Friday, April 24, 2009

And God said "Pay Close Attention, I'm only going to say this once"...

On the Sunday before Easter Mac and I sat on the patio with our dear friends and neighbors, Craig and Joanne. Mac and Craig were talking about something, I was not really paying attention. Joanne was looking at me with such concern on her face that I asked her..."what?" She shook her head and said, "I don't know but you are awfully pale. You really don't look well at all." I agreed that I didn't particularly feel well, either. I had taken my temperature earlier in the day at it hovered around 101. When we went inside, I lay down on the sofa with a heating pad at my back. It helped not a bit. The next day, on Monday Mac was due to take his stress test. We drove into Hartsville to the HeartCare Center. While Mac was having his stress test, I went over to the Walmart Shopping Center and had my haircut and my eyebrows waxed. I wasn't feeling terrible, just a bit awful. As soon as my "do" was done, I went back to join Mac. He finished up about 2 pm, saw Dr. Grainger and was pronounced good to go for another year.

Mac wanted to go back over to WalMart to pick up some gardening supplies. When we got out of the truck, suddenly my back felt as if I couldn't walk another step. After about five minutes inside the massive store, I begged off shopping for a trip home. Mac raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. We went home soon after and I called my doctor. I had to leave a message and sat and waited for his return call. Then, as though I heard His voice in my head, it was like God told me, don't wait. Go now. The strains of the old song "Go Now" (The Moody Blues were an intregal part of my life) played in my head and I knew I shouldn't ignore it. "Can you get my suitcase out of the shed and bring it in here?" I asked Mac. He looked at me and never questioned why. When he brought it in, I proceeded to pack for the hospital. I told him that I knew there was something really wrong and that when we went to the hospital they wouldn't be letting me come home anytime soon. He took me at my word. I've never been wrong in these matters before.

We arrived at the Emergency Room at Carolina Pines and it seemed like merely minutes and I was being seen by the ER Doctor, Dr. Kohn. I told her where the pain was and that I had no idea what was wrong. I think I mentioned that I suspicioned trouble with my pancreas. perhaps brought on by the Byetta. She soon ruled that out. They came in and took blood...a lot of blood. I was so out of it by this time that I couldn't say who did what, but I do remember when they came in and told me that they needed to do a Cat Scan. I had to drink two 16 ounce cups of crystal light with dye contrast in it. It tasted like nasty Tang...I've never been fond of Tang. I only kept about half of it down. After the Cat Scan, a surgeon came in. I remember thinking "why is Rodney Carrington in scrubs and in my cubicle?" Rodney Carrington is a comedienne-singer that I had just seen the night before on YouTube singing his new song, If you Loved Me...it seemed odd, to say the least. He told me that I was very sick, that my white blood count was 29, 766 and that I had an abscess on my colon. He told me that they were going to admit me and start antibiotics right away. So, this is how my first day went. Drink nasty tasting stuff, take pictures. Talk to Doctor...well, Mac talked to Doctor, I was just oblivious to everything and everyone around me. Tuesday morning, drink more nasty stuff, do another cat scan. Dr. Rodney came in and told me that they were going to try to put in a drain and if they couldn't it would mean surgery and a temporary colostomy (temporary like 6 to 9 months). If you can call that temporary...I dreaded the thought of surgery, but smiled widely (a habit of mine) and told them I understood. I was on clear liquids and IV, but really didn't want anything. I just wanted to sleep.

So, they had made plans to move me out of the Pediatrics Wing (yes, I was the oldest kid on the block up there...but they put me where there were few patients and three nurses per shift to see to my every want and need. Luckily, I didn't want or need a lot. I just talked to anyone who entered the room, asked questions and waited to go to surgery. On Wednesday I had another Cat Scan. This was Cat Scan number three and by now when the lights went out in the room I made a passable reading lamp. Dr. Dameron (who I had learned by now was not Rodney Carrington, just a strong resemblance) came in with what he termed "really good news". "The abscess is much larger!" he said. I believe I asked him point blank, this is good news how? "It means we can guide the draining tube to where it needs to be and hopefully won't have to do major surgery!" Oh yes, this was really good news! So guess who gets to drink another 32 ounces of CrystalLight+ and go down to the Cat Scan department for this minor surgery? Right first time.

