Surviving the Holidays with chronic illness and post-surgery

Fractured by Gina Welds Hulse

Three days ago I went through one of the toughest surgeries I have ever had....even worse than a C-section, in my opinion.  Yes, I have had a C-section, so I can compare the two.
I had a full hysterectomy!  What do I mean by that?  Well, here is what was removed:

• uterus
• ovaries
• cervix
• Fallopian tubes and
• a very large fibroid

Well, you're right...a fibroid is not part of a typical hysterectomy, but it needed to come out due to medical reasons.  I won't go into much details here.

The last couple of days since the surgery has been tough, to say the least.  I've never felt more helpless or useless.  I haven't had much of an appetite, but preparing meals for my young son has been a challenge.  It has been rough on him.  Poor thing!

I saw a post today that reminded me that it is going to be Thanksgiving soon.  Great!  I was also reminded of my surgeon's words that "this type of surgery takes 4-6 weeks of recovery.
You may feel great after a week, but remember that the majority of the healing is taking place inside.  Don't push it!"  He gave me a look as if he has known me for ages, and knows that I am the type that hates being bedridden or sick, for that matter.

The pain has been horrendous.  The nausea, unreal.  Today I tried to move around for as much as I felt able, but it is still very painful.  To top it off, I am super hungry, but can't keep much down except porridge and simple soups, like broth.

I find myself having a little pity-party.  Although I have several surgeries, I have found this to be very difficult to handle.  I don't even want to think about the upcoming holidays, cooking, hanging decorations...you know all those things that everyone else will be doing as the Holidays approach.  Part of me wants to just bow out of this year's festivities, but I don't want others to wonder why I am not taking part....although I believe they would know and understand.

However, I know that I must push through.  As so many of my friends have reminded me of lately...I am a Warrior...a strong one....and I will make it.

I figure that I will have a plan of action when everything begins at Thanksgiving.

I will leave most of the cooking to my son and his family, and pitch in where I am asked.  After all, I don't want to spend weeks after recovering from Thanksgiving before Christmas gets here.

There will be a special area where I can just crash with no risk of bumping into people.  If I feel like lying down on the couch, just leave me there.

When you're chronically ill, one develops coping strategies.  Right now mine is...."This too shall pass."  Although I am looking forward to the week or weeks ahead when I am feeling better, I am taking it one day at a time.  I don't want to be selfish.  There are others who are in a worse condition than I am.

Anyway...some tips for surviving the holidays:

• Remember giving doesn't have to be expensive or materialistic.
• Keep things simple. Remember that the holidays are really about giving, loving and being thankful.
• Cherish and enjoy your precious moments with loved ones.
• Prepare and plan ahead.
• Get lots of clean air, pure water, rest, and exercise.
• Avoid sugar and unhealthy snacks. These will only exacerbate symptoms and aggravate depression. Make your own healthy alternative snacks sweetened with fruit juice, maple syrup, stevia, or other healthy sweeteners.
• Take these snacks with you when you go to social events. Find alternatives to eat, don't go without so that you feel deprived.
• Allow extra time to prepare for social events. Don't take on too much.
• Avoid crowds; shop early. Make some homemade gifts or give gift certificates or take advantage of catalogs and online shopping.
• Acknowledge and be aware of your feelings. You don't have to feel a certain a way. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you feel.
• If you're feeling sad, allow yourself to grieve.
• Take naps.
• Don't set expectations too high. Your holiday doesn't have to be perfect.
• Prioritize and minimize. Don't overdo.
• Don't forget to give yourself a gift. (A massage, book, extra time in bed or something special you've wanted for a long time.)
• Communicate your needs and feelings to others.

Until next time......rest calls!