For All Those Friends of Gabs, Who Have Been Awaiting News....
By Darkwing
@Darkwing (21583)
June 16, 2008 9:22am CST
... She left a little tearful and afraid this morning, so her blood pressure was up on arrival at the hospital. She was given something to calm her, and they scheduled the op for this afternoon, but, soon afterwards... I think to avoid any more anxiety... they came back and told her they'd be taking her down to theatre this morning, which they did.
She's recovering from the anaesthetic still, but the op was successful and Gabs will be home again tomorrow, as there's somebody here to help her. She apparently, could have come out today, but I think it's better she rest and recover properly, and come home refreshed tomorrow. I sensed much relief in her voice even though she was still a little dopey from the anaesthetic, and I was able to give her the good news that Gissi's leg seems to be a bit better, as he's managing to jump up on the sofa again. I think her mind is at rest again now, and by tomorrow, she will have caught up with the sleep she lost last night and be much more cheerful. It will be sore for a while, so she probably won't be on here for a few days, so please bear with her whilst she recovers properly.
Thank you all for your thoughts and special wishes... they meant a lot to her... I know that much. I now look forward to her coming home tomorrow, and promise you all I shall look after her and make her rest as much as I can. She will also need to walk out into the yard, or as far as she can make each day, to keep her mobile, but there are steps to go up and I shall be keeping a close eye on things. She, her family and I, together with all of you, I am sure, are glad this is over now and the pain taken away. I'm here until Saturday, so she'll have company for her birthday.
Brightest Blessings to you all.
10 people like this
24 responses
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Jun 08
I certainly will, my dear friend. She's been on the phone to me a few times now, and each time she has sounded a bit better, as she gradually came out of the anaesthetic. Her throat is a little sore where they inserted tubes, and of course her tummy too, but with rest, she will be back to normal by the end of a couple of weeks.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution, my friend. xxx
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
•
16 Jun 08
Darkwing you know how relieved I am and how tearful I was to hear her voice! I cannot say enough how amazing you have been - I am certain she would never have gone through with the surgery if you weren't there with Gissi and I for one think you are amazing! Hugs to you and Gissi and of course our dear, darling Gabs xxx
3 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Jun 08
Yes, dear, sweet friend... I do know how relieved and tearful you were. I think she would have had to go through the surgery soon, with or without me, but worrying about Gissi wouldn't have helped her at all. As it is, he's been great! He's had his quiet moments, but on the whole he's not been much different to when Gabs is here, so I'm happy to have been able to help out. I would do the same for any of my friends, if I could... friends are valuable to me.
However, thank you for your very kind words.. they've brought tears to my eyes, as I have a lot to deal with right now, and certainly appreciate what you say, my friend. Thank you for the hugs, which of course, are returned, threefold! Brightest Blessings and thank you my dear friend, for your contribution. xxxx
1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
17 Jun 08
Thanks so very very much Darkwing!
I am so thankful that Gabs has you there to care for Gissi and for her when she arrives home!
You are a true blessing!
Thanks also for coming into Mooch's discussion and allowing "Gissi" To send a message to me! It really meant a lot to come home from work tonight and see that Gabs is going to be O.K!
Thanks again!
Love and Hugs
~Heavens~
P.S Please send my love on to Gabs when she arrives home and let her know that I fully understand why she could not call me on the week-end!! xxx
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
You're more than welcome, My friend. It's not just me helping her, you know. All her other friends here, including you, are giving me a lot of support and appreciation, and at least a little part of all of your spirits is here, helping me along, as well as giving Gabs great encouragement.
I don't mind Gissi sending messages on here every now and again. Gabs is home now, sore and battleworn, but she's doing really well just a day after being operated on. She's getting some bed rest right now, and she has to take things really easy for a while, but she'll be back soon enough. Brightest Blessings, and thank you for your contribution... I passed on your message. xx
2 people like this
~Heavens~
@SheliaLee (2736)
• United States
17 Jun 08
Thank you so much for the update Darkwing!! It is wonderful that she has you there to help take care of her and make sure she gets the rest that she will need. Please keep us posted because I know it will be a while before she will feel like getting back on the computer. God Bless!!!
