So let’s face it, I’m just not going to get back to normal blogging any time soon. There! I said it! Isn’t that a relief?!? 
I’ve been meaning to get back here to post so much in the last few weeks, but there’s always something else that just seems more important at the moment. I love the blog, I do miss it, but I’m just focused on other stuff right now.
So as seems to be the pattern here as of late, the medical update. I’m less than a week away from surgery now. I had my pre-op testing (can I just say I was shocked at how easy, quick and pain free an EKG is?!?) and everything looks good. My pessimistic side was just waiting for them to find something else wrong with me. 
My surgeon’s office has all the paperwork and we should be all set to go on May 11th. Provided that my stupid allergies which have gone absolutely ballistic in the last week (Dear Trees, Why do you hate me so??) don’t force a postponement (as an aside, I finally conquered my fear of the neti pot and it is my new best friend). All attempts at directed blood donation have been completely foiled. HWJF got disqualified because he lived in Europe for more than 6 months between 1980-1990. Apparently that makes him a potential carrier for Mad Cow. The cow jokes around here lately have drastically increased. And my poor Dad ended up with a fever the day of his appointment and won’t be symptom free long enough to donate and get the blood to my hospital so that’s all toast. I’m assuming that the universe is telling me not to worry about it and I won’t need blood, so I’m not worrying about it. So now I just wait.
(Incidentally, I’ve been toying with the idea of full disclosure of my situation lately, mostly because there is so little out there about it. My fear is that, given the nature of the internet these days, that it could come back to haunt me down the road. I’ve thought about doing a password protected post and anyone that’s interested can e-mail me with the password or something. I’m still thinking on that and will let y’all know if I come to a decision. I have no problem talking about my condition, I just want to be smart about it.)
While I’m waiting I’ve been concentrating on things to help me along this path, like yoga, much more than I did before. The doctor says that my condition going into surgery is directly related to my condition coming out. Since I’m still symptom free and feeling healthy (besides the stupid allergies) I figure the stronger I am going in, the better off I’ll be. I got my first reiki treatment from a dear friend which was a wonderful experience and I hope to go back for more after I get out of the hospital. I took an amazing energy work workshop (Jin Shin Jyutsu) this past Wednesday night, I tried a restorative yoga class last week to see what I might be able to incorporate into my recovery (quite a bit I think actually) and I’ve been being better about taking my vitamins. As far as I’m concerned, my healing starts now. There’s been a fair bit of trauma already and plenty of tears. I think I’m ready to move beyond that now and start looking farther ahead. Obviously the physical part is still to come but I think if I’m mentally and physically in a state of healing beforehand I’ll be better off.
I’ve been spinning and knitting a fair amount, but not as much as I used to before all this happened. And I’m really ok with that. I’m finding a new balance with my time and that may be one of the big lessons I take away from this experience. So my Dad’s birthday socks turned into Easter socks. But as long as they were, I think that’s probably an ok exchange.
Spinning on the wedding shawl continued amongst friends a few weeks ago. We were lucky enough to have a great weather day, so we put up the canopy and spun outside.
It’s slow going since it’s so fine, but I’m enjoying it.
For some reason, I’ve also gone on a bobbin clearing binge lately. It started with wanting to finish spinning a batt of the Romney/Border Leicester fleece that I’ve been working on for his and her’s sweaters. Little did I know, there were actually Three batts in the box! I finished spinning them and then needed to ply them so I needed to spin more of the stuff I’m plying them with and it went on from there.
At least I feel a definite sense of accomplishment from having all this yarn now. And we’ve started to think that these may end up being honeymoon sweaters. 
There is something deliciously dorky about that and I love it.
My knitting after the socks ended up being my first test knit! They are the Mama Janes pattern by Michelle Miller. She added a larger size to the pattern offering and I knit it up.
