Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Typical Texas weather, where today we're lucky to hit 40, and yesterday was close to 80. I guess this just helps get everyone in the mood for the holidays.
As I'm sitting here writing and my family is in the kitchen preparing the Turkey and all the "goodies" that go with it, I am thinking of how blessed I am. I thank God daily for my family...first most Tim. I really do not know how I would have gotten through these last 4 weeks, let alone 6 months. Before surgery, I had many moments of vomiting, severe pain and hot flashes, and the only relief I seem to get was laying on the cold bathroom tile (also close to the toilet), and Tim was right there beside me either rubbing my back or getting a cold rag for my head. The things the poor guy had to help me with while I was in the hospital...well let's just say he's definitely earned his stripes. He's held me when I've cried, lifted me up when I thought I couldn't go on, and loved me beyond anything I could have imagined. One more example that God had this all in his plan, he brought me Tim.
Zach and Kaitlyn...well they've been quite the troopers as well. I think they're already looking forward to next year when Mom will do all the cooking for Thanksgiving. Kaitlyn thought the neck and gizzard to the Turkey was the "most disgusting thing she's ever seen", and Zach well, let's just see how the mashed potatoes turn out. I'm thankful for all my family that have come down. My mom, dad, and sister who were here for the surgery..my mom who has been here and will be here again next week, my sister Linda who gave a week away from her own family to stay at the hospital with me, my brother Bob and his wife Lynn who came last weekend and brought lots of laughs...well it just makes me realize even more how important family really is.
I have a praise to share, my brother-in-law Ned is doing quite well after his aortic valve, and double bypass surgery last Friday. He was put into a private room yesterday, and slowly the tubes are being taking away. Boy...that is one of the best feelings in the world when they say..."ok, we'll take out this line". Please continue to pray for his healing. We have such an amazing God and I give all the thanks to him!
Well, enough of these sappy words. I just was feeling so blessed and thought I would share. Oh...I'm still hanging in there. I'm having more incision pain the last few days, but that can only mean healing. Slowly, I'm eating a little more each day, and food is starting to taste good. Still no Chili Dog, but I'm dying to having the homemade dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy. Speaking of, I better go see how things are going. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and remember to love and thank your family for all you have!
"He alone is my rock, and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken". Psalms 62:6
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Lazy Sunday
Sunday late afternoon, the house is quiet, and I'm enjoying some rare no pain, no nausea moments. So, I thought what better thing to do than to write to you all.
It has been a pretty good weekend, of course each day will bring an hour or 4 of "why did I do this again" pain and feeling miserable, but yet I look at how far I have come and realize just how good our God is. My Mom left Friday morning to hopefully get some quiet and rest. I often wonder where my 70 year old mother gets her energy to clean, cook, than cook and clean some more. My brother Bob and his wife Lynn came in Friday afternoon, and was such a welcome. Most of you don't know my brother, but he is one who can always give you a laugh, and boy I was in need of that. We had pizza on Friday night (yes, I ate a little, and boy did it taste good. The other thing about my brother is that he is an excellent cook, so this morning he made us a great breakfast with omelets, hasbrowns, biscuits, and fresh fruit. He also made his "signature" guacamole which I love. Of course I only had little bites of some, but just having them here and being with family made the day.
Hard to believe this is Thanksgiving week, and even though I have days of "woe poor me", or "why did I do this", I know that with each day, and with God's grace it will only get better. Zach will be coming home on Tuesday and we'll be a family again for a few days. I can't tell you how excited I am for that. I truly believe that God brings you through times like this, to help you remember what is most important in life, and that all those small stupid things we worry about in life, really don't matter.
I do have a prayer request, my oldest sister Sherri's husband will be having open heart surgery this coming Tuesday (Nov.23). He will be having an aortic valve replaced, and will be receiving 1-2 bypasses. They have known for awhile about the aortic valve, but this past Friday when they did an angiogram they found 2 blocked vessels. They live in Iowa, and I so wish I could be there to help and support Sherri like she did for me those first couple days after my surgery, but I'll give it all in prayer and ask that you do the same. Ned is in great hands with his surgeons, and he has a loving family that will be there to support and take care of him.
