Surgery #2 (part 2)

“What Am I Missing?”

Allowing others to think for me… Wanting others to hurt for me…These are things that cycle through my mind at 3:46pm… If you knew my inner most top secret thoughts, you would consider my self esteem and honestly my value to be shot… Waiting for a blessing, others have, frighten my anger…My tolerance of lack thereof, frustrates me beyond belief…

Why must I WAIT??

Surgery #2 (part 2)

I rearrange my schedule, yet again at work, for pending surgery. They have graciously granted me weeks of PTO, without hesitation. I am grateful for their patiences and my ability to take off, as needed. I have asked God time and time again, why he has placed me in certain places. The older I get the more I understand his methods. His plan is intentional and without error. If I have learned anything in 2017, it is to WAIT, WATCH and WALK in his plan. Over two years ago, I was approached out of the blue from my supervisor to run the DUI program, at work. This meant more responsibility however I would be removed from my weekly 5 group week schedule. My schedule would open to one group and flexible appointments. Little did I know that with this new schedule, I would be able to attend spare of the moment doctor appointments and take 4-6 weeks off, per surgery, twice.

REWIND…. FALL 2016

My pain grew and my aunt flow stayed longer, than usual. If you remember from my last post, my mother encouraged me to contact my old OBGYN. After speaking with him, I had an appointment, within the weeks time.

Me: “Hello, I would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee.”

Receptionist: “Okay, what type of insurance do you have?”

Me: “BCBS/IL/HMO”

After, taking down my insurance information, she placed me on a light hold. She returned to tell me, the insurance did not reach to Chicago and I would need to pay out of pocket, or switch my insurance.

Me: “MMMM…Okay, I will speak with my husband and call you back.”

After crying myself into an induced headache, I called my husband.

Husband: “Okay, let me check and see if I can switch you to my insurance. I have a PPO.”

After, checking his insurance policy, he called me with GREAT news! The thing about God is he has foreseen your heartache, trail and solution. The following day, I reached back out to Dr. Lee’s office.

Me: Hello, I would like to schedule a surgery with Dr. Lee. I have previously called and seen him for a Fibroid surgery removal, 10 years ago.

Receptionist: Okay, he will need to see you for a consultation first. Then he will make a recommendation. Please bring your records. I can get you in 3 weeks from now.

Me: No, Can I leave a message for the Doctor or a Nurse?

Receptionist: Sure, I’ll transfer your call.

I leave a voicemail for the nurse and Dr. Lee. Within two hours my phone rings. Anticipating his female nurse, I am pleasantly surprised to hear a male’s voice instead.

Dr. Lee: Hello, Sandra how are you?

There is no way I can put into words my joy and feelings of excitement. In going through the typical, “Hi how have you been? ” he proceeds to ask me if I have yet to conceive.  I explain my concerns and need to see him as soon as possible. Considering, the distance to his office is 4 hours, he agrees to see me for a double visit.

Dr. Lee: Okay, can you come in next Friday? I will do a consult and exam and schedule your surgery.

Me: Yes, I’ll see you then! THANK YOU DR. LEE!

Dr. Lee: Always, I could never forget the young lady that let me take over 80 fibroids from her. And all in one surgery. You are a fighter! I’ll see you then. Bye, Bye.

Here it is traveling day. My husband stayed behind. I handed over my records, finished the consult and exam. Before I left his office I had a surgery date. Of course they would need to speak with my husbands insurance but everything else was a GO!

I returned to work, for two weeks. Following which I took the train back home. My husband drove up the following day. On the way to the hospital I listened to Travis Greene “Its Intentional.” Before every surgery, I become covered in anxiety and unwanted fear. Driving to the hospital, before each surgery puts me in control and gives me something to do. As soon as the elevator doors open and my husband steps off, they call me back. I change and await, further instruction.

I must have recited my name, birthday and the date seven times! Oddly enough I’m thankful for the hospital’s checking system. Historically, hospitals have “misplaced” babies, so this checking system should guarantee I return to my family. LOL Once the anesthesiologist has discussed the tropical medicine to me, they pull me away.  Prior my mother prayed and my husband showed anxiety and worry. Watching his eyes swell and feeling his big, brown, hands calm I prayed for his sanity.

As I enjoyed my first round trip down the cold and shallow hospital hallway, I notice those in their rooms. Surrounded by family and wishing for the best. I too hope Dr. Lee takes out each and every fibroid, hindering my dream of motherhood and the hope for the best. As I arrive to the operating room, I remember several people approaching me at once. I switch over to  the operating table and they proceed with prep and medicine. Before I knew it I was OUT! I recover for  a couple of days, in a single hospital room. My husband, friends, parents and mother’s church friends visit. They share hopes, prayers and laughs. My friends are pretty awesome. One of them (I’ll spare her name), helped me to the rest room and further assisted me, during her two hour visit.

I spent 4 weeks at my mother’s house, recovering.  Dr. Lee. requested two follow up visits before I could return back to the STL area. Upon being cleared, my husband returns to pick me up and took me home. I spent two additional weeks, recovering.  My belly went down and my clothes changed. It’s amazing how much my fibroids pushed my belly up and over my pants. Dr. Lee did an amazing job and removed 187 fibroids from my uterus.

Dr. Lee: I left you with your uterus in tact. You suffered from internal bleeding, during the surgery. We gave you two blood transfusions. As always you are a fighter. You will need to wait 6 months, before trying again.

Please stay tuned for Surgery #3 post…