My Life as an 80’s Movie

Published on by Jamie Kraus

Hi friends.  Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughtfulness.  It means so very much.  I debated on whether or not to post today because, honestly, this has been a rough day.  But I truly want to chronicle the highs and lows for anyone going through this after me.  And believe me, there are some lows.

It’s been a full week since my surgery and each day brings about new challenges.   I spoke too soon in my last post about not having nausea after surgery.  Almost immediately after I hit ‘send’ on the last post, I began getting sick.  And that lasted for two days.  I couldn’t even hold a few bites of a bagel down.   I decided to stop taking the heavy drugs as I think that was a contributing factor.  And soon after that, the nausea subsided.

After jumping that hurdle, one of my drains (yucky tubes attached to get rid of excess fluid) became so painful that it brought me to my knees.   Literally I looked like Jennifer Grey in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ every time Trevor came near me to empty to my drains (which is approximately 3x a day).

ferris-bueller-s-day-off-ferris-bueller-2541192-1600-900.jpg

I thought I was going to have to go to the ER it was so bad.  Thankfully, Trevor helped me get the pain under control in about 30 minutes (I’ve never been so grateful to be married to a pain management doctor).  Apparently the drain was sitting on a nerve which caused severe irritation.  And that is putting it mildly.   I’d have 10 more kids without an epidural before I’d sign up for that again.  That pain continued each time I moved in just the wrong direction or shifted in my bed.  It was simply excruciating.

Enter the miracle of the muscle relaxer.  After taking one of those, it took me approximately 5 minutes to feel exactly like the bride in the 80’s hit, ‘Sixteen Candles’.

c66cd5d7ee0262bc950e7e0c8a7454bd.jpg

Suddenly, all was right in my world.

I went to my first follow up appointment with Dr. Potter (plastic surgeon) today and got two of my 4 drains removed.  I was so happy to see them go.  I’ll spare you the details, but it’s just not natural to have tubes coming out of your body.  Dr. Potter thought I could have the other two removed by the end of the week, which is a huge prayer request!!

Trevor returned to work today after taking last week off, so Ashley came with me to my appointment.  She was a huge source of support.  If you’ve ever seen ‘Steel Magnolias’, remember the scene when Truvy (Dolly Parton) spins Shelby (Julia Roberts) around in the salon chair with her new short haircut and says, ‘ta da’ and Shelby has this expression?

rXJoiPi

Well, that was me when they took the bandages off of my chest in the office.  Thankfully, Ash (in her best Sally Field voice) was right there telling me everything looked great and it was all going to be okay.  I teared up but was able to regain composure quickly.  Sometimes you just need words of reassurance after you get startled by your own body.

Couple all of the above with summer starting and me totally not being able to parent from my bed, and I’m afraid my children will resemble these kids by August.

hqdefault.jpg

All kidding aside, this was a really hard day for me.  I hit a wall.  Trevor went back to work, Kim flew back to Boston, my parents both have a nasty cold and can’t spend a lot of time around me for fear of infection, I’m in pain, etc.  And lastly, I miss Jen.  Every step of this journey reminds me of my dear friend.  The hospitals, the doctors, the terminology, the stress, the pain, etc.  I cried a lot and I held several pity parties today.  But God continues to send encouragement through friends’ texts, calls, surprises at my front door, etc.  He has blessed me with so many friends who, unfortunately, have walked this road before me and can hold my hand through the tough times.  They truly are my inspiration.  (Someone cue Peter Cetera please).

Until next time…much love to you all & make every day count,

Jamie

28 thoughts on “My Life as an 80’s Movie”

  3. Aw, girl! Hang in there! So sorry for the pain and nausea😠 (I completely LOL at the accompanying pics) prayers for your week❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Oh Jamie! Wish I could hug you (gently) through the computer right now. Sorry it was a tough day. Glad you have some relief from the physical pain, but I know there’s no real remedy for the emotional pain. You are one tough cookie, though, and you have an amazing support system. Happy to hear you might be ‘drain-free’ by the end of the week. Praying for you. XOXO

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. 💕You are so very beautiful and precious Jamie and your steadfast faith is inspiring!! I have been following and praying for your journey DAILY! Realizing the goodness of God in every situation is a belief we both share. Your greatest struggle can and will produce your greatest strength! Keep looking up!!😇 Love to you from Shannon and Andy Williams and daughters Macey and Summer

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Shannon! Thank you so very much for your kind words. I truly do appreciate your prayers and you reaching out. I’m so touched! Blessings to you and your precious family. Please give my love to all. And once again…THANK YOU!! 💕

      Like

      Reply

  7. Aww sweet friend, I wish I could hug you and take some of the pain away. Extra prayers for speedy healing and a good report from the doctors. -xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I can relate about those unnatural tubes coming out of your body! I also can relate to the nausea from the “big” drugs. My heart goes out to you little Jamie. This is really a tough time but you will get through it stronger and closer to God than ever before. You are loved by so many and please be sure and count me as one who loves you. We pray for you daily. God has this…lean on Him!
    Love you,
    Sis❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. How you can muster up this sense of humor when you feel so terrible is a gift. Thinking about you hoping tomorrow is a brighter day!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. You are amazing. Your faith is amazing. Your writing is amazing. The way you reach out is amazing. Your example as a whole is amazing. Prayers for you and your family from the Hooleys. ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Jamie- We love you sweet cousin! I know this has to be one heck of a trying time esp with your friend, Jen, have gone through it & lost her battle (even though, since we are Christians, she actually won as she’s with the Lord but it’s tough when going through the same & missing her st the same time). Prayers are going up for you and your family. You are amazing & I love your writing. Your song brought tears to my eyes and my husband listened without knowing it was you singing. He got misty eyed also. My mom is praying for you also! You’ve got this cousin!! Lots of love to you from my family (Steve & Gayle Meeks, Rachel & TJ plus my mom, Thelma Taylor and her husband, Dave. 😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Jamie! I’m praying for u: quick and continued healing, drains to come out by end of week, boys to be well equipped to manage themselves, and for continued friend support. I think transitioning into summer is challenging. Everyone’s trying to find their spot. Bless ur heart! Thank u for sharing ur days with us. I love how u ended ur post with “make every day count”. It does! That really encourages me–thank u!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Jamie,
    You are amazing at finding humor amid what you are going through. I love the 80’s references – some of my favorite movies! I am so sorry you are having to go through this. Please know you continue to be in my prayers and thoughts!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Jamie…………..I have met you a couple of times thru the years………I know your mom and dad and love them so much! Jerry, of course, has known them forever! From what I know and feel about them, you have inherited all the right things in life from them! You are brave and courageous AND your sense of humor is the best………..all the medicine and good doctors are certainly important, but a good sense of humor is more than necessary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you……..please know that. We look forward to your next blog entry!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Jamie, you are a blessing to so many as God has gifted you with an incredible talent for writing. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your highs and lows. You are a great lady and we are all cheering for you and praying for you! May only the best and happiest movies be in your future!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment