Sock it to me
Saturday August 08th 2009, 11:17 am
Filed under: Crohn's flare

During my pre-op appointment, I ratted myself out to the surgical team and told them about my oxygen levels setting off the alarm at 78 and 80% post-op last time, warning them that whatever amount of morphine the self-administering pump had been set for, it was too high, even though I knew how much I was going to want that med.

That was one of my biggest issues going in.  Untreatable pain. What I didn’t expect was, they took that into account, took me seriously, and put me on a slightly different painkiller, and, they put me on oxygen so it wouldn’t be an issue. I don’t love plastic up my nose, but for that, it’s definitely okay with me.

I’m off both now. I’m far from fine but still, I keep telling myself this is easier than last time.

The surgeon’s first words out of his mouth on Wednesday when he saw me were, So. You decided not to go to your knitting conference?

As if!  I wish. I’d have been there! But it showed he cared what was important to me.

You up in Portland, is it wonderful there or what?


29 Comments so far
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Being off the painkiller and the oxygen sounds very positive to me. I am happy!

Comment by sherry in idaho 08.08.09 @ 11:25 am

I’m glad things are going as well as can be expected. I’m thinking of you, and wish you a speedy recovery!

Comment by Fae 08.08.09 @ 11:48 am

Health vs. Sock Summit. Alison – there is NO choice. Get better dear

Comment by afton 08.08.09 @ 11:50 am

Sock Summit is and continues to be, wonderful. We set a new Guiness record yesterday (not officially yet, I don’t think). Met Barbara Walker in the elevator Thursday before I knew she was Barbara Walker and she was wearing a magnificent beaded multi-color sweater. Running into old friends in the market and lobby, shopping that never seems to end. But you know how knitters are in groups!

Next time you will be among us. Continue your recovery and know that you were in our thoughts.

Comment by Joan 08.08.09 @ 12:04 pm

I’m not at Sock Summit either, but I don’t have as good a reason as you do!

Comment by Renee 08.08.09 @ 12:08 pm

Wow! That is a sign of a terrific doctor, to pay attention like that.

Comment by Diana Troldahl 08.08.09 @ 12:48 pm

What a great group of medical personnel – they LISTENED! Wow!! I’m happy to hear how well you’re doing but please don’t overdo and set yourself back.

Comment by Leslie 08.08.09 @ 1:13 pm

You just get better. There are always more yarn conferences and there’s always more yarn. You’re far more important that wool. I’m sending you good vibes and prayers.

Comment by ruth 08.08.09 @ 1:21 pm

Hi Alison, if you have strength to hold a magazine (or if not, maybe Richard will read it for you) the final page (Ravelings)of the Summer 2009 Interweave Knits is a great read.

Comment by Diana Troldahl 08.08.09 @ 1:47 pm

I can see that you indeed have wonderful caregivers, worthy of receiving those scarves.

Comment by Barbara-Kay 08.08.09 @ 2:24 pm

I’m so glad for every new post! ‘Nuff said!

Comment by LynnM 08.08.09 @ 2:27 pm

Just a quickie to say love you — keep getting better — hugs

Comment by Kristine 08.08.09 @ 2:32 pm

Young lady, you astound me! Off the pain killers and oxygen already! Marvelous! And care givers that care! Who could ask for anything more?

Maybe the humor is helping the process:

PROVERBS AND CHILDREN

The first grade school teacher had twenty-five students in her class. She presented each child with the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. While reading, keep in mind that these are first graders, 6-year-olds–because the last one is a classic!

1. Don’t change horses.. until they stop running

2. Strike while the….. bug is close

3. It’s always darkest before…Daylight Saving Time

4. Never underestimate the power of …. termites

5. You can lead a horse to water but ….. how?

6. Don’t bite the hand that …. looks dirty

7. No news is….impossible

8. A miss is as good as a …. Mr.

9. You can’t teach an old dog new …. math

10. If you lie down with dogs, you’ll ….stink in the morning

11. Love all, trust ….. me

12. The pen is mightier than the ….pigs

13. An idle mind is….the best way to relax

14.Where there’s smoke there’s ….pollution

15. Happy the bride who…..gets all the presents

16. A penny saved is ….not much

17. Two’s company, three’s …. the Musketeers

18. Don’t put off till tomorrow what …. you put on to go to bed

19. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry
and…… you have to blow your nose

20. There are none so blind as …. Stevie Wonder

21. Children should be seen and not …. spanked
or grounded

22. If at first you don’t succeed …. get new batteries

23. You get out of something only what you … see
in the picture on the box

24. When the blind lead the blind …. get out of the way

And the WINNER

25. Better late than….. pregnant

Comment by Don Meyer 08.08.09 @ 2:46 pm

Is there a little room for male mail? Often for good reasons, we are trained to be intimidated by hospitals. But isn’t it refreshing when one’s care becomes a shared goal. When the patient is uninformed, an explanation is given, and when already informed, listened to and reasoned with. For not many pounds, you carry considerable weight; thrown judiciously. Please be careful and heal (sounds like obedience school 😉

Comment by don 08.08.09 @ 2:52 pm

Ta-da!!! There you are!!! I’m so gld you’re off the pain meds and the O2! That really is a personal victory! You do sound wonderful, and I’m so glad you’re posting this soon. It’s a wonderful sign of your improving health!