They have this "sleepy time" medicine that I received the first time after my heart attack for them to do the angioplasty...it's called Versed...probably not spelled correctly, but there you go. I remember going down to the Cat Scan Lab and them telling me that I would probably feel very warm all over and then nothing after that. When I came to, I was back in my room,a drain tube now beneath my belly button and Mac sitting next to the head of my bed. "It went well they said, " he told me. "How do you feel?" I told him I felt fine and didn't remember a thing about the procedure they'd done. They had had to replace the IV line to another arm, the Antibiotics were apparently playing havoc with my veins. So far the area had to be changed four times. This last one lasted till my discharge, I'm glad to say.

The flowers that started arriving in my room were beautiful. Daisies and Foxglove, Tulips, Roses and baby's breath with huge Lily heads poking out into the room. I was still on a liquid diet, and was now looking forward to my broth three times a day. Their jello, not so much. I believe the jello may have been provided by Good Year Tires...you could stick a spoon in it and thump the spoon to set it rocking back and forth. Retreads, that's what they were feeding me. Mac went to the Grocery and brought back lots of Jello brand sugar free jello to keep in the fridge at the Nurse's station. Yummy. And it wouldn't bounce off the wall should I decide to pitch a fit.



On day nine my temperature was normal. Joanne and Craig came in to visit and Joanne told me that my color was better. She told me that I had looked like "death warmed over" and was really afraid I was about to die. She said she'd been concerned about me for over a week before she said anything. When my Doctor came in, I told him (and laughed when I said it) my neighbor says I looked like I was about to die, she's amazed at how much better I look!" Dr. Mitchell (the Hospitalist) looked at me like I'd grown another head. "Well, you were about to die, Mrs. McBride. We had you on the Critical list till last night. Your White Blood count is still a bit above normal, we won't let you go home till it's been normal for a day or two." Now, that was news to me. I told Lee (who called me every night) "it's a good thing I didn't know how sick I was, I might not have recovered!"

Diverticulitis. A long name for a potentially devastating illness. Mac wants to know why I can't ever get anything that's easy to spell. He also wants to know (as do the doctors) why it is that I can keep on going (like the energizer bunny) right up to the point that I'm near death and/or facing total collapse. Or total paralysis. I don't know, I think that I've thought of myself as "Superwoman" for so long that I'm beginning to believe my own hype. But I have learned that when God whispers in my ear not to second guess Him. And I thank Him for sending me to all His best Doctors and Nurses...and for surrounding me with the love of my friends and family. I couldn't have done it alone. On Saturday, day 12 of my stay, Drs. Mitchell and Dameron came in to tell me that they were going to let me go home that afternoon. "What have we learned from all this, Mrs. McBride?" Dr. Dameron asked me. I thought about it for a bit.
"Well, I've learned that if I'm to sick to shop in WalMart, to come straight to the Emergency room...because there is definitely a problem!" They took me at my word.

91 comments:

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Sandi, that is so frightening. I am thankful that you had such attentive friends and attentive doctors. My! Twelve days is a LONG time, especially these day, to be in the hospital!!

Jeni said...

Having had diverticulitis attacks twice now as well as a nasty little abcess on my colon (at the spot where they had done surgery and reconnected the colon) I can understand completely, boy, can I ever, about how crappy you had to have been feeling! It can really be some nasty stuff to deal with but I'm really glad you're home, doing much, much better now too! And being too sick to shop at Walmart -now that is sick!
Peace.

Love Bears All Things said...

I'm glad you listened to the 'still small voice' and we still have you around. Love your humor.
Mama Bear

Lee said...

Sandi, I am so glad that you're home! I'm dancing for joy!!!

This is a really good post! Not a durn thing wrong with your brain. I'm glad you mentioned the fever thing and not noticing when you are sick till it's almost too late. Forewarned if forearmed. Don't want to see this happening again!

Love you bunches!
Lee

Sally said...

Sandi~I am SO thankful you are on the mend now! You had wonderful doctors who acted immediately and that is such a blessing, and your instinct with packing a suitcase was right on cue. I'm happy that you didn't need to wear a "bag" but if you had, you would have done it with grace, I know you would!

Stay well, and God bless you!! (hugs)

Carol Murdock said...

Sandi...I thank God you were one who could hear his voice and follow it! I pray for your complete recovery!
Carol

Anonymous said...

Oh Sandi,

Thanks heavens (literally) you went. How awful. I am sorry to hear you have been so ill, and been through such tough health concerns. I pray you will have a good recovery! Go soft on yourself!

