Maeve's Posts

Whew! That was a ride but hopefully looking forward to heading home later today or tomorrow. Surgery went as well as could be expected -- no groin incision and the surgeon didn't even need to stop the heart! I had some trouble coming off the breathing tube and struggled with bad nausea until Midday Saturday. Keeping food and water down has done wonders. I'm feeling a little scared to go home, but have been so consistently uncomfortable in these hospital beds and chairs it'll be nice to have my own mattress back!

I'm officially a week away from being on the other side of surgery! Pre-ops yesterday were stressful and involved too much waiting, a parade of physicians, lab work, an x-ray, and 5 different stops, but I've cleared that hurdle. Going into this final pre-surgery week, I feel pretty ok. Sometimes, I'm skeptical of how calm I am and worried I'm in denial. I've been trying to take every opportunity I can to do things with my body that bring me joy while basking in the waning summer sun. The past couple of weeks have also been difficult reminders that life keeps happening, despite my impending OHS. Two weeks ago, one of my close friends/ chosen family disclosed they'd been diagnosed with Leukemia. My partner spent last week in NJ for their Grandma's funeral. I've been thankful that I will get better and come through this healthier than I've ever been. I know the next month will be a difficult struggle, but at least the problem and solution are straightforward and overwhelmingly successful. For a period a few months ago, I resented my body for betraying me. Recently, the couple times I've found myself gasping for air trying to ride up one of the many hills in Seattle, it's got me excited to see what I can do with my more-able body, the bike rides and hikes I want to take, the places I'll walk during recovery, the different martial arts I'll try. I'm ready for this!