I got my bandages off today. The nurse cleaned my incisions and put silicone tape over them, and I’ll see my doctor again in a couple of weeks.

When my doctor said a week of recovery, I thought he was nuts. Even my general doctor rolled her eyes and said she’d write me a note if I needed more time off work when I told her during my pre-op visit. But here I am, a week post surgery, and I’m almost completely off pain meds. That being said, I’m still quite bruised, swollen, and generally uncomfortable. It often feels like my ribs are being squeezed. Every once in a while, I stretch or twist wrong and pull the stitches on the left side which renders me speechless. Shooting pain. Ugh. Thankfully, it passes quickly.

Even though I have this time of healing and getting used to another change in my body, I’m so grateful to have come this far. I already feel so much better.

I’m thankful for the reminder…

Today I had to remind myself that it’s not even been a full week since my surgery. I’m in that awkward stage post surgery where I’m starting to feel a bit better, but when I try to do stuff, I feel lousy and tired. It’s frustrating. My stomach is more sore today and my incisions are starting to itch. That’s probably a good sign. I was able to go the day with over the counter pain killer instead of prescription, and I even walked a bit after dinner, so I’m getting there. I’m thankful for that.

Patrick is teaching face to face summer classes now, so I was alone most of the day. Thankfully, I’m moving a bit better now, so I wasn’t too worried about managing on my own. I’m still extra tired, so I ended up watching a movie and napping a bit. It was kind of nice having complete control of the tv. And a couple of my sisters had chocolate-dipped fruit delivered, so lunch was covered. Yum! I’m thankful for my sisters, and I’m grateful I’m on the mend.

I’m 2 days post surgery and I feel like I’ve done 1000 sit-ups. I tried to go without pain meds for a while today, and that backfired. So I think I’ll stick with it for a little while, even though it makes me sleepy. I’ve had 4-hour naps the last couple of days, yet I’m thankful the pain is manageable.

On this Father’s Day, I’m grateful for my stepdad, who passed away too young 8 years ago, and my father who is trying to be more involved in my life. I’m also thankful for my father-in-law. His birthday is on our anniversary, and he didn’t care that we usurped it. He also likes to go junking, and he sometimes sends me stuff for my booth. He’s generous and sarcastic and fun. I lucked out with my in-laws.

I’m thankful today for Patrick’s help, for delivered flowers, for pain meds, and for beautiful weather.

I think I got what I needed done at work today so I can recuperate without thinking too much about it. I’m glad for that. I’m also thankful for the well wishes from family and friends today. It reminds me that everything will be good.

I’m grateful today for air conditioning. Like much of the US, we’ve entered a heat wave. It was 95 F today but it felt like 105. We were lucky that there was a breeze, so it wasn’t completely oppressive.

These silly guys make me laugh, even though they continue to bring critters into the house. This morning the possum was in our closet. Patrick said it looked like the same one because it was missing a tuft a hair on its back and didn’t seem overly bothered by the dogs. This second visit earned it a trip to a nearby park. I hope it finds new friends.

I’m grateful once again that this possum survived, and I fervently hope another does not take its place. I’m also grateful for a relatively non-stressful Monday at work, an engaging new book I started tonight, and limoncello almonds that are a lovely treat.

I’m thankful for a relaxing Sunday.