Flowers of recovery
a story of appreciation
Here I am…me and this lavender flower. Familiar yet having not noticed the bunch of little flowers opened in this purple top. Watching the silhouette catching light in a hazy glow. Perhaps my SLR would have done a better job to show you what I see. Feeling the furry stem and stickiness on the flower as it releases the aromatic lavender onto my fingers. Happily taking deeper breaths and feeling my abdomen get uncomfortable reminding me of the fresh surgical incisions.
It’s day six after a successful surgery and I am lounging comfortably allowing the body to do what it knows best….to heal. Days are deliciously longer as my pace slows with everything I do.
It feels like forever just me and this lavender flower.
You might be wondering ‘what drug is she on!’ Fortunately just paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory. The nurturing place of healing is such a special one as taking care is tuning in. Being cared for is so wonderful. It’s a funny thing when in recovery, I almost enjoy the time with people visiting more than other times. There’s this open loving connection that can happen as vulnerability is there. I am here needing help as I can’t lift, move too much and make my meals. Although it can be hard to not be able to do the usual things by myself and to accept help for this, it is also so nice to have a break. I am open to being with gentle kindness. I am so appreciative of this time in recovery. For the people that are caring for me and the time I get to spend with loved ones. It’s also a time where I miss people more that are not able to be around.
I am so happy and relieved that it was such a positive hospital experience in surgery. I was looked after, as I would hope I do for my patients.
There are many people I would like to thank.
I would like to thank my anaethesist Matt for taking the time to respond to all my concerns. Retrieving anaesthetic notes from my two prior operations and discussing a plan. The first operation I came out of anaesthetic feeling blissed out and the second I was delirious, dizzy and distressed. He also spoke with my medicinal cannabis GP and regular GP regarding pain management. Checking in with me to ensure adequate pain relief on the ward a few hours after my operation and the following day was reassuring and excellent.
Of course my surgeon Jade for understanding a holistic mind body spirit surgical approach. Her clarity, precision, skill and modesty owing my excellent recovery to the anaethesist. She showed me photos of my insides, not sure if I was ready for that as my heart raced as she showed me how she had to free up my ureter. That’s a steady hand and mind that I am most grateful for! She provided supportive extras such as the Matilda app with information of exercises for the mind, body and guidance weeks pre and post operation.
I was looked after so well by all the staff at SJOG subiaco on Ward 44, room 4 . The orderlies attending the buzzer when nurses were busy. The nurses took the time and nothing was a bother. They understood my preference to not have to take more pain relief and made sure all other aspects of their care reduced the need for that. The fast easier option would have been to give me a tablet. Not having to have opiates in my post surgery care meant my mind was alert and daily body functions were not affected by side effects. This fast tracked me to be home after 36hrs.
Special thank you to Danny for being absolutely wonderful with patience and kindness always by my side either side of the operation. It was also so great that Cath visited from Sydney and staying with me. It has been very lovely to have loved ones visit, drop off meals and call.
To Natalia and Faye for helping at home and being positive beacons of moral support. My physiotherapists Christine and Felicity for helping regain trust in my body’s strength, mobility and getting my fitness ready for the operation. To Elena and Claire for keeping me so relaxed with blissful and necessary massages. My counsellors Maia and Helena for being available when I needed and for their kind strength of guidance. My Oncologist Hillary and GP's Una-Marie and Brian for their understanding and medical expertise.
I take a deep breathe of life
with much appreciation
I smile in contentment and love
❊