...when you have your coffee cup in the left hand, pick up the coffee pot with your right, and start to pour.....what a way to start a day! What does one do? Do the same thing over using coffee and "serve the Lord with gladness!"
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2017
YET
It's a small three letter word that can change a life. Yet. Mr. Webster defines "yet" one way as "nevertheless" and "one more time". Yet is a small word but can pack a punch and change a life and an attitude.
My morning devotion brought this word to mind this morning with one of the scripture references being one of my very favorites in the whole Bible. Well, you my faithful blog readers, might argue that I say that a lot about various scriptures and you would be correct. I have a world of favorite Bible passages! I hold them very dear to my heart. This one is one I only discovered a short time back from a book in the Bible I would NEVER read before, mainly because I couldn't pronounce the name or find the book easily in the Old Testament and couldn't figure the book had anything that would benefit me. Boy was I wrong! Here is what the scripture says:
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17, 18
This passage in verse 17 reminds me that as I heard a woman say many years ago, "Everybody's got a problem." Ain't that the truth? Some issues might not be a problem to me but might to you. And maybe your problems to me might seem little compared to others, and vice versa. Either way, no matter what the problem or issue one can be facing, YET....nevertheless....one more time and always, we can rejoice in the Lord.
There could be financial problems, physical sickness, loss of a loved one, loss of a home, fear for those we love, uncertainty in important decisions, and just plain uncertainty of what life will hold. In spite of problems and uncertainties, YET we can rejoice in the Lord.
I will drop in here a couple more of the three letter words in that verse....joy for one. No matter what life dishes out, we can still have joy in our hearts and in our salvation and in our GOD (important three letter word). Always remember, for joy it's Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third. And never ever forget the Lord GOD as He has proven himself over and over and over, even when He didn't have to.
Yet will I trust HIM. Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord. Consider.......
My morning devotion brought this word to mind this morning with one of the scripture references being one of my very favorites in the whole Bible. Well, you my faithful blog readers, might argue that I say that a lot about various scriptures and you would be correct. I have a world of favorite Bible passages! I hold them very dear to my heart. This one is one I only discovered a short time back from a book in the Bible I would NEVER read before, mainly because I couldn't pronounce the name or find the book easily in the Old Testament and couldn't figure the book had anything that would benefit me. Boy was I wrong! Here is what the scripture says:
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17, 18
This passage in verse 17 reminds me that as I heard a woman say many years ago, "Everybody's got a problem." Ain't that the truth? Some issues might not be a problem to me but might to you. And maybe your problems to me might seem little compared to others, and vice versa. Either way, no matter what the problem or issue one can be facing, YET....nevertheless....one more time and always, we can rejoice in the Lord.
There could be financial problems, physical sickness, loss of a loved one, loss of a home, fear for those we love, uncertainty in important decisions, and just plain uncertainty of what life will hold. In spite of problems and uncertainties, YET we can rejoice in the Lord.
I will drop in here a couple more of the three letter words in that verse....joy for one. No matter what life dishes out, we can still have joy in our hearts and in our salvation and in our GOD (important three letter word). Always remember, for joy it's Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third. And never ever forget the Lord GOD as He has proven himself over and over and over, even when He didn't have to.
Yet will I trust HIM. Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord. Consider.......
Monday, September 18, 2017
CHEESECAKE
Before you think this is becoming a cooking blog, I will assure you it is not. I have a different post swimming around in my mind even now that has nothing to do with cooking but it involves finding a certain picture so for now, I decided to share this recipe.
Through my many years of cooking--did I say MANY years of cooking?--every cheesecake I have ever made has fallen in the middle. Every. Single. One. So you can imagine my joy when one didn't fall. It merited a post of it's own on my blog and a recipe to share.
PECAN PRALINE CHEESECAKE
1.5 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 stock butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 t. cinnamon (this is optional...I never use as I can't stand smell or taste of cinnamon)
4 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 t. vanilla
2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup chopped pecans
3 T. all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted margarine, granulated sugar and cinnamon. Press mixture into bottom and sides of a 9" springform pan. Set aside. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until fluffy. Stir in brown sugar, nuts, and flour, stirring just to combine (do not use mixer for this step). Pour filling into crust, smoothing flat with spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool well and then refrigerate. Loosen side as cools and remove side before refrigerating.
