Seriously?

Ok so last we parted with me promising to steer this wild ride toward happier times.
In honor of that promise, I am going to keep the summary of the past 3 days as upbeat as possible. It won't be easy.

Woke up Sunday bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready for my first protein shake and boy was I ready. Poured myself a 2 ounce shot of pure chocolate protein and took a tentative sip. I was prepared for just about anything, as I have heard and read all the stories about things you like pre-op suddenly not agreeing with you after surgery. Now it would be hard to convince me that anything chocolate would not be my insta-pal, but i was ready with an arsenal of other flavors in the fridge.

No need to worry, the shake tasted AMAZING. I couldnt believe how well it went down, way easier than water. But then again, I could always find a way to make room for chocolate, that's what got me in this trouble right? So I finished my 'breakfast' and was so ecstatic. I figured I'd better wait a bit and see how I reacted to this first non-clear liquid post op. So I settled in to watch yet another episode of the Doodlebops with the Nick man.

I'll limit my descriptive writing at this point, and you are welcome. Let's just say thing got ugly- fast. I ran to the bathroom, knew i was in big trouble and decided I had to call the doctor. I felt so bad calling him at 8am on a Sunday morning, but the number one rule of being a bypass patient is that you can not get dehydrated- under any circumstances. So after having a few episodes over the weekend, i knew i had to make the call.

Dr. Ameri called me right back and I blurted out the problem to him while trying to control my sobs. You may be thinking, geez its just some diarrehea, calm down girl! But I knew deep down that I was headed back to the hospital for a date with my IV pole, and I was devastated that I couldnt tolerate the protein shake, as i was desperate to move on the next stage of recovery.

After scolding me for not calling him sooner, Dr. Ameri confirmed my fears and told me I had to head back to the hospital for IV therapy and antibiotics. He was also concerned about my state of mind because i was so upset. He asked to talk to Lew and told him this really wans't a big deal and it was an easy fix, assured him it was a blip on the radar.

I was sobbing at this point, trying to pack my bag to head back to A3 (the bariatric floor at Winchester Hospital-the best staff ever by the way.) We were all supposed to be going to a birthday party at our neighbor's house that day for Nick's friend Bryan, and I was so upset I would miss it. Especially after missing the twins party.
I tried to stop crying long enough to tell Nick I was headed back to "work" but I would call him later and to have a great time at the party. He was so excited to be going over in his pajamas to help with the party preps...he was like- yah whatever mom- see ya! Thank for for our neighbors, Lisa and Kevin. They took him right away, dressed him for the party and let him help with the preps- even though they were busy with all their own stuff. We are so blessed to have met them and become such great friends with them. Never underestimate the importance of good neighbors....I pray we will enjoy many good times and memories with them to come.

So Lew brought me to the hospital and I went to check in at central registration. I was blubbering through the process and the secretary said, "I hope you dont mind me saying this, but at times like these, it helps to focus on the fact it could be worse. I know you are going through a tough time, but yesterday i went to a birthday party for a 9 year old with my kids and there were 2 kids there in wheel chairs. I met another mom and she told me they were brother and sister. They were so happy and 'normal' just having fun at the party...until the action moved upstairs. They asked their mom if they could go up and she said no they would have to stay downstairs til the kids came back. I went up to the mom and said, can't they go up? I'll be happy to help you carry them or do whatever it takes? But she said no, sometimes I have to keep it real for them, we just can't do every single thing that other kids do. They'll be fine til the kids come back down."

So of course by the end of this story i am really sobbing, thinking how selfish I am and thank god it's me dealing with all this crap and not my kid. Thinking how my perfectly healthy happy gorgeous child was running around wild at the neighbors party oblivious to my drama. Thinking thank god its me in pain and not him.
I wish I had gotten that woman's name who told me that story, because it was EXACTLY what i needed to hear.

Ok so I'll fast forward through this sob story, more bathroom problems over the next 48 hours, lots of tests, lots of needles, lots of tv. I was put back on NPO which stands for NO PICNIC OBVIOUSLY. No not really, i dont even know what it stands for- except nothing by mouth- period. Not even water. So I was back to my camel in the desert deal....and freaking out again about it to put it mildly.

I spent sunday watching an all day marathon of "Keeping up with the Kardashians" on Bravo. Man that was some good trash tv. I may even start taping it, which would be really pathetic....but hey i have to replace my food habit with something.

Monday Dr. Ameri came by and told me my cultures were all negative so that was good news, but we still had to find out what was causing the problem. He said it was like I had been reborn, with the stomach of a newborn baby, and I had to do some trial and error to figure out how to eat and drink again. So I was back on the clear diet, and another 24 hours of IV fluids. I walked the halls peeking into other patient rooms, trying to figure out what people were in for. I read a bunch of magazines my parents had dropped off for me, I didnt want any visitors...I was just in no mood.
I sipped water, had a pineapple sugar free popsicle that was surprisingly good, and cried off and on for whatever reason as the hours ticked by.

Thank god for all the incredible nurses and nursing assistants on A3. If it weren't for them I dont know what i would have done. They listened to me, let me cry and reminded me it was going to be ok. They also shared many personal success stories with me. Several of the nurses on the floor have had the surgery, and a couple of their mom's too. They gave me all kinds of advice about switching up my protein drinks, and strategies for coping with setbacks. But most of all they told me everyone one of them and thier loved ones was so happy they had the surgery and would do it again in a minute.

So I finally got home today...started on a clear diet again, instead of advancing to full liquids. I'll finish my antiobiotics (have to drink it twice a day for 8 days- pure torture- so nasty.) Got home in time to drop Nick off at pre school and pick him back up...which was great...I was so happy to see him. My inlaws drove, i cant drive til my staples come out.

Doing really well on my new protein drink- Isopure clear liquid. It doesnt taste great but i try not to think about it. At least its not coming out the other end and the protein must be putting some pep in my step because i feel much much better.
Hoping to transition to full liquids after a few days if all is quiet.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. If this turns out to be my only complication- I'll take it. All I know for sure, is I have the best doctor in the world, the best support system at home, and the most wonderful friends I could hope for.

See I promised I'd end on a positive note!