Well here I am. Back again. I will begin by saying that all will be well. Claire and I went to the ENT today and I had my list of questions for him. He asked how I’ve been doing and I had my spreadsheet with the schedule for the last week including meds, consumption or food (can you call it that?) and water, and other fun stuff. He began by checking my nose, and I told him about seeing the intubation tube coming out and how my right nostril has bothered me. He pulled out a large pair of tweezers that he stuck into my nostril. He slowly pulled out what looked like a 4 inch long skinny earth worm covered in snotty goo. It felt like he pulled it from my stomach. It was so cool! My nostril felt so much better. He said it was mucous build up from the tubal irritation and that I should use some saline spray until it feels all better.

Next we discussed my throat. I told him day 3-5 were pretty good but then after that I was sorer than usual. He said this was all typical and not to worry. He next looked into my throat and asked me where I was having most of the pain. Was it on the sides, he asked? Yes, I said. He said I had dehiscence, which means that the incision spacing between my sutures are pulling apart a little. He said this is typical in 30-40% of the cases, and there’s nothing I did or didn’t do that caused this. He said it won’t affect the healing but it will delay it by about a week. Sucks.
I am still restricted in terms of carrying (nothing over 10lb.), which includes lifting my daughter into or out of a car seat or buggy. Ugh. He said talking won’t hurt anything so do as much as I feel comfortable with. He continued my painkiller script, but I forgot to ask for anything topical, which was a thought of mine earlier. Much of the healing process I am going through is typical but the dehiscence does put me back a little.

Some other updates. Diet. I am surprised by how not hungry I’ve been. Literally. Every now and then I will catch a smell and my stomach will rumble a bit, but seriously I’m not hungry and if my stomach shrinks some then that’ll be good. Of course, my mentality is still of someone who loves food. It’s the psychology of consumption that still needs to change. I’ve felt as active as ever, and I do not feel unhealthy in any other way. Some things I do enjoy eating include cold Jellos, some pureed soups, lots of water, some pudding occasionally, sorbet, and ice cream. I use to have a large range before the dehiscence because now certain things burn the back of my mouth like some sorbets, orange Jello, and Gatorade. Those are off my diet now. Doctor and nurse suggested finding ways to increase the fiber and protein in my diet, so I may be experimenting with some liquid drinks that include protein powders and/or Metamucil. I do know my pre-op weigh but the ENT does not have a scale so I can’t check my current weight until I return to the high school on Monday.

Yes, and as for Monday and high school. I am planning my week out so I can talk as least as possible. If I have lecture materials I need covered, I am going to video tape them this week so I can just play them. What I can write, I will write out. I will also talk to my classes about my needs, as well.

My attitude is great, and all will be very well.