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Here's to Your Health:  Upcoming Surgery: prayers and suggestions needed  |
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country lawyer
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
1022 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 08:04:32 AM
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Well, it looks like I'm having to have surgery on this Friday. I've got two days to get the house and family ready for my recovery period. Any suggestions from you FarmGirls on pulling this off would be greatly appreciated! I'm thinking I need to fill the freezer with some healthy casseroles. And, clean the house... anything else I need to think about? I'll be down for a couple of weeks, apparently.
And, please...if you can and you think about it, say a little prayer for me on Friday morning. I've never even been under general anesthetic before, so I'm quite apprehensive. Thanks, y'all!
"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."
James Taylor
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KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 09:01:23 AM
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Rebekah,
I will be a saying a prayer for you, and you will be in my thoughts on Friday.
My only suggestion is... the house will always need to be cleaned, so if it doesn't get done while you are re-cooperating please don't make your self nuts over anything. Your job will be to get back to health again.
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 09:20:01 AM
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I'll be praying. The good thing about anethesia is that it's over before you know it really got started. The last two times I had anesthesia it was reversible. There wasn't any groggy feeling. I came out of it quickly.
This is what is likely to happen when you go into pre-op. You'll change into a johnny, sit in a chair (probably a recliner) and be covered with pre-warmed blankets. The nurse will will take your vitals and start your IV. If you're nervous or sick to your stomach you can be given meds through the IV. If you need them - take them. You'll probably walk into the OR and get on the table. They'll explain everything. When they tell you that you're being given the anesthesia you're going to go under quickly. Awake and alert to "it's over, wake up" in what seems like seconds. It's really not bad.
Do you have basic groceries? How about reading material and a few DVD's?
Good luck. I'll be praying.
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 10:37:18 AM
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| I sure will pray for you....I've already started asking the Lord to keep you calm. Please, if you can, let us know how you are afterwards, okay? Hugs, Susan |
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jo Thompson
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jo
the mountainside of the Chugach
in Alaska
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 11:29:38 AM
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Rebekah, I'm a recovery room nurse/er nurse. You will do just fine, don't know what kind of surgery you're having though so can't tell you exactly how you'll feel. People usually wake up and wonder if they've had their surgery. When you are in surgery you are breathing "on your own" 9 times out of 10. The anesthesiologists watch you VERY, VERY closely. The nurses that care for you in recovery are EXCELLENT at controlling pain and helping you along. If you have any questions AT all, email me.......... jo I've worked operating room/recovery for two years now and have yet to see a bad outcome on the more common surgeries! It's the big heart cases where you're a little more concerned! The anesthesia these days is extraordinary......
"friends don't let friends eat farmed salmon"
http://homepage.mac.com/thomja/Anchorage/PhotoAlbum14.html |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 1:58:44 PM
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Rebekah,
Will be sending prayers your way. Don't try to do too much. I would just have some prepared meals done and groceries in the house. Hope you will have a speedy recovery.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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momto6
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Valerie
Goltry
OK
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 2:29:10 PM
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Rebekah,
I'll be praying for you daily. I agree with all the suggestions offered. It always helps recovery when a family member or a friend can help with basic meals/clean-up and laundry. The rest will be there !
Have a peaceful week and a speedy recovery.
Val |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 3:12:14 PM
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You will be in my prayers too, Rebekah! I have been lucky enough to not have surgery in such a long time that I don't have any ideas. Last time I did (varicose vein surgery on one leg...top and bottom in 1987) I made sure I had needlework and reading material for while I had to have my leg propped the first couple days. As far as meals I had a couple pans of enchiladas frozen to heat up and some casseroles ready. But then I wasn't down for two weeks either. I wish I lived close enough to help. take care and know that the farmgirls love you!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 3:20:34 PM
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Rebekah,
Will be thinking of you on Friday, keep us updated.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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LadyCrystal
True Blue Farmgirl
593 Posts
Alicia
Rhode Island
USA
593 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 4:37:11 PM
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Rebekah,
I will be thinking of you Friday. I had to have surgery to fix my deviated septum. I was so scared. I had never been under anesthesia before.I told the Dr I was scared and he said it will be all over in a minute. It did feel like a minute but before hand I wondered if I would dream. Next thing I knew I heard someone calling my name. I woke up and said I did dream. The nurses laughed and asked what it was about. I was a little queasy but they gave me some meds and I was good to go. I was up and about the next day so I am sorry I can't help with the prep before hand but the other girls have great ideas.Hugs,
Alicia
http://fromcitytocountrygirl.blogspot.com/
follow your dreams |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 4:47:16 PM
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will keep you in thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 8:32:48 PM
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Rebekah,
Without knowing your family circumstances (how many children, ages, family nearby, etc), I can only guess at suggestions:
* Make sure the cordless phone/cell phone battery is well charged.
* Arrange with hubby/friends/neighbors to take care of errands, getting kids to school, etc.
* Stock the pantry with basics (cereal, snacks, pasta, pet food) and the fridge with necessities.
* Supplement with frozen dinners - a microwaved meal during your downtime isn't going to kill them!
* Assemble a to-do list (with supplies) for when you feel better: catching up on correspondence, stitching and mending, plans for 2007, etc.
* Great pillows, comfy blankets, good books to read.
* Resist the urge to get up and about before you are truly ready. Whatever needs to be done will wait.
Try not to worry too much beforehand. If you have specific questions, ask your doctor. It's been awhile since I've surgery, but my biggest concern was saying something silly or revealing while coming out of anesthesia :-} I've been assured that no secrets were revealed!
We'll be thinking of you and wishing you well!
Sandy in Missouri
I'm at that age where I need my own warning label! |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2006 : 05:03:18 AM
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I am with all these ladies with thoughts and prayers! And I so agree with Karen that you needn't worry about what your house looks like! No matter how much you do for your family on a normal basis, they are more capable than you can ever imagine!! It sounds like you will have them throughly prepared.
Best wishes
O, Come let us adore HIM! www.beequilting.blogspot.com |
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country lawyer
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
1022 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2006 : 07:32:21 AM
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Y'all are so sweet! Thank you for the prayers and ideas. You are absolutely right about the house. Your posts made me realize that I need to focus on me and my healing more than the cleanliness of the house. It's kinda a mess from the craziness of Christmas and that kinda freaks me out, but it'll be fine! Your prayers are so important to me and I appreciate them big time. It helps to know that folks are saying prayers on my behalf. I have a sense of calm (currently) about the whole thing....Susan, your prayer for my calmness is so on target....just what I need in order to pull this thing off! I too appreciate the info on the pre-op and anesthesia. I really had no idea what to expect.
I have gone through the FarmGirl Connection Cookbook for some new dishes to make and put in the freezer. I grocery shopped last night and will do the cooking today. Aunt Jenny, your chicken enchiladas (page 8-7) in the cookbook, is that the one you freeze? It's on my list. Also, JoAnne's Everyday MeatLoaf (8-3) and MaryJane's Spaghetti Pie (8-1) and Kelly A's Salmon Potato Bake (8-21). I am looking forward to getting these in the freezer and trying them during my recovery. I like the fact that they are recipes from my FarmGirl friends that will help me through! The other dishes I'll do are my regulars....White Chili, Chicken casserole, etc.
Also, has anyone ever created a "healing altar"? You gotta know by now, I am very mainstream and very conservative. But, one of my New Age-ie, groovy friends suggested that I create one. She told me a bit about them and even gave me a crystal to place there. Hmmmm. I'm actually thinking about doing that today rather than mop the kitchen floor! It's a Fung Shei (is that the right spelling, it looks funny) thing. Think I might try doing it. Has any one done that before? By the way, blue is the color of healing....hence, the color of these words!
Thanks again!
"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."
James Taylor
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lamarguerite farm
True Blue Farmgirl
649 Posts
missy
Battle Ground
Wa
USA
649 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2006 : 10:27:36 AM
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Oh, Rebekah!! For some reason I just saw this post today. I hope your surgery went well and I"m praying for healing and a quick recovery. Definately just try to focus on rest and healing. All the chores will still be there later and you can get to it when you are feeling up to it. (((((hugs))))))
Love and Blessings,
MIssy
If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen
http://18happyhens.blogspot.com
http://LamargueriteFarm.etsy.com |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2006 : 11:48:03 AM
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Rebekah, I will be praying to the Lord for you as you prepare, and through the surgery and the healing period. Being an independent sort myself, I'm fairly non-compliant... but please do let your friends help when they offer assistance. And don't get up and vacuum (as I've been known to do! ). Sandy (ponyexpress) had some good suggestions, and I bet your husband will be helpful as you recover. Remember Julian of Norwich...All manner of things shall be well. Even knowing our own helplessness is helpful.
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
Edited by - Phils Ann on Dec 27 2006 11:52:33 AM |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2006 : 12:24:12 PM
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Rebekah- I will definitely be thinking of you and praying for a calm, pain less surgery with an uncomplicated recovery for you.
Take good care of yourself and don't overdo before or after. The
"work" will always be there and there is only one you. As for preparing the house...