Vee said...

Thank you for sharing all of this with us, Sandi. You've taught us a lot and I hope that if, God forbid, the circumstances ever arise that I'll remember you and get myself to the ER. I also think that that if I think someone looks like death warmed over, I will mention it. You must have an incredibly high tolerance for pain.

Did they put you on another special diet? Oh what fun!

Take care of yourself and just sit and enjoy the garden for a while, if you can stand it.

Gentle hugs...

Vee said...

Do I have enough "think"s in there? Ha!

larkswing said...

Oh my! So glad God spoke to you AND you listened. More speedy recovery and take care!

Lib said...

Hi Sandi,
SO happy to hear you're feeling better!
I Love your humor!lol A good sign your on the mend!
Have a wonderful wk.end!
Blessins',Lib

Janice said...

I'm so sorry to here that you were ill. We have had a lot of tradgedy in our family over the last two weeks as well. I'm so glad you went to the doctor. My dad refused to go to the ER until it was too late.
Take care of yourself and get well soon!

Judy said...

So glad you are back home...on the mend...and that your sense of humour and faith in God are intact! Take care of yourself...and enjoy sitting for a spell.

Akelamalu said...

Crikey Sandi, whichever of your relatives was singing 'Go Now' in your ear saved your life!

I'm so pleased that you are OK. xx

granny grimble said...

When God starts telling you to get a move on and get into hospial - fast, then it sure shows that you are still needed down here very much...which of course is so true. How great to have you back again. Take it slowly, but get well soon. X

NeereAnDear said...

I must say you put a scare into all of us... but the fact that you have even a hint of a sense of humor amazes me!!

Girl ... you are NOT ALLOWED... I repeat NOT ALLOWED to get sick like that again!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Thats an order by the way...

I am worried about my sister because she has something called cellulitis... and its a type of infection that is rather scary and doesnt go away very easily....

I am so glad you are doing better .... you were truly missed... NOW GET SOME REST!

LOTS OF HUGS
JO

Denise said...

I had to retire my Bustier but I keep going back to that drawer in the closet and dragging it out!

We got to quit that!

So glad you are better.......

Thank goodness for that still quiet voice.... when the storm is raging....

Expat mum said...

Sorry about the pun, but thank god you followed your gut. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Merisi said...

Sandi,
I confess I have been chuckling my way through your hospital report. So sorry. Your fault. I wouldn't have been laughing if I didn't know that you are well again. What fearful episode, I am so glad you are back again and writing. I missed you.
Rest up well and let yourself be spoiled! Hugs, M.xxx

i beati said...

I know from friends that that is very painful . you must have the constitution of a small horse.. Probably

i beati said...

go buy a new bag as a reminder...are you feeling stronger every day. ?Your son is wondeful mine is fishing,.here in Fl

Unknown said...

so glad to hear all is well! You were missed!

Donna said...

Thank God for Angels breath!! It was Surely breathed into Your ear on time!!!
SO Happy you're well and safe sweetie!! We've all been pretty worried with lots of prayers for you!!! Now STAY WELL!!! That's an ORDER!!Hahaa..
(((((HUG)))))

Anonymous said...

We ladies are strong and when something is seriously wrong we know it otherwise we just keep on trucking (shopping). right Sandi?.. :) Thank Goodness and the dear Lord for taking care of you dear Sandi. We love you. xo Lynn

Unknown said...

Oh goodness! So glad you listened to HIM :) We always tend to poopoo things like this thinking its nothing. Happy your are ok now. Take care of yourself!!!

((((hugs))))

Justabeachkat said...

What a scare you put on all of us! You bad sweet thing!

Thank you Lord for whispering in Sandi's ear and that she listened. Thank you for your healing powers. Watch over my friend and return her to full health. Amen

Hugs!
Kat

Jan said...

So happy you are on the mend! Good for you for listening to that voice in your ear. Your life was saved.
Take care!!

SandyCarlson said...

That is frightening. I am glad you have good folks around you. Take care of yourself!

Nancy said...

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have listened to that same voice in the past. I hope you are 'up and at it' very soon.

Blessings -

Woman in a Window said...

My mom has diverticulitis and you'll be pleased to know it doesn't slow her down a bit. Just diet moderation for her. Hope it's easy for you.

Glad you're home. Take care.

Mickle in NZ said...

