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Friday, January 16, 2009

Things I Can't Live Without!!!

Here I am, 60 years old, and never really sick in my life, no operations or hospital stays, etc. Nor have I ever really been around people who have been really sickly for long periods of time. . . . until the past few years. First, it was my sister as she went through appendix cancer with all the chemo, radiation, operations, a broken leg, etc. Then, it was my friend with uterine cancer. Now, my turn!

Each experience teaches you a little bit more. But it isn't until YOU yourself are going through it for real that you realize there are LOTS of things no one told you!
So. . . . print this out, and put it in your "In case I have an Operation" file.

#1. Don't bother worrying about the things you think are important. They are not, in comparison to the other stuff that happens afterwards. There is always pain meds, so pain isn't a biggie. That can be controlled. No one told me about the throwing up, etc. So make sure you have a bucket close by. That was the first thing I learned!

#2. No one told me about constipation. I went 6 days without going. I thought I was ok because there was no pain, etc. But let me tell you. . . . . on second thought, it was all unspeakable! Suffice it to say it felt like I finally gave birth to a baby hippo with pain beyond anything I've ever known. My sister up North seemed to find this the most hilarious thing as I sobbed on the phone with her, only because she went through it, too, and knew exactly what was happening. Forget stitches, forget operations, forget chemo, forget everything that you ever thought was bad in your life ---- this topped everything!

#3. Be prepared to sign your life away to whoever breaks for you as you beg and grovel and moan to to get to go to the pharmacy for the cure. I know have a signed contract with my brother in law and owe him my life. Good guy that he is, he brought me the Milk of Magnesia, the Fleet, etc. I can just see him shopping that aisle and checking out, wondering what the cashier was thinking. . . .????!!!!!!!

#4. Find a place in your home to store these things so they are on hand when it's YOUR turn for an operation, etc. They say that the anesthesia, pain meds, etc., are what cause the constipation. Better to have it at home, ready for use, rather than have to sign away your life later on when you, yourself, can't get out!

#5. You will need a grabber! This thing has been a lifesaver for me, as I soon found out that I can only bend to where my hands might touch my knees. That's as far as I go. This handy-dandy grabber is 26" long, and when you sqeeze the handles at the top, the two "grabbers" on the bottom close on whatever you need to pick up and there you have it. Since I am left handed, and the operation was on the left side, I seem to be dropping everything on the floor lately -- like the toilet paper, pain pills, water bottle, towels, soap in the shower --- it's amazing!!!! And here I am, six feet tall, looking waaaaaaaay down there at whatever it is I dropped, knowing it will probably be there for life. The biggest problem is when I drop the grabber!!!!! So. . . . . you need two of these gadgits. One for the emergency to pick up the grabber you just dropped!



This grabber has come in handy, too, when doing laundry. I pulled my wash basket with it, put my wash in the washer with it, pulled stuff out of the washer and put it in the drier with it, etc. Believe me, when you can't bend and feel like the tin man, you find all kinds of uses for this thingy!

I'm sure as I go along, there will be more important things I'll need to warn you about. But for right now, these are two of the most important.

Oh yes! I forgot! Don't talk to people who laugh a lot. Otherwise, you will end up having to be restitched!!!!!

29 comments:

Deborah said...

I love reading your posts! and I'm glad I don't have stitches or I'd need to have them restitched!
That last one I can sure relate to...when you have stitches you don't want to laugh, cough or sneeze!

Sherri said...

You are in my continued prayers as He brings you to mind.
Blessings and a cup of tea,

Valley Primitives Gift Shoppe said...

You are such a dear to share this helpful information with anyone that may encounter these same things! I've got to say that you had me laughing several times in your post. Praying for you!
Kim

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What a great idea to give us all those handy tips in case we need them.
Ihope each day gets better and better!!

Anonymous said...

I have one of those gopher things too and use it every once in a while...handy gadget...glad you are feeling better and haven't lost your humor!

Juri said...

Cor....I am laughing as I read your post! And, I know you are talking about me with the laughing....I try not to, but you know me!!! Let's see....I have no idea how to spell it, but sound it out....you are such an "adamastockert, leevert".

