Annette' Recovery

Just a note to ask that you all pray for my speedy recovery. Many of you know I have been struggling with stomach trouble, especially the last couple of months. The last two weeks I had to go to Urgent Care and get two bags of IV fluids for dehydration from vomiting. I had a CT scan the following day and was scheduled for endoscopy yesterday. Last Friday night the pain was very intense and Fred took me to the Lexington ER for an ultrasound. It showed tenderness, swelling, reflex and sludge regarding my gallbladder, but they sent me home after a bag of IV fluids because my blood work appeared too normal. I went Monday afternoon to a GI specialist who told me straight out it was not my gallbladder and that he suspected I had arthritis in my ribs.............well, the pain got so bad again and the vomiting on Wednesday that we returned to Urgent Care where the doctor arranged for me to see a surgeon. I had surgery around 6:30 or so that evening. For it 'not to be my gallbladder' the surgeon said it was one of the worst he had removed.........diseased with a lot of scarring and adhesions and evidence that I had been enduring for a long haul, possibly years on and off. He removed and clipped as much inflammation as he could. He kept me Wednesday and Thursday nights under close watch. So now it is out..........Maybe my gallbladder muffin top will soon disappear as the swelling above my waistline was awful; and after all, I worked really hard to lose and keep off 55 pounds. I am already less distended, but I will admit extremely sore which he said was to be expected after extended surgery and addressing not just the gallbladder but the scarred tissue surrounding it. My digestive system he said might take weeks to return to normal from the gastritis ~ gastroenteritis. I think I have five incisions..........it was done through a laproscope. So if you are wondering where the heck I have been, this is the latest scoop from the gal herself. Hopefully we will continue to feel better and get back to bouncing around as I would rather do.......love and hugs, Annette

Feeling Frustrated

This last week has been one with an extremely irritable tummy. I am fairly certain that I am having gallbladder attacks. Actually, studies show that my gallbladder is enlarged, tender and contains sludge. I am supposed to now make an appointment with my gastroenterologist for further testing. This happened the first week in September as well. I fought it out and suddenly, it all cleared up. This one doesn't seem to want to clear up suddenly. Twice this past week I had to have IV fluids for dehydration. At least the fluids help you feel better, as getting an IV started especially the first trip, was tedious and very painful. Then the medications react faster to make you feel less nauseous and quickly helps relieve the pain. However having to go to such measures is definitely a drag and not at all convenient. So I wait and stay awake listening to thunder roll through my digestive system. It feels even worse than it sounds and I seem now to be completely off balance and I can't get it to calm despite modified, bland diet and over the counter medications. I would much rather be feeling creative with words instead of waiting yet on another diagnostic test to relocate the normal, bouncy Annette who for now seems to be a fictitious character. Feeling frustrated is no fun when it returns with little warning and seems extended in duration and lacks of immediate resolution........................

Treasure Chest

Treasure Chest

Deep inside us all there seems to be,

Something good that waits for all to see.

Between the excitement of a baby's first breath,

and the quiet stillness of one's last with death,

We hold inside each of us a treasure chest.

Do we realize we possess something so very dear?

Can we not notice it in chaos and fear?

Is it more visible to others and not to ourselves?

Hidden from view until deeply one delves?

It is not filled with gold, and silver and wealth.

With the rise and fall of each and every breath,

God has placed within us all a treasure chest.

The treasure is buried deep inside of thee,

The bounty is hidden in you and in me.

What is this treasure? Can you see?

The treasure is love, it is no mystery.

We all have inside us a ministry.

From the time of our birth, till the time of our death,

From the very first gasp, until the very last breath,

"I am with you" the Lord saith.

"With this life I am entrusting with you, My Child so new,

Something special for you to do.

I've given you a task to share at the start,

I've poured hope into each and every heart,

My promise that I will never depart."

"So I ask you to share all that life has in store,

Little things, big things, not to ignore.

Share the love that beats within your chest,

I am the keeper of your success,

You are capable of much greatness."

When the time comes that life is a mess,

Tell others you know, do not make them guess.

How do you open this treasure chest?

There is no cost, there is no fee,

The secret to the Master's key

is

L.......O.......V.......E!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Annette Monts Falls

words given early morning, August 19, 2006