Real World Mom

Toward the end of May last year, I began experiencing “attacks,” and I had no idea why. They seemed to be indigestion-like, then heartburn-like, but the pain was really bad, and I would usually vomit. When I told some folks about it, they said it sounded like my gallbladder.  So, I did some research online, and, sure enough, it seemed like a gallbladder issue.

After seeing my doctor, she agreed it was my gallbladder, sent me for an ultrasound, and said her office would set me up to see a surgeon. Several weeks (and phone calls) later, I still did not have an appointment with a surgeon. On September 13, 2011, my gallbladder decided to rush things along on its own by treating me to a horribly painful gallstone attack, which landed me in the hospital for two days.  To give you an indication of the pain level, two injections of morphine didn’t do a thing. It was Dilaudid that finally gave me relief. Unfortunately, they didn’t send me home with any. Fortunately, I didn’t need it!  For as much torture as I went through while there (the worst being the potassium chloride IV–more painful than labor!), the hospital connected me with a surgeon right away.

Not my best moment. (Obviously, I was heavily medicated to allow Tim to take this!)

The annoying machine for my IV.

I was released from the hospital on Tuesday, and had an appointment with the surgeon on Thursday. I had my gallbladder surgery the following Tuesday. The following is a link to a video on You Tube (it’s not me or my doctor), showing a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder through several, small incisions). VIEWER DISCRETION is advised (for the record, I did not watch this until after my surgery)!

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Video

Post-op, I was pampered and well taken care of (thank you, Tim!).

One of my (four) incisions-six days after surgery.

The resulting bruise from my IV.

Glad I had it done; glad it’s over!

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I’ve posted here. So much has happened in that time. I’ve missed blogging, and kept putting off the next post. I’m hoping to breathe some new life into my old friend, and catch everyone up on the events of the past year; more importantly, to get back in touch with all of you!

Let me start by updating info from my last post. Please excuse the rustiness!

My biology professor turned out to be an egotistical asshat. Even though it was supposed to be a basic class, he took great joy in showing off how much he knew (thanks to his two Master’s Degrees, which he reminded us of at every opportunity) by overloading us with complicated stuff. When you can’t  find answers to homework anywhere in the textbook or on the internet, there’s something wrong. End result: After much frustration (and boredom), I got an A for the class.

I enjoyed my addictions counseling class very much. Mostly because the professor was so cool, and because she really knew her stuff. I was sad to learn that she passed away just a few months after our class ended.

My Survey of Math class changed my life. Seriously. It was unlike any other math class I’ve ever taken. Through the series of topics we covered, it altered my way of thinking. Professor Gordon would be proud. I still get a kick out of knowing what a Venn diagram is!

All-in-all, it was a great semester. I really miss school. More about that in another post.

The first week of school is behind me–thank goodness!  It’s not easy getting used to such a seemingly random schedule again.  Though, for the most part, my class schedule is much easier this semester than it has been others.

My biology professor was surprisingly down-to-earth, and he seems to understand (and be willing to accept) that we’re not all science majors.  I’m a bit nervous about having so much to learn (my last science class was a long time ago!), but I think it will be interesting.  Only bummer is that it’s one hour and 40 minutes of lab time, followed by a two hour and 40 minute lecture, with only a twenty minute break in between (not enough time to go find coffee!).  I’ll get through it.

I’m also taking an addictions counseling class.  I chose to take it because it is interesting to me, and I want to learn more about addiction and the recovery processes, so I can decide whether or not I want to become an addictions counselor.  The professor has years of experience in the field, and is a hoot!  If nothing else, I will enjoy her lectures!  My biggest concern at this point is that there are two presentations I will have to give.  Not looking forward to those, but, again, I will deal with it.

Survey of Math is the mathematics course I am taking this semester.  Judging from what my professor touched on this week, this will be nothing like any math course I’ve ever taken–which could be good or bad, we shall see.  We looked at fractals (cool stuff!), talked about “modular math,” and other interesting, unexpected topics.  I think I’m in love with the professor because he said he hates tests more than we (the students) do!  I think it will be a challenging, but very interesting course.

Also began my MS Office 2007 online course.  One word for you:  Microsoft sucks!  (Ok, I know that was actually two words, but be glad I stopped there!)  It was just one frustrating moment after another, trying to get the damn program to do what the book said I should be able to do!  After I finish this class, I hope I never have to use Office again!

Unfortunately, I have not even begun working on my Critical Thinking class.  Another one that I think will be interesting, but I guess I’m a bit intimidated, as it’s a philosophy course.  Need some deep breaths and lots of determination to get moving on this one!

All-in-all, it was a good, but crazy week.  Only took two attempts at the bookstore to get my books, so guess I should feel lucky (insert eye roll here).  At least it appears as though I received all the correct books, definitely something to be grateful for!  I also found out that my graduation date will be May 26, 2011.  Think it’s too early to order my cap and gown?  ;)

Tomorrow is the first day of my last year of college (for now anyway).  I’m excited, nervous, and sad.

Excited about the new challenges, new discoveries, and new people I will meet.

Nervous because, well, that’s the way I always am!

Sad because this will be my last fall semester at OCC.  I feel at home there.  I’ve learned so much on that campus; not only academically, but about myself, and what I’m capable of.  I’m proud of me, and I owe part of that to my soon-to-be alma mater.  On May 26, 2011 I will graduate.  Hard to believe…

Hoping for a rewarding and successful school year for all of us!