Pain and I are having a conversation today, and have agreed to try to co-exist in moderation. I am nursing it with Tylenol, as I have been since two days post-op, but I do have something stronger in the event that conversation isn't enough.
I have always said "I am better with pain than I am with pain meds", but that was before I saw the effect that uncontrolled pain has on healing...no bueno. My trusted dear friends that so generously offer me their professional advice remind me often that there is absolutely no honor in suffering, and that BellyBean is safe thanks to the careful watch of Dr Thompson, my beloved surgeon on this case.
I had big plans for the day...laundry and showering and cooking and reading and stitching and all of the other things that rattle around in my brain, but resting with my face in the sun is my only accomplishment thus far, and I'm perfectly happy with that.
This little road trip isn't at all linear. There are a lot of twists and turns and stops and pauses and even a few retreats to feeling a bit worse rather than better than the day before. I suppose that selecting "surrender" as my word for the year was somehow clairvoyant. I meant it in the sense of surrendering stress and worry and the need to run run run and go go go, but now I see that it actually means surrendering control and the need to always be the boss of things.
I had the Blessing of the Sick from a priest when I was in the hospital. He spoke with a very heavy accent, so when he asked if he could provide this Sacrament, I thought it meant that he was giving me Last Rights. It was very odd, actually, since the only thing I felt wash over me was complete peace, since I figured there was nothing I could do but pray, and as he applied the holy oil on my forehead he actually prayed that I would surrender all fear and worry and just trust that all would be well and according to plan.
Yowsa.
So. No big updates or long lists of things I accomplished today, I'm afraid. But I'm here and very happy to be so. Blankets are tucked, heating pads are on, and for now I'm really enjoying the slow and quiet of a late Sunday afternoon.
Are you well, Dearies? Are you, too, learning how to live in the slow and quiet? Come tell me all about your adventures!
First - let's hear it for heating pads.
ReplyDeleteI was going to ask the other day how your pain was but thought it was too much of a question. Non of my business sort of thing.
It sounds like you are approaching dealing with it in the right way.
I like the idea of your face lying in the sun. Seems like a good thing to do when your list is just a list.
I like your hospital priest story and the peace you found.
I'm having a pleasant quiet rainy day. Took a walk after church before the rain came, and then worked on a quilt and made shipwreck stew for later. Plan to watch Olympics and cross stitch this evening. I hope you have some peace every day despite the health challenges you continue to deal with.
ReplyDeletePraying for you to stay strong. Take it easy when you need to! Stitching and watching the Olympics ( figure skating is my favorite). Once when I was watching with one of my granddaughters I said now I know why I didn't make it to the Olympics. After a shocked look on her face she asked why She was at the age she thought I could do anything. With a straight face I said I could only skate forward. She laughed and said oh grandma!
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to learn to grab that brass ring. I want, so much, to learn to let go and know that God has this. I'm trying to let go of the things I have no control over. It's very hard. But I will keep trying to rest in God. Take care. Bask in the sunlight, enjoy the quiet. Unfortunately I will be out dragging my ice filled gutter to the garage for repairs. It came tumbling down last night. Oh the joys of Ohio winters!
ReplyDeleteConi, being there to rest with your face in the sun is a great achievement! If you need pain meds to help you rest that doesn't make it any less of an accomplishment, it just gives your body that little bit of help it needs to relax and heal. Elaine in Oz
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are doing better and taking care of yourself. My doctor told me after a major surgery to take the pain meds because they let your body heal without fighting pain control. No shame in that! Hope your sunshine continues in Hoosier-land and spring comes early!
ReplyDeleteYour paragraph on the sacrament of the sick really moved me. The absolute peace you felt gives me hope that that peace will continue. You are not done yet - God has more he needs you to do. Your courage is inspirational. Keep it up and keep stitching.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for your recovery dear Coni! Your priest story was an inspiration to me as I am traveling a difficult road at this time. May God's blessing be upon you!
ReplyDeleteNaomi in Okla.
Nothing kicks a person quite like abdominal surgery. Pause, rest and please don’t overdo. Been there, done that…no fun.
ReplyDeleteAmy in NJ
Heading off to Fiber Friends this morning, but popping in to say hello and a prayer has been said on your behalf this morning, dear Coni. Rest, be peaceful and rest some more!
ReplyDeleteI’ve been traveling and not able to read your posts. Went from southern Indiana to Daytona Beach FL. Quite a change in the weather.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you feel okay to post. It’s a hard journey but each day, hour, minute is a step closer to being back to your normal. Prayers always. 🙏
Obviously (to me) you are Catholic. Perhaps you'll find peace in knowing there's a reason you've been chosen to join in Christ's suffering this Lent - you are blessed- peace, dear girl. Big hugs and continued prayers- psv
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