Gallstones

So, about a month ago, my right side started to hurt.  Just occasionally, it would be bothersome, but it would go away.  A wince, then relief.  Then the weekend of March 16 and 17, it started to hurt for longer periods of time.  By Monday, March 18, it hurt continuously.  Particularly after I ate.

Monday led to a stop at the clinic, followed by a visit to my GP, then to a general surgeon.  The prognosis was clear - gallstones.  Thankfully not an inflamed gallbladder, just gallstones.

And of the diagnosis that I was fearing, I'm thankful it was gallstones.  The other option was kidney stones and I really didn't want those.

So, come Monday, April 15, I'll be having my gallbladder out.  Laparoscopic, so it should be outpatient and I should be home by the mid-afternoon.

This should not have been a surprise to me.  Mom and Taylor had theirs out a while ago.  Dad just had his out April 3.  Come Monday evening, Brooke will be the only one of us that hasn't had an issue.

I'll be resting at home Monday evening and working from home at least Tuesday and potentially more depending on how the recovery goes.  Will be posting a followup blog on Monday to let everyone know how it went.  And will also probably be posting a bit on the changes to diet, etc. with the gallbladder removed.

It's been an interesting process so far.  Haven't had anything but water and juice to drink for nearly a month now.  Will be keeping that up following with a few more changes.

We'll see how the next month goes.

Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For #6 - A health I have taken for granted

When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.

Herophilus

Health is the greatest possession.  Contentment is the greatest treasure.  Confidence is the greatest friend.

Lao Tzu

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

Mahatma Gandhi

I'm not a health nut by any stretch of the imagination.  I'm overweight, tired, and out of shape.  And I like food too much and therefore eat what I know I should not.  These, however, are things in my power to change.

For a variety of reasons, I've been checked out fairly thoroughly this year tracking down the source of a seemingly continual fatigue and am in better shape internally than I would have expected.  Apart from needing to watch my blood pressure, I'm not having to take any other continual medication.  I do not have signs of any other serious disease.

I'm thankful for my health.  I'm thankful that my tests have all come back normal, particularly the calcium scan.  I'm thankful that my fatigue seems to come just from the lack of sleep caused by two young children and being out of shape.  I'm thankful for a kick in the pants to be healthier and to do and feel better.

I'm thankful for health insurance and for having health insurance covered by work.  While I'm not excited that I had to meet my deductible this year, I'm grateful for all the other treatments I was able to seek because my deductible had been met.  I'm hopeful for a time where we can fix the mess we created in this area.

I'm thankful for having a healthy family.   For no major injuries or illnesses beyond the experience with Avalyn's broken clavicle.  Thankfully a relatively minor injury that just required her to be in a sling.  I'm prayerful that we continue to remain healthy and well.

I pray for those who need healing, for those that need coverage, for those that need strength and support.  I pray for those who are recovering, for those who are struggling.  I pray for healing for us all.

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

Jeremiah 17:14

L'chaim.  To life.

Resting

Woke up this morning and every muscle I have was so sore and tight had to take myself in to the clinic.  They think it is just a viral infection, so I've got an anti-inflammatory and am told to rest.  Am doing so now.

Just wanted to drop a line regarding why there has been no blog.  Things are scheduled out for the next few days already.