Sunday, September 26, 2021

Since Last We've Talked, I've Lost An Appendix


 Lovely, eh?

This is where I woke up this morning. I was home soon after but it was quite an unexpected turn of events for me yesterday. 

I started having abdominal pain yesterday morning. And it just kept getting worse and worse. Some nausea but not really. And nothing relieved the pain. I curled up on the bed but that didn't help. I walked around a bit but that didn't help. Maurice stuck with me the whole time, wherever I was. My nurse cat. Finally, I told my husband that I needed to go to an ER. And the last time that happened was in 1988 and I had a kidney stone. So you know I felt there was something seriously wrong.

Our main hospital in Tallahassee has a free-standing ER in another part of town from the hospital and that's where a friend of ours who is a scrub nurse recommended we go. And so we did. There was almost no wait-time and there were hardly any people there at all. I was soon in a room with an IV started and blood being drawn and was given pain meds which really did almost nothing. It was severely intense. My poor husband wanted to help me so bad and I couldn't even stand for him to touch me. They suspected...I don't know. Something that didn't sound right to me but then they did a CT scan and soon I was being told that my appendix was the culprit. I appear to have had a very large and very swollen appendix which stretched across my belly farther than it should have been. 
Really? 
And the ER doc informed us that he had already consulted with a surgeon and that thing was coming out that night. 
And indeed it was. 

They transferred me to the hospital in a "vanbulance" and by this time I'd been given some morphine and was not in a bad mood at all. As one can imagine. I kept apologizing for being so loopy but everyone was so kind to me and the man who rode in the back of the van with me chatted with me the whole way. You'll never guess what we talked about- Mormons! 
It started when he told me the story of his worst pain which was a kidney stone. He was in Africa at the time and had no access to good health care. I asked him if he'd been on a Mormon mission and no, he had not, but a large part of his family IS Mormon. 
Haha! 
I told him about my Mormon Stories obsession and we had quite a bit to talk about. 

We got to the hospital and again, the part I was in was almost absolutely deserted except for staff and perhaps one other patient that I saw. I have to say that if you're going to get emergency surgery, do it at night! By this time it was quite late. The surgeon came in and gave me his little speech. I liked him fine. Our scrub nurse friend had given him a very high recommendation and that made me feel quite relieved. All of the staff were just as nice as could be. There's a different vibe in a hospital at night, isn't there? The anesthesiologist came in and we went through his long form of questions and explanations. His assistant gave me the pre-op meds in my IV, and I have a very vague memory of being wheeled down the hallway on a stretcher I moved to on my own steam and the last thing I remember is looking up at the OR lights and thinking, "They haven't turned them on yet," and then I was waking up back in the area I'd been before and I have little memory of that, surprisingly, although they told me that all had gone well. They did the surgery laparoscopically and I have three different bandages which I'm fairly sure cover small incisions. 

Glen had been waiting the whole time in the surgical waiting room which he said was completely empty and they let him come up and see me. He'd had to go through the entire situation without any drugs at all! How unfair! 

And then they wheeled me to the room I spent the night in. My nurse was named Mary- second Mary nurse of the day for me. And it was the typical night in a hospital. But I was so relieved to not be in pain and have everything taken care of that I was not bothered. I was able to get up (with assistance) to go to the bathroom and Mary made sure that my pain was under control. It was never that bad. I'd been told that I could go home in the morning and sure enough, by nine or so, I think, I was out of there. The surgeon had come by at 6:30, just getting off his shift, to make his last rounds and he woke me up by shaking my feet which is so like a surgeon, isn't it? 
I've been told that I can do whatever I feel like with the exception of lifting anything heavier than ten pounds for three weeks. 

Mr. Moon, almost as tired as I was, drove me home and it was so good to get back into my own bed. Maurice resumed her nursing duties. She had slept with Glen the whole night before. 


Can you see that she's been in another fight? 
That cat. 

I've slept almost the whole day while Mr. Moon went back to town to get my prescription for pain meds which I'm not even sure I need and some food and stuff. 

He's resting now. 

I did fold some clothes and am trying to move around some because I know I should. They pump air into you when they do laparoscopy and it can take a while to make its way out, I hear, causing a lot of shoulder pain. So far I've had none of that but would like to avoid it. Again, our scrub nurse friend said that walking and GasX can help. 

