care of him at home - and I know that you will give them the wisdom to take the best care they can of him while he is there.
Please be with me as I give my husband over to these people to give him a tool that will make his life only get better from here. I put everything I have in your hands to care for him while I can't... and I will care for him in your image from that point on. Please give me strength and patience to make it through the unknown moments of his surgery... the moments that the doctors are working, but that I won't know what is happening. In your name, I pray. Amen"
I'll be taking John to the hospital at 6 in the morning and his surgery is scheduled for 7:30 in the morning. I know that we will be praying - but it never hurts to have as many others out there praying as possible.
Here is my prayer for tomorrow:
"Heavenly Father, please be with John today as he goes through surgery for the first time. He is everything to me, and I trust in you to see him through this procedure. Please be working through the doctors, nurses and other hospital workers as they care for John's needs throughout his stay at the hospital. They are our guide as to how to take care of him at home - and I know that you will give them the wisdom to take the best care they can of him while he is there.
Please be with me as I give my husband over to these people to give him a tool that will make his life only get better from here. I put everything I have in your hands to care for him while I can't... and I will care for him in your image from that point on. Please give me strength and patience to make it through the unknown moments of his surgery... the moments that the doctors are working, but that I won't know what is happening. In your name, I pray. Amen"
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
How Did I Get Here?
When did I become old enough to make medical decisions on behalf of my husband? When did I become old enough to even be married? When did I become old enough to own my own house?
Am I the only one that feels this way? Can I write an entire post in questions? HA!
Honestly, I sometimes still feel like I'm a kid... but here I am going through life and have amazing responsibilities. I don't even know if I'm qualified sometimes... but this is where I am.
God give me strength... does anyone else sometimes miss the freedom of being a kid?
Am I the only one that feels this way? Can I write an entire post in questions? HA!
Honestly, I sometimes still feel like I'm a kid... but here I am going through life and have amazing responsibilities. I don't even know if I'm qualified sometimes... but this is where I am.
God give me strength... does anyone else sometimes miss the freedom of being a kid?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What's Easier?
I was thinking the other day about how this week will only mark the second time in 10 years together that I will be going to the hospital with John and NOT be the patient. I think I've been in the hospital or Emergency Room about 10 times in 10 years... maybe more - who knows. Just since 2007, I've had three surgeries alone.
He's sort of a pro at being the person dealing with the non patient side of the hospital scene...
We were talking yesterday (or maybe Friday) about who has it easier in this situation... he's never been through surgery so he doesn't truly know what to expect, but he thinks being the spouse of the patient is easier - while I think being the patient is easier.
I then talked about this with my friend Jenn, she agreed with me that it is easier being the patient - because the patient is the one getting the good medicine and doesn't have to worry about much... especially with surgery because you don't even know what's going on at the time... if something bad were to happen - you'd be asleep and never know the difference.
The spouse on the other hand, is completely aware of everything - and has the agonizing task of praying and waiting for the doctor to come out and tell you that everything is fine... that the patient is in recovery and you'll be able to see them soon. To me - I can't imagine anything feeling more helpless... or more out of your control.
I will be leaning on God in those moments because John is my rock, and I absolutely can't fathom a life without him... having gone through this surgery (or one pretty darn similar) I know deep down that there isn't anything to worry about... but until he wakes up after the surgery on Thursday morning... I will need Jesus holding my hand and watching over John to make sure that everything goes well.
He's sort of a pro at being the person dealing with the non patient side of the hospital scene...
We were talking yesterday (or maybe Friday) about who has it easier in this situation... he's never been through surgery so he doesn't truly know what to expect, but he thinks being the spouse of the patient is easier - while I think being the patient is easier.
I then talked about this with my friend Jenn, she agreed with me that it is easier being the patient - because the patient is the one getting the good medicine and doesn't have to worry about much... especially with surgery because you don't even know what's going on at the time... if something bad were to happen - you'd be asleep and never know the difference.
The spouse on the other hand, is completely aware of everything - and has the agonizing task of praying and waiting for the doctor to come out and tell you that everything is fine... that the patient is in recovery and you'll be able to see them soon. To me - I can't imagine anything feeling more helpless... or more out of your control.
I will be leaning on God in those moments because John is my rock, and I absolutely can't fathom a life without him... having gone through this surgery (or one pretty darn similar) I know deep down that there isn't anything to worry about... but until he wakes up after the surgery on Thursday morning... I will need Jesus holding my hand and watching over John to make sure that everything goes well.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
And I Was Worried?
My gosh - this is a horrible picture of me, but it's not a bad shot of John... so I'm posting it again. I'd forgotten just how determined and stubborn this man can be.I worried when I found out that the 7 days before his surgery his diet would be liquids only, and consist of 4 daily servings of this...
The poor thing struggled with it the first day - apparently these shakes have a bad aftertaste in his opinion. I tried it the first night, and actually liked it - so I bought some for myself. I'm going to add that in as my breakfast and see if that holds me over a little better than the protein bar.Anyway - back to him - he's doing great, and has lost like 7 pounds in the last 3 days... I'm so proud of him for being able to endure these first 7 days - because I know at this will be the hardest part of the surgery process for right now.
See, when you wake up from surgery of this type - you absolutely DO NOT want a single thing to eat... I mean it doesn't even cross your mind when you wake up. It's this time before that point that I know can't be easy - knowing that you physically could eat... but you aren't allowed to - that's harder to me. The mental game is always harder for me. So while he's hungry and all of that yucky stuff... he's adapting really well.
He's even come up with his own recipe for a soup that he can eat. They told him he could have some veggies - so he's been slicing up mushrooms really thin and putting it into beef bullion. He seems to be doing well - and he's not miserable.
I on the other hand have some serious guilt issues going on - and I'm desperately trying not to eat in front of him. I stand in the kitchen to eat smaller meals, and build barricades for the meals that I can't get away from sitting down to eat. It's only for another few days - then we'll adjust to our new normal again.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Not Sure
I'm not entirely sure, but I think that I'm having sympathy pains for John... he started the 7 day liquid diet today for his pre-op, and seriously ya'll I just tried to eat a meal and it made me queasy. YUCK! I ended up throwing a good amount of it away... and when you pre-portion things - that means that I ate about 1/2 of what I'd normally eat.
Still waiting on the doctor's offices to call me back with some information - haven't been able to go in for the second round of hormone testing yet because... well... my body clearly doesn't function on it's own - so I've asked how long we sit in this holding pattern before we take a serious look at moving it forward by chemical means and/or make darn sure that there isn't something else creating the problem.
I'll share more when I know more...
*** Update - I just talked to the doctor's office, and she is checking with the doctor. I'm officially on day 31, and they will likely put me on a medication to kick start a new cycle. We are checking about taking precautions and doing some sort of a pregnancy test before starting any medications - just on the unlikely chance that I might be pregnant even with an extremely low progesterone level.
Still waiting on the doctor's offices to call me back with some information - haven't been able to go in for the second round of hormone testing yet because... well... my body clearly doesn't function on it's own - so I've asked how long we sit in this holding pattern before we take a serious look at moving it forward by chemical means and/or make darn sure that there isn't something else creating the problem.
I'll share more when I know more...
*** Update - I just talked to the doctor's office, and she is checking with the doctor. I'm officially on day 31, and they will likely put me on a medication to kick start a new cycle. We are checking about taking precautions and doing some sort of a pregnancy test before starting any medications - just on the unlikely chance that I might be pregnant even with an extremely low progesterone level.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)