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
Hello Shelia! You're quite welcome to the updates and can assure you that I won't let Gabs do anything other than rest. She's been home for almost three hours now, and has taken some pain killers, so has gone for some bed rest. She's sore still, which is to be expected, but she's come through her ordeal well... the hospital staff are very pleased with her. She's tried a couple of sneaky stunts already, like getting up to make coffee and putting her bag away in the bedroom. No way! the kettle is heavy with water in it, and I've also put her bag away. The most she is going to do is walk to the bathroom for a couple of days, and spend twenty minutes on the computer. I've told her that, and if she doesn't comply, she'll get a stiff talking to from me!
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your support, and your wishes for Gabs. xxx
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
16 Jun 08
Oh heck Darkwing, I didn't open this email until now! I wouldn't have posted my discussion if I had seen it.
But then again - as I told mummymo - there can't ever be too many good discussions supporting our beloved Gabs.
Give Gissi a treat for me - he loves his Aunty Spark's treats - especially when Mum isn't around to say no, it'll spoil your dinner! LOL
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Jun 08
Not to worry, my friend. We'll just have to hope there aren't so many that they get deleted, as happened once before with our Hairdresser friend, Roz.
I've just given Gissi an extra piece of ham as a treat because he's been so good. Mum doesn't get any say in it when she's not here and I'm in charge! he he. We've had some fun together today, but Mum will be home tomorrow. I will still take him for his walks because she has to rest, to get the strength back in her tummy, but I'm sure he'll be very happy to see her home. You would have laughed this evening, the last time she phoned. Before she left, she went to say goodbye to Gissi, and all he would do was growl at her for going out without him. Then, when she phoned this evening, she was trying to talk to him through the phone, which I was holding close to his ear. He shook his head, stood up and walked off, and then started doggy talking to me, as if to say he wasn't speaking to her. He's a funny little chap... I love him to bits. He's everything she says he is and more... so intelligent!
Brightest Blessings my friend, and thank you for popping in with your contribution. xx
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
16 Jun 08
MY discussions NEVER get deleted! LOL
But then, there's always a first time right? ROFL
No worries. As long as Gabs get's to see/hear about them, that's all that counts.
And tell Gissi, no more treating Mum so badly or no more Aunty Spark's treats! LOL
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Jun 08
No, it didn't stop her worrying. She got all sorts of things in her head about why they brought her op forward. She didn't sleep well last night, was in pain with her tummy and worked herself up into a bit of a state. This morning, she had a little cry and didn't really want to go, but we had a long hug and a chat about why it would be better for her to go, and off she went.
The hospital are very pleased with the way she came through the operation. She managed to make her own way to the bathroom and outside for a you-know-what. They didn't stop her, so she sounded much more cheerful after a sandwich and a cig! lol. She's looking forward to coming home though and then the battle begins, because I know how important rest is to her. Never mind... I can hang out... I can be pretty stubborn when I want to be.
I'm becoming increasingly worried about the other matter, my friend. I still have heard nothing, and I really must write to you about my experience on the 57 bus coming into Exeter the other day. I'm so scared. Will write PM as soon as I finish this.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution my dear friend. xxx
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Jun 08
I can't e-mail on that address from here, because I can't get my incredimail, but I'll send you my Yahoo address and you can send a reply there. I already sent the PM, my friend. Thank you so much for taking time out to listen... I'm beside myself with worry right now... feel like I'm walking in a very dark forest. I'm concerned that they're trying to get to me through him, and he's suffering for it. 
I don't know why they would want to get to me, but I just have this very odd feeling about the guy.
