I went into the hospital on January 21st for a routine surgery. I was in the hospital for 5 days (in excruciating pain) until they finally realized that my surgeon had sutured my left ureter to the inside muscle wall (clearly not part of the 'routine surgery'). When they finally gave me a CT scan/X-ray and ultra sound, they saw the problem and immediately med evac'd me to Edmonton to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for repair surgery. After a bumpy ride in a little med evac plane, I arrived at the Royal Alec and within hours was in emergency surgery. The surgeon had to cut me open, go in through the bladder, make a new opening to re-attach the ureter. He then placed a stent in the ureter and stapled me back together.
I was in the hospital for another week. I had fluid in my abdomen from my kidney--which was trying to filter through a blocked ureter for a week...which made me very sick. The pain was another thing. I consider myself pretty tough...but after this experience, I don't think I'm tough anymore.
Anyway, through this time, my family have been amazing. Taking over with the little kids; cleaning; cooking; Char came up to help and she and Jenna even drove down to get me (though I was not ready to be discharged); Dennis drove back and forth a few times--my Auntie Margot was my guardian angel...she sat with me several days...even when I was in a drug-induced sleep. I felt so much better knowing she was there. My cousin Mariette was also an angel for me...being a nurse, she intervened a couple times and was my advocate. She brought me little things that I of course didn't have with me because of the big emergent rush. The Horne's showed up one evening and ran errands for me even. Teresa Canning (Bevans) was there a few times for me as well and again, as a nurse, was able to give me some great advice...and she works at the RAH so she gave me the scoop on certain doctors and nurses.
At home, friends were praying for me and helping the family by bringing meals and treats.
I can't thank everyone enough. I am still healing, but the stent is finally out which has relieved the pain by a mile.
While all of this was happening, Dennis received news that the Calgary office offered him a position as Regional Quality Manager and he started his new position earlier this week. The same day Jenna left on her mission. Thank goodness for Shannon! She is on her reading week and came home and has filled in where Jenna left off. Jenna had quit both her jobs for the last 2 weeks before leaving on her mission. She did this in order to help with the kids and nurse me back to health. Shannon has taken over her role with Lewis (who has been beyond amazing) and I feel blessed despite the trial.
We are listing the house and as soon as it sells, we are moving to Airdrie.
My little monkey friend from Auntie Margot and there was rarely a moment when I didn't have a pillow across my tummy.
Thank you to my people for making me able to rest and heal. I love you forever.
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