Not a good year for me

Just a whine

prior to this year, I’d never had any sort of surgery. I’d only been hospitalized to have my kids.

starting in July, I spent 2 days in the hospital with pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. The pain had been so bad, I was grateful for the pain meds and I paid close attention to the dr’s orders to maintain a low-fat diet until I could have my gallbladder removed.

August 30 I had surgery where the dr attempted to remove my gallbladder. It had become attached to my small bowel, liver and abdominal wall.  The surgeon realized it was over his skills, so he cleared the area, inserted a drain, and kept me overnight.

The next day he told me I would have to consult a specialist surgeon to have the gallbladder removed. He also said I had too high a pain threshold and should make it a point to seek medical attention much earlier.

Four days later, I started vomiting with intense abdominal pain. Another visit to the Er and I was sent back to the hospital where the original surgeon removed a huge gallstone - almost 4 inches and over an inch in diameter- that was creating a blockage in my bowel. That surgery left me in the hospital a total of 6 days.

I met the new surgeon and we set what I hoped would be my final surgery for November. MRI showed inflammation had gone down, but the gallbladder was now also attached to my colon. Still, the surgeon was confident the surgery could be done robot with a minimal amount of time needed for recovery.

2 weeks ago I noticed the back of my right thigh was tender. Then my right calf became very sore. Over the next few days my right leg hurt so bad, I had to keep it propped up so it didn’t touch the seat.

After a day or so, I noticed I was having problems catching my breath. It got worse and worse over the next couple of days. When I finally thought to check my pulse ox, it was 89. 

I went to my primary and they immediately diagnosed blood clots. The ER confirmed a large one in my lung and several more in my leg. I spent 4 days on a heparin drip in the hospital before being sent home on a heavy dose of blood thinners with plans to taper off after a week to a lower dose that I’ll remain on for at least 4 months.

The surgeon cancelled my surgery and I haven’t been able to find out when they might consider doing it. I don’t know that I can do it next year unless there is some sort of urgency. I won’t have the funds to meet my OOO

I just want this year to end and take all the bad luck with it. I. So tired of being sick and worn down. Knowing the effect this is having on my chance of leveling up at work is also causing me to stress.

Thanks for reading
marcy