I don't know why they would want to get to me, but I just have this very odd feeling about the guy.2 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
•
16 Jun 08
Hi yes Darkwing I can aprreciate you concern re the other matter PM on my email if you can as I can't always respond to PM's as you know. I am really pleaed that you are there for Gabs though. You are a very lovely lady. Yes I think I need to hear what happened on the 57. Hugs. Ellie :D
2 people like this
@petspets (476)
• Antarctica
18 Jun 08
This came to me as last night after I went to bed. Gabs is such an independent person :) that if she is allowed to she will do a bit of housework and come to the computer. :P
http://www.surgical-tutor.org.uk/default-home.htm?sciences/pathology/wound_healing.htm~right
" Time line of wound healing ( with medical jargon :P )
Within first 24 hours:
Neutrophils are the predominant cell types
This the phase of acute inflammation.
Epithelial cells start proliferating and migrating in to the wound cavity.
By the 2nd to 3rd day:
Macrophage and fibroblasts are the dominant cell types.
Epithelial cell proliferation and migration continues.
Angiogenesis ( new blood vessels growth ) begins.
Collagen fibres are present but these are vertical.
They do not bridge the wound gap.
Granulation tissues comprises newly formed capillary loops.
By the end of 5th day:
Fibroblasts are the predominant cell types.
They synthesize collagen.
Collagen now bridges the wound edge-bridging collagen.
Epidermal cells continue division and epidermis is now multi-layered.
Abundant granulation tissue is present.
During second week:
Acute inflammation begins to reduse.
Collagen continues to accumulate.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://en.wikipedia.org/Wound_healing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One of the factors that influenced wound healing is Movement. Early motion, particularly if tensile strength is not established, subjects a wound to persistent trauma, there preventing or retarding its healing."
I don't have link to this bit of info as i is taken from my book. Wound healing takes 2-3 months to mature ( strengthened ). Lifting or carrying a bit of weight like a kettle of water, hee, increases the pressure in her abdominal cavity. Gabs has to listen to her doctor's advice to take slow and easy and that is not an easy thing to do for most of us. :) Hope this will help her. XXXXX
Protective Blessings to you.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Jun 08
Thank you for all this information, my friend. Yes, I told Gabs about lifting the kettle, and stretching up to close windows etc.... she's taken it on board now that it's the scar tissue inside that needs to heal. It may look and feel better on the outside, but any extra pressure on her tummy is not going to help one iota. We did sit down and have a little discussion about it this morning, and she realises now that she feels tired again, after a couple of hours, that she isn't strong enough yet, by half, to do all the things she normally can. It's going to take at least ten days before she can start doing even the lighter things.
It was very sweet of you to go to all this trouble of finding information for us both... thank you for that, and Brightest Blessings, always. xx
@GardenGerty (157545)
• United States
16 Jun 08
I really appreciate you letting us know how things are going. I have every faith that this will mark a trend toward better things for Gabs. It is hard to breathe or anything else if you are in constant pain. It is so good of you to go be with Gissi and love and care for him, and to make sure Gabs is doing well when she comes home. Being rid of those nasty Gallstones should be a really good birthday present. Take care, Darkwing. We will see you here around the lot as time allows.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157545)
• United States
16 Jun 08
Yes, it does take a while to clear anesthetic from the system, and Gabs system is compromised. The only surgery I had the anesthesiologist was concerned enough he had me follow up with my local doctor, and I have good lungs. You ladies enjoy the company, we wish we could casually stop by ourselves to see and cheer Gabs up. She will just have to take our word for our well wishes. Heather
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Jun 08
Heather, as I said to another friend of Gabs' earlier, there's a little piece of all of you here, all the time. I know how Gabs loves her friends, and she appreciates all the well wishes that I've been passing on to her in the hospital. Thank you for caring so much for a very special friend. I couldn't have done what I have without knowing at least a part of you all was here supporting me. xxx
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 Jun 08
You're more than welcome my friend, and I agree, things will be much better for Gabs without the pain. The trouble is, it's a vicious circle... the pain comes, panic sets in, which upsets regular breathing, and so, there's more pains from the lungs. Still... the hospital are very pleased with her, and said that as she has me at home, she can come home tomorrow. I'm really proud of her and pleased for her that she can do that. She's even managed to get outside the hospital in the fresh air, so she's perking up a lot. They said they're going to put her on oxygen overnight, just to clear the residue of the anaesthetic from her, so that her lungs won't be affected. Apparently, it takes a long while to clear completely. So.... Gabs is happy, Gissi will be happy when he sees her tomorrow, and I am happy to have been able to help.