I've missed the big Owen, Lily, Vergil, August birthday party today. Mr. Moon did go by there with a card and some money for Owen. He is twelve years old today! 

The kids have all offered so much help but we really don't need much, I think. If any. It has been a very different experience for me. I have never had an organ removed in my life. Never a real surgery. I truly have to say that I was treated with such compassion and care in both of the facilities I was in. I was not even in a panic to leave this morning. In a strange way, that little hospital room was quite cozy, even with the bedside commode right there. I am grateful that I did not need it. I am grateful not to be in pain. I am grateful for the fact that we have insurance. I am grateful for the fact that we are close to medical help. I am not grateful that my appendix went out on me but I am very grateful that it is gone now. 
I am grateful to medical science. I am grateful for pain meds and compassion. 
I am most grateful for my husband, my family, whom I knew were loving me, even when I could not bear touch. Who are here to take care of me if I need it. 

I am grateful to be where I can see the sun going down and my chickens out in the yard in peaceful Lloyd.

Love...Ms. Moon

P.S. Please forgive my grammatical errors here. I'm still working through these meds. 

85 comments:

  1. i'm so sorry you had to get through all that but at the same time it seems fortunate it happened once you got home and could be amongst your own things as you heal up. get some more rest and please take it easy!

    xxalainaxx

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    1. Absolutely! For what it was, it was the best it could have been. And I am taking it easy. I promise.

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  2. I am SO sorry to hear you had to lose your appendix, but thankful you were well cared for and will recover at home with Mr Moon and your family to tend to you. Bless YOUR heart, dear Mary, and take it easy. If I were 2,000 miles closer, I would bring you a casserole and chicken soup! Much love to you
    Susan M

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    1. Ummm...
      Just for fun- what kind of casserole would you make? Fantasy food is almost as good as the real thing.

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    2. would have been my Mom's Ham and Broccoli bake casserole.....filled with unhealthy but very tasteful things! LOL
      Susan M

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  3. Oh my goodness, what a shock for you. So glad you are ok now and back home.
    Take care and rest up. Jan x

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  4. I was worried when you didn't post yesterday. Little did I know why. So happy everything went well with your surgery. I had mine removed as an eight year old and I was in the hospital for ten days. Yes, 10 days! Can't imagine that today. Take care of yourself. Let Maurice nurse you back to health (with the help of Mr. Moon). Hugs, Elaine

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    1. Ten days! Jesus! Things have certainly changed and I am so thankful for laparoscopic surgery! Maurice is doing a great job. So is Mr. Moon.

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  5. well gee whiz, Mary, Welcome home- Have an organ removed just to balance the utterly swell holiday that you had. Glad it went so well and that you got in before it burst as that can really put one out of sorts. Maurice is a weirdo- doesn't like being in a cat body when last lifetime she was probably a queen's right hand. Sweet of that cat to be vigilant.
    Never apologize for spelling or grammar, never- it gives the grammar police something to do- keeps them busy and validated. I leave all of my mistakes in just to appease them.
    Walk to the fridge and get something fruity- nap, walk to the fridge again, nap - continue until the end of next week. Feel better, love

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    1. Right? Oh well. Who needs that organ? It lasted sixty-seven years which is a good run for an organ, I think.
      I cannot for the life of me figure out why Maurice is so attentive and loving when we are not well. Your explanation is as good as any. She is a confused but lovely soul.
      I'm trying NOT to nap because I want to sleep at night. So far, so good. But I am looking forward to a shower and bed tonight.

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  6. OMG Mary!!! so glad you were already home when it decided to go south on you. so glad it was all taken care of in a timely fashion and you are home and recovering. we just never know when our bodies are going to give us a kick in the ass.

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    1. No kidding! But I am glad my body waited until the right moment. If I'd been on the road...god knows what sort of hospital I would have been in. We were on the deep backroads.

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  7. There you go, you just validated why I worry a bit if you don't post everyday. LOL. Take it easy as you can.

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    1. Haha! If I don't write a post, there is usually a reason connected to wifi but in this case...
      But I'm fine.