Hope you all had a great weekend and will have a wonderful week ahead!!! Oh..by the way, what about those Cowboys, 2 wins in a row! That also makes for a happy Zeigler household! :)
It has been a pretty good weekend, of course each day will bring an hour or 4 of "why did I do this again" pain and feeling miserable, but yet I look at how far I have come and realize just how good our God is. My Mom left Friday morning to hopefully get some quiet and rest. I often wonder where my 70 year old mother gets her energy to clean, cook, than cook and clean some more. My brother Bob and his wife Lynn came in Friday afternoon, and was such a welcome. Most of you don't know my brother, but he is one who can always give you a laugh, and boy I was in need of that. We had pizza on Friday night (yes, I ate a little, and boy did it taste good. The other thing about my brother is that he is an excellent cook, so this morning he made us a great breakfast with omelets, hasbrowns, biscuits, and fresh fruit. He also made his "signature" guacamole which I love. Of course I only had little bites of some, but just having them here and being with family made the day.
Hard to believe this is Thanksgiving week, and even though I have days of "woe poor me", or "why did I do this", I know that with each day, and with God's grace it will only get better. Zach will be coming home on Tuesday and we'll be a family again for a few days. I can't tell you how excited I am for that. I truly believe that God brings you through times like this, to help you remember what is most important in life, and that all those small stupid things we worry about in life, really don't matter.
I do have a prayer request, my oldest sister Sherri's husband will be having open heart surgery this coming Tuesday (Nov.23). He will be having an aortic valve replaced, and will be receiving 1-2 bypasses. They have known for awhile about the aortic valve, but this past Friday when they did an angiogram they found 2 blocked vessels. They live in Iowa, and I so wish I could be there to help and support Sherri like she did for me those first couple days after my surgery, but I'll give it all in prayer and ask that you do the same. Ned is in great hands with his surgeons, and he has a loving family that will be there to support and take care of him.
Hope you all had a great weekend and will have a wonderful week ahead!!! Oh..by the way, what about those Cowboys, 2 wins in a row! That also makes for a happy Zeigler household! :)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Good things come to those who wait
Hello friends~
Well so much for posting every other day. Sitting here it feels like 11:00 pm and that it should be Friday rather than Wednesday. Sometimes, time goes so slow.
The last couple days have a been that "1 step back". I had a pretty good day on Monday, and thought "yep, I can do this", but the than yesterday and today brought me back to reality, and the realization that I do need to be patient and good things will come.
I had my first follow up appt yesterday with the surgeon, dietitian, and Endocrinologist (my diabetes Dr.). It was a full morning, so I'm sure that contributed to the "1 step back". I am happy to say that the surgeon was very happy to see how I'm improving, and reassured me that all the things that I'm feeling and dealing with are normal and are just part of the path to healing. My incision is healing quite nice and as my surgeon said yesterday after looking at it "damn I'm good"...that's a surgeon for you. I'm very grateful for Dr. Levey as he has a great sense of humor, yet very understanding of my concerns and needs.
My blood sugars are doing pretty well. I'm down to taking one dose of the long acting Insulin, with very few shots of regular insulin in between. It will take about 3 months to really know if the Islets are functioning fully, and if I can be Insulin free. I'm becoming much better about counting carbs and watching the diet (who really knew how many carbs are in the good foods). I'm eating a little more each day, and some things are actually tasting good. No chili dog yet, but once again good things come to those who wait.
Thank you for your postings on this blog, on facebook and even the text messages. Please don't feel offended if I don't respond, just know that I appreciate each and everyone of them, and they help me get through each day. We have an such an awesome God, and He has blessed me so with each and everyone of you.
Until next time....
Lisa
Well so much for posting every other day. Sitting here it feels like 11:00 pm and that it should be Friday rather than Wednesday. Sometimes, time goes so slow.
The last couple days have a been that "1 step back". I had a pretty good day on Monday, and thought "yep, I can do this", but the than yesterday and today brought me back to reality, and the realization that I do need to be patient and good things will come.
I had my first follow up appt yesterday with the surgeon, dietitian, and Endocrinologist (my diabetes Dr.). It was a full morning, so I'm sure that contributed to the "1 step back". I am happy to say that the surgeon was very happy to see how I'm improving, and reassured me that all the things that I'm feeling and dealing with are normal and are just part of the path to healing. My incision is healing quite nice and as my surgeon said yesterday after looking at it "damn I'm good"...that's a surgeon for you. I'm very grateful for Dr. Levey as he has a great sense of humor, yet very understanding of my concerns and needs.
