More things I am thankful for....

I can really get used to not working.  I am 3-weeks post -op and as I recover and get back to my full-self, I am making time to enjoy little-big things.  Here are more things I am thankful for and can cross off my list of 'things to do while I am on disability'.

Wine tasting on a weekday-so cool and so fun!!

Finally checked out the restaurant, Fifth Wheel
Leisurely stroll around Lake Merritt
Going out on a 'school night', but wait...I don't have school tomorrow!
Hang out with a friend and meet her super adorable 10-month old
Attend my niece and nephew's swim lesson-my nephew even earned a ribbon!!

So many more things to do and to be thankful for....
 

Things I am thankful for...

I've been planning my recovery days home for a few months.  I started a 'list of things to do, while I am on disability'.  It's a pretty great list and all of it primarily centers around catching up and visiting with friends.  To date, here are some of the things I've been able to enjoy while I am off:

Mid-day naps
Visiting my niece and nephew
Visiting a friend and her mom, who is sick
Hanging out with my mom at 3pm on a weekday
Hanging out at my pool in the afternoon
Taking morning walks
Preparing myself breakfast, lunch and dinner
Daytime grocery shopping
Having visitors during the weekday

I am looking forward to more 'things to do while I am on disability'.

Recovery mode

Two weeks ago, today, I was preparing for surgery.  Now, I am in full-blown recovery mode.  I've been following my doctors orders to a Tee and see progress with each new day.  One of the orders is walking.  It is the best way to recover during the first 4-weeks post-op.  I started walking in the hospital the day after my surgery at a super slow pace.  I even tried to 'track my walk' using my Nike+ID!  Needless to say, it didn't register because I was moving too slow.

Walking is also great to 'wake-up' your intestines after surgery, too.  I learned my fibroids were attached to internal parts and this has been the most challenging part of my recovery.  I can't even begin to tell you how painful it is, so I won't, but I am walking through it.

I am still in awe by the amount of love, prayers, and thoughts that have come my way.  I am one blessed woman, indeed! 

Many Thanks...

I am home from the hospital to begin my recovery.  With the help of medication, I'm not experiencing too much pain.  And I'm really following the doctor's orders of taking my medication on time, walking, and drinking lots of fluids.

I wouldn't have made it through this procedure without the wonderful help of the below people.

I had such an outstanding stay at UCSF, Mt. Zion campus.  I had an entire team of round the clock support to make sure I was comfortable, got out of the bed, brought me liquids, even held my hand for additional support to the restroom.

Big shout-out and props to you Team 4 East!!  

UCSF Mt.Zion Campus:
Rachelle-check in lady
Gina, RN-pre op nurse: she poked and stabbed me and made me laugh along the way
Nikuru and Tishanu-residence (spelling is so wrong, sorry drs.)
Dr Chen: the 'drug man'
Dr Abnur: he was on the anesthesiology team, but was pulled away.  We had a nice chat about the 'cocktail' he would have prepared for me
Christopher: the 'drug man' one of them, anyway...
Richard: recovery nurse. He made sure my glasses were on my face when I woke up.  That was very important to me.  Every time I moved, he was ready to give me ice chips. I hadn't eaten or had a drink since 11:45 the night before.  It was now about 6pm or so.  I think.
GiGi, RN : my overnight nurse after my surgery. Even at 2 am, she was a dream.  She literally woke me up every 2-3 hours to make sure I was comfortable and doing well; with a smile
Estelita, RN
Lyndon, RN
Blanca, RN
Raeshon, RN
Alma: Patient Care Assistant-she helped me get to the toilet
Stephanie, RN
Karen, RN
Reynaldo, janitor
Venice Ayala-surgical scheduler

A special shout out to my mom who waited all day at the hospital and spent the night.  To  Jessica along with my mom was there when I woke up.  She also brought me flowers, magazine, and chocolate.   She was prepared to polish my nails, too, but she had to run to dinner.

Shout out to my friend Holly who made an appearance and surprised me with a date! We're going to see Anthony Hamilton.  She even bought me the cd so I learn all of the songs! 

