So I went to the doctor for that lump. I thought I would hear, “Well, it’s a such-n-such cyst and we’ll drain it” or whatever.
Nope.
Much to my startlement I was informed that I have a Spigelian hernia. One advantage of losing all the weight and toning up my six-pack…made it much easier to see and diagnose! Apparently they’re pretty rare. Rare enough that a whole posse of docs and interns got paraded through to see it. “Uh ma’am, do you mind pulling your pants down again?” 
(no probs, actually. It is below my waistline - but still modest)
I’m having surgery on August 16th. I will be knocked out, and will stay at least one night in the hospital because the pain is supposed to be serious. Oh. Goody. Doc said if I’m good with pain on the second day he’ll send me home, if not he’ll keep me longer. I’ll be down for at least two weeks… Grrrrr. This is going to cut into my workouts!!!! 
Being me, I’m already planning what food I will be packing in. Oat muffins, turkey roll-up fixins… After all, I see this as a primo danger time for gaining because I’ll be feeling sorry for myself. Might as well be proactive. Besides, pain meds don’t work on me on an empty stomach. I have had many a horrible moment during past hospital stays when it was late, I was starving, and in major pain. Not again!!
I’m kinda freaked out, I have to say. I wouldn’t be too nervous, but they’re going to knock me out. I haven’t been put under since I was eight. And no one gets excited about being told by the doctor “This is gonna hurt like a $%^$^%$, and you’re going to curse my name for a week or two” (no kidding. that’s what he said!) But I know that, really, I’m blessed that this isn’t anything worse - like cancer. And that it has been found and will be dealt with. Just think - there’s not telling how long it’s been there under the flab - and I just didn’t know it! And this kind of hernia has a high risk of strangulation! 
So…anyway. That’s my news.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some chanting to do.
Eating is not the answer. Shopping is not the answer. Eating is not the answer. Shopping is not the answer. Eating is not…
Oh, Blest!!! Will be praying for all to go well.
Hey, what if we all pray for God to heal you? Wouldn’t that be an amazing witness to all the people who poked and prodded you today?
Comment by CJ — July 6, 2007 @ 6:23 pm
I was thinking hernia, but I had never heard of that kind. Ouch! Glad it was found and can be taken care of. I’m so sorry you have to go through the surgery and pain — will be praying!
Comment by Barbara H. — July 6, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
Aack! I meant to comment under my regular blog but didn’t catch that until after I’d already hit “submit.”
Comment by Barbara H. — July 6, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
Oh, Blest. Praise God for looking out for you - and He won’t stop now. The health, stamina and tolerance for pain you’ve strengthened us all with this last year will certainly be helpful. My prayers will be with you, my hero.
Comment by Missy — July 6, 2007 @ 7:15 pm
If you’re good in the hospital I’ll bet they give you ice cream!
Comment by Bird — July 6, 2007 @ 8:02 pm
Blest–you are amazing! Planning your food and all. Keep your chin up. I am praying for a full recovery…
Comment by Brandi — July 6, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
You guys are so great…except you,BIRDbrain. Brandi, kick him for me, willya?
Comment by blestwithsons — July 6, 2007 @ 9:23 pm
Oh, Blest, I will GLADLY kick Bird for you! No need to bother Brandi with those sorts of things (besides, she doesn’t kick him hard enough).
I’m praying for you, too!
Comment by Debbie/Boo (Bird's Sis) — July 7, 2007 @ 1:34 am
Praying… and let me know if I can be of assistance - I will be out of summer school and back from vacation by then and can help in any way you need!
Comment by Leann — July 7, 2007 @ 8:14 am
These chicks kick way too slowly … I can catch those legs with my Jedi reflexes.
Comment by Bird — July 7, 2007 @ 9:25 am
Yeah well…yer lucky you don’t have to deal with me! I’m scary! Grrrr!
Comment by blestwithsons — July 7, 2007 @ 10:47 am
Okay, Blest, he has been officially kicked and he said it hurt (a little bit…okay I tried!)
Comment by Brandi — July 7, 2007 @ 9:25 pm
Oh Blest, that’s a bit scary, but thank God that it’s been caught in time and that they can sort it out. I’ll be praying that it gets better asap, but that doesn’t mean you can rush back into doing everything until the doctor gives you the go ahead again! And if I have to come out there to stop you doing too much, then I will
Comment by Debs — July 8, 2007 @ 2:01 am
So glad to hear that it’s NOT cancer. Praying for you.
Comment by Anita — July 8, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Ooch. I’ll be praying too.
Comment by Bekki — July 9, 2007 @ 2:08 am
Oh my goodness Blest, I’m glad you went to the Dr and they were able to diagnose what it was. I’ll keep you in my prayers that all goes well with the surgery and for a quick recovery.
Hey, I was just thinking…hadn’t you mentioned that you might be in the Dallas area sometime in August. Has that been cancelled?
Comment by Cristina — July 9, 2007 @ 7:29 am