Today is an all liquid diet day. You'd laugh if you saw how stocked my fridge is with fluids. It's just one day, after all. I've also got jello, vegetable broth & popsicles. I'm irrationally afraid I will forget & eat something solid or have a drink after midnight. I'm ridiculous.
I will be starting my bowel prep shortly, and therefore I won't be leisurely sitting at the computer today.
I have only done one other bowel prep. It was in February for my third lap. This time I know what to expect...and it ain't fun. I'm as prepared as I can be - I cleaned the bathroom last night, have a delicious smelling candle, gentle wipes, reading material, sudoku book & vomit bucket. I'm already wearing the Sea-Bands & I'm praying they'll help with the queasiness.
Let's get this shit over with...literally.
I want to thank my friendo Jeanne for sharing her post about bowel preps with me. You can find it here. Thanks to Jeanne, I do not have to drink the Golytely my doctor originally prescribed. I asked him at my pre-op appointment if I could instead take Dulcolax + Miralax mixed in blue Gatorade. He said either way was fine. He wouldn't have provided it as an option if I hadn't had been informed about it. Yet another example of why you have to do your own research & be your own advocate!
Thanks again Jeanne! You (& your blog) are the best!!
I discussed my nausea concerns with the anesthesiologist before my third laparoscopy. He recommended trying these special wristbands for an alternative nausea treatment. The hospital did not have them, so he improvised & applied folded pieces of gauze onto the acupressure points on each wrist & tightly secured with tape.
I wanted to try the product for my next surgery, so I went to purchase the wristbands today & to my surprise had some difficulty finding them. I finally found a pair of Sea-Band wristbands at the fourth pharmacy I tried.
I have been occasionally experiencing nausea for the past four months. These symptoms increased over the last few weeks & I have been especially nauseous at night before I go to bed. I have a prescription for Phenergan, but because of the side effects I try not to take it often. It's just a tiny pill, but it sure does knock me out.
Tonight when the nausea started, I placed the Sea-Bands as instructed. I am happy to report they seem to be helping! I'm always happy to find safe, drug-free alternatives.
Jin Shin Jyutsu in the privacy of my home. I'm a lucky girl!
The surgery countdown is already at two days. I guess time flies even when you're not having fun.
Another pre-surgery routine of mine involves the ancient art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Have you heard of it? (I’ll try to provide a brief description, though I fear I won’t do it justice). The intention of Jin Shin is to balance energies for healing & good health. Practitioners gently & intuitively place their hands or fingertips on various spots along energy pathways. They feel for the energy pulses & if they discover a blocked area, they send energy to that location. Blocked energies create disharmony, accruals of funk. Jin Shin helps restore the body's natural balance.
During my first session the practitioner sensed a few energy blockages, all occurring on my left side. He consulted his book & discussed the obstructed areas & their corresponding meanings. Jin Shin encourages self help, so he taught me where to place my hands to send energy to these stagnant areas. I was in awe of the session. I felt the cadence of my inner euphony.
The session occurred about a month before my second laparoscopy. He advised me to have at least one more session beforehand. I saw him again the day before my procedure. He taught me a Jin Shin sequence my husband could utilize in the recovery room & at home to aid my healing called Opposite Fingers and Toes. Click here for a helpful chart & description.
I do believe Jin Shin Jyutsu brought me energy, light & a speedier recovery. (See this post for more details about my second lap recovery). My doctor explained after the surgery nearly all of my endo issues were on my left side: nearly all of my endo growths, large fibroid & cystic ovary. I realized it was no coincidence that my energy blockages occurred on my left side too.
Because of my positive experience with pre-surgery Jin Shin, I scheduled an appointment for my son before his tonsillectomy. Afterwards, he succinctly relayed his experience. He said it was the first time his entire body felt as one. He was not made of individual parts - arms, legs, fingers – but one flow of energy. I understood as I recalled my own harmonizing experience. (I gotta say, I was quite impressed with his description. It's hard to put into words).
I also recommended Jin Shin to my aunt, and she began studying the art shortly after her first session. So I’m blessed with my very own in-the-family practitioner. She even makes house calls! We have three specific appointments during the week prior to surgery & a few sessions after surgery. I can’t yet explain all the intricacies, and it isn’t necessary that I can. I just get to close my eyes, relax & receive the benefits. Jin Shin providers also experience the advantages; they are energized, not drained, from administering a session. How awesome is that! Win-win situations are my favorite.
If you would like more details about Jin Shin Jyutsu, I recommend this website: http://jinshinjyutsu.com/
As I was writing, this beautiful song (With My Own Two Hands - Ben Harper & Jack Johnson) was playing in my head. So I wanted to share it too. (And I love the accompanying video).
I had my pre-admission testing at the hospital today. The nurses were kind, they looked me in the eyes when they spoke. One of them quickly mentioned that I would be staying in the hospital for overnight. Wait...what??
My laps have always been outpatient. So it turns out I incorrectly assumed this one would be too. But it's not. And I'm wishing my doctor would have already mentioned it. My pre-op appointment is Friday, I guess he was waiting to discuss it then.
This took my breath away & changed my whole perspective. I would've appreciated more time to accept it.
But it is logically for the best. I'm going to make peace with it...tomorrow...or the next day.
I am continuing to research different ways to prepare for surgery. Women to women offer valuable information about surgery prep on their website. Click here to read their recommendations. The article states, "...Greater knowledge leads to greater wellness." I couldn't agree more! I found the page & included links to be educational & informative. Maybe you will increase your knowledge & wellness too!
I am a girl in her thirties who has suffered with Stage IV Endometriosis for over ten years. Join me as I search for healing & understanding. I share my experiences as an Endo Sister--the physical, emotional & spiritual realities of living with this incurable disease. I strive to remain positive & humorous through it all. I pray for a cure for all of us & offer my support & friendship.
Won't you be my Endo Friendo?
I am not a doctor nor am I providing medical advice. I am only sharing my experiences & information I think might be useful to others. Since we are all unique individuals, what works for me may not work for you. I encourage you to conduct your own research, follow your intuition & consult medical professionals you can trust.