More special shout outs to:

Neda, who called in a panic, not sure what was going on with me.  I thought for sure I had told her of my upcoming surgery, but I didn't.  She prayed for me on the spot while we were on the phone.

To my best friend, bobo (Yvette) for calling my mom all day to check in on my progress.  Even from the beach!

And to all of my other family and friends who called or texted me well-wishes and prayers before, during and after my surgery.  I think I've responded to all. 

Thank you really isn't a big enough word to express my appreciation, but I am so grateful for all of you and I am truly blessed to have you in my life.

Last but not least, Dr Alison Jacoby.  She is a patient doctor, tops in her field, and highly regarded amongst her peers.  She let me make my decision about my healthcare even when she knew I should have had this procedure done years ago.  She continued to address my fears and concerns, but always let me know she'd be ready when I were ready. Thank you Dr. Jacoby.  The best part, I can still be your patient even though I no longer have fibroids.  

My post-fibroid life begins, NOW....

I DID IT!!

So excited to have met my 5% weight loss goal!

Thursday, August 9th was a big day for me.  It was my scheduled surgery for my hysterectomy.  The day was finally here.  Along with this day, I set a goal to lose 15 LBS.  In an earlier post, I mentioned that I hadn't met my goal, but that I had re-set my goal.

Well, I did it!

Not only did I lose the 15 LBS, but I also met a 5% weight loss goal with Weight Watchers.  It was a happy day in the meeting room.  I even began to cry (almost the ugly cry) and the lady who took my weight gave me the tightest hug.  I won't make this Saturday's weigh in with my leader; but when I go to the meeting on the 18th, we will celebrate at that time.

Of course, I wanted to share the news with all who supported me along the way.

I felt so great.  I honestly can't even describe the feeling only to say that it truly is the beginning of a new chapter in my life.  In a few more hours, I will be rid of my uterus, which has caused so many issues.  Issues that will trouble me no more.

One more day....

I didn't sleep well last night.  I am thinking anxiety is taking over.  I've been up since 3am.  Good thing the Olympics are on!  I was watching Badminton.   I am so overwhelmed with the positive words, love, and prayers that have come my way.

I emailed my mom this morning to let her know that I didn't sleep well and my tummy was  a bit agitated. Leave it to mom to point me in the right direction.  Check out the below link.....

http://www.dailyword.com/dailyword/healing-wednesday-august-08-2012



Thanks, mom.  I love you.

Find me a meeting!

Last week, I traveled to Los Angeles to celebrate my baby sister's birthday.  My sister had been emailing and texting me all of the fun ideas she had in store for the weekend.  I later demanded an itinerary so I could pack accordingly, including workout clothes.

When I received the itinerary, it was jammed packed with fun, drinking, and eating.  At first, mild panic set in until I kept reading.  My thoughtful sister also had 'work out' on the agenda of fun, too along with the address of the nearest location for me to attend my weekly Weight Watchers meeting.  My sister has been one of my biggest supporters. She knows the importance of my goal and made sure I would stay on track.  I was most appreciative of her efforts and thoughts.She also made sure there were healthy snacks at home, too.

Thanks, sister for finding me a meeting!

Oh...I had a blast celebrating your birthday, too!

To find a meeting to keep you on track while you're away from home, visit www.weightwatchers.com and click 'find a meeting'.  Enter the address or zip code of where you'll be and watch what happens!       

Unfinished goal

I had hoped to complete a 15 LB weight loss goal by my surgery date, which is in one week.  I have come to realize that it won't happen.  I'm a little disappointed, but still proud that I did lose 11 LBs.

The best thing about goals?  You can re-set them.  And I already have! 

I will continue to stay in the Weight Watchers chair after my surgery. But while I am recovering, I will weigh in at home to update my profile online until I'm able to drive myself to the meetings.  I can resume light walking 2 weeks post-op and more intense workouts 4-6 weeks post-op.  I am still going to lose those 4 LBs and more, dang-it!

I am so appreciative to my family and friends who have cheered for me and supported me along the way.  I know they will continue to do so.

I am one blessed and loved woman.