Screw Great America, Talk about a RoLlER CoaSTer rIdE!!!

Hey everyone... its me again :) I'm not sure how or why but this morning I woke up a new me.  I've decided (even though I can only control so much) that today is a turning point.  Today was the first day since my surgery (#1) that I've been able to sit up and get out of bed myself, which sounds like nothing but is a huge deal.  I've had multiple chest tubes placed up in my ribs (on both sides) which have been draining a lot of fluid that is building up between my lungs (around my heart) and on both sides of my lungs on the outside.  The fluid is finally almost gone and my breathing is SOOOO much better.  I've been getting short of breath and having trouble talking and breathing and just moving around.  2 days ago when I tried to walk I made it about 30 steps, and today I made it all the way around the floor...Twice!!  It felt so great. It wasn't even hard.  I'm working with the ostomy nurse to learn how to change those bags myself, which is quite a process!  I've finally gotten over how gross it is and have become very picky with keeping them perfectly clean.  She was laughing today saying she wished she could have taken a before and after picture.. I spent about 20 just getting it clean.  Earlier I had a scope (they put a camera in through your stoma, you don't have nerves here it doesn't hurt just is uncomfortable pressure) and for the first time it wasn't even uncomfortable, and it looked perfect on the big tv as usual.  Lemme tell ya, seeing your teeth on the camera at the dentist is one thing but checking for perfection in your new intestines on the screen is another!  

   They've taken out my NG tube finally which I'm soooooo happy about.  It's such a huge tube up your nose down and is uncomfortable especially moving it (which they had to do.)  They usually replace with a smaller NJ tube which goes only to your stomach to feed you.  They are going to try and see if I can handle eating without the tube, which is exciting.  I have to go very slow though.  Today they said to start very slow and I'm going to try and eat some chicken broth.  The problem when you get new intestines is, as Dr. Moon calls them, IDIOTS!  They don't know which way is up and which is down.  The only way to 'train' them is by gravity so I have to try and be standing as much as possible or sitting very straight (especially when eating.)

Theres much more I'm going to type in this blog but I am actually going for a walk outside right now as time permits, so when I get back I'm going to add the rest.  But all is well everybody stop worrying 'cause I wasn't posting! :)  I'll be back

BACK AGAIN!

  A little later than I had planned...too tired.. so ill update hopeflly agan if  have another good day

lot s of love

   Sammy