Got my gallbladder out/Stressing

**MisaLady** · 10-10-2009, 03:58 PM

Last Saturday (Oct 2), I had emergency gallbladder surgery. I still feel like crap.

And they're not letting me go back to work until Monday the 19th. It was going to be the previous Wednesday, but the surgeon didn't have an available follow up appointment until Friday and said I couldn't go back till he'd seen me.

ARGH.

So, ok. I've got some sick and some vacation time (all told, maybe twenty hours, if that) that they'll use to cover this. I'm not going to lose my job because it'll be FMLA approved. And we have short-term disability that'll cover me for seven days, though I can't remember at what rate it's paid.

I've got enough from the paycheck I just got to cover my portion of rent and possibly the utilities, though my roommates said they'd float my portion of the utilities if they needed to.

My sister gave me some stuff she got from the food bank (she goes for the formula/baby food, they insist she takes food). However, food is still going to be pretty tight. That's ok. I'm not actually that hungry currently anyway. Pain in that region and all.

However, I'm still stressing out. I'm not entirely sure why, as it seems like things will be covered. I know that part of it is that this blows a big hole in what I'd planned for the holiday season.

And I'm frustrated. There's not much I can do right now and now that I'm home constantly, what I want to be doing is cleaning my room, going through boxes in the closet, etc.

I'm tired of feeling like the bottom drops out whenever I'm just about recovered from the previous thing.

**porembam** · 10-10-2009, 04:25 PM

You had emergency surgery and are alive !
Be really grateful for that.
I think you need to change your happy face button right now,it does not fit your situation.
I wish I could offer you help with finances but I don't have any .
I will tell you that medically you will not heal if your body is full of stress. Can you watch a comedy right now and relax yourself.
Then you can check things over again, it does sound like you have roomates who are understanding.

**MisaLady** · 10-10-2009, 04:40 PM

Yes, my roommates are very understanding and I'm very grateful for that. Also, my mom had me over for a week because my bed at home is just two futon mattresses on the ground and it would've been too hard to get in/out of and I do appreciate that.

I think I just get stressed when money goes even slightly wrong, you know?

**MaryCarney** · 10-10-2009, 05:35 PM

I know when I have those feelings (whether money, health or whatever) it's because I'm not in control. Sometimes you just gotta let go of it, accept God's will for what it is, and ask yourself "What's the lesson I'm supposed to learn from this?"

You're so fortunate that GB surgery is laproscopic now. Back in the day, you'd have been off work 8-12 weeks, and your hospital stay would have been a week or more.

**dcompton** · 10-10-2009, 05:53 PM

It's a tough moment right now, but you should feel much better overall when you heal. I know you are stressing over the money, but your body will probably appreciate the extra time to recover from the surgery.

These things happen. I know what Mary Carney means about not being in control. But tell your mind it's done, water under the bridge, so relax. It will be fine. I know. Easy for me to say. But it really will. You have some work benefits, and friends, and a supportive monther. It WILL be ok.

**Michelle68** · 10-10-2009, 05:55 PM

Hugs to you. I had emergency gallbladder surgery a couple of years ago and my DD just had gallbladder surgery a couple of weeks ago. Give yourself time to recover and try not to stress out about everything. It'll all work out and at least you won't be suffering with the symptoms that brought you to this point.

**savvy_sniper** · 10-10-2009, 06:26 PM

Hang in there! Allow yourself the proper amount of time to heal. If you don't take care of yourself now, you could have problems in the future OR for the rest of your life.

**fernykins** · 10-11-2009, 03:07 AM

Be thankful.........I was in 8 day after mine and 12 weeks off. I also just had a baby 6 weeks before my GB surgery. I am thankful everyday I made it through. I quit breathing on the op table. Things work out the way they are surpose to. It sounds like you have good roomates and a great family to help you along. It does you no good to stress. All that will do is make you sick......... Take care of yourself..........
Fern

**miss_thrifty** · 10-11-2009, 12:52 PM

misalady--huggss and sending good vibes your way , take care of yourself.

**shoiji** · 10-11-2009, 01:06 PM

Take it easy. You are fortunate to have family and friends that are will to help you. Try to think of all the positives right now. A quick call will give you an idea of the rate you will be paid.

Keep a notepad and pen by your side. You can start thinking about ideas for crafts/projects for x-mas giving. Use the time to search the internet for ideas. This website has some great ideas.

Oh yea, try to eat something, you will feel better.

**frugalfranny** · 10-11-2009, 01:13 PM

Take care of yourself so you can get well and get back on track.

I agree with MC.....and with your plan it will work out. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that life goes on.......this too shall pass.

**tripleb** · 10-11-2009, 10:32 PM

Please take the time to rest and get well. When I had my GB out 28 years ago I couldn't even look after my children for 6 weeks. Now with the new type of surgery , recovery is so much faster but you still need to be careful. Don't overdo it. And as everyone else says--with all the support that you have around you things will be ok.

**mauimagic** · 10-11-2009, 11:00 PM

What a traumatic situation to deal with - moving, surgery and recovery are all high stress situations. This would truthfully be a good time to meditate, reflect, pray- or whatever you do or can do to gently focus yourself.

this will absolutely work out and you will be in better shape than ever. Prayers and aloha from me to you. Please keep in touch.