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How I spent my summer vacation

by | Jul 19, 2009 | Behind the scenes!

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How I spent my summer vacation


Disclaimer: This post was written under the influence of Oxycodone.
July 19, 2009

The Behind the Scenes Story

Because inquiring (and caring!) minds wanted to know, I’ll tell you all what happened behind the scenes of my surgery! It actually all started a couple of weeks ago. Remember the night my hubby and I went out to dinner and I was so pleased that we chose a date over working? Well, it was actually not a good idea. Had I stayed home to work, none of this might have happened.

Usually we eat quite healthfully, limit our meat, eat whole grains, plenty of organic fruits and vegetables and we avoid preservatives and anything artificial. We don’t eat much junk food and just generally try to keep healthy. But once in awhile we break free of all that and just have a fun night out, so the night in question we tried a new restaurant and had … ribs! Ribs, mashed potatoes, YUM. And we washed them down on the way home with, get ready for it … {ducks head in shame} a Dairy Queen Peanut Buster Parfait Sundae. Yes we did. Blissfully delicious and ridiculously fattening, non? Yes. I couldn’t even finish the sundae, I was so stuffed.

At about two that morning I woke up in horrible pain between my ribs. Yes, the irony of my pain and what I had for dinner was not lost on me, even in the pain. But, I told myself, who wouldn’t be in pain after that kind of overindulgence! Ha! But just in case, I went to the urgent care the next morning to check it out. They weren’t sure what it was but over the next couple of weeks I had some blood work and then an ultrasound. Much to my surprise, I was having gallbladder trouble. Guess that overindulgence was not a good idea after all. The date night was a good idea, the food was not. I am fairly healthy so it was so weird for me to hear I had anything wrong with me!

They scheduled me for a consultation with a doctor later this month and I went on my merry way. Apparently it wasn’t too serious because no one was concerned enough to let me know what could happen. They didn’t even meet with me to talk about what DID happen. It seemed pretty routine and not out of the ordinary. It was something they could put off for “later.” I was doing pretty well after that one attack, just going back to my normal diet and avoiding anything like Dairy Queen! I was sure my troubles were over.

Off to Portland

So last Sunday the kids and I drove down to Portland so my son could go to daycamp all week. My husband had to stay home t0 work and the girls and I were just going to stay at our old house and do a bunch of errands during the week (tax free shopping!). But Sunday night I started feeling awful again. That night I called the doctor and they said to call back the next day when the primary doctor was in. The next day I called back and they said take advil and tylenol and as long as I could tolerate the pain to just wait it out until my appointment. I continued to blog, but that was about it. I was really in pain. The next day I called back and they said they could call in vicodin for the pain.

Meanwhile, I was getting pretty concerned. Three days in a row of pain is tough on even with a high tolerance for pain. Something seemed wrong with that plan. I didn’t have a fever or jaundice or any of the other signs of infection, just the pain. I finally decided I needed to take matters into my own hands and go to the E.R. just in case. Afterall, our old house is in the neighborhood of OHSU which is a world renowned hospital so it wasn’t that far to go.

That morning I scheduled my Beautiful Life Friday post to go out just in case I didn’t get back in time. Before I left for the hospital, we had a real estate agent coming over to preview our house for a client. I was totally in pain but I still walked around and tried to sell all its best features. I bet he didn’t even know I thought I could pass out while talking to him.

Heading to the E.R.

It was weird, once I got to the ER I was the one in the waiting room who looked totally fine. I was in pain but I was the only one not rolling around groaning or crying. I even took a shower and put makeup on before I went and put on a cute outfit. The nurses kept stopping to say, “I know you are sick but your top is really cute!” I had to chuckle at myself. I’m not good at being or acting sick. Guess I should have gone in my jammies. I thought I was probably overreacting to the pain and didn’t need to be there. I thought surely they were going to send me home with more tylenol.

How I spent my summer vacation

I thought it was so nice of them to personalize my lung expander. “Inspired”… so clever of them!
Watch for a whole line of “inspired” medical products for sale on my blog soon.

When it came time for my turn for a follow up ultrasound in the E.R., I walked up two levels to get to the room — no wheel chairs for me. My tech took one look and said my gallbladder looks ANGRY! Oh no. ANGRY? So long story short, I was scheduled for emergency surgery the next day and I couldn’t go home. They wanted to put me on antibiotics all night to hopefully clear up some of the infection for a safer surgery. I was so glad they had a laproscopic procedure which sounded quick, easy and I’d be on my way back home in no time.

