Monday & Tuesday

I promised myself that I wouldn't blog when I wasn't feeling well, but I'm making an exception today because I've found a comfortable sitting position for the moment and I'd like to take advantage of it. The past couple days have been more uncomfortable than I expected. I'm getting a little frustrated with myself because I thought I'd heal quickly and without any issues, but that hasn't totally been the case. I really feel like that stomach bug set me back. Today was a particularly rough day for me. Not going to the bathroom is really awful and I had a very hard time moving a gas bubble that kept getting caught behind my ribs (breathing in was not a good time!). I definitely realized that I need to be walking more than I have, but it's hard with all this crazy snow! My mom has been really helpful though about trying to get me out, if only just to Target to walk around. On top of that I've been a little bit stressed about life in general. For those of you that don't know, I was laid off a few weeks before surgery. It was actually really great timing, as I don't think it would be good if I was in a hurry to get back to work, but I think just being in a negative state of mind today had me a little worried about what I'm going to do with myself once I'm feeling better. I really just need to relax and take life one day at a time for now. I know things always work out, so now is probably not the best time to stress over things I can't control.

Yesterday morning I had my 2 week (1 1/2, really) check up at the University of Pennsylvania. When they called later about my labs, the doctor said that my creatinine level was great, but my white blood cell count is slightly elevated (I'm hoping it's just from that bug last week, but just in case I'm being extra cautious about washing my hands and such). My parents both had to work so my friend, Christine took me. I just want to take a moment to acknowledge that Christine is one of the most selfless, generous, and caring friends I've ever had, and I can't thank her enough, not only for all she did for me yesterday (without me even having to ask!), but for everything in life...she's truly amazing. Anyway, the appointment went well (aside from a little snafu with getting my stronger laxative) and we went to Pizza Brain for lunch. I was pretty disappointed in myself because I love that pizza SO much (I think that's a pretty well known fact about me!), but I could only fit in one small slice. But I guess one is better than nothing! We did a lot of walking between the hospital and lunch, which really helped me so much. I was beyond exhausted when I got home but it was so worth it for how my body felt during it. 

These are my observations regarding recovery thus far:

*I know everybody says it, but it's because it's so true...walk, walk, walk!! Sometimes my back hurts if I've walked a lot, but it's way better than how I feel just sitting around.

*Mornings are the worst. I never feel worse than when I first wake up. I literally dread it.

*It's normal to get tired very easily and unexpectedly. Just sitting here, my eyes are starting to close. Typing on a computer just made me so tired I need to sleep.

*You will get funny looks if you go out in public carrying a stuffed animal close to your side. I bring my kidney pillow all over so I can use it to apply pressure...lots of people look at it, nobody asks.

I'm actually getting so tired, I can't remember where I was going with this so that'll have to be the end. My apologies! I'll try to give something a little more entertaining tomorrow!