cholecystectomy

When I first started working in this field, I had no idea what that word meant when I ran across it in medical histories. You find it a lot. Now I'd like to go back and see how many women had to have their gallbladder removed shortly after a pregnancy. You know, just out of curiosity.

Had it removed on Tuesday morning. Anesthesia is awesome. That was the second time in about a month that I've woken up and thought, "Yea! I'm alive!" Of course, that was after a few seconds of getting my bearings. I had really good medical folks around me. I especially liked the anesthesiologist. She took extra time explaining things and gave me my IV just because she had a little free time. Great placement, almost no bruising. Apparently everything went well, and I hear that my surgeon said I would not have an outtie during the next pregnancy. (Just for the record, I didn't have one during the last pregnancy and no stitches were required to keep it that way.)

So, yeah. Only 2 small incisions--one in my belly button (which looks freaking awful right now) and one around the middle of my abdomen. Very small. I'm glad I read up on how people feel post-surgery. I assumed I'd be sore and in some pain (yes and yes) but I would have been totally thrown by the right shoulder pain. When they pump you full of air so they can see what they're doing, some of it stays in you and travels to your shoulder apparently. It's oddly been one of the worst parts. I'm very grateful that I didn't have nausea or vomiting. I have no idea how someone could throw up feeling this way. It would make me want to cry and then I'd be in pain from surgery, vomiting, and crying. Whew, so glad I dodged that bullet.

This morning I'm feeling a little better. I feel more of the pain when it's getting close to the time I'm supposed to take my meds. And then they make me drowsy so I'm just all kinds of fun to be around right now. The other unexpected part of this? I knew I wouldn't be able to lift the little Chicken or really take care of her like I normally do but goodness. It's hard to not be able to do that. And I'm now very aware at how often she makes me laugh because I have to do what I can to avoid that and the subsequent discomfort.

Well, I think that's it. Just wanted to jot a little down but it may not be that coherent--yea drugs! (Like baby brain wasn't bad enough...) Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, etc.