Time for Surgery

The morning of the surgery the surgeon looked me in the eyes and said my gallbladder was quite infected — I had to be cut open, no laser surgery. He was concerned about the infection. The recovery was going to be painful. I was so taken aback by that news of needing the full surgery that for the first time since being in the hospital, tears started streaming down my face. My poor sensitive middle daughter saw my tears and she got all teary too. I felt so bad for her seeing me there ready for surgery with tubes in my arms being told I had a serious situation before me. My mom was there too, and I could see her fighting back tears. My poor husband hadn’t even made it back from Seattle and he was on the phone in unbelief at what was happening. I pulled myself together, reassured my daughter and said to get started.

Before I even knew what hit me, I was out.

After Surgery

I woke up and felt surprisingly good. I was SO relieved just to be alive! Guess the anesthesia was still working in the beginning, which was why I felt pretty good, because the next few days in recovery were pretty painful. I am figuring out the whole pain medicine thing now and learning to roll a certain way to get out of bed! Even though I am out of commission for the next couple of months, in all likelihood, I am grateful to have lived to tell the tale and be on the road to recovery. It could be worse. I am counting my blessings.

After returning home, I ended up being allergic to the prep salve they put on me prior to surgery so my whole abdomen is red, blotchy and itchy. I have 8 metal looking staples across my ribs. Thanks to that scar, I will never ever forget the night I decided to have ribs for dinner. Oh what a mistake that was!

I am still shocked that I had to have surgery. It all happened so fast! The only surgery I have ever had was having my tonsils out when I was five. I don’t even have dental work. This is unusual for me to be in pain or out of commission, but it is probably one of those good lessons in life to slow down. I have been running at full steam while under stress for a long time. It is just how my life has been for the last couple of years, one thing after another!  I’m not happy about the pain, but I will be forced to let go of a lot of the expectations I had put upon myself and just focus on resting and healing. That is good.

70 Comments

  1. Julie

    Bless your heart! I have been an R.N. longer than anyone should know and believe me, I would have given you lots of T.L.C. and explained things clearly to you. Two areas sadly lacking in hospitals these days. Sounds like you get the picture now and with your parents there you are in good hands. Please rest, drink lots of fluid and REST, yep, I said it again.

    Prayers are coming your way……….

    Reply
  2. Dianne

    Hi, I just went through the same thing. Recovery was not as long as they anticipated. AND…I feel so much better than I ever knew I could without my gall bladder. It’s amazing! I hope you do as well.

    Reply
  3. Marcy

    Melissa,
    I’m so glad you are doing well and are learning how to rest and slow down. And how I love that you were taking photos along the way!

    I’m glad that you’ve kept your sense of humor and have family to take care of you. Enjoy your view from that beautiful bedroom.

    Marcys inspiring blog post..I should have known…

    Reply
  4. Astrid

    Oh my Goodness! I’m so glad you’re okay! I hope you recovery quickly…and have lots of help until then!

    Astrids inspiring blog post..* Wyalusing

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Thanks Astrid, I am sure I’ll be on the mend pretty quickly!

      Reply
  5. Claudia

    Oh darlin– I have a 13″ scar from the exact surgery… only it was from hmmm lets see, oh just a couple of days ago… :) ok about 30 years to be exact *coff*! But yes, even though i had 3 children the pain from my gall bladder attacks were 10 times more painful.

    After my the birth of my first baby, 6 weeks later i was in a hospital doing the thing you were doing. I had thought it was “gas” from the rearranging of my insides after my C-section. New baby, rushed off to the hospital thinking i was dieing– no wonder my husband was beside himself! :)

    Drinking water and coughing a lot (dontcha hate when the nurses tell you to cough – when actually all you want to do is punch the next person who tells you that?) — will get you back on your feet.

    Best wishes, some blog- balloons! and prayers to you!

    TTFN~~Claudia ♥

    Claudia@DipityRoads inspiring blog post..Hydrangea

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Oh, 13 inch scar sounds nasty!

      Reply
  6. Mrs.Rabe

    Likely you had issues before the Ribs! They just probably kicked it up a notch! Mine was infected and I was 7 weeks pregnant, when I had mine out..my little guys was fine! Praise God! They were able to do the laproscopic surgery! The recovery is much easier than what you had to go through.
    That pain from Gallbladder problems is not fun at all!