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  8. Good thing you were home when this happened. And I'm impressed you can write whole sentences already after the surgery. So glad they've invented laparoscopic surgery. I had a couple of big deals with the old fashioned kind, weeks to recover, all kinds of aftercare needed. Very happy you had an easier path. So that's one you won't have to repeat anyway! One and done.Now please rest.

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    1. Yes! Laparoscopy has changed everything, hasn't it? Or at least a lot. I sure am thankful for that.
      I am resting as much as I feel I need to. It's so weird how I'm not having any real pain at all. Another thing to be thankful for.

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  9. What a week ender! Hoping for a speedy recovery for you.

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  10. I am so sorry you had to have surgery and hope that you are able to rest,really rest.

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  11. Wishing your grandson many happy returns of the day and you a speedy and full recovery!

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  12. I was in the 4th grade when my appendix blew up on me. In the hospital, given ether to knock me out for the surgery and, the chocolate ice cream I could have tasted horrible because of the ether! Was there for about a week, I think! Mine was close to bursting and filled with fingernails because I use to bite my nails and eat them! Yuck!
    Laparoscopy for my gallbladder ... easy peasy in outpatient surgery!
    Glad you got it

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    1. Glad you got it taken care of and that it all proved to be a very positive experience for you!
      Hugs from S. CO

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    2. I haven't even been able to force myself to read about appendicitis yet. I really don't remember much from nursing school. I know they say we don't need it but what causes it to go out on us? I don't chew my fingernails.

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  13. Hi darling. In my mind I am gathering figs and roses for you. Nurse Maurice earns her keep. Hang in there sister. Love you.

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  14. Yikes! Happened to my husband a few years back. Lucky his Drs office is attached to the hospital. Sounds like it was as safe as possible in these times. Quick healing to you and happy birthday to Owen, Lily and Vergil. Maurice makes a fine nurse.
    Xoxo
    Barbara

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    1. Yep. Your husband was lucky. It's bad enough without all sorts of ER complications.
      Thanks for the birthday wishes!

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  15. So glad you got help quickly and so glad you're recovering. xoxo

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  16. I'm so glad it's done and dusted and happened where it did. Take it easy, and tell Maurice to stop fighting.

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. I tell Maurice all the time. She does not listen to me.

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  17. OMG woman. I'm glad you sailed through everything without complications. Take care and heal fast. Sending hugs and love.

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    1. Thank you, dear lady. I thought of you when I was surrounded by such wonderful nurses. I really did.

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  18. That's the way to do it my friend. Love Maggi across the pond in awe of the speed of it all In out shake it all about xxx

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  19. So sorry you had to go through this, but you have amazed us all by being quite the trooper! I hope you heal really quickly and are back to normal before you know it.

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    1. I appreciate that. I think I'll heal pretty quickly.

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  20. So very glad everything came out okay! I hope you heal quickly! I have always found that the day after the operation is not too bad, probably because of the leftover anesthesia, but the day after that there tends to be kind of a crash. So take it easy!

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    1. Honey, you nailed that one. Today's been rough.

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  21. Oh my, Ms. Moon - glad you were home, and glad you're home again. What an adventure (now that it's over). Rest up and heal up. And hugs to Mr. Moon who may have suffered more than you did.

    Chris from Boise

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    1. I have given that man so many hugs. He really did have a very hard time of it. I love him so.

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  22. I'm sorry to hear about this! I know it must have been frightening to be in so much pain and then to have the surgery. I'm sure glad you were home from your vacation when it hit you. I've had a laparoscopy (for female issues) and I can tell you that GasX does help! I'm not at all surprised that Maurice has been such a good nurse for you. Cats sense when we are sick or in pain and can offer lots of healing love. Please rest and let your body heal!

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    1. Thanks, Bonnie. I don't know if I was frightened so much as just trying to stay above the pain, you know? And when they found out what it was, I was relieved because I knew they could deal with that.
      Maurice has been as sweet as she possibly can.

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  23. Oh my goodness.....I was right to be concerned when you missed a day posting! Thought perhaps you were tired after your long trip. Glad it waited until you were home. Wishing you a quick recovery and don't worry if you don't feel like posting every day....we will understand. X

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    1. In this case, there was a very real reason I didn't post!

