This is Tim, Marica's husband. It has been one week since her surgery.
She continues to amaze us all with her progress. I nagged her about not posting an update... but she said she really wanted to go to her follow-up with Dr. Yasrebi before she said much... so she could be sure that everything was fine and not have to eat her words.
On her return from the hospital the day after surgery, she was up every 2 hours walking around the house (dr's orders). Sometimes I could not get out of bed to make sure she was up, but she religiously followed through. I found her one time washing dishes, another she was loading the washing machine...the next the dryer. Where in the world she got all this energy I will never know. (4 days after surgery she walked down the block to talk to neighbors...yesterday while I was at work she got our son to crank the mower and she mowed the backyard...crazy woman. I am hiding the mower from her). (BTW- I am sure I will pay for that last comment, so everyone please be kind). Doctor says she can drive on Monday-10 days after her surgery date. So far she has not "overdone it" but I am watching her more closely now.
She was eating fat-free pudding today...said she felt strangely full (ate about 4 small spoonfuls). Earlier she had a little jello, and has been straining soup. All very small portions.
Tonight is the first night she has climbed back into bed. She has stayed on the couch as it was most comfortable for her (yes she has had some discomfort, it has not be pain-free, but much less than expected). She has had some bouts with gas pains, but it appears that this is normal, with her body getting used to the new internal plumbing. Walking helps a lot (in fact, walking seems to be the cure-all, she walks all the time).
She weighed in today and has lost about 3 pounds. The day she returned home from the hospital, she had gained some. We were told this was normal due to all the fluids she was given on the day of the surgery.
Funny, today the doctor asked if he had properly prepared us, and did everything meet out expectations. Marica said yes. I couldn't help but say my expectations were far exceeded.
Good job, Marica! I am very proud of her in the whole process. She researched, she spent time talking to me explaining everything and soliciting my support before she started the process. She has pushed herself, but not beyond her limits, and she has made wonderful progress.
I hope she will post her next update. I want her to share with everyone in her own words.