Happy cooking!
Through my many years of cooking--did I say MANY years of cooking?--every cheesecake I have ever made has fallen in the middle. Every. Single. One. So you can imagine my joy when one didn't fall. It merited a post of it's own on my blog and a recipe to share.
PECAN PRALINE CHEESECAKE
1.5 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 stock butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 t. cinnamon (this is optional...I never use as I can't stand smell or taste of cinnamon)
4 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 t. vanilla
2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup chopped pecans
3 T. all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted margarine, granulated sugar and cinnamon. Press mixture into bottom and sides of a 9" springform pan. Set aside. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until fluffy. Stir in brown sugar, nuts, and flour, stirring just to combine (do not use mixer for this step). Pour filling into crust, smoothing flat with spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool well and then refrigerate. Loosen side as cools and remove side before refrigerating.
Happy cooking!
Monday, August 28, 2017
COLE SLAW
I was meandering through my vast array of pictures on my computer as I tried to free up some space. I found pictures I had taken for a future blog post. Since I went to the trouble of taking them and keeping them, I figured there's no better time than now to share.
I will say, humbly, that I have been complimented often on the delicious cole slaw I can sometimes make. It's really not an art, however, there are a few tricks that I was taught my mother-in-law. I will say that she liked to cook much more than I do so when she talked cooking, I did try to listen.
The first thing to remember is that cole slaw is only as good as the cabbage used to make it. I find the greener the cabbage, the crunchier and better the cole slaw. These cabbage heads that are mostly whitish make a less desirable product. If the cabbage is white, don't waste you money or your time. I chop with the blade of my food processor, not the grating mechanism.
Secondly, mix in the mayonnaise with a fork. That allows all the little pieces to coat well through the fork tines. A spoon doesn't give the same result.
Thirdly, my MIL always said to NEVER put salt in a cole slaw as it makes it rank. So I never do. She said so. People can salt it when they eat it or skip the salt. If the salt is skipped, one can have more mayonnaise. :) And speaking of mayonnaise, my mayonnaise of choice is either Hellman's or Blue Plate. Somehow, Hellman's or Blue Plate mayonnaise just go good with the cabbage. I wouldn't even attempt to use a low fat mayo in cole slaw. Unless one has a major health issue involving mayonnaise, I wouldn't even consider it.
Here's how I do it....starting with the basics (I had Hellman's mayonnaise this particular day):
After the cabbage is chopped, add the black pepper to your taste and stir well (with fork). The Husband enjoys food with his black pepper so I add a bunch. The peppered, chopped cabbage looks like this:
This is the bowl of cabbage before adding the HELLMAN'S or BLUE PLATE mayonnaise. I don't have a clue how much I add, just that I add a tablespoon at a time, then mix with the fork until I have added enough. You will know if it's enough according to your taste buds.
After mayonnaise adding and fork-stirring well, the finished cole slaw looks like this:
Granted it's not a fancy dish and does look better to the eyes if one cleans up the sides of the bowl better than I did. As some say, though, the looks don't affect the taste and taste is what matters!
And now you know....happy cole slaw eating!
I will say, humbly, that I have been complimented often on the delicious cole slaw I can sometimes make. It's really not an art, however, there are a few tricks that I was taught my mother-in-law. I will say that she liked to cook much more than I do so when she talked cooking, I did try to listen.
The first thing to remember is that cole slaw is only as good as the cabbage used to make it. I find the greener the cabbage, the crunchier and better the cole slaw. These cabbage heads that are mostly whitish make a less desirable product. If the cabbage is white, don't waste you money or your time. I chop with the blade of my food processor, not the grating mechanism.
Secondly, mix in the mayonnaise with a fork. That allows all the little pieces to coat well through the fork tines. A spoon doesn't give the same result.
Thirdly, my MIL always said to NEVER put salt in a cole slaw as it makes it rank. So I never do. She said so. People can salt it when they eat it or skip the salt. If the salt is skipped, one can have more mayonnaise. :) And speaking of mayonnaise, my mayonnaise of choice is either Hellman's or Blue Plate. Somehow, Hellman's or Blue Plate mayonnaise just go good with the cabbage. I wouldn't even attempt to use a low fat mayo in cole slaw. Unless one has a major health issue involving mayonnaise, I wouldn't even consider it.
