Sans Gallbladder

I'm back, reporting to the blog sans gallbladder. Thank you all for the well wishes, calls and visits.

I woke up Friday and was ready to go. I was a bit nervous, but ready to get everything over with. I didn't get up too early because I didn't want time to sit around and feel anxious. I got into my "surgery outfit" aka my navy blue velour jumpsuit from Old Navy that I have been living in since Friday. I definitely channeling J-Lo from 2001 but I have no shame. I don't know why I waited years to get me one of these jumpsuits.

John and my dad took me over to the surgical center and I got prepped for surgery. I got hooked up to every machine imaginable and just waited for the procedure to begin. I hardly remember being knocked out, but I do remember the "martini" my anesthesiologist gave me beforehand. I didn't even know when they were knocking me out, it just happened and then I woke up in my recovery room and was struggling to comprehend the words my surgeon was using as he spoke to me. After a bit, I was able to move up and around and soon after, I headed home. I headed to bed and slept for a bit. Since then I have been up and around, but spending a lot of time resting. I am sore and do not have much energy. I'm looking forward to moving around better and feeling more like myself. Today I was allowed to shower, so that was my biggest feat which totally exhausted me. Yesterday John washed my hair in the sink, so I was able to feel clean and look presentable for a few visitors who stopped by.

I have to admit I was worried about having my dad and John take care of me because I wasn't sure about their nurse qualifications, but I have to say I couldn't have been more wrong. John has been the best caretaker and I can't thank him enough. He has been so attentive to me and knows exactly what I need and when I need it. Who knew? I think he just raised the bar big time. He even created me a 3-foot long straw, so that I could drink without straining to move too much. But his invention didn't go over to well because he forgot about the laws of suction when he placed the glass higher than my head. After the system was primed, water filled my cheeks, cascaded down my face, on my pillow and all over my shirt. We had a good laugh about that, but I couldn't really get a good belly laugh going because of all my incisions. Ouch! I have been wary of the straw since.

I am going to get back to relaxing, watching tv, and not moving around much. Thanks to everyone for thinking about me. Here are a few pictures (compliments of Keenan) from Thanksgiving with the Burkett's. I know gallbladder talk and food don't mix well, so I apologize for that. But in my world, my gallbladder, food, and everything for that matter, go hand in hand right now.

Thanksgiving dinner

All the goodies

Baby Luke has his little seat at the table
All the guests at the table looking at baby Luke!

Me and John

Me and Keenan (why hasn't anyone told me my glasses are crooked?!)

Me and Johnny again

Saturday night party...thugs and groupies?

Yes, most definitely.