My Multiple Surgeries

Life often throws us curveballs, and for me, those came in the form of several surgeries over the years. Each procedure was a milestone, teaching me resilience and gratitude for modern medicine. Here’s a glimpse into my surgical journey and what I’ve learned along the way.

In 2010, I had my gallbladder removed due to persistent stomach pain. While I don’t remember much about the surgery itself, I do recall spending one night in the hospital. Recovery was peculiar—every time I moved, it felt like my insides were shifting, an odd and uncomfortable sensation. Sleeping was challenging for a while, but once I healed, the chronic stomach pain was gone.

Adjusting to life without a gallbladder was a process. Certain foods, particularly greasy ones, became harder to digest. Even now, years later, I’ve had to be mindful of my diet, but it’s ultimately been a blessing in disguise. It encouraged me to eat healthier and be kinder to my body.

The first half of 2013 brought another emergency: my appendix. It all started during a stomach flu outbreak in our house. The kids were sick, Evan was sick, and by the next day, I was feeling awful too. But my pain was different—sharp, unbearable stomach pains that couldn’t be ignored.

I couldn’t drive myself to the doctor, and Evan was too ill to help, so my father-in-law stepped in. I felt terrible for subjecting him to the sound of me throwing up during the drive, but he graciously got me there.

At the clinic, the doctor quickly determined I needed an emergency appendectomy. I spent the night in the hospital, with Evan by my side once he started feeling better. My mother-in-law stepped up in a big way, caring for the kids, doing laundry, and even cleaning the house. Her support meant the world to us during such a chaotic time.

Later that same year, I faced another health challenge. I had been dealing with a period that seemed never-ending. After several months of this, my gynecologist ran tests and discovered that my bladder was prolapsing. The solution? A partial hysterectomy, which involved the removal of my uterus and securing my bladder to prevent further issues.

This surgery required a one-night stay in the hospital and thankfully went smoothly. However, recovery was a process—about six weeks of taking it slow and allowing my body to heal. Though it was a difficult journey, the procedure brought immense relief from months of discomfort and marked the start of a new chapter in my health journey. It was a challenging time, but looking back, I’m grateful for the results and the skilled hands that helped me through it.

In 2018, I underwent cubital tunnel release surgery. This condition, often described as "funny bone syndrome," caused tingling, numbness, and pain in my arm due to pressure on the ulnar nerve. The surgery alleviated the symptoms, improving my quality of life significantly 

2024, I had a robotic thymectomy as part of my ongoing battle with myasthenia gravis (MG). The procedure was designed to remove my thymus gland and help manage the symptoms of MG, which affects muscle strength and endurance. While recovery is still fresh, I’m hopeful this surgery will provide long-term benefits.

Each of these surgeries came with its own challenges, but they’ve also been opportunities for growth. From learning to adapt my diet after gallbladder removal to leaning on loved ones during emergencies, these experiences have taught me the importance of resilience and community.

I’m grateful for the advances in medicine and the incredible people who supported me every step of the way. These surgeries may have been bumps in the road, but they’ve also shaped me into the person I am today.