Here's how I do it....starting with the basics (I had Hellman's mayonnaise this particular day):
After the cabbage is chopped, add the black pepper to your taste and stir well (with fork). The Husband enjoys food with his black pepper so I add a bunch. The peppered, chopped cabbage looks like this:
This is the bowl of cabbage before adding the HELLMAN'S or BLUE PLATE mayonnaise. I don't have a clue how much I add, just that I add a tablespoon at a time, then mix with the fork until I have added enough. You will know if it's enough according to your taste buds.
After mayonnaise adding and fork-stirring well, the finished cole slaw looks like this:
Granted it's not a fancy dish and does look better to the eyes if one cleans up the sides of the bowl better than I did. As some say, though, the looks don't affect the taste and taste is what matters!
And now you know....happy cole slaw eating!
Friday, August 18, 2017
MMM
Magical Morning Moments.....there's something to be said for those times. This morning was one for The Poppa and me, The Gramma. Yes, it's Friday but we are babysitting while The Girl is at her office. It's a rare time that both of us are home to babysit together.
These special moments happened after a breakfast of biscuits, gravy, eggs, and bacon. Yes, The Grandbaby loves the biscuit, gravy and eggs. It's my signature breakfast when she visits. I am happy that The Nana who lives in another state has the signature breakfast of French Toast which The Grandbaby also loves. So see, God knows what He's doing when he allows us talents of different scrumptious foods.
After breakfast, the three of us began a walk to the mailbox to take outgoing mail. It was on this route on the driveway that our shadows were discovered. We had taken stops to see numerous ants and their crawling ability, then there were the shadows. Ahhh....delights for sure.
"Look Poppa, I can lift my leg."
"Hey The Grandbaby, can you wave at your shadow?" (Of course she can, she even waves at the figures on food boxes. She waves at EVERYTHING.) 😁 And The Gramma's shadow holding her camera is very true to life, isn't it?
"Look, Poppa can make an animal with his hand shadow!"
And during all these shadow fun times, The Gramma sees The Poppa, The Grandbaby, and herself and is saying many thanks in her heart that she is having such moments as these. Ahhh....
After the shadow playing was done, there was a walk to see and smell the flowers.
The sparkly shoes are her new ones on sale on Zulily.com and were cheap. Oh, and did I say that they are "squeakers"? They squeak when she walks. Three S's--Stylish, Sparkly, and Squeakers--who could ask for more? Needless to say, she wears them every day, especially at home so those in charge can hear where she is. She's become quite the little fast walker.
Yes, The Poppa smiles in most pictures now. What can I say?
When the outdoor fun was over, The Grandbaby was tired so The Gramma (aka "the nap whisperer") did some Dr. Seuss reading to her and then transferred her to The Poppa and there they happily remain for now.
Blessings of MMM's and so much more!
These special moments happened after a breakfast of biscuits, gravy, eggs, and bacon. Yes, The Grandbaby loves the biscuit, gravy and eggs. It's my signature breakfast when she visits. I am happy that The Nana who lives in another state has the signature breakfast of French Toast which The Grandbaby also loves. So see, God knows what He's doing when he allows us talents of different scrumptious foods.
After breakfast, the three of us began a walk to the mailbox to take outgoing mail. It was on this route on the driveway that our shadows were discovered. We had taken stops to see numerous ants and their crawling ability, then there were the shadows. Ahhh....delights for sure.
"Look Poppa, I can lift my leg."
"Hey The Grandbaby, can you wave at your shadow?" (Of course she can, she even waves at the figures on food boxes. She waves at EVERYTHING.) 😁 And The Gramma's shadow holding her camera is very true to life, isn't it?
"Look, Poppa can make an animal with his hand shadow!"
And during all these shadow fun times, The Gramma sees The Poppa, The Grandbaby, and herself and is saying many thanks in her heart that she is having such moments as these. Ahhh....
After the shadow playing was done, there was a walk to see and smell the flowers.