    Mrs.Rabes inspiring blog post..A Beautiful Day

    Reply
    • Melissa

      I’ve heard pregnancy can trigger problems, and having multiple pregnancies as I have probably contributed along the way to my gallbladders anger problem! It sounds horrible to have it out when you are pregnant! Glad it took care of it and you were both safe!

      Reply
  7. Lisa

    Now, don’t be goin’ around blaming a delicious plate of ribs! Let me tell you some of the indicators that suggest you could be susceptible to gallbladder issues:
    White
    Woman
    Between 20 and 40 years old
    Have had children
    Overweight
    Others in your family have had it
    That’s a few of the ones I remember from when I had mine out. I actually hit every one of those markers at the time. I’m no longer overweight and am 11 years past 40, but the rest remains the same!!
    Time for you to enjoy some great books, movies and healing time!
    One of my daughters just went through a pregnancy, during which she was diagnosed with melanoma. It changed our whole winter/early spring as we were involved in caring for her, her 2 year old and newborn sons, husband and home. One of the things I asked her was “What would Heavenly Father want you to learn during this time? NOT that He caused it, but what did she think she needed to learn. Of course, for her the answer was to accept help from others and realize she can’t do it all by herself. A tough lesson for anyone to learn!
    Best of luck to you. Seriously, don’t lift anything heavier than a mouse!

    Lisas inspiring blog post..Catching up…catching kids….catching colds

    Reply
    • Melissa

      True story, I had never had a discernible problem before the ribs. I am sure our relatively healthy diet prevented me from suffering for a long time prior, like some people do, so I am thankful for that. Knowing the ribs triggered my big attack makes it a funnier story than saying I am an overweight white mother just over age 40. Don’t you think? HA! But thanks for setting me straight for any one who didn’t get the humor, you are right. It clearly was more than the ribs. All sorts of issues can contribute.

      Reply
  8. Jane

    Great place to recoup.
    I have not seen the photos before, however I am INSPIRED but the flower box in the window nook.

    Hope you feel better really soon ….

    Janes inspiring blog post..cat portrait

    Reply
  9. melissa stover

    that sounds terrible. but i’m glad it’s all behind you. surgery is tough. take it easy.

    melissa stovers inspiring blog post..Show and Tell (out of the green zone)

    Reply
  10. Victoria Hayden

    Melissa, I am so glad you are o.k.! I know how scary something like this can be and out of the blue. I am the same way, I have high pain tolorence and hope no one can see when I am in a lot of pain. A great lesson learned though, was that during a medical crisis I was having, sometimes we have to stop and let others give service to us and take a break! I hope you are doing much better and will feel like your self in no time! I really like this behind the scenes and look forward to more posts.

    Hugs to you,
    ~Victoria~

    Victoria Haydens inspiring blog post..The Whimsy Spotlight is, L. Herbert Designs…

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Thanks Victoria. I think that is true, for those of us who like to take care of ourselves we need to learn to let go and admit when we need to be taken care of!

      Reply
  11. Nancy Offermann

    Awww, so sorry to hear about your sudden surgery! I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Luckily, one thing you can do while recovering is -write your blog! And that is lucky for us!!!
    Best Wishes,
    ~Nancy

    Nancy Offermanns inspiring blog post..Marshalls,etc. Goodies

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Thanks dear, I appreciate it. Yes, I can do more writing and even more fun for me, I can VISIT more blogs! Yay!

      Reply
  12. Kim

    Melissa, I am sorry you had to go through all of this…..how terribly scary and painful. I can tell you I am skipping my ice cream tonight after just reading your story! Sharing your story will help us other overweight, mothers just over 40! PS: I have been enjoying your site for months now. Thanks for all you are doing! take care!

    Reply
  13. Bella Casa

    Wow, Melissa, what an ordeal! I am so glad that you are surrounded by your family and familiar places, that must really help <3

    I love your Inspired line of medical products…you are always thinking ahead ;)

    Take good care.

    Bella Casas inspiring blog post..Autumn and Halloween Decor at The Dollar Tree

    Reply
  14. laney

    …go look out one of your windows…if the prayers could be seen…the sky would be filled to overflowing just for melissa…love …hugs…and always… blessings too many to count…

    Reply
  15. Dawn-Hydrangea Home

    Melissa,
    So sorry to hear about your emergency. I hope you recover faster than they expect and with no more pain. Sometimes we’re forced to relax! Guess it’s your time to take it easy.
    Dawn

    Dawn-Hydrangea Homes inspiring blog post..Pink Friday "An English Cottage"

    Reply
  16. Jenny

    Melissa,
    What a terrible story! Glad you are on the mend! I won’t bore you with my own horror stories but be aware that the pain can return and be treated! NO ONE tells you that!