Oh Sandi, you well and truely "did it "properly". So relieved they just needed to drain the nasty abscess.

With the Chron's disease I faced the prospect of a permanent ileostomy 10 years ago. Hasn't happened yet but I've only got about 20cms of large intestine left (and a super fast gut).

Now rest up and and let the family pamper you.

Did you know one translation for diverticulitis is "pockets of..." or "houses of......ill repute"?!?

Love, huggles and purrumbles, from your cuddly friends down under,
Mickle and Zebbycat

Mickle in NZ said...

Chron? silly Mickle its Crohn's

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Come on over to my place
I've cooked you a chicken.

Hadriana's Treasures said...

Glad you are much better Sandi. I'm very sorry to hear that you've been unwell (well and truly)...over the moon that you are feeling much better and more like your normal self.

My brother-in-law has/had diverticulitis and it is 'orrible as you've just shown.

Come and have a recuperative holiday in Hadrian's Wall Country and we'll look after you!

Big hugs Hadriana xx

Mary said...

Sandi
So glad you are better but please take it easy and recover completely.Love from us all Mary

Jeanne said...

Sandi that is so scary. But you still find the humor. "Not feeling terrible, just a bit aweful" and too sick to shop at WalMart, well that should have told you hehe. Glad you're feeling better!

Jessica said...

How scary! I went through all the tests myself for diverticulitis a while back! I didn't realize it could be dangerous though until I read your story.

So, glad you are doing better! :)

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Your Mac is a champion isn't he? No questions, just listened to what you were saying and acted on it. A man in a million. Now you just take care of yourself y'hear? Love, Ann xx

Mickle in NZ said...

Sweetheart of a Sandi, guess you've read enough to know that Mickle so,so understands colon issues and problems (and the same beoynd the colon...). And your sense of humour seems very well intact, so - at least your innards were well "prepped", several times over, so nothing nasty had a chance to be left lurking inside.

Drains, along with key hole surgery like I've had a few times, don't leave a big scar - just a selection of little ones, scattered about the tum.

I so understand the getting it all working again including the start back on real food.

hope you're getting decently tasting and textured food now. Mashed potato with a good gravy would be yummy........

Zebbycat is snoring LOUDLY and contentedly - is 12.30 am, I'm off to snoozle land, Mickle/ Michelle xxxxx

San said...

"Too sick to shop in WalMart." Sandi, I believe you'd added to the list of warning signs for many serious conditions, at least when it comes to you.

Welcome back to home and health. And it's good your sense of hearing is more acute. Blessings.

bj said...

Oh, Sandi..How blessed that you listened to what God was telling you. So many times, people just "blow it off" when HE speaks to us. I am sure I have been guilty of it myself. Thank HIM that you listened.
Take good care..
xo bj

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Well, dear Sandi, I am so happy you listened to God's voice in your ear!

What an amazing story; told with your usual intelligent wit and wisdom, I might add.

jazzi said...

I had no idea diverticulitis could get to that point. Thank goodness you listened to the voice.

Jay said...

Well, thank heavens you took notice of that little voice! How scary, Sandi! I'm so glad they were able to treat you quickly and you've done well.

That white cell count was a tad high, wasn't it? Yikes ... ! But this made me laugh:

"Retreads, that's what they were feeding me"

Hahaha! I'm happy to hear you retained your sense of humour! Oh, and I tend to laugh or grin under stress, too.

Diva's Thoughts said...

Wow Sandi!! That's awful that you had to go through all that. I am so glad you are back home and on the road to recovery!

Take care of yourself woman! Many people need you around.

ancient one said...

I'm so glad you listened to GOD and went straight on to the hospital....and I'm so glad he sent the best doctors and nurses to look after you... and I'm so glad you are well enough to start blogging again... GOD is so good!

Eddie Bluelights said...

Sandi, I am so thankful you have recovered and are back at home. Us Brits would say, "That was a near squeak!" It was very serious, wasn't it? Please keep your feet up, probably an impossible request for if you are anything like my wife I'd have to tie her in a chair!
Thank you very much for dropping by to read part 1 of my love story. Pleased to report parts 2 and 3 are posted now and I have been able to relax a bit today. I'll reurn frequently since I love your blog. Best wishes Eddie x

SandyCarlson said...

I hope you are doing well today!

Sue said...

