The only thing worse than having one surgery is having two ! Every mother in the world knows that none of us have time to get a cold, much less land in the hospital for surgery. However, that is exactly what I am going to be doing, for the second time in eight months. Can you hear my disgusted sigh ???
Back in September I had surgery for a hernia. I spent the week before cleaning and baking like a crazy lady. I laid in enough food to feed the entire neighborhood for weeks. I wrote lists, made schedules, emailed teachers. You name it,I did it, burning off nervous energy and preparing to be out of commission.
I’ll be the first to admit that whole thing went pretty smoothly. My mom, dad and faithful housekeeper/right hand gal Carol ran the show well. My mom and I did some early online Christmas shopping during the day while the kids were at school. She broke my puppy of a few really bad habits, too. Nursemaid, dog trainer, cook and chauffeur. Hey, that sounds like my job ! I have to tell you, major surgery is a tough way to get a week off, but it wasn’t even close to awful. When do you EVER get to lay around, do no cooking, driving, work or housework AND have someone wait on you? God Bless my helpers. The question is, will they be ready and willing to do it again ? They say yes, so on May 18 I will have a second surgery, to repair the nerve near my hernia that is keeping me in chronic pain. I’ve been told the second time around will be closer to awful than the first time was. So rest up everyone. I’m going to need a lot of help. Again.
I’m going to try to resist taking my laptop to the hospital. I should only be there a day or two. What do the rest of you think ? Are you all able to completely (almost, I will take my Blackberry) turn work and the world off for a medical or personal crisis ? I’m wrestling with this. Last time the surgery was outpatient. I was checking email that afternoon from bed. This time, I’m staying in the hospital and uncertain how to proceed. I’d really like to hear what you all think. Can my students and department live without me for an entire 48 hours ?