My next surgery will be 3/19...

Turns out it is not a hernia, it is a fistula, which is (from what I understand) like a hernia, only with fluid involved.  After 2 hours at the surgeon's office I am still not quite sure what it is but it does require surgery to fix.  It isn't life threatening, my surgeon said "compared to what you've already been through, this is just a nuisance." I first met with a resident (I eventually get all the residents because I am an odd ball learning experience for them) whom I have seen several times before.  When he came in and we recognized each other I asked him when he was finally going to become a doctor.  And he told me that he would become a doctor when I stopped coming back all the time.  Then I told him that the only reason I keep coming back is because I want to make sure he gets the best education possible.  He thanked me and laughed at me then admired how far my bulging thing sticks out.  I guess it is quite impressive. Then I had an ultrasound of it and they sucked some fluid out (and then the resident and my surgeon talked about the qualities of the fluid - sounding a lot like they were talking about fine wine - and I couldn't help asking if they noticed the earthy-ness and subtle essence of fruit - and they laughed at me).   I have named the fistula Prudence (I figured since we're going to spend the next 13 days together she might as well have a name) and tomorrow I'll post a picture.  Think boney elbow sticking out right under my ribs about 2 inches. The pain has been better today, maybe because they drained Prudence, but who knows.  I'm not going to ask questions, I just hope it stays this way until the surgery.     Thanks for all the encouragement yesterday .  I needed it and I appreciate you guys being here for me.   Now - this *should* be the ABSOLUTE LAST surgery I need,  So I think I'll survive until then.

My younger brother had a fistula on his brain right behind and over his right ear.  They were able to get it with radiation, luckily.  Good luck with this surgery!

Thanks Brock...due to recent developments the surgery might get moved up or cancelled...it could go either way, but thanks for the well wishes. 

Sorry to hear about another surgery.  Hope this one takes care of everything!  Good luck!

Thanks Ronda!  Me too!

Woman you ought to graduate with the residents!  Well, I can't wait until Prudence leaves you and you can FINALLY take your bubble bath.  I'm going to mail you freaking bubbles I swear I will LOL

LOL.  I have learned SO MUCH about human anatomy, so much more than I ever wanted to know, that yeah, if I didn't hate math and chemistry, I would totally head to medical school.  And I wish I hadn't taken biology when I was a sophomore in college, because we did a whole section on disecting fetal pigs (and studying human anatomy) and I sucked at it.  Think how much better I would do now! OH!  And when I saw Dr. Baker on Thursday he said that the incision was closed enough that if I wanted to take a bath I could, so I was planning this lavish bath for Saturday night (when I'm visiting my mom's house, and my mom has this really deep tub with jets) but then because I have the staph infection he told me I am more at risk for bacteria, so getting in a tub that possibly has bacteria is a bad idea.  Curses, foiled again.

My goodness girl you must be a surgery addict! LOL!  We have to laugh right?  Or we might go insane!   But seriously I hope this is THE LAST surgery or problem that you will have! I will keep you in my prayers.  Hang in there! You are such a trooper, wow!

lol.  Yup - my motto is "having a sense of humor is like knowing you will have an umbrella when it starts raining".  So yes, there is humor to be had.  Thanks for the prayers and encouragement!  I don't know if I could do it without you guys.

Feel better soon Amy!