8/29/2012

Surgery/Recovery


Those are my toes under the sheet there. :)
Two weeks ago to the day I was in the hospital.
I have debated on writing about this and I thought I would share.
 Perhaps, something I say will help someone?!
So, let me back up the trolley on the story.

 I had been dealing with a bit of uterine prolapse for the past four years. 
(which is not all that uncommon due to having children.)
I went for a second opinion (thank goodness I did).
I was told there was no rush for surgery unlike
what I had been told by a previous Dr.

Fast forward to last month - I was lifting some heavy items (not really thinking) and uh, yeah.
I knew right then and there that the whole plumbing had just fallen. 
Great. 
I spent the rest of that weekend upset at myself and knowing I had to call the Dr.
So, at the Dr's visit he told me what I had figured - time for surgery.
My uterus had totally fallen and there was no going back.
 da Vinci Surgery for Partial Hysterectomy here I come.
Next up was a trip to the Urologist. 
Oh.joy. 
I also had an issue of leaking. 
It was decided that I should have a bladder sling (pig skin) added onto my surgery.
I had five weeks to prep myself for surgery and get my ducks in a row.
It was just my luck that my surgery date was the same date the boys went back to school.
What were the odds?

Surgery scares the bejesus out of me.
I had my gallbladder out 11 yrs ago, all went well but being put to sleep...
Really freaks me out. 
I read may posts on a site called Hystersisters - I would highly recommend it.
I know everyone is different and kept that in perspective. 
There was at least a place I could go to get a "feeling" for what I was about to go through.

Surgery:

My pre-op nurse was wonderful. 
Full of great helpful information about how to deal with my issues.
I get sick from anesthesia so that required a sea sickness patch.
No cleansing for me the night before. *phew*
Just to eat light the day before.

Now, I can tell you that the chill mat that they had me move over to in the surgery room 
was $#%#$* COLD!
The nurse had me sit slightly up to wash my back off with alcohol. 
Could I get any colder?
My nurse kept saying, "I'm sorry, dear."

Then it was lights out once my anesthesiologist had me take two deep breaths.
I was sore - the abdominal area from where I was injected with air. 
Meds in the hospital were super.
Sea sick patch had to come off because it made me uber dizzy. 
I was up within 24 hrs walking gingerly around the hospital, showered & home.


Yes, that is a slice of the strawberry shortcake.
This hospital has some of the best food for a hospital. 
(Spencer was born in their women's hospital and I had really good food then, too.)

Recovery:

Two weeks now - my tummy is still bloated. :( 
It is going down but not as fast as I would like. 
My incisions are healing nicely and the liquid stitch is finally coming off.
Helping out lightly around the house as I can.
Still NO bending over or lifting anything heavy.
I have learned that Oxycodone & Loretabs and I do not get along.
Nauseous with one and dizzy with the other - rendered my quite ill for a bit. 
Just stuck it out with Advil. 
I am sore still in my belly but that is normal for some.
My tailbone was injured at some point (surgery(?)).
Which is not helping with sitting. *sigh*
Drink your water & eat your fruit. :)

I am looking forward to getting out in about 5 wks to go on long walks with Sasha.
She (Sasha) pulls still on her leash (still) and I don't want to do any damage. 
I would highly recommend the da Vinci surgery if it is an option for you.

Gold Star to those who read this all the way through.






8/23/2012

Pink Lemonade Pie - TastyKake



Alrighty.
I found this sweet treat last month when we were picking the boys up to return home.
You have to understand that I am not really a big pie fan. 
Sure I will eat a slice of pumpkin or apple (filling first, always) but nothing more.
This little pie caught my attention and simply had to try it.
Plus, it's a Tastykake and nobody can resist a TastyKake. :)


Nice look at the top.


The inside of the pie.

So, what did it taste like?

The crust was very good. 
Flaky, buttery, and so good.
The inside tasted just like pink lemonade!
Really, Really. 
I was thrilled that I picked it up and gave it a try.
My only regret was not picking up a few more to bring home. 



8/22/2012

Cornmeal Pancakes - Recipe


Sunday Breakfast = Pancakes

Normally we have buttermilk pancakes but I had been wanting to try something new.
When I saw this recipe I knew exactly what I would be whipping up.
They were light, fluffy and slightly crispy on the outside.
Quite easy to make and such a joy to eat.
Perfect pancakes when you want a slightly different pancake.


     
* Exported from MasterCook *

                              Fluffy Cornmeal Pancakes

Recipe By: Sarah Gabriel
Categories: Breakfast

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1 3/4     cups  buttermilk
  1 1/4     cups  cornmeal
     2        tablespoon  butter -- cut 1/4-inch thick pieces
     3/4     cup  all-purpose flour
     2        tablespoons  sugar
  1 3/4     teaspoons  baking powder
     1/2     teaspoon  baking soda
     1/2     teaspoon  salt
     2        large  eggs
  2 1/2     teaspoons  vegetable oil


  1. Adjust the rack to the middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Set the rack inside rimmed baking sheet and place in oven.
  3. Whisk 1 1/4 cups buttermilk and cornmeal together in medium bowl.
  4. Stir in butter, cover, and microwave until slightly thickened around the edges, 60-90 seconds, stirring once halfway through cooking.
  5. Let sit, covered for 5 minutes.
  6. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. 
  7. Beat eggs and remaining 1/2 cup buttermilk together in 1 cup liquid measuring cup
  8. Whisk cornmeal mixture into flour mixture.
  9. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  10. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat- low heat until shimmering. 
  11. Using paper towel, carefully wipe out oil, leaving thin film on bottom of pan. 
  12. Using level 1/4 cup measure, soon 3 pancakes into pan.
  13. Cook until edges are set and bubbles begin to form on tops of pancakes 2 minutes.
  14. Flip, then cook until second side is golden brown 1-2 minutes or longer.
  15. Transfer to prepared baking sheet in oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil and repeat with remaining oil and batter.


Source:
  "Cook's Country"
Copyright:
  "June/July 2012"
Yield:
  "15 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES: I did not use oil to cook the pancakes in. I instead used a tiny pat of butter for cooking the pancakes.


Print Friendly and PDF






The Phizzingtub. Design by Berenica Designs.