Prayers work! Still praying!

Comment by Pegi 08.08.09 @ 3:23 pm

Sock it to you? Wait… is this the person who had surgery only a couple of days ago? I’m amazed.

Comment by RobinM 08.08.09 @ 6:38 pm

So glad to see your posts. You are on your way to recovery. . .still praying!

Love and hugs. . .

Comment by Pam 08.08.09 @ 6:43 pm

Oh my goodness.
I go out of town and I get so far behind that I feel I’ll never catch up — and I miss IMPORTANT things!
So sorry you had to do surgery again. So glad it went well, and that they LISTENED to you.
Ready to smack the phlebotomist for not paying attention — and am glad that she’s not coming back to your room anymore.
Sending healing energies your way. May this be your last visit to a hospital for a looooong time.

Comment by Helen 08.08.09 @ 8:19 pm

I think Sock Summit will still be there next year – I have a good feeling about it. Take care of yourself. Hugs & Prayers to you:)

Comment by Triplet Mom 08.08.09 @ 8:48 pm

I’m glad that your surgeon really listens to his patients and remembers what they tell him. We’ve been missing you, and we’re glad that the news is continuing to be good.

Most people are saying “overwhelming” and “beautiful colors” and “I can’t decide!”

Comment by Kathy in San Jose 08.08.09 @ 11:12 pm

After my heart surgery I did really well dealing with the pain and I slept a lot. They would come wake me up to ask if I wanted any pain meds or a sleeping pill. I told them if they hadn’t woken me up I wouldn’t be thinking about being in pain! I only needed a bit of CoTylenol now and then. I thought that would delight them but they seemed disappointed. Not that mine weren’t, but it sounds like you have some good caregivers there!

Heal fast and well! God has heard me ask that for you all year. :o)

Love & hugs,
Gretchen

Comment by Gretchen 08.09.09 @ 1:12 am

Sending lots and lots of love and healing juju, Alison. xoxoxoxoxo

Comment by Romi 08.09.09 @ 6:12 am

Hope you’re feeling better real soon.

Ba

p.s. For some Sock Summit silliness, check out Romi’s blog…..
http://www.rosemarygoround.blogspot.com/

Comment by Ba 08.09.09 @ 6:48 am

What a wonderful, caring doctor! That’s awesome. I’m glad they were able to adjust things a bit and get you on the road to recovery more smoothly.

Comment by Channon 08.09.09 @ 6:56 am

So pleased for you that it is easier this time. The conference….next year, next year and enjoying every minute of it.

Comment by Joansie 08.09.09 @ 10:10 am

I’m glad they are caring for you and listening to you as no one knows your body better than you do:)
My friend Heidi and her baby girl Lilah took the worlds biggest knitted sock to sock summit and they had some wonderful moments with the yarn harlot go to this link to read about it and see the wonderful pictures:)Hugs Darcy
http://knittywit.blogspot.com/2009/08/sock-summit-2009.html

Comment by Darcy 08.09.09 @ 11:09 am

Portland was wonderful. I had classes with Meg Swansen and Judith Mackenzie McCuin, both were absolute delights. I heard a rumor that there will be more Sock Summits, but perhaps in 2 years instead of one. By the way, my Sock Summit roommate (and longtime friend) is linked in the post above with the biggest sock.

Comment by Michelle 08.10.09 @ 8:19 am

Are you kidding me?? So many of us were thinking of you, talking about you, it was practically a prayer circle of sock summiteers.
I just got home today and am getting caught up with your posts. Glad you’re doing well under the circumstances.

Comment by karin maag-tanchak 08.11.09 @ 6:23 pm

Keep healing, keep being spunky in spirit even when the body is tired, and know we thought of you, talked of you and sent good wishes while in Portland.

I had the time of my life. It was run by great folks. It seemed to me that the way it was organized and managed represented the best parts of female-ness. Caring, lots of volunteers to help when needed, and wonderful teachers/classes. Just wonderful.

Would love to have another Sock Summit, but I can imagine that the organizers could say it was just too much for them and for their loved ones to do it again. Whatever happens, I hope it’s good for those who give up time/effort to plan/organize it.

Love ya. Do what they say, and heal. OK?
LynnH

Comment by LynnH 08.11.09 @ 9:37 pm



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