I have Been Gone This Past Week...Here's Why

11/26/2013

So if you've noticed there hasn't been much posting in the past week, there is very good reason....I have been sick. Very, very sick. I couldn't hold anything down, even water, and was projectile vomiting stomach bile everywhere. It was not pleasant.

I thought I just had a particularly nasty strain of the flu. The the intense, stabbing, burning pain started. It was all throughout my entire torso and extended into my back as well.
The pain was BAD. On a scale from 1-10, I would have to measure it at about a 563,257. I was in tears 24/7, having hot and cold flashes, and it was scaring the crap out of me.

So finally, since I am stubborn and terrified of doctors, my husband, Dan, made me go to the ER.

The diagnosis? Pancreatitis. The docs started grilling me over my alcohol use. I got furious. I really don't drink very much at all. MAYBE 2 or 3 drinks, max, once or twice a month. There have been occasions like parties or whatnot where I have gotten 3 sheets to the wind, but those are very few and far between. I have kids to worry about, you know? They deserve to have a sober mother.

I grew up surrounded by addiction, and I have absolutely no respect for anyone who would choose drugs or alcohol over their kids. I protect my own kids from people like that so they don't get hurt or disappointed by it. I actually yelled at the doctor and told him that if he wanted to see an addict, he was looking in the wrong place. Sorry if this sounds harsh. But as a mother...... A good mother.....I would never allow my kids to witness that kind of thing growing up. It can really destroy a child in ways that can't be taken back.

Turns out, after taking tons of bood and doing a CT scan and a subsequent ultrasound, they discovered it is NOT related to being an irresponsible, addicted person. I have a gall-bladder that hates me and was trying to kill me. In fact, my potassium and electrolyte levels were so scary that if I had waited 48 more hours, I could have died.

As usual, none of the hospital staff had an easy time finding my veins. I literally look like a pin cushion or heroin addict right now.

I have not been allowed to eat anything, or even sip water for that matter. I just been surviving off of IV-fluids. Dan has come to see me every day, and even brought the little ones yesterday. The sight of their beautiful little faces made me cry.

My Dad and Stepmom have also been fantastic. They have come by to see me a few times, and even brought me these cute flower arrangements.

My Dad will be here when I get rolled into the operating room, as well as when I get out alive (hopefully). He will also be picking me up from the hospital and taking me home tomorrow.

So here I am, a mere 3 hours from surgery, and I am terrified. I have never been under before, and the idea of it scares the hell out of me. And I am hungry. SO, SO, HUNGRY. So if anyone wants to send me a pizza or something this evening, it would be greatly appreciated! I can't wait to be able to finally eat again!

If you're the praying type, I could absolutely use some prayers or positive mojo right now. I am a big baby and am about to have a panic attack. I'd love any support or advice you can offer during this horrifying experience. Hopefully I will be back at home recovering tomorrow, and will have some great giveaways for you.

18 Comments

Sandy Cain

11/26/2013 05:22:55 pm

((((HUGS))))) and prayers your way, you're going to feel so much better soon! And a happy and HEALTHY Thanksgiving! <3

Brandy

11/27/2013 07:17:20 pm

Thanks so much, Sandy! I feel quite a bit better since my gall bladder was removed, but have a quite a bit of after-surgery bloating and discomfort still. So glad I caught it in time, though! It was a terrifying experience!

courtney hennagir

11/26/2013 05:28:23 pm

Yikes! I am definitely thinking good thoughts and sending love your way!

11/27/2013 07:17:54 pm

Thank you, Courtney! Much appreciated! <3

Yona Williams link

11/26/2013 05:29:41 pm

OMGoodness...that sounds painful.

I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best for the surgery process...I have a fear of going under, but once they get you all woozy...you forget about it...well, at least, I did. I had a non-cancerous tumor scraped out of my kneecap before - it was eating away part of the bone. Anyways, I remember the nurses telling me to count backwards, and fading out pretty quickly.