Brightest Blessings my friend, and thank you for your contribution. x
1 person likes this
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
17 Jun 08
Well as they say a friend in need is a friend in indeed. No matter what Gabs has gone thru, she is lucky on the friendship part to have you by her side on her darkest hour of need. As long as we are strong enough to move around, we can take a lot. Its only when we are physically sick, do we need our loved ones care and attention. Not only are you supporting her in convalescence, you are actually replying to all of us on her behalf and looking after Gissi too. I guess good people do tend to flock together too
Anyways, do tell Gabs (when she’s cleared a bit) that someone from India remembers her, misses her and though I don’t know her well enough, love her enough to be wanting her back here soon.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
My friend... thank you for your special words but I have to say that I'm always here for my special friends, and that the love and support of all of Gabs' special friends has helped both she and I through this... you and several others are here at least partially, in spirit and we both appreciate that.
Gabs is home now, but has to rest for a week or two. I know she wants to catch up with you all online, but where the mind is willing the body is not always so willing, so please bear with her in her convalescence. She's brighter now she's home, but she's still sore, obviously, and she's tired. She's taken some pain killers and is taking some much needed bed rest.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your support. xx
1 person likes this
@deeeky (3667)
• Edinburgh, Scotland
17 Jun 08
Glad to hear that Gabs is recovering well, and looking at all the replies that have been posted means that she will be happy for thier good wishes.
Having so many friends does mean a lot to her and we all hope she recovers more quickly, especially with a special friend that is beside her.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Jun 08
She's even better this morning, after a lot of rest on arrival home. She did try to sneak a few things this morning, but understands that even though she's feeling better, she's not strong enough yet to go at it as she did before. I feel bad sometimes, having to restrict her in her own home, but a little chat puts things right, especially when reiterated by somebody else, on the phone.
Thank you for your wishes, my dear friend, and Brightest Blessings. x
@sherrir101 (3670)
• Malinta, Ohio
17 Jun 08
Thanks for letting us know how Gabs is doing. She is one special lady. I hope that Gissi has been a good boy for you. You are a good friend to be there for her at her time of need. Tell her that we all are thinking of her.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
You're more than welcome, my friend. Yes, Gabs is one special lady, and Gissi has been a very good boy for his Auntie Darkwing. He was very excited to see her home this morning, but has calmed down now. He didn't cry once whilst she was away, and he's acted normally with me, and I've had no difficulties at all.
I'm always here for my friends, and I want to thank Gabs' other friends, including you, for your support and love throughout these hard times. You're all here in spirit, I know, and that is much appreciated.
I've passed on your message... Gabs is overwhelmed with the caring messages she has received. Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution. x
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
17 Jun 08
Thank you so much for the update, Darkwing. I'm glad she had such a great friend like you nearby who could help her out in times like this. I know she was so stressed out over the surgery and ended up being needless stress. Now she has one less thing to worry about with her health. After my gallbladder surgery, I was up and walking the same day and walking 2 of my paper routes the day after with my daughter pulling the wagon. I was back to working all 3 routes a week later. So I know Gabs will be recovered fully enough by the weekend to make it on her own when you leave. Gissi will be thrilled as anything when him mommy is back home for I'm sure he is very worried about her not being there. Glad he is behaving for you although would of been funny to hear of at least one trick he pulled on you. lol I so enjoy his stories like everyone else here does as well. Send her and Gissi my love and give them both a hug and kiss for me please. Hugs for you Darkwing.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
Lol... actually she slept quite well but had an oxygen line in to clear her lungs of the residue of anaesthetic, and although she managed some sleep... she certainly didn't sleep like a log!
