Yesterday's surgery went well. Thankfully. It was my first surgery ever and I was somewhat excited to get the whole ordeal over and done with. And to be free from the pain. It turns out that I was more nervous after the operation than before. I woke up shivering so badly that the nurse had to cover my body with three hot blankets and my head with a warm towel. I was afraid to move and more afraid to look at my belly. My throat was sore from the breathing tube and my bottom was oddly numb. When they brought me to my room, I was hoping my husband would be there, but alas, no one bothered to call his cellphone. I remember dozing off several times but only for short periods. I'm guessing it was due to my nervousness or maybe it was because the nurses outside my room would constantly yap loudly about all the patients. They were even discussing concerns over my heart rate. Just the reassurance I needed! Instead of the Tylenol III I was told they were going to give me, they prescribed Percocet, which is apparently 10 times as strong. Soon after the first dose, I had to go to the bathroom, only to return green with nausea. The two incisions in the centre of my belly began to ooze and that nearly sent me hurling. But I resisted. I can't stand the thought of throwing up. Breathing deeply seemed to help, although it was hard to breathe abdominally. They kept me in the hospital for a couple of hours longer than expected to ensure that the primary effects of the anesthetic had worn off. If I had to lay down any longer in that uncomfortable bed, I would have most definitely hurled!

All the while, my mother-in-law was taking care of my daughter. I am very grateful she was able to take care of her. She also came over bright and early today to help out, seeing as I'm not supposed to do any heavy lifting for a few days. This afternoon, my mother came down from Hamilton to stay for a couple of days. She cancelled her jobs for the rest of the week (she's a cleaning lady) and brought plenty of food, including her delicious chicken soup. Having her here has been very therapeutic already. I've missed her so much. And there's nothing like some Tender Mothering Care...