Hi Sandi,
Wow you have had a tough time of it, but thanks be to God that He brought you through this ordeal.I am so glad that you listen to the Holy Spirit and got yourself to the hospital. I am also thankful for the wonderful care that God brought you.Thank you for sharing, and I will continue to pray.
Blessings,
Sue

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I am so glad that when God talks you listen to him. You are such a sweet lady and I will continue to pray for you...m

Jodie Adams said...

Wow, now I feel bad for not visiting sooner, but then I would've been really worried so maybe I saved myself. Thank God you are okay. You take care of yourself and don't worry about blogging until you are all rested up. I am thankful that you had good doctors. Those are hard to come by these days. Now go get some rest and stop reading this mess. Love you! HUGS!!!!

Hilary said...

I'm so sorry that you went through this frightening time but happy to hear that you've recovered so well. Do take good care of yourself, and welcome back!

david mcmahon said...

Lee kept me updated on your progress. Great to see you back and blogging again.

Not to trivialise your experience, I do enjoy your observation that Mac says it's never easy to spell what you get.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Never go shopping again. (Okay, Mac, where's the ten bucks you promised me if I said that?)

Shrinky said...

Oh my goodness Sandi, that was far too close a call for comfort, how frightening. I can only begin to imagine how worried poor Mac must have been for you over this period.

Thank heavens you went straight to the ER, the consequences of you having not don't bear thinking of. It must have taken a great deal out of you hon, you need to be kind to yourself now and build yourself back up to full strength. I am so glad you are set for a full recovery. Big hugs, xx.

Dr.John said...

Never had hat problem but I suffer from the slow to go to the Doctor problem and have ended up in the emergency room a number of times.

Mockingbird Hill said...

It's been said that a woman's intuition is not to be ignored...and, while I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this to prove that statement, it's a reminder to all of us!

Glad you're better...isn't versed wonderful??? Missed you bunches...welcome back.. :)

Cassie

Tardevil said...

Big ((((HUGS!!)))) So glad that you're ok! It's good you're smart enough to listen to your inner voice! I hope you will have a quick recovery! LOL!

Jo Beaufoix said...

Wow Sandi, what a time you've had. I'm so glad you listened to that voice and went when you did. Big hugs and I hope you're resting and building your strength back up. Mr B's mum has had diverticulitis several times and it's awful but she battles through and is well again now.

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way for a successful recovery. HUgs.

Country Cottage Chic said...

I'm so glad you listened to your inner voice Sandi!

Sending more love & hugs,
Jayne
xxx

Alison said...

What a scary experience--thank God you listened to your inner voice. And clearly you didn't lose your sense of humor!

The Muse said...

My heart is sooo happy that you have the stillness in your life to listen to HIM speak to you!\
Praise His name :)

Count Sneaky said...

Let the Count add his congratulations to you and...Hold on, please I've got an e-mail coming in...from Strutz the Cat: "So glad you are home again. We missed you. I have had several Cat-Scans lately. Of course, in my case, it means romance for me and kittens for the object of my affections. I scan 'em
and well I just haven't seen an ugly, furry,little, female feline yet! I'm still on the road with my truckin' buddies, looking for a well-heeled
family to adopt and I thought I'd take a time out to wish you a swift recovery. Wow. Next stop is the I-35
truck stop outside of Tugmuffins. Your Friend Strutz
Well, Strutz said it. My best wishes. Count Sneaky

Tara said...

SAndi

SO glad you are up and "running" but we do not want you running! You gotta slow down, girl, please try to dig deep into those southern routes of yours and follow the sloe way!

Mac was kind enough to keep me informed of what was happening with you...too scary! I hope you know how much I am thinking of you!!

:0)
Tara

myonlyphoto said...

Sandi, sorry to here about your illness, I am glad that you are on your recovery, thank God. And yes listen to Mac, don't do things until it is too late...Anna :)

Merisi said...

Congratulations on making it onto David's Post of the Day Award list!

Hard earned award, indeed.
Hope you are recuperating well in Mac's care!

Jinksy said...

Cograts indeed, both for recovery, and POTD! Hope you are now only glowing on the outside, as opposed to 'glowing' from your innards! x

Sarah Lulu said...

God bless your continued healing.

Lee said...

Sandi, Congratulations on making David's list! Well deserved!

Hugs!
Lee

Aunt Julie said...

Oh, Sandi, glad everything turned out OK, and that you're back home and smiling again! BTW, wanted to remind you that today is Uncle Lynn's birthday, and I'm running a one-day POPrs giveaway to celebrate. Please come by!