    Jenny @ L.O.T.s of Loves inspiring blog post..Rogaine?

    Reply
  17. Michelle

    May our Lord Jesus heal you quickly! I love your blog!

    Reply
  18. rachel

    i’m so sorry! i’m sure this is NOT the way you wanted to spend your time at your old home! praying for a fast recovery & continued good spirits. and i’m glad your family is with you- they obviously love you very much! (i totally teared up when you wrote about your daughter & your mom being in the room when you got the bad news- it can be so hard to love people SO much!)

    Reply
  19. stephanie

    Wow! You handled that a lot better that I probably would have – away from my husband and faced with emergency surgery. Glad you are resting and recuperating well.

    stephanies inspiring blog post..Weekend Links

    Reply
  20. Catherine

    Melissa,
    I’ll add you to my prayer list for a quick recovery. Best wishes and a big hug!
    Cathie

    Catherines inspiring blog post..Wedding in Eureka Springs

    Reply
  21. SJN

    The #1 thing I learned from having cancer is that YOU have to be your own best advocate. Good thing you did what you felt you needed to do at the time. Who knows where you’d be if it had burst.
    Rest up and take good care of yourself. I know sitting is probably not so comfy at the moment. You’ll be back to new, but it does take awhile so be patient.

    SJNs inspiring blog post..I {heart} shabby chic

    Reply
  22. The Pleasures of Homemaking

    I’m so sorry you and your family had to go through such a scary episode! I hate hospitals – I’ve never had to be in one except to have my kid (knock on wood)! I’m glad that you went with your gut instinct to not wait and went to the E.R !

    I hope you have a speedy recovery!

    Manuela

    Reply
  23. Kaye

    I had emergency gall bladder surgery too. I didn’t even know what was wrong with me. Newly divorced, I sat in the emergency room all by myself for six hours on a Friday evening having various tests (didn’t want to bother friends; was sure it was just indigestion – or something). Then the ER doc comes in and says, “Do you have a surgeon you prefer?” Taken aback, I say, “No, but I can check around and get back to you on Monday.” She looks at me with amused tolerance. “You don’t understand. You’re very sick. We can’t let you leave. You need surgery tonight.” me: “But . . but . . . nobody knows I’m here!” Cool ER doc: “We have telephones here!” By then we’re both laughing, but it was indeed a surprise.

    Reply
  24. Jen

    Thanks for sharing this. Things happen so quickly – glad you took yourself to the ER and trusted your instinct. I wish you a speedy recovery. Looks like a great view from your room.

    Jen@ourdailybigtops inspiring blog post..I heart faces – feet

    Reply
  25. Cherri Engle

    Man, that did all happen so fast. I am glad that you came through the surgery well and that each day of recovery is a day closer to you being back to ‘normal’. I bet it is interesting being back at your house. I am sorry to hear that the sale didn’t go through but I am sure glad it was available to you now when you need it. Blessings for a speedy recovery.

    Cherri Engles inspiring blog post..A fun Give-A-Way – to go check out

    Reply
  26. gail gray of a fresh start professional organizing

    Thank you for sharing your story. I hope it is a lesson to us all to trust our insticts when we are not feeling good. Had you kept ignoring the pain it could have been worse. Rest up. At least you are making great posts for us to enjoy!

    Reply
  27. Annie

    So sorry to hear of your yuckiness! Beautiful place to recuperate though. Incidentally, that bed is the exact same bed that I have. I knew that I liked you and your taste!

    Annies inspiring blog post..Goooooooooood Morning Annie!

    Reply
  28. Lisa

    Oh you poor thing! Praying for a quick recovery for you!

    This happened to me shortly after my first daughter was born (apparently it’s common with girls in their 20’s after having kids! go figure!)

    Just really stay away from all the greasy food now, the gallbladder is supposed to break all that grease down…without it….not fun!

    Praying for you!

    Lisas inspiring blog post..The Ultimate Decision

    Reply
  29. Kathy

    Wow! I don’t think you can blame your lovely evening out – it sounds like it was bound to happen at some point. I am so sorry you have to go through this pain, even in the recovery stage. Just do everything they tell you to. I had my appendix removed last year by laparoscopic surgery and, while I still had a two week recovery period, the pain was not too bad.