My blood sugars are doing pretty well. I'm down to taking one dose of the long acting Insulin, with very few shots of regular insulin in between. It will take about 3 months to really know if the Islets are functioning fully, and if I can be Insulin free. I'm becoming much better about counting carbs and watching the diet (who really knew how many carbs are in the good foods). I'm eating a little more each day, and some things are actually tasting good. No chili dog yet, but once again good things come to those who wait.
Thank you for your postings on this blog, on facebook and even the text messages. Please don't feel offended if I don't respond, just know that I appreciate each and everyone of them, and they help me get through each day. We have an such an awesome God, and He has blessed me so with each and everyone of you.
Until next time....
Lisa
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Roller Coaster Ride
"So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". Isaiah 41:10
Good afternoon all! Roller Coaster...that is what I feel like I'm on. The ups and downs of each day, just keeps us rolling I guess, and keeps me on my toes. I would rather be at Disney World on Space or Thunder mountain, but this is where I'm at and will look forward to that day when I will be at Disney World. I've had a couple good nights of sleep (2-3 hours at a time), but last night the pain and gas decided to show it's ugly head. Usually with getting up and walking around will help. Our poor dog Sadie has no clue what is going on this house, last night she looked at me like "seriously, your walking....it's 3:00 am, we're supposed to be sleeping". But as with many faithful dogs, she got up and walked with me. I'm sure her true hope was that we would go outside and walk, so after about 20 minutes she went back to her chair and just watched the rest of the time.
I'm eating a little more each day, although I won't be entering any food eating contest quite yet. My Mom came into town on Thursday night, and will be staying for a while. Her hope is to "fatten" me up, we'll see how that goes. I'm starting to have a few cravings for certain foods. I watched a commercial for Sonic last night for their Chili Hot Dogs, and my mouth started to water. I was quite perplexed by that since I rarely eat them ( in fact I can't remember the last time I had one), but at least it was a step forward in thinking that food will taste good. Of course Tin Star, Gloria's, OTB or any other Mexican restaurants are still at the top of the list.
I received a wonderful surprise yesterday, Zach came home. He had told me earlier this week that he wouldn't be coming home, since it was OU's last home game, had lots of homework, and that his friends might be doing something for him for his 19th birthday today. Yes, I admit was a little sad, but realized that he is now a college kid and that is part of his life now. So yesterday at 4:00pm when he walked into the house, I cried and hugged him dearly. I am truly blessed to have 2 wonderful kiddos, who have been by their momma's side all the way.
Thank you for your continued prayers! They are so appreciated, but ask they continue in the months to come. Yes, it is like a roller coaster with it's ups and downs, but I do know that there is an end to this ride. God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends and I thank Him each and everyday for all of you. I will try and update as much as possible, as this is part of my "therapy" and healing process, however, some days are a little tougher than another, so hang in there with me.
In His love,
Lisa
Good afternoon all! Roller Coaster...that is what I feel like I'm on. The ups and downs of each day, just keeps us rolling I guess, and keeps me on my toes. I would rather be at Disney World on Space or Thunder mountain, but this is where I'm at and will look forward to that day when I will be at Disney World. I've had a couple good nights of sleep (2-3 hours at a time), but last night the pain and gas decided to show it's ugly head. Usually with getting up and walking around will help. Our poor dog Sadie has no clue what is going on this house, last night she looked at me like "seriously, your walking....it's 3:00 am, we're supposed to be sleeping". But as with many faithful dogs, she got up and walked with me. I'm sure her true hope was that we would go outside and walk, so after about 20 minutes she went back to her chair and just watched the rest of the time.
I'm eating a little more each day, although I won't be entering any food eating contest quite yet. My Mom came into town on Thursday night, and will be staying for a while. Her hope is to "fatten" me up, we'll see how that goes. I'm starting to have a few cravings for certain foods. I watched a commercial for Sonic last night for their Chili Hot Dogs, and my mouth started to water. I was quite perplexed by that since I rarely eat them ( in fact I can't remember the last time I had one), but at least it was a step forward in thinking that food will taste good. Of course Tin Star, Gloria's, OTB or any other Mexican restaurants are still at the top of the list.
I received a wonderful surprise yesterday, Zach came home. He had told me earlier this week that he wouldn't be coming home, since it was OU's last home game, had lots of homework, and that his friends might be doing something for him for his 19th birthday today. Yes, I admit was a little sad, but realized that he is now a college kid and that is part of his life now. So yesterday at 4:00pm when he walked into the house, I cried and hugged him dearly. I am truly blessed to have 2 wonderful kiddos, who have been by their momma's side all the way.