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  24. Wow! What a story! I wondered why you'd gone quiet but I thought maybe you just needed an Internet break. What a surreal experience that must have been. I've also never had a surgery and can't quite imagine what it would be like. At least there were drugs! Take care, rest up and get better. I'm glad you have poor, bruised Maurice to take care of you. :)

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    1. Oh, and thank goodness this didn't happen a few days earlier, while you were down in Roseland!

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    2. Well, the surgery part is easy for the patient. So there's that...
      And the drugs are awesome. Not kidding you. I'm just really glad it didn't happen while we were on the road. I can't imagine that the hospital in Palatka is great. You know?

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  25. Oh my goodness! I wondered where you were. I'm glad you're okay and glad you were back home when it happened. Take care and get all the rest you can!

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer. You're right. I need to rest.

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  26. Thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery. Thank goodness for laparoscopic surgery, a good surgeon and compassionate nurses all named Mary.

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  27. I'm glad all turned out well for you. Hugs and wishes for a swift recovery.

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  28. Sending you healing thoughts for a speedy recovery! Glad you got taken care of so efficiently by a good staff of nurses and medical people! Take care!

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  29. OMG Mary! Glad to hear you're home and through the worst of it. What crazy timing. What the hell do we need an appendix for anyway?! Sending love.

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    1. Yoli, I have no idea why we need an appendix. But mine is history now. That's sort of weird, isn't it?

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  30. Oh wow, I know that had to be scary! I'm happy you are home and doing well.

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    1. It was, Gail. The pain was frighteningly strong.

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  31. Oh my god! Such drama, despite your practical rendition of it! What makes this happen, so randomly? I'm so glad you went and that it all went so smoothly, and that you're recovering so remarkably well. May it continue exactly as nicely. You brave lady!

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    1. I don't know that I was brave at all. I just went with what was going on. I really didn't have much of a choice, Jo. It was an adventure! A painful adventure.

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  32. So nice to surface on the other side of this-and at least you won't have to worry about a burst appendix ever again! I understand your gratefuls!

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  33. Oh Mary, I am so glad you were and felt cared for and well attended to. It was probably a good call to stay home from the four person birthday fun, though I am sure you were missed. But I know they are all just happy you're ok, as I am. Such a scare! But now you're on the other side of it, so all is well. Hugs.

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    1. Oh gosh. Those parties take it all out of me when I'm not recovering from surgery! It was truly the best idea to stay home and sleep.
      And I am okay. All is very well. Thank you, love.

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  34. Oh my goodness, what a shock! But you know what, I'm so glad for you that you had no idea it was coming because the way you describe your fear of doctors' appointments I'm sure the realization of your having to go to hospital would have made it so much worse. But didn't they do well - and I'm so glad you sailed through it and are back home already. Take care any allow everyone to spoil you!

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    1. Yes! The hospital was terrific. And I surely did not have time to be anxious about it. Phew!

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  35. Ouch! But isn't modern medicine such a miracle - to think that most people would have died of appendicitis in earlier times and now it's a routine, if scary, operation.

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  36. Glad you are okay, Mary. Glad you went to the hospital when you did. xo Kate

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  37. Oh, you poor darling! How awful. We just never know what life is going to throw at us next. So thankful you received such prompt and excellent care. Sending light and love. Take good care, Mary.
    Angie D

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    1. We really do not know what's going to happen day by day. When I got up and made us breakfast, I sure wasn't thinking I'be having an appendectomy in less than twelve hours!

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  38. I'm relieved your Instincts had you to seek immediate treatment and that the Surgery and the whole experience went so well. Emergencies that come on so suddenly are unsettling. May you Heal quickly. Glad the Hospitals in your parts had a Bed and could do the Emergency Surgery immediately too, many of ours in the City are nearing Crisis Standards of Care.

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    1. I kept thinking about all of those things and was so grateful that there was room and there was staff to take care of me. I am so very fortunate.

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  39. Well shit. I delay reading your blog and look what happens. Glad you're ok and that you enjoyed the morphine.

    And happy Ms Moon reading anniversary to me. I mark this by Owen's birth because I started reading you right before that. And I tell you this every year:)

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    1. Oh, Jill! Yes! It is OUR anniversary too! You are precious to me.

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  40. Oh yuk, but so good to read this was dealt with so swiftly. Take care!

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