    Unfortunately, I had also been in the hospital for 4 days (apparently, it almost burst and I think there must have been a little infection there for them to keep me that many days), so two weeks on our den couch with tray table, laptop, plumped pillows and medication wasn’t too bad. I could not wait to get out of the hospital, and even though you are not in your new home, I’m sure you are glad to be out of there.

    Take care of yourself!

    Reply
  30. Rhonda

    {{{HUGS}}} So glad you are better, and yes I am de-lurking to send you these wishes. :)

    Reply
  31. TidyMom

    Wow Melissa – I had no idea that eating something triggered gallbladder! yikes!!

    How strange your whole story is to mine, luckily I didn’t need surgery- but I was just having TERRIBLE abdominal pains and went to the ER just 2 weeks ago – I also had a low fever and slightly elevated white blood cell count – so they just sent me home on Cipro and percocet and I did get better – so now I’m hoping mine doesn’t turn into anything like you had, but now I know what to look out for!!

    Take care and get lots of rest!!
    ~TidyMom

    TidyMoms inspiring blog post..I ♥ Faces week 28-Feet

    Reply
  32. teresa

    Glad to hear that you are okay- scary! Why is it that “Moms” are the best at hiding their pain? I had been thinking and wondering about you all weekend- really glad to hear the whole story-
    Take care & take it easy -{ I know easier said than done}
    Hugs

    teresas inspiring blog post..A Trojan Horse-

    Reply
  33. Julia

    Oh, wow. You’ve really been through the ringer! So sorry you had to have the surgery “the old-fashioned way”–but glad you’re okay and recovering well. Hang in there and get some good rest while you have a chance!

    Julia @ Hooked on Housess inspiring blog post..A House to Kill For in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”

    Reply
  34. Emily

    I had mine out the easy way. Thank goodness that you are OK. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others. Easier said than done. I am a mother of 5 and know how hard that is. I hope you have a safe and fast recovery.

    Emilys inspiring blog post..Memories of childhood.

    Reply
  35. Janet

    Hope you feel better soon. What a lovely place to recoup. Take care.

    Janets inspiring blog post..Pillow Love

    Reply
  36. Brenda Kula

    I remember when I had gall bladder surgery in 2000. I was scheduled for early that morning. And that was to be a very good thing as I have continuous acid reflux problems if I can’t take my medication. Which of course you can’t do before surgery. Unfortunately for me and others, someone came in with a gunshot while attempting to commit some sort of crime. And that took precedence over the rest of us. So I waited almost the entire pain, without food, without medication, and it terrible pain. No, I won’t forget that long day! I’m so glad you’re on the mend. You’ve had so much on your plate. Need to slow down, hon!
    Brenda

    Brenda Kulas inspiring blog post..Garden Party Time!

    Reply
  37. Kristy

    Bless your heart! I had my gallbladder out when my daughter was 2 months old. I had attacks all through the last couple of months of my pregnancy and they never could figure out what was wrong. When I had an attack in the middle of the night when she was 2months old, I thought I would surely die! An ambulance ride and an emergency surgery were my plans for the rest of that night.

    Rest and let your parents take care of you!

    Kristys inspiring blog post..$1.00 Coupon – Expo Dry Erase markers!

    Reply
  38. New Every Morning

    Oh, Melissa! I am so sorry this happened. Hoping for an uneventful and quick recovery.
    Blessings

    New Every Mornings inspiring blog post..Summer Delights

    Reply
  39. jAne

    Been there done that, sweet lady. (( very gentle hug ))

    Gallbladder disease is cumulative in nature so it took years to get to the point of needing surgery. Your rib (etc) meal didn’t disease your gallbladder but certainly woke up it’s angry head. The pain is link none other. It’s a strange, dull yet deeply piercing. My surgeon gave me a dvd of the surgery (ew).

    As info, you may experience heartburn here and there from now on so it would behoove you to have Maalox tablets on hand. A couple in your purse and some in a pretty crystal jar at your bedside. That’s what I do.

    Bless you dearly,
    jAne

    jAnes inspiring blog post..Trouble in Amish Paradise

    Reply
  40. Vee

    Oh Melissa, this very thing happened to my sister the nurse. She had been dieting on one of the popular weight loss plans and then had what she considered a normal meal. Bam.