Thank you for your continued prayers! They are so appreciated, but ask they continue in the months to come. Yes, it is like a roller coaster with it's ups and downs, but I do know that there is an end to this ride. God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends and I thank Him each and everyday for all of you. I will try and update as much as possible, as this is part of my "therapy" and healing process, however, some days are a little tougher than another, so hang in there with me.
In His love,
Lisa
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Home Sweet Home
Good evening! Hard to believe that I'm sitting here with computer writing to you all (which means I'm going to try and take over the blog). So glad that it is this week rather than last!
Thank you all for your love, and many prayers over the last 12 days. I can't even begin to imagine how I would have made it through without the grace of God, and the love of my family and friends. Tim has been a trooper as well, when he vowed in sickness and health, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. God blessed me dearly with him and I'm so grateful.
I am happy to be at home, sleeping in my own bed (even if it takes me 10 minutes to find the most comfortable postiton) and just being home with Tim and Kaitlyn. My sister Linda left today, and cannot begin to thank her for all her help. (Funny that on the last night at the hospital the night nurse showed her how the pull out really did pull out into a bed). Being a nurse herself she helped me get started with the diabetes diet (guess I'll need to wait awhile for my chips and salsa). Hopefully this will not be a long term diet, but if it is, God will help me get through it.
I am still struggling with quite a bit of pain, but hopefully we can get this under control the next few days with meds. Please continue your prayers for relief, I know that this battle will be won, it's just going to take time. As one friend said, "short term pain, for a long term goal".
Thank you again for all your prayers, and please keep them coming. I'll try and keep this updated as much as possible, some days are better than others, so I may not post. God is an amazing God, and He will carry me and my family through the end.
"With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zeph. 3:17b
Thank you all for your love, and many prayers over the last 12 days. I can't even begin to imagine how I would have made it through without the grace of God, and the love of my family and friends. Tim has been a trooper as well, when he vowed in sickness and health, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. God blessed me dearly with him and I'm so grateful.
I am happy to be at home, sleeping in my own bed (even if it takes me 10 minutes to find the most comfortable postiton) and just being home with Tim and Kaitlyn. My sister Linda left today, and cannot begin to thank her for all her help. (Funny that on the last night at the hospital the night nurse showed her how the pull out really did pull out into a bed). Being a nurse herself she helped me get started with the diabetes diet (guess I'll need to wait awhile for my chips and salsa). Hopefully this will not be a long term diet, but if it is, God will help me get through it.
I am still struggling with quite a bit of pain, but hopefully we can get this under control the next few days with meds. Please continue your prayers for relief, I know that this battle will be won, it's just going to take time. As one friend said, "short term pain, for a long term goal".
Thank you again for all your prayers, and please keep them coming. I'll try and keep this updated as much as possible, some days are better than others, so I may not post. God is an amazing God, and He will carry me and my family through the end.
"With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zeph. 3:17b
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Going Home Today!
The Doctor just did rounds this morning and Lisa has been cleared to go home later today. Waiting on the nurse to do her paperwork and see exactly what time that will be. We are all so excited and thanking God for guiding us over another hurdle of this operation!
TAZ
LJZ
TAZ
LJZ
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Woo Hoo Walking without Extra Baggage
Another day of improvement and changes that mean Lisa will be getting out of the hospital soon. The extra baggage would be the IV Pole which is no longer in use in room 1228. Here is some detail of what has transpired in the last 24 hours.
** They took her IV fluids away.
** They took the feeding tube out for the day to see if she can eat enough to stay hydrated and sustain herself which went pretty well.
** Longer and more frequent walks in the hall and she is not being lapped by other patients (which most happen to be older then her (but I didn't tell you that)).
** Another trip outside to enjoy the sunshine this afternoon.
** Able to take a shower today which was incredible refreshing (it truly is the little things you miss when you are not able to do them).
Prayer:
Thank you God for your faithfulness which sustains me each day and your love which refreshes my spirit. Amen
LJZ
TAZ
** They took her IV fluids away.
** They took the feeding tube out for the day to see if she can eat enough to stay hydrated and sustain herself which went pretty well.