11/27/2013 07:20:46 pm

Hi Yona,
Wow, that sounds scary! Going under was pretty frightening....They had to give me a drug in my IV for nerves...Avastin, I think? or Adavan? I don't remember. I remember the lady putting the mask over my face and telling me to take 4 deep breaths...I was crying, so of course the breaths were rather shallow...But as soon as I was out, I was OUT. I woke up by one of the doctors rubbing my cheek saying "Brandy...Hey Brandy, you did it!" I am a worrier, so of course I assumed it would be a lot worse than it actually was,lol

Carol L

11/26/2013 05:36:57 pm

Brandy I am so sorry you have to go through all this. I too am a big baby when it comes to anything concerning surgery or hospitals. But truly, you 'll be just fine and be feeling great in no time. Don't be afraid, try to think of it as taking a nap and when you wake up you'll be on the mend. :) You are in my prayers for a speedy recovery and for your nerves to calm down.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

11/27/2013 07:23:05 pm

Thank you, Carol. :) I wish I could say I wasn't afraid...But I have a definite generalized and social anxiety issue, and of course I panicked from the moment I went to prep for the OR. I am still in quite a bit of discomfort, but I am just grateful that it was taken care of and I will never have to experience that kind of pain again. It was truly agonizing!

Kamla L.

11/26/2013 07:18:03 pm

Oh Brandy you poor dear! You must have been terrified. My prayers are with you for a full and quick recovery. <3

11/27/2013 07:25:01 pm

Thank you SO much, Kamia! I have been truly humbled by all of the prayers and well wishes I have received. It's wonderful to know I have so many amazing online "friends" who were there to support me during this scary time...It truly made, and continues to make, a huge difference! Hope you have a joyous Thanksgiving!

cheryl s

11/26/2013 08:49:31 pm

I hope your surgery went well and you feel better soon. My dog had pancreatitis earlier in the year and almost died so I can imagine how bad you felt with it being worse in humans - poor thing.

11/27/2013 07:31:36 pm

Oh no! I am so glad your pup pulled through, Cheryl! I can definitely say from experience that Pancreatitis is horrifyingly painful...I am so mad at myself for waiting an entire week before heading to the ER. I had wrongly assumed it was the worst flu in the history of the universe. The docs told me if I had waited even 48 more hours, I would be dead. Yikes!

Jane (EJ)

11/26/2013 09:13:02 pm

So sorry you are in so much pain, heartfelt prayers coming your way. I'm so sorry for what you had to go through, Dr.s really need a reality check when it comes to compassion & understanding. They really jump to conclusions way to quickly. Proud of you for vocalizing who you are and what you stand for.

11/27/2013 07:34:54 pm

Thanks, Jane. I actually feel bad for getting snappish with the ER doc, but I was in excruciating pain and in shock about the diagnosis....And then he kept insisting that I MUST have been hiding alcoholism and told me to seek treatment. That really offended me, since I grew up surrounded by that and would never in a million years make my own kids grow up that way. Once they did a CT scan and ultrasound and it was discovered that I had gall bladder stones that were loose in my abdomen, that same doc came in and apologized profusely. I have no problem with adults drinking responsibly, but I thought making accusations to someone who was sick and scared was just plain wrong.

Tiffany Schmidt

11/27/2013 05:00:45 am

This totally happened to me last year. I missed Easter with my kids while I was in the hospital for a week. Stay calm, trust the medical professionals and I'll be praying for you.

11/27/2013 07:37:48 pm

Oh Tiffany, that had to be so hard! I know the worst thing for me was missing my babies...My husband came and saw me every day, but the kids only did once. I cried when I saw them and hugged them so tight they probably thought I was a crazy lady,lol...I hate being away from my littles! So glad you're better! Thanks for the prayers. :)

Sherry Bracy

11/27/2013 01:37:23 pm

Prayers are with you!! Don't worry hun, Ive had mine out and its a fairly simple procedure!! Ill tell ya all about mine SOMEDAY lol. You will feel much much better after they get it taken care of, They sent me home right after i came to, in and out patient. just take it easy afterwards though. Dont worry about having to be on your page!! You just get better first. Just think of all the great thanksgiving food you will get to have! Hoping you have a quick recovery and a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Smile, It'll be ok :)

11/27/2013 07:43:48 pm

Hi Sherry! Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement! I am glad you recovered well. I wish I could have been in and out like that, but I foolishly waited a bit too long to be seen. I am still quite sore, so I will be staying home today and sending my family out to enjoy Thanksgiving with relatives. I just don't think I am quite up to the road trip and the massive meals just yet,lol I think I will enjoy the quiet time and getting some blogging done. Maybe I will even get an ever so elusive nap! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! :)

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