The sparkly shoes are her new ones on sale on Zulily.com and were cheap. Oh, and did I say that they are "squeakers"? They squeak when she walks. Three S's--Stylish, Sparkly, and Squeakers--who could ask for more? Needless to say, she wears them every day, especially at home so those in charge can hear where she is. She's become quite the little fast walker.
Yes, The Poppa smiles in most pictures now. What can I say?
When the outdoor fun was over, The Grandbaby was tired so The Gramma (aka "the nap whisperer") did some Dr. Seuss reading to her and then transferred her to The Poppa and there they happily remain for now.
Blessings of MMM's and so much more!
Thursday, August 17, 2017
IT SPOKE VOLUMES....
I have two devotion books I use along with my Bible for daily devotions. Guess one can't have too many. One of my favorites is one I use every year along with the new yearly one. I imagine I will continue using it on and on as one tends to draw different wisdoms from different parts at different times. This one really spoke to me and I thought that since folks share such on Facebook, surely I can share such on my personal blog.
There's so much I love about this. I won't divulge a lesson from it for you. I will just let you read on your own. Enjoy!
Consider.........
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
CATCHY PHRASE
So true.....
"Your talk talks and your walk talks but your walk talks more than your talk talks."
Consider....
"Your talk talks and your walk talks but your walk talks more than your talk talks."
Consider....
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
RELISH
Years ago when I was young and foolish, I tried to do "it" all. Needless to say, I stayed busy. In the areas of kitchen work and cooking, I learned to do a lot of the different things one can do with kitchen work, canning, and cooking.
As I grew older and wiser, my desire to do the canning and gardening (and often now, cooking) seemed to dwindle. However, there is one item that I do annually. And no, I don't grow the goods for this item. I usually buy at my local wholesale facility along with Vidalia onions in season and the end result tastes just yummy. Or at least it does to The Husband who really likes this product.
So here is the recipe and a look at this year's batch of Pepper Relish. It is the recipe of a now-gone-to-heaven-for-many-years elderly woman from my church. She would be glad to know that her wonderful, treasured recipe lives on.
And yes, this was done BEFORE my last surgical experience.
As I grew older and wiser, my desire to do the canning and gardening (and often now, cooking) seemed to dwindle. However, there is one item that I do annually. And no, I don't grow the goods for this item. I usually buy at my local wholesale facility along with Vidalia onions in season and the end result tastes just yummy. Or at least it does to The Husband who really likes this product.
So here is the recipe and a look at this year's batch of Pepper Relish. It is the recipe of a now-gone-to-heaven-for-many-years elderly woman from my church. She would be glad to know that her wonderful, treasured recipe lives on.
And yes, this was done BEFORE my last surgical experience.
PEPPER RELISH
1 dozen sweet bell peppers (some red for color-I also use orange and yellow for fun)
2 dozen sweet banana peppers (I also buy those mini peppers in colors for this ingredient.)
3 hot peppers
7 medium onions
3 cups vinegar
2 cups sugar
2 T. each: mustard seed and salt
Chop or grind peppers and onions. Combine with other ingredients and boil 30 minutes. Pack in sterilized jars and seal.
I chop my peppers and onions in my food processor to save the wear and tear of my arthritic hands. They are best if chopped coarse...the peppers, not the hands. 😀
Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
HOW CAN IT BE?!
Today marks The Grandbaby's birthday! 15 months old she is....yes, we count birthdays in months for her. Every day, though, is a celebration and thankfulness for the blessing of her.
It seems she learns so many different things daily. She is exceptional at head-shaking....side-to-side "no" being the preferred choice of direction. And yes, she does know what that means. This Gramma is smitten with her but not to the point of letting her misbehave. She even showed me the other day that she can stick her finger down her throat and gag herself. I gave her a big no on that one and she was very offended to the point of tears but I was tough. Isn't it funny how kids don't have to be taught to do wrong things, but have to be taught to do right? I still consider that mystery often.
It seems she learns so many different things daily. She is exceptional at head-shaking....side-to-side "no" being the preferred choice of direction. And yes, she does know what that means. This Gramma is smitten with her but not to the point of letting her misbehave. She even showed me the other day that she can stick her finger down her throat and gag herself. I gave her a big no on that one and she was very offended to the point of tears but I was tough. Isn't it funny how kids don't have to be taught to do wrong things, but have to be taught to do right? I still consider that mystery often.