Cath said...

Well I AM glad you listened! Diverticulitis - I agree with Mac. You just like to stretch us don't you?

Take care of yourself. Don't push it so far next time! And if you can't shop - get to the ER. Fast!!

Congrats on the POTD award.

Chris said...

Good thing you heard the "voice"! Great post it really deserves the Post of the Day thing.

Jewels said...

You have the most amazing attitude ever! Thanks for sharing. :)

Unknown said...

Visiting via David's blog and congrats on a second POTD award.

So glad everything worked out for you and that you listened!
Methinks I'll be back!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, you are such a fabulous story-teller!!! Such a terrible thing to happen, and yet, you weave a fantastic tale...But I'm so sorry about the diverticulitis....You've been in my thoughts, but I felt awkward since I really don't know you except by "sight," and my one or two visits here since my recent following of authorblog...But I WILL hope and pray your recovery is speedy. You are a tough and courageous lady!!! Very witty, too! Congrats on POTD! More than well-deserved. Blessings to you~Janine XO

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Welcome back - you were missed. What a story. My God, you have been through the mill and not one moan from you about it. Remarkable girl. My uncle is 82 and is suffering from the same thing. Hope you are gaining strength and get well soon dear girl. X

Cheffie-Mom said...

I'm so glad you are home and feeling better. We all missed you tons!

Cheffie-Mom said...

I'm back - congrats on the Post of the Day Award from David!

Suldog said...

That's serious business, Sandi. God bless!

Maggie May said...

Don't know how I missed this one. Maybe my linky is not working.
So glad you are OK, Sandi.
Diverticulosis, so many people seem to have it but when it goes wrong it is really serious.
Glad you are going to take note that if you feel sick again, you will take notice. You WILL, won't you?

Glad your son let us know what was happening.

Look after yourself! XOX

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

I know I was the FIRST! but I had to come back again when I saw that you won POTD. That is FABULOUS! High fives all around!!!!!!

What About The Girl? said...

Welcome home, superwoman (with a great sense of humour!)
And congrats on potd.
Thank you for the lovely visit on my blog.
And please don't run around like I do ;-)

Unknown said...

Please drop by my place and pick up something I've left for you!

Justabeachkat said...

Darn! I came back to see if there was more news from you. Gosh, I hope all is good and you're just busy having fun. I'll keep praying for you.

Hugs!
Kat

Nessa said...

Walmart - every man's health meter.

Glad you are better.

imbeingheldhostage said...

oh Bless, Sandi-- you can't do anything half-way, can you. And thank you for having your son come out to post-- that was scary!

I'm so glad you're feeling better.

Susie Q said...

You have been in my prayers and heart and thoughts sweet lady.
I think that any of us that feel too bad to shop should go directly to ER!! That would be a dead giveaway for me too!

Listening to that little voice is usually the BEST thing to do.

Yup...and we all love you and want you to get well soon, soon, sooner.


Love,
Sue

Karen M said...

I'm so sorry you've been through this ordeal. I was a bit preoccupied with my own stresses and family concerns about that time, that I wasn't blogging much and was totally unaware until this morning. I'm so glad you are better....I'll live by your life lesson, if I'm too sick to shop at WalMart, then I'll go to the ER.

Hope things settle down for you soon.

Pam said...

Oh Sandi! Goodness gracious!

Lew said...

Glad you came through the infection without the more drastic surgery! My Dad had a similar experience. He was feeling bad one weekend and called his doctor, who told him to take some laxative and come see him on Monday. Dad took the laxative, but decided that wasn't the problem and had Mom take him to the hospital. Turned out to be a bowel obstruction, so he had the major surgery, and a temporary colostomy. He celebrated his 80-th birthday in the hospital. The colostomy was reversed about 6 months later and he lived another eleven years. The older we get, the more important to listen to what our bodies are telling us!

Finding Pam said...

I am so thankful that you are better. It sounds like an awful experience you went through. Soft Hugs...

Beth P. said...

Wowsers...
It's good to know what our decision points are, ain't it! Those of us who fancy Superwoman (sans the leotards these days)have to have some fail-safes!

Thanks for letting us in on this journal entry into your life. And thanks for putting the Virtual Tea
House on your blog roll! I'll be upgrading my platform soon so I too can have a blog-roll, and you'll definitely be on it!

Sweet springtime to you--