5.01.2011

Post Surgery

I was released on Thursday in a relatively quick and simple process. The rest of the day went relatively quietly with the pain hovering around a 1 (out of ten) and the soreness reaching an all-time high of about 9 out of 10. Not sure how that works (anesthesia maybe?); but it was a full body soreness that started at the bone and worked it's way to the surface of the skin, from the neck downward to my calves.

We walked to our local bistro (Sipology Red) for a bit of dinner. On the way back I experienced a chill but the soreness quickly took care of that. After a fitful nights sleep trying to get comfortable with the drain tube, Friday loomed large as I had received permission from my Doctor to attend a soccer conference that had been in the planning for over a year and that I had responsibility for some coaching modules and a general session. Although I had arrainged for coverage once my surgery was scheduled, I held out the slight hope of being able to attend in person. As things worked out, I was able to attend and lead the Friday general session (there were some astonished looks from my colleagues who knew of the surgery) and then make it back to the conference on Saturday with a visit for pictures to see Wes and his date before the prom.

Sunday dawns with one last coaching module that I co-lead (Under 5 year old players, wow what a concept!). I am now at home, awaiting the Tuesday morning appointment for the removal of the drain tube and return to work. Except for Tylenol, the big gun pain meds remain in the prescription bottle - their possible need waning with each day.

My warmest and deepest thanks to all involved (in every aspect) in the surgery and the post surgery recovery. Your thoughts, your prayers, your good light all went towards ensuring a successful surgery and I cannot thank you enough. You all manifested yourselves when my surgeon came down to the waiting room to deliver his post surgery report and was greeted in person by eight people. It felt like those eight (Stephanie, Wesley, my Mom, brother Michael, aunt Chavela & uncle Peter, cousin Kim and sister Debbie) were backed and supported by the force of all of you so that the feeling was nothing short of overwhelming. Again, thank you all for that overwhelming support as I know it is the foundation on which I have built my plan to deal with my situation.

I love you all.