Saturday, September 13, 2008

GB GB*

In January of 1997, after suffering through my second abscessed tonsil episode, I had a tonsillectomy.  It was not the most fun recovery ever and I ended up losing 13 pounds over the next two weeks because eating was so difficult.
Two days ago, after suffering through more gall bladder attacks than I care to remember, I had a cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal).  Food doesn't really sound good to me, but because I'm breastfeeding, I need to make sure that I do eat, so unfortunately I won't be losing 13 pounds this time around (although it would be nice since I've still got 10 pounds of baby weight)!
My mother-in-law Jan was gracious enough to fly down from NYC to help out for the day of and the day after surgery.  She took care of all three girls for the majority of the day on Thursday while Patrick waited for me at the hospital.  Yesterday, Patrick had to go to work, so she took care of all FOUR of us girls, making meals, feeding the baby, and shuttling K & B to and from school and other activities.  She had to fly home last night, but we are so grateful for all her help.
I am slowly recovering.  I was prepared for abdominal pain since I have three incisions, but I was not prepared for all the pain up in my neck and shoulders.  Apparently that is from the carbon dioxide they pump your abdomen full of and as it rises in your body, it creates a lot of pressure.  It feels like I have a million knots in my shoulders!  I'm still in a lot of pain, but I'm glad to have the surgery over with and know that I will never have a gall bladder attack again!
Now that I have two non-essential organs removed, I'd just like to go ahead and get the rest out of my body as well.  I mean, with my track record, they're bound to cause me problems in the future.  Do you think my insurance would cover an elective appendectomy?
Thankfully, I got to come home to this cute baby:
IMG_2896
*Can you figure out what the title means after reading this post?

19 comments:

Corrine said...

So sorry to hear about your gall bladder...not fun but you will feel so much better sooner than later!

you might want to hold on to the other "removable organs."

and the trapped air is the worst of all worsts!! walking around is suppose to help :)

GB gall bladder...good bye?

Erin said...

I was thinking "Gall Bladder Good Bye" also.

Congrats on finally getting that thing out. I heard they almost tried to reschedule you again!

I hope you feel better soon!

Stephanie@Soggy Runner Girl said...

I see that everyone is thinking the same as me. Goodbye Gall Bladder! I hope that you are feeling better soon!

Felice Devine said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about that! But, what a great MIL to help out like that.

As for joining me on my goal to break 7 min for the mile -- it would be great to have an RBF along for the ride. But, you really do have to heal up first!!!

Hope you feel better soon.

Anonymous said...

I am glad all those surprising and painful attacks will be gone for good...as for the title I was thinking some sports thing like when they use the asterisk meaning the records were set under different circumstances. But I can't fully work that idea out....oh well. Maybe gall bladder gone bad? gall bladder, good baby? In any case, take it easy and get better.

Lauren said...

Sorry Mere - glad it is over and you were able to have some help.

xo

merathon said...

okay, i guess it was an easy code to crack! it was "good bye gall bladder" but patrick thought it was "gall bladder good baby" too, steph boivie!

Megs said...

She is so darling. I am glad you are feeling a little bit better. Good luck this week.

The Kerr Family said...

Heather and Erin were telling me all the drama surrounding your surgery! I'm so glad that you finally got that darn thing out. And what a great mother in law to fly out and help you.
When you've recovered we definitely have to get together--till then take it easy.

Heather said...

Mer, I had the same shoulder pain after my c-section. Seriously kills! So sorry, I hope that you feel better soon. I wish I was in a better position to help you out. We'll keep you in our prayers : )

Steph said...

That is crazy --- I am with you on getting non-essential organs removed tho --- i wonder if it would make me skinnier by doing that! I am glad you are doing better, and only wish we were there cuz then I could come help you out too since I am no longer working!!! The baby is adorable, and nope-- didn't figure out what the title of the post is supposed to mean?

Kerry and Dave said...

Now here's a post I can COMPLETELY empahtize with! As you may recall, I too had my gallbladder removed when we were in college, soph year. I still remember the pain and thinking I would never be able to do a sit-up again as long as I lived. But it really is amazing how quickly you heal and recover and start to feel better. Hang in there, girl! And I cannot believe you much your baby looks like you!!

Rose said...

Glad it's over and I hope you are recovering well! The princess camp tutu looked way fun for the girls - you're such a great mom and seem to be handling everything amazingly!

jessie said...

I hope you're recovering well and that the pain has subsided! What a random and unwelcome side-effect! :( Emery is just so adorable!

JoEllen said...

Sorry you were under the knife again... hope you're feeling better and up to taking care of everyone else again. What causes gallstones, anyway?

merathon said...

joellen-- they say pregnancy can cause gallstones. apparently it is very common for women who have had children to have this problem.

kerry-- i had forgotten about your gall bladder surgery but now it's all coming back to me. you sure have been through the wringer, haven't you? hopefully no more health issues for the rest of your life now, right? you've definitely put in your time! and thank you for saying emery looks like me. i don't get that too often!

Unknown said...

Not fun! I had the same thing when I had Olea. 6 weeks later gal removal. I totally understand. She is soo cute though!! Sometimes pregnancy is hard with what it brings but definitly worth it. Thanks for stopping by MOMENTS. Hope your day is great!!

Corinne said...

I'm lame and the only thing I could come up with for the title was gall bladder, gall bladder...but I knew I was wrong. Emery is darling...I love the big dark eyes!

The Busby Family said...

I'm sorry you had to go through this, I hope you are feeling better.