I thought they would be good to wear while I’m recovering since I tend to get very cold feet when I have to be still for long periods of time. It was a fun pattern to knit. I just have to find appropriate buttons and I’m going to felt them ever so slightly. Knitting with the Malabrigo was heaven. And since I liked it so much I started another project with it!
This is the Celtic Cable Neckwarmer by Lindsay Henricks. I wanted a cowl for my recovery too, since they helped me keep warm in a cool house this winter. I need something that I don’t have to pull over my head though. Yay buttons! I should have enough time to get this done before I head to the hospital. And a big thanks to Sharon as the gift certificate she gave me for my birthday paid for the yarn.
So that’s about it from here. I hope to get one more blog post up before I go in for surgery with details of SOS’09! Stay tuned!!
Tags: knitting, Spinning, surgery
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You’re almost there, Jessica!
I posted photos of my incisions the afternoon of my gallbladder removal which I like to blame on the post op drugs. I blogged the whole process leading up to and healing from that surgery. It was cathartic for me but my condition is extremely common. At any rate I’m wishing you the best and I’ll be thinking about you during your recovery.
Malabrigo yum! The yarn you’re spinning for the shawl is gorgeous and so delicate! I can’t wait to hear about SOS’09, and I’ll be thinking of you for your surgery.
My word is fiber – did you do that on purpose??
At any rate, I hope all goes well with your surgery and whatever is bothering you is cleared up. I’m sending good thoughts your way.
I’m envious of your yoga routine and have ordered a neti pot. Hooray! Details for SOS09? Be still my heart! Your health issues are so much more important, though. I don’t know what you’re dealing with (didn’t want to be nosy) but be certain you have happy healing thoughts coming from Pittsburgh!
It’s good that you’re taking charge of your care — motivated, involved patients have the best outcomes. And until health care reform happens (and quite possibly after), discretion on matters that could affect future insurance or employment is very prudent.
The knitting and spinning are lovely! That’s a pair of long shanks in those shazaam-y socks, love how he’s curling his toes.
Just to say I am sending good thoughts to you for the procedure and recovery after. Love the colour of the yarn you spun. Will make lovely matching sweaters.
Those are neat slippers! And great socks! I’d like to knit a pair of actual knee socks someday.
I hope everything goes well with your surgery and that you’re back on your feet in no time! It’s important to take care of yourself in a time like this. The blog will always be here when things settle down and you have time for it again!
I check your blog every day, so I’m happy to hear from you again. You sound well prepared to come through surgery with flying colors. It’s so important to take a proactive role in your health. Thanks for letting us know your surgery date, so we can keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
You are in my positive, healing thoughts for a great surgery and quick recovery.
About 5 years ago I had a life – changing incident. That made me step back from a lot of things I was doing. They seemed important until really important issues arose. Take care of yourself, emotionally and physically – do what is important to you.
Take care and know my thoughts are with you and HWJF –
Hugs – Ceci
Don’t you LOVE your neti pot? I swear the only reason I am all stuffy now is because I remembered to pack my neti pot before heading to Maryland, but forgot the non-iodized, fine grain SALT. Sigh. And don’t forget the Rescue Remedy!
It sounds like you’re getting to a really healthy place! I’ve been thinking about you, and I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself.
I just wanted to send you some good wishes and hope your recovery is quick and easy.
It’s so good to hear from you, I’m glad that you’re taking such a positive and proactive approach to all of this. The mind and body are so very connected, and it’s obvious you’re doing your best to take good care of both. Good luck with all of it and if there’s anything that I could possible do (from all the way over here) to make your recovery a little brighter, you let me know. Your wish is my command.
If you’d like I can send you Reiki from now all through your recovery period. Let me know. In fact, just let me know if you would NOT like me to send you Reiki. You’re absolutely right about your post-op condition being directly related to your pre-op condition and all the energy work, yoga, vitamins etc., will definitely pay off. And if you can, relax. You’re doing all you can do and you’re going to be fine. Can’t wait to see you at WOOL.
It sounds like you are doing all the right things to be ready for your surgery. I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and resumption of knitting, spinning and wedding planning in the very near future.
