Small Bumps in the road

A journey wouldn't be a "Journey" without bumps in the road. Let's face it, life isn't always going to have newly paved smooth roads to ride on. I can say without a doubt that having health issues is always a bump in the road for many if not all people.

I underwent surgery on Monday to have my gallbladder removed. In December I had an attack with enough pain to land me in the emergency room. To say it was scary is an understatement. I have had issues with my gallbladder in the past, but was trying to hold off on surgery. December was the "straw that broke the camels back."

The exact procedure that I had is described below:

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for gallstones

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) removes the gallbladder and gallstones through several small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon inflates your abdomen with air or carbon dioxide in order to see clearly.

The surgeon inserts a lighted scope attached to a video camera (laparoscope) into one incision near the belly button. The surgeon then uses a video monitor as a guide while inserting surgical instruments into the other incisions to remove your gallbladder.

While he was operating he took a biopsy of my liver, blood tests revealed elevated liver functions. We will wait to see the results.

Anytime that you are under anesthesia there are risks, and its scary. I tried to keep a positive attitude leading up to the procedure. Prayed and gave my worries up to God. It doesn't mean I wasn't nervous, I wouldn't be human if I wasn't. The most difficult part of the day was the anticipation and waiting to be called back; and the waking up. (Or lack of waking up)

It is incredibly difficult to wake up from anesthesia, not to mention your drive to breathe is diminished. I felt such a struggle to take each breath or to open my eyes; this coupled with nausea made the afternoon a 'delight'.

As I reflect on my experience I have to believe that the strength I was empowered with to fight through these challenges came from deep within and were guided by the holy spirit. The same determination and strength I've had driving me through daily life to succeed at the dinner table and on the gym floor.

I'm well on my way to making a full recovering; only three days after my procedure! I have an incredible husband and friends who have been there for me every step of the way!