October 8-9, 2008

Wednesday: I was going to go back to either Baby Kasey or Take Time to Stitch Too when I came across another UFO I could fit into my QSnaps. I'd forgotten about the second Dinky-Dyes ornament I started this spring. I put Celtic Christmas in my 8" QSnap and worked on it until I went to sleep. I also worked on it at dialysis and most of the night. I forgot to take a picture at midnight, though.

Thursday: I worked on Celtic Christmas all night, right up until I had to leave for the hospital. This picture is the progress I made before leaving, including yesterday's work.

I know it sounds weird, but when I'm having a surgical procedure at the hospital I like to stay awake all night. That allows me to be able to sleep once I get there to avoid the interminable wait. And sleeping is exactly what I did after I did all the pre-op answering of questions was done and the IV was in.

My no-sleep tactic worked very well for me today. Not only did I doze before my procedure, but I also slept for hours afterwards. No one except Uncle Wes was available to pick me up and he couldn't even make it until after he finished his route. Since he goes all the way down to Southern Maryland on Thursdays, it was almost 4:30 when he arrived to take me home. I didn't even wake up until after 2pm so it didn't seem like that long to me.

I was very suprised to find that there was no pain in my arm following the procedure. However it was ice cold when I woke up so I knew the bloodflow hadn't been restored. My nurse called the doctor so I could speak to him about it. He said he talked to me after the procedure, but I have absolutely no recollection of that conversation. Anyway, I let him know that I was concerned because I had the same symptoms when I woke up.

He told me they got some very good pictures and the bloodflow to my lower arm and hand looked great, but if my arm is still getting that cold the next step is to put a band around the CryoVein. He explained that it's not an exact procedure so it's possible they'd have to do a second one to adjust it. He advised me to make an appointment with Dr M and discuss what to do.

I came home and went right back to stitching on Celtic Christmas. I got all the beads on, stitched the star, and started the backstitched border.

And how cool is this? My work is featured on the homepage of two different groups. Stitch-it-Quick has Stars & Stripes by LHN and Chatty Stitching Exchangers has Charmed Dreams by Heirloom Embroideries. You have no idea how it feels to this relative newbie for my work to be so appreciated. I am humbled.