    I’m so sorry that your troubles escalated like that, but we shall trust God that you are serving as an excellent bad example. ;>

    Bless your parents for taking good care of you…I love your room with a view in your former/current home. Be a good patient and you’ll be so happy to leave that gall bladder behind.

    Vees inspiring blog post..Sarah, Plain and Long

    Reply
  41. Mary

    Melissa- What a blessing you have a comfy room with those wonderful views and pretty flowers to recoup in! I cannot get up our stairs yet and am so glad I had worked on the guest room as one of my first projects since we have so many guests through our home. It is now my bedroom and it too has the sweetest view of my side yard!

    How funny of you , in spite your pain to notice the inspired lung thingy! Those hospital rooms are just not the place to rest are they- 5 days in ICU and another 5 in another room- I was going stir crazy and redecorating those rooms 100 different ways in my mind!!

    Let your family serve you-it is a privilege for them (at least that is what my DH my sisters said when I would try and do things myself)!

    and yes it is a great time to get caught up on blogs!!

    blessings
    mary

    Marys inspiring blog post..Sunday Favorites- A sweet vignette-

    Reply
  42. Brenda

    Reading your ordeal brought tears to my eyes. For you and recalling my own experience, over 20 yrs ago. I had a complicated surgery for an ‘angry’ gall bladder. Two attacks only and boom in the hospital within a week. What was supposed to be routine ended up in a 2 week hospital stay and 2 weeks of home care. After a week in the hospital and finally a bit coherent my best friend cried when she saw me. I was a bit of a mess. And talk about HURT. Oh boy. So I am with you on that one.
    I wish you a speedy recovery, enjoy the TLC, and with thanks to the Lord for watching over you.

    Brenda
    P.S.
    Also, if you are into any holistic, natural recommendations, check out (from a reliable source) what supplementation is good for those functioning without a gall bladder. I have taken Bile salts which helps aid in digestion. Do a bit of research and do what you feel is good for you.

    Reply
  43. Adrienne

    Oh, I could almost feel the pain. I’ve had gallbladder attacks and there’s no pain quite like it. And, having had a couple of surgeries, I know how to pray for your recovery. So glad you did what you felt you should do even though the doctor said to wait. Praying for strength to return soon and for God’s grace to be yours as you take things a bit slow for a time.

    Adriennes inspiring blog post..A Certain Truth

    Reply
  44. Myrnie

    I hope things go well for your recovery, and what a BLESSING you were close to good doctors when you needed them! And you’re right- this is a time for YOU to focus on what is important to you. A friend asked me how I have time to do everything I do. I had to laugh, because I feel like there’s so much I don’t do. BUT, I do the things that are important to me first.

    You are always inspiring and always lovely- I really hope things start smoothing out for you and your family!

    Myrnies inspiring blog post..How You Know You’re a Parent

    Reply
  45. pam

    you poor thing..you are in my prayers…

    Reply
  46. Cathy

    I also had my gallbladder removed 20 yrs ago. The good news is that you are over the worst. I hate hospitals so I felt almost immediately better once I got home. It does take a while to fully recover. The important thing is not to use your stomach muscles, so no lifting or pulling or pushing. Even coughing, sneezing, and laughing can hurt. Sneezing was the worst for me! But you shouldn’t have any trouble reading or working on a computer so you can still get lots done. And you can always visit with your parents. Maybe this was god’s way of giving you a nice long visit with them. :)

    I got gas and, uh, diarrhea, very easily for years afterwards. Your healthy diet will help a lot with that. It does go away eventually but it was literally years for me. And its only once in a while, not all the time.

    Hope you feel better

    Reply
  47. Tiffany

    So glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery!

    Reply
  48. Lorrie

    Oh Melissa, I hope you rest well in your lovely bedroom, while being cared for by your parents. Be sure to keep a notebook beside your bed because I’m sure that once you start feeling better and more energetic, the INSPIRED ideas will flow like water.
    Rest well, use this time as a gift from your heavenly Father.

    Lorrie

    Reply
  49. Beverly

    Melissa, I am so glad you got yourself to the hospital, and got the help you needed. I’ll be praying for a good recovery and return to great health.

