Post Cholecystectomy

I was a nervous wreck a week prior to my surgery, even though I had positive feedback from colleagues, friends and family who assured me that I will be just fine. I didn't like the idea of having my bellybutton cut.

As much as I hated missing work and training, I was fully supported by my trainer and supervisor. The understanding was, as long as I continue to show a good performance at work, taking my health into consideration as a priority is worth more to them than missing time from work without cause or reason. This gesture alone meant a lot to me.

On the day of my surgery, I was asked a lot of questions about my health history. So far, things went well until the anesthesialogist came and rushed in the drugs through the IV tube like wildfire. It really stung so bad that my skin turned red.

I woke up coughing like a madman after the surgery. The nurse had to tap my shoulder 3 times to get me to wake up. My lip was bruised so badly, that it swelled. Other than that, the surgeon told me I did great. The procedure was like "textbook".

My husband drove us home after the surgery. When I came home, I fell fast asleep and didn't wake up until 4:00 the next morning.

The first thing my husband gave me was a cup of Jell-O. It was really good. By mid-afternoon after a good nap, my husband had bought me a bell-hop bell. I didn't think he had taken me seriously when I asked him if he could be my bell-boy. Ha, he's such a sweetie!

It was a challenge getting showered since I was instructed not to get my sutures wet.

The coughing was still a problem, but I was surprised I was able to keep my food down. I tried some chicken noodle soup. So far, so good.

My husband returned from the grocery store with Honey Vanilla Camomile tea which help tremendously with the coughing.

I figured since I've been doing so well, I'd try some chicken nuggets. Unfortunately, it was still too soon for solid food. My chest hurt like it did the first time I even knew what the symptoms meant. So, I took 2 pills of the painkillers and I fell right asleep like Briar Rose.

So far, the soup and the Jell-O have been kept well without any complications.

As for now, I will continue having soup and Jell-O. One step at a time. Hopefully by then the coughing will subside.

I am ever grateful to have such a wonderful husband. My daughter pitched in with the house chores. My sisters pitched in too. I am truly blessed.

Getting Older has its toll

"One bowl and a cup at a time to healthy living and a well-balanced diet"

For the past weeks or so, I've been feeling like an overloaded balloon waiting to pop. After several days researching online what my symptoms could be, I decided to alleviate my pain by taking warm baths. Of course, with a little help from taking Alka Seltzer.

Just recently it occurred to me that taking heavy dinners is not a good idea. With that being said, I felt so much better this morning.

Ever since I returned to the work force, my time spent taking breakfast has been almost non-existent. The "bad" habits of skipping meals has taken a toll on my body. Almost every waking hour was spent spewing last night's meal and trying different ways to alleviate the bloating aches in my chest and abdomen.

Just to clarify a misunderstanding, I'm not trying to be Bulimic. I'm not blaming the work force either. I am aware that all work experiences are stressful. I was simply stating that my attitude towards stress needs a lot more positive improvement than I'm normally used to.

There were moments of having a small breakfast, a fairly medium lunch and a heavy dinner around 8:00 pm which used to be my bedtime. Other times, I would skip breakfast, take snacks during break time - if at all; take a small lunch and then eat a heavy dinner.

You see, I take the bus to work. The bus stops here from where I'm at are usually a good 10 to 15 minutes of a walk. I have to be there 5 minutes before the quarter of each hour to catch the bus in order to be on time at work. On top of that, I have to walk my daughter to the school bus route at 0-dark-thirty because she cannot be trusted to go out on her own. Depending on the time of day when I feel exhausted and sleep deprived, I take a 30 minute nap before getting ready to work.

So, since this habit has caused more problems than it had been 10 years ago, I have to continually remind myself to take breakfast like I used to; take snacks during break time as I should do; eat lunch as before and have dinner 3 hours before bedtime.

With that being said, I am aware that it's easier said than done, but I will still try to do what I can since my body isn't as young as it used to be. The risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure along with Diabetes runs in the family. These conditions are not something one can just ignore especially when one is a resource of financial support and upbringing. I need to make sure that my "bad" habits are in check - otherwise it will become the end of me. Wish me luck.