Trigger Warning: Surgery, Laparoscopic, Ovarian, Cystectomy
Hey hi! So I've finally recovered enough to get back to work thank goodness. Not quite 100% yet, maybe 85%ish?
Story time: I've had this weird back issue for a few years now and no one really knew what was causing it. It seems like it's an insanely tight psoas muscle from overuse back when I used to work in a kitchen. It tingles all the time and starts to spasm if I'm not careful aka don't use it at all. You ever tried not using your lower back slash upper leg? It's basically impossible. Forget about trying to cook or photography! It's super frustrating because no matter how many physical therapists and massage therapists I've seen over the years it wouldn't get any better and has been getting worse since January.
One of said physical therapists finally ordered an MRI when I showed up to his office a week early in a ton of pain. Welp, turns out I had a 5 centimeter in diameter ovarian cyst in my right side that was taking up a TON of space and had shoved everything over to my left side. AKA left psoas muscle was squished to within an inch (🤣 pun intended) of its life. It had no room to release so it was stuck in constant crunch mode.
Lovely right?
Luckily, removal of the cyst was relatively straight forward, simple, and quick: a laparoscopic surgery where they do three tiny incisions in your abdomen, drain, and remove. Took less than an hour! Gotta say I felt suuuuper happy after waking up ⬇🤣 (PS best hair day I've ever had hands down amiright?).
YEARS I'VE HAD THIS! The surgery took 1 hour and recovery was 3 days. *Facepalm*.
At least I can move forward now and actually get this muscle to calm down right?? Still, it's surgery and my body has been all "um what just happened don't ever stand up again slash we're going back to bed all day". Dan brought me a chocolate shake after surgery and hesthebestilovehimomg. While I was couched, he took care of me for the next couple days until I could start moving around without holding my stomach 😬. After about 2-3 days I was fine as long as I didn't touch the area slash stretch it all all. A lot of Calypso sits and nintendo switch playing occurred ⬇.
Anyway, LONG story short, that's why I was a little MIA last week. It all happened very quickly and work went on the back burner. Definitely for the best though so I can start the new year fresh!
Onward towards Christmas week my friends. Who's ready? Stay tuned for a final holiday sweet treat this weekend 😁. See you then 👋🏻!
PS. To prove my hair is not always that atrocious, a more recent, little bit more put together and not coming off of general anesthesia photo below 😊.
Maxine Reisenleiter
I had to kind of chuckle at the "file" you put this under in your blog history. You called it "Life". You are very right about that. I'm so glad you are doing well. Enjoy your time off. We'll all look forward to new recipes next year. Here's hoping that you don't have any more of those "Life" experiences. You look lovely, by the way.
Sharon
So glad the surgery was short but take time for a recovery. We push ourselves needlessly. All your fans out here will understand if you take time to heal. I love your recipes and posts. Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2020.
Judy Dumka
You do look lovely after surgery.
bonnie
have always enjoyed your posts. glad you are on the mend.
Louise
You look beautiful post surgery. Heal well. Louise
Louise Dodd
Shame you had to hurt for so,long until the problem was found. Don’t rush back to work, take the healing time. Missed your cooking and photos. Happy New Year..Louise D.