She's been home since twenty to twelve this morning but with the morphine wearing off, she's been a bit sore, and tired too, so she won't be online just yet, but she'll maybe afford twenty minutes tomorrow, if she feels up to it. The hospital were very pleased with her, but they say it will take a couple of weeks before she's able to do very much. She's had some bed rest and is now lounging on the sofa with everything near at hand. So, hopefully, she will be back to some level of fitness soon.
Gissi does pull some funny tricks, in play, but I didn't really want to steal Gabs' thunder, although I've told her that if she wants to do a discussion, she can dictate what to write and I'll type it for her, so we'll see.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your support of Gabs, Gissi and I. Gabs said thank you for sharing her bad night with her! 
See, she's back to her old self!!!
Love and hugs from Gabs and Brightest Blessings from me, my friend. xx
See, she's back to her old self!!!
Love and hugs from Gabs and Brightest Blessings from me, my friend. xx1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
17 Jun 08
Oh and btw..I slept like a log last night now that her surgery is over and everything went well. Something tells me Gabs did as well. 
2 people like this
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
18 Jun 08
I've missed too much it seems...
I do hope Gabs is okay, I'm getting worried here. Its good she's getting better, but still worried and I think she should rest. Gabs shouldn't push herself.
Don't know if you or Gabs will be able to start a discussion for it (or if I'll even be here) but I'll say this ahead of time. Happy Birthday Gabs!
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Jun 08
Well, my friend, the upshot of it all is that Gabs developed Gallstones and has recently been in quite a deal of pain. That, on top of her other problems and disabilities prompted them to get her into hospital asap, to remove the Gall Bladder. Normally, this would be a "run-of-the-mill" operation but with Gabs' lungs, it caused some problems. Therefore, her appointment which was going to be today, was brought forward to Monday.
Gabs was stressed about the risks with the operation, and also about Gissi, who won't just stay with anybody, and with her stay in hospital likely to be between two days and a week. So, I offered to come stay for a week, to look after both dog and patient, in her first days of recovery. Obviously, she needs to rest.
The op took place on Monday morning and Gabs came through it so well, that the hospital told her as she had somebody at home to "do" for her, she could come home on Tuesday, which she did. I'm having to be strict with her because she will be independent, in a way she's used to, but she understands that I'm only restricting her for her own good and all is going well... she's recovering quickly.
I hope that helps you in your catch up, my friend. Good to see you... thank you for your contribution and Brightest Blessings. x
@petspets (476)
• Antarctica
17 Jun 08
Much brightest blessings to you for being a really good friend to gabs. Thank you for your update about our beloved gabs. I'm thankful the op is over and gabs is coming home in a few hours time. You are probably at the hospital right now to bring her back. I read all the responses and send you protective blessings for whateverit it is that is scaring you. ((((((( Comforting Hugs to You ))))))).
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
Hey, it's my pleasure Pets and thank you too for being such a great support to both Gabs and I. She's home now, but she's sore from the op still and tired, so she took some painkillers and is now in bed trying to get some sleep. She's very happy to be home and Gissi has forgiven her for leaving him with me. All is as it was a couple of days ago. lol.
I have to thank you also for your protective blessings... there's a lot of stuff going on in my life at the moment, but I daresay it will all sort itself in the end, with the support of some very special people. Brightest Blessings to you, in thanking you for the much needed hugs, my friend. xx
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
17 Jun 08
Thank you ever for this update Darkwing....I've been thinking about gabs all day from the moment I woke up since I knew she was to have her surgery today. And wow, I can't believe she'll be able to come home as soon as tomorrow...that's even better news and I just bet Gissi will be happy that her mom will be back..glad to hear that Gissi's leg is better too..I'm glad to hear that you'll be around to help her out too to recover.
