August 11, 2009 - Starting to feel better

I know I haven't posted for a few days and I apologize for that. I'm trying to keep Facebook and/or Twitter updated (Twitter updates automatically go in the sidebar of this blog) so you know what's going on. Sometimes I don't feel up to writing a blog posts, but writing 140 characters for a Twitter update only takes a few seconds.

It's been a rough few days, with ups and downs, but I think I'm on the mend. Unfortunately, I have another surgery the day after tomorrow and I expect to feel like crap for a day or so afterwards. That one is to replace the stents that hold my ureters and kidneys open through all the desmoid tumors (not cancerous!) in my abdomen. They've been in for a little over a year so it's important to get them switched out before they calcify closed and cause more problems. This is the surgery I've had somewhere around 70 times, so I know what to expect. From experience, I also know I have to take it easy for the weekend. If I do something silly like go walking around a store or something the pain will be unbearable. Instead, I usually stay home, watch movies, sleep as the mood strikes, and read when I feel up to it.

I meet with my vascular surgeon next week to discuss the next placement of another dialysis graft. I think I'm going to be throwing a problem into the mix when I tell them they're not touching my left arm, but that's their problem and not mine. I am left-handed and had major problems with neuropathy last year when they did the second graft, as those of you who have known me that long may remember. My arm was numb for more than six weeks following surgery. I can NOT have that happen to my writing hand just as classes start so I will not agree to any surgery on my left arm.

Today is the first day I've been without painkillers for 24 hours. I think the last time I took any was right before I went to sleep on Sunday. This, I can deal with. My incisions still pain me, but not enough to require chemical intervention.

I wasn't able to go to Border's stitching group last night because I was too exhausted, but I might venture out tonight to stitch with Carol. I'm thinking about starting another quilt square because they're so easy to work on and don't require as much concentration as cross stitch. I can't decide which is calling the loudest: Amish Trip Around the World, Evening Star, Iris & Fans, Emerald & Amethyst, or Diamond Mosaic. I don't have all the threads for Evening star and Diamond Mosaic because they're on special order, but the other three are kitted up and ready to go!

The only problem is that I don't have any canvas on stretcher bars, and I sorta need two hands to do that. I was thinking of going to the college and checking at the art department to see if someone would be willing to take my canvas for me. I'm sure they have the tools to do it. Otherwise, Carol and I might have a go at that tonight. I'll let you know what I decide.

For now, I'm going to go take more pictures of the tree the contractor is cutting down by the driveway. It's sorta neat watching them drop it in pieces. Hopefully see you soon!

Hugs,
Beth