Jur

Penny @ Miss Pootsie's Primitives said...

Cora!!! Hahaaaaaheheeeee, mercy girl. Even when you're recovering from major surgery you're HILARIOUS! I'm sorry.. I just couldn't help myself. Your description of the end of the constipation phase was just too much! Sorry... (again) I should have warned you about that problem. What we've all finally resorted to using for that problem works wonderfully. A little bit of orange juice, about 1 finger of mineral oil, shaken... not stirred. Drink it down. It might take a bit longer, but it works very gently.
Love you Cora.. still praying like mad for you honey.
Penny

Leaon Mary said...

Great advice Cora! WHO KNEW that would be the worst thing... egads!*
Funny the "things' we take for granted huh? Like ... human plumbing. Well, glad everything worked out for ya. ;) heehee
I LOVE YA GIRL...
I think you should make a wristband for that grabber! What a coolbeans gadget!
Have a great weekend,
My love to good ole Buster,
holykisses,
lea

Oma aka Meme said...

I cannot laugh although the temptation is here - only becasue of how you write -
they gave papa special medications to take continually while on chemo- which was a good thing
cancer sure changes one's priorities - we had some good laughs too- hugs from Meme

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Cora, are you quite sure that anesthetic has worn off? LOL You're a hoot and a half!

I'll never forget my first surgery. A six inch incision right across my middle ... my second day in the hospital ... and my brother-in-law and husband decide to tell jokes. I thought I would die! I held a pillow and laughed and cried all at the same time. Finally, the nurse made them leave. They were relentless! It's funn now but back then it just hurt ... well it was kind funny then too, but you know what I mean!

I think that grabber is such a clever idea!

Smiles,
Lea

Joyfulsister said...

LOL My Sistah,
You continue to inspire me and make me smile and gigge like a little girl!!!. You are blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. I think the Lord looks at you and smiles as well. I'm sure these words of wisdom and exoprience will be greatly appreciated to those who maybe going through a familiar journey. Continue prayers go up to the throne room for you my friend and thank you for just being... YOU (((Hugz))).

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

Cora...hope each day finds you feeling better. Glad your figuring out ways to make things a bit simpler.
I have to say I love your lil' handy tips!
:)Ginger

Kay-The Rustic Cottage said...

Thank you for the tips!! They were helpful and hilarious! Milk of Magnesia will be at the top of my list!

Hugs,
Kay

Anonymous said...

DEAR SWEET CORA,
YOU ARE GOING TO LAUGH YOUR WAY TO RECOVERY. MY DAUGHTER IS 32 AND HAS BATTLED CANCER TWICE....FIRST WHEN SHE WAS 101/2 YEARS FOR 4 YEARS AND NOW AGAIN STARTING JUNE 10, 2008...SHE COMPLETED RADIATION AND CHEMO THIS TIME ON DECEMBER 10, 2008...HOWEVER SHE WILL KEEP HER PORT-A-CATH FOR TWO YEARS AS SHE DID BEFORE...EACH TIME THEY TOLD US SHE WOULD NOT LIVE...THIS TIME THEY WOULD NOT EVEN GIVE HER TWO MONTHS....BUT OH GLORY TO GOD....GOD IS THE ONE WHO HAS THE FINAL SAY SO......
THE FIRST TIME SHE WAS ILL, HE GAVE US JEREMIAH 29:11...FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.
AND THIS TIME THE SCRIPTURE CAME TO ME:
"I WILL GIVE YOU BACK YOUR HEALTH AND HEAL THY WOUNDS," SAITH THE LORD.
~JEREMIAH 30:17....I WROTE THAT SCRIPTURE ON EVERY LAB REPORT, ON EVERY CHEMO BAG, ON EVERYTHING THAT I KEPT FOR HER RECORDS..........I HAVE ALWAYS TURNED MY FACE TO THE WALL AND WENT WITH GOD AND YOU WILL BE ON MY PRAYER LIST.
I AM NEW TO THE BLOGGING WORLD BUT I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO STOP BY AND I WILL PUT A LINK TO YOUR BLOG
GOD BLESS FUNNY GIRL
debbie

PianoPlayer said...

