SURGERY TOMORROW

Hi guys, as I shared in response to Connie's post, my computer is blitzed at home so am checking in with you from the library. I've started my clear liquid diet, per doc's orders, surgery tomorrow. I had the startling realization in the middle of the night that two things have radically changed since my 2004 surgery, which will impact any success after this one - I have to follow the same 5-stage diet plan, including two weeks of nothing but protein drinks. This was easy in 2004 because (1) I wasn't working, so this was very manageable at home; (2) my son was 9 years old and had strong feelings of love and concern for me - not so these days, life is hell at home, constant episodes of intense rage and trying to navigate through it without resulting in destroying our home ... the stress is unrelenting. So, at 3am, I tried to imagine staying on this liquid diet for two weeks, both at work (there is food everywhere all of the time) and at home with Devin's unpredictable and scary behavior. So I'm just trying to calm myself today. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and I'll get in touch this weekend. Have a blessed day and go out and do something for someone else, it will make you feel good and strong! Love, Maureen

Maureen, I will say a special prayer for you tomorrow as you go in for surgery. I will also pray that Devin will do good while you're going through this. You're a special lady and I know you will do good!! Love ya, Judy

Although you are in my thoughts and prayers, I know you are going to be fine with this. Try not to look too far ahead and just take one day at a time. I still think the food at work and home is not going to be a problem because I don't think you're going to be all that hungry. My son was 13 years old once, but I never went through the rage thing that you're going through. I guess it was a good thing too because I have a VERY low tolerance for such behavior. As you may or may not have guessed, I am not the most patient person in the world. Hopefully, Devin will realize that you have just gone through a procedure and you're not feeling 100% and will act accordingly. We're going to Boston this weekend and I won't be near a computer, but will check in on Sunday night to see how you are doing. Lots of love and well wishes are being sent your way! Love ya! Joanie

Maureen, I don't know if you will see this before surgery, but I'm thinking of you an sending happy thoughts your way. Maureen, I say this with nothing but love... you do what my mother calls "borrowing trouble." You worry about things before you even know whether you need to worry about them. You don't know that you will have trouble on the 2 week liquid diet. I'm betting that you won't. Remember this... When you had surgery 4 years ago, you ate most of the time, not because you were hungry, but because you were bored, tired, stressed, sad, happy, anything but hungry most of the time. If you think about it, that's probably true today. Not eating 4 years ago was easy because you were scared sh*tless that you would rip something apart, not because you weren't hungry. Same holds true today. You're not going to want to eat because it would risk disrupting your surgery. The other thing you have going for you is that you are good at following rules. You did so much better than most of us, in spite of your ginormous stoma, because you do your damndest to stick to the rules. Ms. Maureen, my money is on you and I think you need to stop borrowing trouble. Love you huge! Connie

Best of luck to you, prayers for you & quick recovery. Ladybug Marilyn

maureen...echoing what joanie and connie said about trouble ...don't buy any! sending huigs and prayers to you- sorry that i didn't get on before your surgery.. you are strong! you are gonna be fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am praying that all is well with you, my friend! Joy

Prayers being lifted up right now. Martha