So, just for a few pictures for you my faithful readers. As I say time and time again, a picture is worth a thousand words.
The Grandbaby loves pasta, potatoes, peas, and a few things that begin with letters other than "p".
The other "P" she likes is The Poppa. AHH....they are a sight to see when together, which is often.
She has discovered Nemo and Dory so practically every fish is a Nemo or a Dory.
She will watch Toy Story for hours. Woody is her favorite. Uh, yes, The Gramma is guilty of buying her a small Woody of her own. It was on sale, of course. Jessie was too, so she couldn't stay alone in the store. Duh.
Can you tell which is The Grandbaby and which is her mama? Yes, that is a vintage toy.
Yes, daily blessings and joys come from this precious one....Happy Birthday!
Monday, July 17, 2017
LESSON LEARNED
I am hopeful this is my last health blog for a while. I imagine you, my faithful blog readers, grow weary of my health issues. This one deserves a conclusion, I think.
I had surgery about ten days ago. For the past couple of years and even before, I have had problems with pain and such caused by adhesions. Now, for all of you who don't know what adhesions are, they are scar tissue that sticks and binds organs and internal body things together causing pain and function problems. Adhesions are invisible to scans and X-rays--only their problems they are causing show and the smart doctor has to determine that is the problem. In truth, a surgery or laparoscopic look around is the only way to totally determine they are there without doubt. Adhesions are caused by prior surgeries and inflammations. Most people can have them and do, it's only some in whom they cause problems. I am, unfortunately, one of those people. How do I get so lucky?
A couple of years ago I spent a few days in the hospital with that ghastly nose tube pumping my stomach because of an intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions. That resolved and didn't recur until I recognized the symptoms a couple of months ago and another ER visit happened to show a partial obstruction. That time the nose tube was avoided and it resolved yet again. It was at my followup with my wise family doctor that I learned the severity of this problem. I was quite taken aback when she said the adhesions needed to be surgically addressed. She strongly suggested I contact the surgeon and get an appointment within the week.
I did call immediately and there wasn't an appointment available for 5 weeks so I took it. My family doctor was not impressed but I assured her I would pay attention to my body. I couldn't imagine it would happen again that quickly. The other episodes were two years apart. I had time.
Amazingly, I was called the next week to say the surgeon had a cancellation so I was offered that appointment which I took. I really have confidence in this surgeon so I was happy to see him. In fact he and I had just had a surgeon/patient relationship in late January with that lipoma removal. It had only just healed so I felt like we had become friends. :)
I will back up here to say that I had proof that my problem was adhesions from an operation report from 1993 when I had organs removed in a planned one hour laparoscopic surgery that, when all was said and done, took five hours instead of the one. Yes, count 'em....five hours as I had massive extensive adhesions. Impressive. So yes, we knew they were there and I took that report to the surgeon for his records in case he needed proof. The surgeon agreed with my PCP that the surgery needed to happen. I signed paperwork for a laparoscopic adhesion removal with option for a intestinal resection. I came home while the assistant worked on finding me a time. I will insert here that my request for a time was after last week....anytime beginning this week (July 17) or anytime four weeks ago. My thing is that my church revival was beginning July 9. I hadn't missed a summer church revival in 40 years. Now I'm not a revival martyr or anything like that, I just love revival. So that was my request.
I had actually just gotten to the car in the parking lot when the MA called me and told me that since the surgeon was going out of town and didn't want to do my surgery then go out of town, it looked like it would be August. I said ok. Then by the time I arrived home an hour later, my phone rang again. It was the MA. She had searched and searched for another sooner time and the only thing she could find was July 5. My heart sank. July 5 was the Wednesday before my July 9 revival. What if he had to cut? I would be in the hospital 5 days and I would miss revival. What if he didn't have to cut? I might still miss revival. So I stood in my kitchen with the phone and asked The Husband his opinion. He said to go ahead. I resignedly told the MA ok. She said she knew I had not wanted that time but she felt my condition such that I just couldn't wait till August.
