I am struggling today, Monday January 28th with pain that does not allow me to get comfortable in any position. I know this is a part of the healing process of the surgery I just experienced Tuesday the 22nd of January.

I tried laying on my back, still hurt, then on my right side still hurt, then my left side still more pain. Not only was there pain but my arms, fingers, legs, and feet got all tingly and numb from all the different positions I tried to lay in. Even sitting up is a challenge and when I cough which I do often due to my trach it causes a ricochet of pain down my side and in my stomach area. I am hoping and I am praying this will only last for a couple of days and then I can be on the mind. I know this will pass. Pain and struggling doesn’t stay, but when it crashes into your life you are reminded of a few things about life. One, how precious it is, two, and how much I am going to enjoy eating yummy pasta, cucumber salad, and other yummy foods when this is all gone. Three, the best part is this in no way is as painful as it was last Tuesday. If I had to put the pain I experienced last Tuesday on a scale, I would say it would be off the charts. This is only a small amount of pain, and the pain is due to my body healing, not because of an ill gallbladder.

My sweet Nicholas has been a guardian, watching over me and trying to comfort me. This amazes me because Nicholas is a feral cat. Yet, he doesn’t act like one. He and I have bonded, which surprises me because I am not a cat person. I love dogs. I want a dog, but I chose to get Nicholas for two reasons. My niece Nichole found him and his sisters out in the field at their house and took them in. Nicholas was her favorite in the batch and that touched my heart. I also knew it was time for a pet. I needed a companion in my life and I knew a dog would not be a good idea right now. I wouldn’t be able to take the critter out for walks and such. I can take care of Nicholas. We have bonded well and my heart has softened towards cats, especially this furry critter. He stole my heart.

I am still resting, healing, and doing the small things to take loving care of me while I am healing. That is what I spent my day doing, thankfully my Seattle trip was cancelled and I could do this.