I'm sorry to hear that you have been delay again. It might not be such a bad thing to delay if there have been that many emergencies. You don't want a tired, overworked surgeon.
You may not feel like it now but in the grand scheme of things it will all work out.
Tim from Greensboro NC
On May 18, 2010...
Diana!
I can't believe it! I can only imagine how frustrated you are.
But, you can't control it so relax. June 2nd will be here before you know it.
Ricki
On May 18, 2010...
GOD, grant me the Serenity to
accept the things I cannot change,
The Courage to change the things I can,
And the Wisdom to know the difference.
Hang in there..there are reasons for things like this!
Jim
On May 18, 2010...
Good morning Diana!
I'm finally in Cleveland and getting ready for my day of pre-op tests (the only new ones are pulmonary, other than that the same old echo, ECG, blood work!). Not a bad day except I have a headache (sinus? Stress? Not allowed to eat?) and can only take Tylenol which doesn't do much for me. I'm sure I'll survive!
I know you're nervous today but try to stay calm and think positive thoughts. My thoughts are with you.
"See" you on the other side of surgery!
Ricki
On May 18, 2010...
SIS, YOU will be in my prayers entire time. I know you are strong and will do great. Miss our chats. Get WELL soon. LOVVVVVVVVVVVVVE YOU, BIG SIS
On May 17, 2010...
Hi Diana!!!!! I'm betting you are getting really anxious and excited!!!!! Just think, after it's over, we'll have to go shooting together :) Might be a weird question, but do you have any idea what room you will be in, or will they give you a room when you get there? Also, will you be allowed visitors? Talkit to ya later!
Love,
Trace
On May 17, 2010...
Diana
Good luck on your surgery..there will be many prayers said for you. You will be ok!!! Fran is right...whatever I felt doubts creeping into my thought process, I changed the scene..and envisioned myself in recovery and doing fine. Do not let bad thoughts creep in..you can only control your thoughts...God and the Surgeon are in charge of the rest. Do your job by utilizing the positive energy field.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan
On May 17, 2010...
Diana:
An Irish Blessing from an Irishman - everything HAS to go well!
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Jim Patrick
On May 17, 2010...
I know, I remember the "what ifs". I am a big believer in prayer and when ever one of those thoughts crept into my mind I would pray and would find peace.After a while never did have any more "what ifs". Loved ones will get you through. You'll do well.
Fran Z
On May 17, 2010...
Hi Diana,
Wishing you the best with your upcoming surgery! I completely understand your feelings, as I am having them now and my surgery is 17 days away. I know everything will be great-you are in God's hands.
Hopes for a speedy recovery!
Kimberly S.
On May 17, 2010...
Well, it's just about here. Please don't be terrified. We've all made it and you'll be here to talk about it afterwards. Pray, positive visualization, meditation will all help. Was hoping someone would post for you for a few days after the surgery when you're not able to. We will just have to pray and wait!!
Fran Z
On May 16, 2010...
Hi Diana!
How are you doing? I've had a busy weekend which was very nice but tiring. I head to Cleveland tomorrow - tests on Tuesday, doctors meetings on Wednesday. Do you have any tests left or are you just checking in on Wednesday?
I hope your wrist has cleared and you're in good spirits.
Ricki
On May 12, 2010...
Hi Diana,
Great News...all is evolving the way it is meant to be!!! Now...lets get that surgery behind you!!
Theresa Callanan
On May 12, 2010...
Hi Diana
That's what we want to hear. Now if he only could have prescribed the antibiotic in the first place it would have saved you stress. This time next week you will be all done. How great does that sound?
Take care.
Cheryl
On May 12, 2010...
Hi Diana. I've been following your journal for a while now & am relieved to read that your wrist is better at last. It's great news that you'll be able to continue with your surgery as scheduled. I wish you a successful surgery & smooth recovery.
All the best, Joy Vera
On May 12, 2010...
Guess I'm just too outspoken! Alls well that ends well.
Fran Z
On May 12, 2010...
YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!
Ricki
On May 12, 2010...
Great news. Somehow from the begining (maybe because I'm a nurse)knew you needed an antibiotic. Are you pro-active in your health care? Would you be comfortable asking your doctor why he didn't order an antibiotic way back when? I know I would--but that's me. The bottom line is you'll have your surgery next week as planned!
Fran Z
On May 11, 2010...
Hello Di,
Keep the faith, and a positive attitude. Wonderful things are happening these days with meds and surgery. We love you, and wish only the best for you. God is able. Love, Aunt Jeanette and Mike.