Fast forward to July 5. The surgery happened in the afternoon and I spent a night in the hospital. It was laparoscopic as I had hoped. I came home to recovery mode the next day. The doctor explained that I had nasty, impressive adhesions and a couple of spots of twisted intestines that had herniated. The pain I had been experiencing had been rough, but then I have such a high tolerance for pain. I will admit to being fairly sick and not myself for the past couple of months. I was glad to hear that this possibly was the root of the bulk of my health problems.
I was able to go to revival. My nurse, The Husband, was very strict and I only went and sat on the pew but I still loved it. Did I get tired? Uh huh, but I would come home every day and put on my pajamas and sit in my recliner while The Husband took care of everything. Did I say he was off on vacation that week so it worked out well?
Last Wednesday The Husband took me for staple removal. The surgeon called me the patient whose serious issues didn't show on scans. While there the surgeon discussed my surgery and went over the pictures. Isn't it amazing how they can take these pictures and do these things through little stomach slits? ( I would scan and show you, but I fear three of my blog readers might not enjoy.) Technology, wow. He got to the third page and there were a couple of pictures of a very black area. It was at the point that he said he thought, "____, I'm going to have to cut and resection." It was an internal hernia and he said after he clipped away the adhesion, it pinked back up and he said, "Whew". It was what he said after that that got my attention and let me know that I don't trust the Lord enough. He said, "If you had gone only 24 hours longer without surgery, that area of intestine would have ruptured and it would have been so very bad." So while I was kicking and screaming to the Lord about this surgery date that didn't fit my plan, He was orchestrating it to my own good. Romans 8:28 directly in action. Duh, me the unbeliever....even though I say I do believe. Maybe I've learned the lesson yet again to trust the Lord, especially when I ask His guidance. I need to accept The Plan sooner and my life would be a lot easier.
Today I continue to recover. I'm still tired and will tire easily for a week or so until I get strengthened. I have instructions from my nurse, The Husband, to have a week or at least a few days in the recliner again in pajamas. I love recliners and pajamas so I haven't argued. :) I have weight restrictions on lifting but can work up to more as I recover. I look forward to being a new person health wise when I recover. I have not enjoyed the past couple of months and feeling so very bad. The ten pounds I lost over the past month is okay, but not losing it that way. I'm assured it will come back but that's not a problem. I'd rather be ten pounds heavier than ten pounds lighter and sick and in pain.
So yes, I will thank the Lord yet again for his provision. I will look forward to a biopsy of a thing on my hand with the dermatologist in a couple of weeks and then my thyroid nodules' annual ultrasound with the endocrinologist--sorry, I only thought my health things were over....hopefully they are. Whether they are or not, I am assured that the Lord has this. He always has and He always will.
Consider...........
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I had surgery about ten days ago. For the past couple of years and even before, I have had problems with pain and such caused by adhesions. Now, for all of you who don't know what adhesions are, they are scar tissue that sticks and binds organs and internal body things together causing pain and function problems. Adhesions are invisible to scans and X-rays--only their problems they are causing show and the smart doctor has to determine that is the problem. In truth, a surgery or laparoscopic look around is the only way to totally determine they are there without doubt. Adhesions are caused by prior surgeries and inflammations. Most people can have them and do, it's only some in whom they cause problems. I am, unfortunately, one of those people. How do I get so lucky?
A couple of years ago I spent a few days in the hospital with that ghastly nose tube pumping my stomach because of an intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions. That resolved and didn't recur until I recognized the symptoms a couple of months ago and another ER visit happened to show a partial obstruction. That time the nose tube was avoided and it resolved yet again. It was at my followup with my wise family doctor that I learned the severity of this problem. I was quite taken aback when she said the adhesions needed to be surgically addressed. She strongly suggested I contact the surgeon and get an appointment within the week.
I did call immediately and there wasn't an appointment available for 5 weeks so I took it. My family doctor was not impressed but I assured her I would pay attention to my body. I couldn't imagine it would happen again that quickly. The other episodes were two years apart. I had time.
