Helping Hands

It’s important to know when to ask for help, whether you’re recovering from surgery or just in need of a quick helping hand. During the past three weeks Joe has been wonderful with doing what is necessary to care for Jacob without complaint. His weekday mornings are more rushed than normal but he doesn’t say a word. At home he has to be more hands-on (piggy-back rides, going after a moving toddler, picking him up) with Jacob than before because of my recovery limits. He’s a bit more tired at the end of the day but, again, he doesn’t complain.

When I found out that the healing process would take 6 weeks I realized that it would also mean that Joe couldn’t leave me alone with Jacob while he goes to karate on Saturday mornings. I knew that he would never ask me to get help. He would have just kept quiet and not attended class until all of this is over. Of course I couldn’t let that happen. I knew that he would need the physical and mental escape – even if it’s only once a week for two hours.

Thank goodness for my friends! Not only do they care about me by calling to check on me and bring healthy meals but they are willing to be at my home by 9am on a Saturday morning because they care about Joe. That says a lot about these ladies and I am SO thankful for them.

My recovery is going well and I have noticed minimal side effects from the menopause. I’m taking 1mg of Estrodiol (one whole pill) in the morning. Apparently I was only taking 0.5mg initially so this increase has helped. At night I don’t sleep soundly and my body temperature rises and falls somewhat but overall I am fairly comfortable. With the increase of Estrogen I’m not feeling as overheated as before and I’ve never experienced night sweats. I also haven’t experienced any hot flashes during the day so that’s a big plus!

I’ve noticed that my eyes have been dry a few times so I compensate with lubricating drops that were recommended by my eye doctor. She said this would likely be an issue with menopause. Easy fix!

I’ve had a few headaches – actually one each day lately – but the weather has been screwy so I’m not sure if it’s atmospheric pressure, hydration (I’m trying to drink enough!) or what but at this point I’m not blaming it on menopause.

I don’t have much discomfort around the surgical site. Sometimes an elastic waist band will annoy me but overall it feels fine. The only real issue I’m having is feeling itchy on my belly, above or below the incision areas. I think this is related to healing so I’m not worried. In fact, I don’t think I remember any itchiness today so – YAY!

My mood seems to be the same as pre-surgery. I’m generally happy but I still cry when I see something that makes me sad (shows on TV etc) and I get angry when something is unjust (drivers on the road). Normal, everyday stuff.

Last week, during the work week, I was super tired in the afternoon so I put off exercising. I felt better over the weekend but decided to see how today went before I started bringing a gym bag again. At this point I think I need a few more days and then I should be ready.

All in all the first three weeks have gone better than I expected so I’m happy. Let’s just hope the next three weeks continue this way. I’m sure they will!