On May 10, 2010...
Hi Diana
Finally - antibiotics. Now we're talking! I'm hoping by tomorrow you'll be reporting a definite positive difference. Thanks for droppping by my guestbook. Praying for you.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 10, 2010...
It works finally.
Dwight
On May 10, 2010...
Yay!!!!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that nasty absess goes away and you have your surgery next week as planned.
Ricki
On May 10, 2010...
All I can say is HOORAY and FINALLY. When this clears quickly (which I pray it does) you'll wonder why he didn't do this in the begining. Don't stress, you'll have your surgery on time!
Fran Z
On May 9, 2010...
Hi Diana
I hope the doctor orders the antibiotic and gets it over with. Have you ever had something like this happen before? Like you say, two weeks to go and you want that darn thing healed. Good luck. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 8, 2010...
Diana!
Good grief! This is going on far too long! A visit to your doctor on Monday is definitely in order. I'm sure you don't want to postpone your surgery.
Please let us know what happens. And try to enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Ricki
On May 8, 2010...
Diana
Maybe it's time to ask him why he is reluctant to order an antibiotic since he's followed the protocol for this sterile abcess. Let us know what he says. Seems like it's been going on way too long.
Fran Z
On May 5, 2010...
Diana,
I am sorry to hear that there was a delay in your surgery. I know I feared that while waiting for my surgery...but decided if it did it was meant to be. Hope your wrist heals real soon. I will be praying for you.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
On May 5, 2010...
Well, Diana
Now we know it's probably a good thing that there has been a slight delay in your surgery so that wrist will be totally healed and closed. Praying fot just that.
Fran Z
On May 5, 2010...
Sis, glad you finally got something better for your wrist. That concerned me..... Love Ya, Jackie
On May 5, 2010...
Diana,
Just when it looked like all was healing. Hopefully, the antibiotic prescribed will fully resolve the problem.
Take care.
Elaine
On May 4, 2010...
I had a similar delay and found out later that it was because there was a guy who needed the surgery worse than I did on my original date. I think that things happen for a reason for those of us who generally have good luck!
Jim - Tucson
On May 4, 2010...
Hi Diana,
The good news is that your wrist is healed.
Try not to be too upset about the change in the surgery date.
Take care.
Elaine
On May 4, 2010...
Hi Diana
Wish I could help you put a positive spin on that change of surgery date but it is what it is. Everyone goes home on weekends so perhaps this way you'll be in the hospital with a full working staff. How's that for digging deep? Just a little over two weeks. You'll get there.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 4, 2010...
Oh no! You were all set and now you have to change mental gears to the 19th. That's frustrating.
Now you'll be a day ahead of me. Wish we were going to the same place . . . we could have a pajama party in ICU!
Stay calm and rested. The 19th will come soon enough.
Ricki
On May 3, 2010...
Great news, now you can put that behind you as you mentally prepare for surgery. Praying for peace for you.
Fran Z
On May 3, 2010...
Diana,
I'm so happy to hear your abcess seems to be clearing. That must be a great relief.
Your recliner sounds fabulous. I wonder if I should get one? I have a very comfortable chair with an ottoman that I sat in when I herniated a disk and I'm planning to use that for my recovery. But maybe a new
recliner? Or am I just looking for an excuse to go shopping??
Enjoy your Monday.
Ricki
On May 3, 2010...
Thanks for the message to me Diana. Seems after 4 days of antibiotics, my chest congestion seems to be better so am really looking forward to a really good day of being more active. It's a vicious cycle, when you don't feel well you don't (or aren't able to) do more and then you feel poorly again. Hope to break that cycle. It will be in the 90's and humid here today. Will walk in my home and later hope to get to the sports center in our development. There is a treadmill there and will try it.
Have a great day.
Fran Z
On May 3, 2010...
Good Morning Diana
You sound calmer now. I have an adjustable bed, so have been able to sleep in my bed since I got home. Just remember as comfortable as the new recliner is, you'll have to get up several times a day and move! Glad for all the parental help you'll be getting.
Fran Z
On May 2, 2010...
Diana:
Been following your journal, and I have to say that when you finally go in on May 14, that things will go really well. Why? Because you have such a positive outlook, and you clearly have a lot more to do in this life before you are done.
I had a positive outlook and knew that there were things left to be done that were important, and I came through in fantastic condition with no pain and feeling like a million dollars. I wish you luck, and will keep a positive thought for you, as I think those really help, but I don't think you will need it!