Amazingly, I was called the next week to say the surgeon had a cancellation so I was offered that appointment which I took. I really have confidence in this surgeon so I was happy to see him. In fact he and I had just had a surgeon/patient relationship in late January with that lipoma removal. It had only just healed so I felt like we had become friends. :)
I will back up here to say that I had proof that my problem was adhesions from an operation report from 1993 when I had organs removed in a planned one hour laparoscopic surgery that, when all was said and done, took five hours instead of the one. Yes, count 'em....five hours as I had massive extensive adhesions. Impressive. So yes, we knew they were there and I took that report to the surgeon for his records in case he needed proof. The surgeon agreed with my PCP that the surgery needed to happen. I signed paperwork for a laparoscopic adhesion removal with option for a intestinal resection. I came home while the assistant worked on finding me a time. I will insert here that my request for a time was after last week....anytime beginning this week (July 17) or anytime four weeks ago. My thing is that my church revival was beginning July 9. I hadn't missed a summer church revival in 40 years. Now I'm not a revival martyr or anything like that, I just love revival. So that was my request.
I had actually just gotten to the car in the parking lot when the MA called me and told me that since the surgeon was going out of town and didn't want to do my surgery then go out of town, it looked like it would be August. I said ok. Then by the time I arrived home an hour later, my phone rang again. It was the MA. She had searched and searched for another sooner time and the only thing she could find was July 5. My heart sank. July 5 was the Wednesday before my July 9 revival. What if he had to cut? I would be in the hospital 5 days and I would miss revival. What if he didn't have to cut? I might still miss revival. So I stood in my kitchen with the phone and asked The Husband his opinion. He said to go ahead. I resignedly told the MA ok. She said she knew I had not wanted that time but she felt my condition such that I just couldn't wait till August.
Fast forward to July 5. The surgery happened in the afternoon and I spent a night in the hospital. It was laparoscopic as I had hoped. I came home to recovery mode the next day. The doctor explained that I had nasty, impressive adhesions and a couple of spots of twisted intestines that had herniated. The pain I had been experiencing had been rough, but then I have such a high tolerance for pain. I will admit to being fairly sick and not myself for the past couple of months. I was glad to hear that this possibly was the root of the bulk of my health problems.
I was able to go to revival. My nurse, The Husband, was very strict and I only went and sat on the pew but I still loved it. Did I get tired? Uh huh, but I would come home every day and put on my pajamas and sit in my recliner while The Husband took care of everything. Did I say he was off on vacation that week so it worked out well?
Last Wednesday The Husband took me for staple removal. The surgeon called me the patient whose serious issues didn't show on scans. While there the surgeon discussed my surgery and went over the pictures. Isn't it amazing how they can take these pictures and do these things through little stomach slits? ( I would scan and show you, but I fear three of my blog readers might not enjoy.) Technology, wow. He got to the third page and there were a couple of pictures of a very black area. It was at the point that he said he thought, "____, I'm going to have to cut and resection." It was an internal hernia and he said after he clipped away the adhesion, it pinked back up and he said, "Whew". It was what he said after that that got my attention and let me know that I don't trust the Lord enough. He said, "If you had gone only 24 hours longer without surgery, that area of intestine would have ruptured and it would have been so very bad." So while I was kicking and screaming to the Lord about this surgery date that didn't fit my plan, He was orchestrating it to my own good. Romans 8:28 directly in action. Duh, me the unbeliever....even though I say I do believe. Maybe I've learned the lesson yet again to trust the Lord, especially when I ask His guidance. I need to accept The Plan sooner and my life would be a lot easier.
Today I continue to recover. I'm still tired and will tire easily for a week or so until I get strengthened. I have instructions from my nurse, The Husband, to have a week or at least a few days in the recliner again in pajamas. I love recliners and pajamas so I haven't argued. :) I have weight restrictions on lifting but can work up to more as I recover. I look forward to being a new person health wise when I recover. I have not enjoyed the past couple of months and feeling so very bad. The ten pounds I lost over the past month is okay, but not losing it that way. I'm assured it will come back but that's not a problem. I'd rather be ten pounds heavier than ten pounds lighter and sick and in pain.
So yes, I will thank the Lord yet again for his provision. I will look forward to a biopsy of a thing on my hand with the dermatologist in a couple of weeks and then my thyroid nodules' annual ultrasound with the endocrinologist--sorry, I only thought my health things were over....hopefully they are. Whether they are or not, I am assured that the Lord has this. He always has and He always will.
Consider...........
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
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