    Beverlys inspiring blog post..A Gift Of Blue

    Reply
  50. Rhoda

    Hey, Melissa! What an awful thing to happen, but I’m so glad it turned out as well as it did & you are on the mend now. Feel better, friend! OH, and your view is pretty nice and what a great room to hole up in. Glad you’ve got your parents to help out. xo

    Rhoda @ Southern Hospitalitys inspiring blog post..All for $10

    Reply
  51. annie

    I went through the hard surgery a LONG time ago before the laparoscopy surgery was ever invented. It took several months to be up and around again, and 9 to feel my hips again where they had shot me with pain killer. yikes
    I FEEL for you. I had to cut my meds in fourths in order not to walk into the wall on my way down the hall to the bathroom. Now I know how those drunks feel trying to walk the line.
    That is more painful than any child birth I went through (6). So like the nurse said, REST, drink plenty of fluids and prayers are coming your way.
    ~a

    annies inspiring blog post..Days of ’47 2009 A Smashing Success

    Reply
  52. Tamara

    Oh man, you poor thing! I hear the gall bladder can be an awfully painful thing. I almost went to Dairy Queen on Saturday but now I’m rethinking that idea……..take CARE!

    Tamaras inspiring blog post..What a Difference a Recession Makes

    Reply
  53. Jeanne

    Oh! What a horrible ordeal! And what a trouper you are still blogging and emailing and all through the pain!! Rest and enjoy being loved on for a bit. Take care of yourself – we’re not going anywhere!! :-)
    (Will pray for you, too!)

    Jeanne @ Inspiring Ideass inspiring blog post..Book & Art Print Winners!

    Reply
  54. Elizabeth

    Please rest and get well. As soon as you mentioned the type of pain you experienced I shuddered in memory. Of eight kids in my family only one sister and one brother have a gall bladder left. I suffered with gallbladder pain on and off for several years, but never the infection so Dr. just kept putting it off (family history). Finally it got so frequent that I was scheduled for the laser surgery in 1996, not too bad just 3 little holes. But what you went through was so much worse, no warning and major surgery! My prayers are with you today and as you recover.

    Elizabeths inspiring blog post..My fresh flowers secret

    Reply
  55. mary b

    Hope you have a speedy recovery. Sounds like many others felt better sooner than expected, so hope you do too!

    mary bs inspiring blog post..14 pounds…

    Reply
  56. julie

    so happy to hear you are on the road to recovery!

    Reply
  57. Vickie

    Sometimes He makes you lie down in green pastures. Thanks for all you do for all of us. You are an inspiration. Now rest!

    Reply
  58. Pat

    Melissa I am so sorry to hear you had to go through this!! Hope you are fully recovered soon.

    Mother had Gall Bladder surgery when she was around 75 or so years old. She had the “lap” surgery. She did very well and continued to be feisty the rest of her life.

    I have gall stones and have been told by my doctor what to expect when I have a Gall Bladder attack. I told him I would just as soon hang onto my Gall Bladder…he gave me a look, I couldn’t quite read, hmmm… Thankfully no attack since the stones were diagnosed, over 10 years ago. I have had major abdominal surgery, however, and my advice is to take it easy. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself, while you are getting back into the swing of things.

    Pat@Back Porch Musingss inspiring blog post..~Summertime~

    Reply
  59. Becky K.

    I finally got over here to read this explanation. Wow! What an experience. I am glad you are ok…just know that these things always take longer to recover from than we think they should. So don’t jump back in with both feet the moment you feel better…trust me on this one. :-)

    Becky K.

    Reply
  60. Patty

    You poor thing. I too have had my gall bladder out the “old fashioned way” when the drugs wore off it was some HORRIBLE pain! I went home from the hospital to a 5 month old. You have the surgery and they tell you you cant pick up your baby, yeah that worked out well. You cant believe it but move around as much as possible, it really helps. I hope you are feeling better. P.

    Reply
  61. Lisa

    What an awful experience!! I’m so glad you are OK! First chance I’ve had to come read all about it – just knew bits and pieces from twitter. Hope you are feeling a little better now. A blogger I know in this area just had her gallbladder removed a month ago. I didn’t know it was so common! Now I’m scared, but so far I’m fine!

    Poor Dairy Queen – you are causing their business to suffer so – LOL!! :)

    Prayers for speedy recovery and blessings to you!

    Reply
  62. Emily

    Girl, I do not know how I just noticed this little button on your page, but I am just now reading this.

    What a scary situation. I am so glad it all turned out okay.

    Hugs!!
    .-= Emily@remodelingthislife´s last blog ..A Lived-In Home is a Beautiful Home =-.

    Reply

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