Hi ho Hi ho It's back to work I go.....

Well, tomorrow is the day I've longed for! Time to go back to work!!! (My 3 month liverversary is Friday!) Now that it's here, I must admit I'm a little apprehensive. I've been mentally ready to go back for a while, and I thought by now I'd be physically ready because I made such a remarkable recovery. One thing that hasn't been so remarkable is the side effects from my surgery and medicines I have to take for the rest of my life. I always follow up a complaint with how blessed I am to even be here. I hate complaining, especially when I almost wasn't even here to complain at all, but sometimes a girl just HAS to vent! :)

My back STILL hurts after about an hour on my feet. It scares me, because if it hurts after only an hour, I can't imagine what 8 hours is going to be like. With my birthday money I bought the most comfortable chair. It's called the Serta Big and Tall....the only way I can describe it is like a chair that feels like a bed. I'll call it my chair-bed. It is SO comfortable!!! Needless to say, I might be doing a lot of teaching in my big comfy chair. The doctor told me they would write me an excuse for sitting, but I hardly doubt anyone will give me a hard time. I have a wonderful support group at  work.

I've also been upset at my stomach a lot because of one of my anti rejection medications. Luckily, they changed it to something else today that is supposed to be gentle on the stomach. I won't get that by mail order for a few days so I'll pray I don't have to rush to he bathroom to throw up in the next couple of days. 

Another huge side effect I've had is my hair falling out. Today the doctor lowered my other anti rejection medication that causes this. She said hair loss is a side effect for less than 1% of people on Prograf. I guess I drew the short straw on that one.

Despite the challenges ahead, I think going back to work is only going to aid in my recovery. I'll be getting back into a routine and spending time 5 days a week with my friends and students who keep me laughing. (I already know about half of my class) I definitely think it's a good thing. I keep telling myself this week is only 4 days and I have the next week off for Fall Break. I think that's a good way to ease into things.

People say "well geez aren't you worried you are going to get sick?" I'd be lying if I said the thought didn't cross my mind, BUT God is in control. I trusted him the whole time I was in the hospital, so why shouldn't I do the same now? Even when I was pretty much on my deathbed, I was reassuring my family that everything was going to be ok. Right before my transplant, I told my Aunt Sonja "Don't cry for me Argentina, I'm going to be fine!" Apparently I lost my memory but never lost my sense of humor.

I know that even a common cold could linger for weeks and turn into something worse...the flu could cause hospitalization...You know what? I've made it through my darkest days with God on my side. When it comes to illness, I think I've already been the sickest I'll ever be! I will continue to pray every night for my health, however I never ever start a prayer by asking, but rather giving thanks.  If you think about it tonight or in the morning, please send up a prayer for me for my first day back to work and continue praying for my health. God continues to answers prayers. Thank you to everyone in my life-My family, friends, coworkers, Emory nurses and doctors! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

P.S. I found it appropriate since this post was about work, to add a picture of me and my teaching soulmate and Dugan BFF Jessie. :)