** Longer and more frequent walks in the hall and she is not being lapped by other patients (which most happen to be older then her (but I didn't tell you that)).
** Another trip outside to enjoy the sunshine this afternoon.
** Able to take a shower today which was incredible refreshing (it truly is the little things you miss when you are not able to do them).
Prayer:
Thank you God for your faithfulness which sustains me each day and your love which refreshes my spirit. Amen
LJZ
TAZ
Friday, November 5, 2010
Another Good Day
What a fitting prayer Lisa received with her noon meal today. "Thank you God for your saving grace and healing power at work within me. Amen."
Pain has been more manageable today and eating has increased (the rest of us would starve on the quantity she is eating right now). We were able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine today which motivates her more to get home. With the progress she has made in the last couple of days the Doctors expect she may be able to go home Sunday or Monday (YEAH).
God is so Good.
TAZ
LJZ
Pain has been more manageable today and eating has increased (the rest of us would starve on the quantity she is eating right now). We were able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine today which motivates her more to get home. With the progress she has made in the last couple of days the Doctors expect she may be able to go home Sunday or Monday (YEAH).
God is so Good.
TAZ
LJZ
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thanks for the Extra Prayers
Thanks for the extra prayers this evening, Lisa is resting more comfortably now. God is so Good!
LJZ
TAZ
LJZ
TAZ
Quick Prayer
Lisa is having a lot of pain tonight, just say an extra prayer for her tonight please.
LJZ
TAZ
LJZ
TAZ
Steady Progress the Last Couple of Days
Okay, so what's new?
** Resting more comfortably each day.
** Continued walks in the hallway, getting up moving around, and just more movement in general.
** Advancing diet to full liquids today, with the option to have other foods with more substance.
** Doctor is transitioning pain meds from IV administered to by mouth, but still has pain pump if she needs it.
The Doctors are even talking about letting her go home in the near future if things keep progressing the way they have and she gets over certain hurdles (tolerating a full diet, no pain meds through the IV, the pain and nausea are manageable at home, etc.).
All in all, moving in the right direction.
TAZ
LJZ
** Resting more comfortably each day.
** Continued walks in the hallway, getting up moving around, and just more movement in general.
** Advancing diet to full liquids today, with the option to have other foods with more substance.
** Doctor is transitioning pain meds from IV administered to by mouth, but still has pain pump if she needs it.
The Doctors are even talking about letting her go home in the near future if things keep progressing the way they have and she gets over certain hurdles (tolerating a full diet, no pain meds through the IV, the pain and nausea are manageable at home, etc.).
All in all, moving in the right direction.
TAZ
LJZ
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sitting in a Chair Feels So Good
Another quick post...................
Lisa rested fairly well this afternoon after "The Move", is now tolerating clear liquids (for the most part), and even sat in a chair beside her bed for about an hour and a half. I will say she is a bit embarrassed about her looks right now..................a bad hair day may turn into a bad hair week! Don't worry she will get that fixed before she sees any visitors.
TAZ
LJZ
Lisa rested fairly well this afternoon after "The Move", is now tolerating clear liquids (for the most part), and even sat in a chair beside her bed for about an hour and a half. I will say she is a bit embarrassed about her looks right now..................a bad hair day may turn into a bad hair week! Don't worry she will get that fixed before she sees any visitors.
TAZ
LJZ
Lisa Is Now in Her Own Room on the Transplant Wing
Lisa was just transferred to the Transplant Wing on the 12th Floor of the Roberts building. She is glad to be in her own room and at this moment recovering from "The Move". As you might expect doing simple things like moving her body around on the bed or having to turn, etc. causes pain and discomfort. Recovery from "The Move" has consisted of deep breathing and pressing her Pain Pump button (her new best friend).
I have heard through the grapevine that some of you might want to visit, however, she is still not ready to have visitors other then family. We will see how things go over the next couple of days and we also need to check with her Doctors, but it will probably be towards the weekend before she is ready for visitors (subject to an earlier date, check the blog).
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers, this really feels like a big step forward towards starting the recovery process.
TAZ
LJZ
I have heard through the grapevine that some of you might want to visit, however, she is still not ready to have visitors other then family. We will see how things go over the next couple of days and we also need to check with her Doctors, but it will probably be towards the weekend before she is ready for visitors (subject to an earlier date, check the blog).
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers, this really feels like a big step forward towards starting the recovery process.
TAZ
LJZ
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