It does sound like you are taking great care of yourself. I’ll be thinking of you!
Glad to hear you are keeping busy and seeing all your great projects. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
I am so glad to hear you are doing good, and keeping yourself busy. I think the waiting is the hardest part. Wait – that’s a song, right?? Loving those Easter socks, and your current projects. Hugs girlie! Keep the chin up.
I’m so glad that you’re going into this with such a good outlook. I think that’s very important. Still thinking and worrying about you and sending love. If you need/want anything or if there’s anything I can do, let me know.
xo
I am so impressed with your positive outlook and that you are taking what you can and using it as a learning experience. I just know the surgery will go just fine and that it will all be behind you soon. As for sharing the details, I think if you feel like you want to, go ahead!! It might be good for you to write about it and it might be helpful to others to read about it. Even if it just helps us understand more what you are going through so we know how to better be here for you. Of course, I completely understand about maybe not wanting it all out there for anyone to see. A Blogger blog would give you the option of controlling who can read the posts.
Jessica,
Good luck with everything and there is no need to share with the blogosphere if you don’t want to. People respect your privacy.
Peace and Yarn,
Annie
I’m thinking of you and sending positive energy your way
)
Jessica,
So happy to see you on, sending you positive thoughts and a big hug.
The wedding shawl spinning is beautiful you are amazing!
I’ll drop you a line before your surgery but know that we will be thinking of you!
Hugs
I too don’t know what you’re dealing with, but I do hope it’s treatable and that you have a quick recovery. People have said that attitude makes all the difference, and with your post, it seems you have the best outlook possible. Thoughts and prayers are going out to you and HWJF. ((hugs))
Here’s something to think about . . . you say that there is so little information out there about your condition. Think about other people who may find out that they have the condition and are searching for more information about it and how other people have dealt with this condition. And then factor that into whatever decision you make as to how much to reveal this information.
Don’t sweat the lack of regular posting. And I like how you’ve planned for your recovery time with handknit slippers and a cowl.
See you tonight!
I have to say, you’re right on with your thoughts about being as healthy and in the healing mode before surgery even happens! That’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. Healing starts before you even have the surgery. I’m sending lots of good thoughts your way and lots of long-distance hugs. I know you’ll come out better on the other side!
The yarn your spinning looks great! I hope I can get that good some day. I’m still trying to get drafting down so that everything isn’t super bulky. hehe
Our thoughts are with you. Glad to see you’ve been able to get some yarn r & r. Hope the surgery and recovery go smoothly.
Word on the neti pot. I love mine, though I’ve been lazy lately and used a saline nasal spray. Something for you to to keep on hand for after the surgery since it’s quick and easy and doesn’t involve bending over and pouring water up your nose. It’s almost as effective as the neti pot. I have yet to need to take medication for tree allergies.
I’ll be sending good vibes to you till you are recovered too.
Oooh, also, the weather forecast for this weekend seems to have cleared up, I hope it’s not raining so I can go to the sheep shearing at Martha’s Vineyard farm in NY. See you there I hope!
Jess, I hope the surgery goes well and you are recovered in no time. I often check the blog but rarely comment. Hugs and good wishes sent as well as licks and wags from Max & Koni.
Hey, if you’re A+, let me know – I’ll donate blood for ya any day! Been thinking on you lots, always with healthy healing hugs attached. In fact, as much blue showed up in my recent rash of fiber dyeing, I think you were guiding my hand.
And that wedding shawl yarn you’re spinning? Yum. And so nicely fine! I’m impressed.
Don’t worry about the blog — we’ll be here when you feel up to picking it up again. It’s one of those things that you have to be in the mood for sometimes. And you have bigger things to think about right now! Speaking of which – that laceweight is beautiful. Can’t wait to watch the progress into something else entirely.
ps Where did HWJF live? I have the same problem with donating blood. Just curious if he went to an American School over there as our paths may have crossed.