+Shop for things YOU will want to have (drinks, soups, JELLO!, whatever is your comfort food that makes you feel better when you are feeling crummy.
+Make sure there are cooking directions on whatever you freeze so they don't wake you up to find out what temp and for how long!( I speak from experience!)
+Have a small cooler with ice and drinks next to your bed , couch wherever you are recouping (it helps in the beginning!) Then when you are a little more comfortable, it's good to get up anyway!
+Have your medications filled before you have the surgery if possible that way you won't miss a dose or get "behind" in pain management.
+ Make sure you have some comfortable , presentable pj's,robe whatever that you can lounge around in and be ok with if someone comes in to help you.
+ Ask whoever you need help from ahead of time and write it on the calendar so everyone in the house knows who is doing what when. Saves alot of headaches, wasted trips and hurt feelings!
Rebekah, good luck and feel the healing prayers and love from your farm girl friends. Hugs, Bramble
with a happy heart |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2006 : 1:49:01 PM
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Prayers are being sent for you.......for a swift & complete recovery. Picture yourself well & happy, doing what you love most. Hold that image in your mind.
All will be well!
Melanie |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2006 : 2:01:22 PM
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Rebekah - I am praying for you. I know that it will go easier than you think. With your analytical mind, worries can grow. Rest in the fact that you will be okay, it will be easier than you have anticipated, and you will be better afterward. I say this after having several surgeries for different things.
Healing will be quick. Cleaning the house can come later. :)
And your family will step up to the plate and take care of the important things - mainly you!
Jeannie
Ephesians 1:17 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Dec 27 2006 2:03:15 PM |
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country lawyer
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
1022 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2006 : 08:15:29 AM
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I am so humbled by all of your support! Blessed and humbled. The suggestions have been so helpful to me. The prayers so important to me. All of you have such comforting words. I've been kinda foggy-headed with all this, so thank you! (Missy, it's tomorrow, by the way, 12/29, you didn't miss it at all...)
The bag is packed, the freezer has some home-made food in it, the No-Knead Bread is rising on the counter, the dresses for daughter's school are ironed, the basket of books and mags is beside the bed, the prescriptions have been filled, the cooler is clean and by the bed, the pantry has the necessities, the litter boxes are cleaned, the bills are paid, the floors are NOT mopped, the house is NOT in perfect order, the Christmas tree is still up and will probably stay there until Valentine's Day, BUT I did do a "healing altar." I set it up beside the bed for when I come home. I took a picture to share with you because this is such a novel concept to me. I'll try to post it in a little while, if you are interested in seeing it. Kinda groovy. Anyway, you are all right....All shall be well...I'm just a weiner.:)
Again, you FarmGirls are the absolute BEST!!!!
"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."
James Taylor
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KellyA
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
Kelly
Johnsonville
NY
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2007 : 11:04:26 AM
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Rebekah...I pray all went well...I didn't see this post right away, and had already posted to you in a different spot...it now is clear to me why I didn't hear from you lately! I hope you are recovering nicely, and the salmon-potato bake was a good one :-)
Kelly
When a cookbook is in hand, life is good! |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2007 : 11:42:04 AM
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Rebekah, I just saw this today but am sending you lots of healing energy and love. I know everything went well and you just have to mend, which you are doing as we speak. I'm seeing you whole and complete and bursting with health and energy. Let us know how you're doing when you can.
Much love,
Patricia
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com
Farmgirls do it organically! |
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lamarguerite farm
True Blue Farmgirl
649 Posts
missy
Battle Ground
Wa
USA
649 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2007 : 12:03:06 PM
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Rebekah- I'm thinking of you and praying for quick healing. sounds like you were well prepared!!
Love and Blessings,
MIssy
If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen
http://18happyhens.blogspot.com
http://LamargueriteFarm.etsy.com |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2007 : 12:44:32 PM
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Rebekah --just found this today. Sending prayers your way for a speedy recovery.
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands -Proverbs 31:13
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country lawyer
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2007 : 10:59:56 AM
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Thanks for all your prayers! I'm home now. Everything went very well. Now, I've gotta figure out how to rest...hmmmm...never been very good at that! But, I've got lots of reading to keep me busy. And, of course, this computer! Thanks again for all your support.
(KellyA, I emailed you thru the forum right before Christmas when I got that fabulous surprise from you in the mail. Did you get that email? I'll try it again.)
"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."
James Taylor
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2007 : 11:08:46 AM
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Welcome home, Rebekah! Yes, that resting part can be a challenge! I'm so glad everything went well.
XO,
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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Here's to Your Health: Upcoming Surgery: prayers and suggestions needed |
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Upcoming Surgery: prayers and suggestions needed
