He'll be fiiine...

Chris is having two hernias repaired today.  His surgery is scheduled for 10:15 AM and we both understand this to be a fairly routine and simple procedure.  Other than not being able to lift anything heavy for six weeks, Chris is prepared to be sore for a day or two and allow the repairs to heal.  I'm prepared to do all the extra lifting around the house that Chris typically does, like...  It doesn't matter.  I'm sure this will be an opportunity for me to learn to appreciate all the subtle, quiet ways he assists me during a day.

Dad called from Arizona last night to make sure we had everything under control.  He's very sympathetic when it comes to surgeries and procedures.  He's had major back surgery, a kidney removed [cancer -- he's fine now], knee surgery and shoulder surgery.  He also has a serious case of man-sympathy.

"Chris isn't going to feel well when he comes home tomorrow, Chrisy."

"I know.  I'll get him to bed so he can rest."

"I'm serious.  He's really gonna feel crummy.  You have GOT to keep those little boys away from him.  They can't jump on him..."

"I know.  I'm going to take all three of them to Oldest Boy's saxophone lesson later in the day.  I've talked with Oldest Boy and Middle Boy.  They want to be helpful.  I've got soup and 7-Up for Chris.  He'll be fine."

"You might want to get him set-up on the couch.  He could have a tough time with stairs."

"They said this was going to be no big deal, Dad."

"That's what they always say.  I had a friend who had double-hernia surgery and he's fine now, but it was worse than he expected.  ...  I can tell I need to be there to supervise.  Poor Chris."

I've been up since 5:30 this morning, Chris and the boys are sleeping soundly, and I'm getting ready to go for a run.  Dad's famous for his make-sure-you-READY-AIM-FIRE-and-don't READY-FIRE-AIM lectures.  And this one worked.  I just remembered Chris needs to add salt pellets to the water softener and stomp down all the trash in the recycle bin before we leave for the hospital.  I can hear Dad sighing 600 miles away.

Comments

[Judy]

Poor Chris. And I think you know which one I mean. :-) Let me know if you need anything over the next couple of days (the summer drinks are flowing here, for example.)

[Tristan]

Your dad makes me laugh. Clearly he's never been the one charged with the responsibility of keeping three little boys quiet and out of the way. I'd almost rather be the one having the surgery :)

Let's plan a swim get together or something this week!

[Connie @ Young and Relentless]

Poor Chris! Thank goodness he has you to care for him.

Good Luck!

[pam]

*sigh* Hope all goes well, and I'm pretty sure you're up to it... if not WINE! :)

[christy]

Oh I'm sure it'll go well, but I feel bad for him and you nonetheless. I'm sending positive vibes his way right now...

[tysdaddy]

Yeah, I imagine your honey-do list was extensive, since there was a deadline to work with and all . . .

Here's to Chris. Happy recoup . . .

[Anastasia]

That made me laugh...I love your dad's man-sympathy!

I hope Chris feels better very soon.

Big hug to you for doing the "heavy lifting" for the next few days (or weeks)!

[Sam]

wow, you're going to have your hands full for a while! take care to you and to Chris.

[Corbie]

Hope all went well with the surgery...let me know if you have any heavy lifting that I can help with (read: I will send Robert down to do it :). Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Chris.

[Bobbi Olson]

I'm with you, he'll be just fine. Hernia repairs are pretty simple.

Sounds like it's your dad you have to worry about, what with his man sympathy and all. :)

Good luck!

[Mrs. D]

I hope he's a good patient... for your sake! Good luck, I hope he feels better soon.

[the mama bird diaries]

Hope everything went well! xo

[mary]

Joining in the chorus of wishing Chris well - and a comfortable and restful recovery.

Don't you go getting a hernia with all the heavy lifting!

[The Demigod]

I'm like... really agitated that Chris is going into surgery and that you're gonna be with minimal assistance for the next coupla weeks. It's like... got me twisted into a knot... like a blond cheerleader hopping from one foot to the next coz she has to pee real bad and has sand in her butt.

I don't know why I went there. :S

Hugs, BB. Anything I can do for you from across the world? Want to send my internet godkids over?

[Jannie Funster]

Gee, your dad sure has been through a lot. What a guy!

Does your hubby have the "taped-up" kind of repair?

Hope it all went well, as I'm sure it did.

[Kate Coveny Hood]

The only surgery I've ever had was a c-section, and that involves cutting through muscles...I think it took about 3-4 days to be able to get around normally. Good luck to both of you!

[debbie]

That is so sweet that your dad wants to take care of him! I love that.

[Da Goddess]

Hoping Chris is feeling better and well rested!

[michael.offworld]

I bet you're an awesome nurse! All the best to both of you.

[Lady Fi]

Dads never change, do they?

Hope you survive the man-sympathy and nursing...

Hope all went well too!

[Joanna Jenkins]

Hope Chris is doing okay! And you Dad sounds just like mine :-)

[jessica Bern]

I had a single hernia and was up and around after three days. Mine was umbilical. Inguinal, that is a bit worse. Tell Chris, I know how he will feel

[rebecca petridis]

Please give my best to Chris! I had to have a hernia operation when I was 3 and supposedly it didn't slow me down for long. Hope he's on his feet soon! Just adapt the Andreas Petridis style of empathy - "He's Okay"...."walk it out, honey" :)

[Jannie Funster]

I bet he's getting plenty of TLC!