Sending my blessings and prayers to her...and to you for being there for her
(((hugs)))
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
Yes, she did very well both during and after the op. The hospital staff were really pleased with her, and said she could come home today as I was here to "do" for her. She's still sore obviously, and tired, but she's happy to be home.
Thank you for your blessings and prayers for us, my friend. They are much appreciated and please accept my Brightest Back. Thank you for your contribution. x
1 person likes this
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
17 Jun 08
I'm certainly happy to hear that your dear friend
is doing better and will be returning home soon.
You have been a wonderful friend and I know
that she appreciates all you've done.
As usual, you're amazing!
And, such an inspiration.
Thanks for sharing the happy news,
Your friend,
BeautyQueen
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
Awwww... such kind words, my friend. Gabs is home now, sore and tired, but I'm encouraging plenty of rest. The hospital staff were really pleased with her, so let her home, as there's somebody here to do things for her. She's really happy to be back home again.
Thank you, and all her/our other special Mylot friends for your support throughout Gabs' ordeal... it's much appreciated by us both.. Brightest Blessings. x
1 person likes this
@bagumbayan (2705)
• Philippines
17 Jun 08
Sorry to hear about that. I am one of her friend, I am bag and shes gab. Yes, I havent read her discussion for quite sometime, although I am also so busy i was not able to open my lot and to comment on the issues. What happened to her. Is she alright. Is she your family member, husband, brother, a friend. Tell her to get well soon and take care. God Bless to her and to you.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
Complete opposites then, or back-to-back friends! lol. She won't be back on for a while. She had her gall bladder removed as she had gall stones. It's a common operation but her lungs condition presented a problem, and made the procedure more difficult. However, she's home now, sore and tired, and in need of rest, but she's happy to be home, and will be back in the fold soon. I am a friend... we met on Mylot about eighteen months ago and this is my fourth visit.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution and well wishes for both Gabs and myself.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
17 Jun 08
thanks darkwing I am so glad you told us.I am glad too
that they did not make her wait. that wait before surgery
is unnerving enough as it is. Now all she has to do is take
it easy and get all well again. I am glad thatlittle Gissi
did not hurt his leg too badly. its so nice that you will'
be with her to help her and look after her, and Gissi says
how much he loves you,God bless and tell Gabs hello from me
Hatley and hugs too.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
You're more than welcome, my friend. Yes, she does need to take it easy and get plenty of bed rest. She's still sore, naturally, and quite tired as well, so I'm going to do stuff whilst she rests. I'll be here till Saturday, so hopefully, it will be easing off a bit by then.
Gissi's leg seems so much better now... he's a lovely little fella. Brightest Blessings, my friend. I've passed on the messages and thank you very much for your wishes and your contribution. xx
1 person likes this
@Remembering1996 (2219)
• United States
17 Jun 08
It's great to hear that the operation went well and she is now recovering. You are a true friend to have stayed with her through this whole process and to watch gissi for her. I am glad to hear he is doing better also. Going for any kind of surgey can be quite frieghtning. All of us here at MyLot will be awaiting her to come back and feel like a brand new person and we wish her well.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
17 Jun 08
Yes, isn't it? She was really scared about the operation, but that it all went so smoothly is really down to her determination and the loving support of all of her friends. She arrived home about three hours ago, naturally sore, and tired after her time in hospital, but the staff were really pleased with her, and she's really happy to get back home. She's taken some painkillers, so is taking some bed rest now. I've laid down some ground rules about who does stuff around here, and will make sure that she doesn't overdo it.
She won't be on the computer much for a while. I think twenty minutes will be quite enough for now, just to check out her e-mail and messages, but I have said that if she wants to sit on the sofa and dictate a discussion, I will be her PA and type it in for her. lol. So, maybe you'll hear from her sooner than you think.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your wishes and support, both for Gabs and I. xx
1 person likes this
