It Takes the Village of Hoyleton...and Some Others (The Gallbladder Story)


Hoyleton Water Tower Photo Credit to Deb Holle

As most of you already know I developed gallbladder problems during my pregnancy with Zach. In January, I thought I was having a spell of heartburn and ended up in the ER. Gallstones. Those little things hurt. So they advised me to have my gallbladder out once my baby was born. I would have to wait 4-6 weeks after. So that would be at most 16 weeks until I could get this thing out. 16 weeks of bland, no fat food. You know what food has fat in it? Every food that you've ever loved. It was a life without cheese, and let's be real, no one should have to live without cheese. I know many people do and I hurt for them. It was a life without fried food. I don't think I have ever gone this long without a french fry. I am going on five months and as Mrs. Kim in Gilmore Girls calls them, I long for "The Devil's Starchy Fingers".

So April 19th I had Zach and we were go glad to meet our precious baby boy. He's so wonderful and cute. Also, this meant we could schedule surgery. We scheduled my surgery for May 16th. Well, my body had other plans. On the 12th I started having belly pain and my surgeon's office told me to head to the ER. In the ER they ran tests and said that I didn't have gallstones (I assured them I did.). They kept me overnight for observation. Then, in the morning they ran a nuclear test on my to check the function of my gallbladder. When I returned to my room Nate informed me that the doctor stopped by and recommended surgery because my gallbladder was only functioning at 4%. When my cell phone battery falls below 10% I begin to panic a little, 4% is terrifying. Now, think about one of your internal organs working at 4%. Not something you want to hear. Within an hour and a half I was in the operating room. When I was in recovery I don't remember anything but being in so much pain that I never opened my eyes and I think I was saying, "help!". Yes, ridiculous. However, I feel like you have a little license for crazy when you are on Morphine and coming out of anesthesia. I was pretty nauseous for about five hours that followed but was better by morning and well enough to go home. I can't say enough about the operating room and pre-op staff at Mercy Hospital St. Louis. I received fantastic care.

A couple days after I got home from the hospital things started to go downhill. I wasn't sleeping through the night because I was trying to feed Zach and pump. I also had a bad reaction to the anesthesia and ended up with BAD anxiety that manifested itself in hypochondria. So, we made several trips to the emergency room because of anxiety induced symptoms. One of the ER trips was the result of a UTI and a possible colon infection. I was put on some very heavy antibiotics which upset my stomach. At one point, I told the doctors that my entire torso hurt. Now, I'm left with some pretty bad acid reflux and occasional pain which I'm going to see a gastroenterologist about this week.

Throughout all of this, my mother-in-law, my mom and The Village of Hoyleton kept us afloat. Nate's mom took care of the children. Women in the congregation made meals for us every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the entire month of May taking the stress of planning dinner off of us. My mom came over here and took a couple of days off work to take me to doctor's appointments. The entire congregation was very understanding when Nate needed to move things around in his schedule to help with me or the kids. People were constantly texting me to see how I was doing and to let me know they were thinking about me. I received the sweetest "Get Well" cards in the mail. There were prayers coming from the people in Hoyleton, our friends in McAllen and many others. For the first two weeks after my surgery things were rough and we needed these people.

We have always been blessed to have a "village of help" wherever we lived. The Village of Hoyleton has proved that they are no exception and set the bar high when it comes to taking care of their people. We could not have done it without our village and I am so glad that we had "The Village of Hoyleton", friends and family to help us get through this tough time.

The only thing left to do now is figure out what is still making me not feel great when I eat certain foods. I need to be able to eat good food again. This girl NEEDS cheese in her life. I am feeling much better now, even though I am not 100%. People say it takes a village and I'm glad that I have "The Village of Hoyleton" as mine.


Just because they're cute...

That's all for now. God is good.

Zach is Two Months Old!




Zach is officially two months old! He received his two month shots today to prove it (he was not a fan). Zach is growing great! He is 12lbs 8oz and above average in height and head circumference (that means he'll be extra smart right?). Zach is a sweet baby. He is usually very happy as long as he has his mom. Zoe was a Mama's girl too until about 9 months when she switched to a Daddy's girl so we'll see what happens with Zach.

On June 4th, Zach was baptized. We were blessed to have a great service and to spend time with family and friends.





Zach with his Godparents, Will and Wesly.


Family of Four!


Zach likes:

  • Mommy
  • Daddy
  • Mimi
  • Papa
  • Grandma
  • Formula
  • Rock N Play
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Making cooing noises at Mommy
  • Laying on Mommy and Daddy's bed
  • Sitting outside
  • Walking in the morning with the church ladies
  • Late night feedings
  • Bathtime
Zach doesn't like:
  • Shots
  • Going to the doctor
  • Mommy leaving the room
  • Tummy time
Zach is unsure of:
  • Zoe (she's still a little big aggressive for his taste)
  • Diaper changes
  • Loud noises

My cutie!


Both of my cuties!


Sprinkler action


He's a ham.


Handsome


These two.




That's all for now! God is good!