Jim in Tucson
On May 2, 2010...
Hi Diana,
How are you feeling? Did the abscess finally heal?
Thank you for all the info. Beets, liver, liverwurst, lambs, clams, etc? I must say that is probably why I have low iron. I'm not the best of eaters. Well, I do eat beef.
When are you scheduled for surgery?
Elaine
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Diana
Gee, you are having a time of it. Just wanting you to know you are in my prayers as you near your big day - the first day of the rest of your new life. Have a good weekend and hope that sucker gets healed soon.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 30, 2010...
Sterile abcess? Sounds like an oxymoron!
I hope it goes away. Soon. (Keep us posted.)
Do something fun this weekend.
Ricki
On April 30, 2010...
Thanks for the update. Apparently the doctor feels there's no need for an antibiotic but would there be any harm in using it? Have the name of the book and cd's that Barbara Torrey used in preparation for her surgery and she said it helped her so much that she only needed Motrin post op.
Prepare For Surgery-Heal Faster
by Peggy Huddleston includes 2 cds.
Let me know if you use it and if it's useful.
Fran Z
On April 30, 2010...
Diana,
I hope your doctor gives you antibiotics and this goes away quickly. I know you don't want to postpone surgery!
Other than that, how are you doing? I'm relatively calm these days . . . bought new slippers, pjs, and stretchy pants for my trip to Cleveland. (Shopping is good therapy!)
Take care and let us know what your doctor says.
Ricki
On April 30, 2010...
Good Morning Diana
Hope you hear from your doctor and get put on a course of an antibiotic which, hopefully will clear it up in no time. If your doctor prefers not to give you an antibiotic, you should ask "why not"? I'm a registered nurse, so am speaking with some experience. Please let us know, this will be behind you soon and it'll be one less thing to stress over. I read some where that you are losing some weight due to the stress. You want to go into your surgery as relaxed as you can be. Earlier, I believe I suggested you go to your local book store and see what's available to read, but especially on tape that you should use. Good luck.
Fran Z
On April 27, 2010...
Hi Diana,
Just read your journal. Glad your wrist is getting better. Your surgery is only a few days after mine. My surgery is scheduled for May 10 at the Univ. of PA.
Surgery will soon be over for both of us and we'll be on the road to recovery. I too have chosen the tissue valve because I did not want to be on Coumadin. My aorta will also repaired at the time of surgery, because of an aneurysm.
Please keep me posted on your progress as we both will be going through the healing process at the same time.
Best wishes,
Elaine Spiewak
On April 27, 2010...
I would definitely take snacks like crackers, granola bars, and chips! If you have any favorite music, you should take that as well. Anything comforting I would take! :) Also, you might want to take juice or some kind of drink besides water, which they will be able to give you that. :)
<3 Trace
On April 27, 2010...
Hi Diana
You can take a look back at my Feb journal where I put up a packing list. They were the things I most thought about. I see Theresa didn't use her pj's until the last day whereas I was in mine on the third day, wearing the pj bottoms and the hospital gown for a couple of days until there wasn't any blood oozing and then put my tops on. Cleaning myself up made me feel better and not such a witch. I grew my hair long enough to get most of it into a ponytail which was more manageable. I found I only used my moisturizer and sanitizers, of course the toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash, robe and slippers and definitely the chapstick, book and I-pod. I also took flushable sanitarywipes. I'm sure you'll get lots of answers here.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 27, 2010...
Diana,
I did not use anything I brought except a brush, facial wipes, chapstick, and toothbrush and toothpaste. I never could concentrate to read the 4 books I brought, and I never changed into my pj's until the last day. I wore two hospital gowns...each facing a different way to cover up and hospital slipper socks. Before the surgery, the shopping for all the items I needed kept me busy...but I did not use most of them. On the plus side...I had a new robe, slippers, comfortable sweat outfits, new books, new cosmetics...after the surgery when I felt better. You really do not need much, but do what makes you feel comfortable.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan
On April 27, 2010...
Diana,
Just try to relax. That in itself is a big order. I am two weeks post OP today and kind of a worrier about do I have the right things etc. There is nothing that you will need except a good positive attitude. Everything else can be provided by the hospital or a CVS.
Also, I learned that every situation is different. I brought a book - still can't concentrate, iPod - not really interested but worked well prior to surgery. My daughter-in-law has a great philosophy that helped me. It's like flying. Once you are in the plane, just relax and let the pros take over.
You may not feel like it now but in the grand scheme of things it will all work out.
Tim from Greensboro NC