It really helps to find humor in the middle of, well, being clogged and feeling like you need Roto-rooter. If you can't laugh when you are constipated and have stitches healing, then you probably just can't laugh.
LU
Cheryl

*Linda Pinda* said...

LOL!
Cora... I swear, after delivery Caleb, the constipation was so bad I declared "This is the worse part of the entire childbirth experience". (of course, that's from a mom who did have an epidural... LOL). My mom said "you've got to be kidding me".

NOPE. Misery.

You're right. They don't tell you all those things. I see another book in your future dear friend :)

Hugs... *Linda*

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Great advice, I only hope I'll never need it -smile-.
Don't forget the stool softeners, they can be a help as well.
God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your heart and hands.

LindaSue said...

Oh girl - that constipation monster is a bad dude! Two words, cooked vegetables - really helped me.
After one of my surgeries - I discovered the importance of cotton verus nylon nightclothes - nylon (or poly) irritated my surgical line like crazy.
Glad to see your humor intact - faith and a sense of the ridiculous can get a gal through some odd situations.

Toni said...

Oh,Cora I must say I love you so much!!! You are so funny and so blunt about everything!I love the way you openly share your life with all of us.I pray that youb will be healed and back to normal soon!! Love and blessings,Toni

Brenda said...

Hi Cora, I'm glad you are home and on the mend! I had to laugh with you about the constipation, I've been there too after having surgery!

You have an award waiting for you to pick up at my place.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Blessings, Brenda

Stacy Lambert said...

Holy crap, (no pun intended). I thought chemo constipation was bad. I will make sure to double dose my colase and maybe laxatives before surgery? I will talk to my Onc. I don't want to suffer this way. Thanks for the heads up.
Wishing you well,
Stacy

Michelle said...

Hi Cora, Just checking in on you this morning! You're in my thoughts and prayers :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Cora,
Thanks for stopping by for a visit...I want you to know that I prayed and thought of you while you were having the operation and recovery. Thanks also for the tips, I had four kids so I know all about the constipation:)
Keep your humor and goes so well with you:0
Rondell

naomisnotions said...

Hey Cora! How are you feeling? Sorry I haven't been here...I'm still praying for you!

Thank you about my doll...I just posted my 2nd one, a cat one...she is a keeper! :)

I hope things are going well...

(((HUGS)))
Naomi

ByLightOfMoon said...

Cora Dear Love, It is soooo good to hear from you and you do make all of us laugh it seems from the other posts. We love to read your blog posts, you are a natural writer.

Bob needs the grabber also with his back fusion and we got my Mother to use one with her gall bladder surgery. I think they are good appliances for everyone to have around. Bob even helps me pick up the paper pieces Miss Emma chews up constantly, and the filling in her toys she destroys. Buster is much better than her. She goes through the bones so fast and Jordan only likes them after she gets them soggy soft. Of course, he is 11 years old now. But, she needs some schooling I do believe.

We have prayed for you to rid this cancer, and I pray the arm thing is gone also and that you have use of your arm. Just take it slowly and let your body heal.

I have the constipation too with all the neuropathy RX I take. Benefiber works well, just stir in a glass of whatever you drink. Who knew you would need this advice?

I continue to pray for you daily and it is a good lesson to find out what is really important to our lives. Our Health is something we should never take for granted.

Smiles, cyndi

Oma aka Meme said...

praying for you- my friend- soft hugs - and waiting for news of you hugs from Meme

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

Hello Cora,

You are in my prayers, this is all wonderful advice!

Blessings,
Kathi :)

CathyJean said...

Cora,
This post made me laugh so hard!! and that's a good thing - I needed it:)
So glad to be back here reading my friend's blogs. I'm thrilled that your surgery is done! and you are healing. You are a very brave, strong, beautiful woman!! and I am so grateful for your friendship and encouragement.
Thanks for your prayers ~ praying for you too my sweet friend!!
Hugz,
Cathy

DeeDee said...

Thanks for the list! I love it & I'll use it!!!