In Sickness...and In Health

Forward:
The day after posting my previous post, I ended up in the hospital..again, for complications from my gallbladder surgery. I was in for two or three days, I can't remember at this point and they did an endoscopy (putting me under, again!) At the time there was discussion of doing a procedure called an ERCP which is an endoscopic surgery where they cut the sphincter and put stents in for a few days (this is also a procedure that has to be redone every 2-5 years due to scar tissue forming and each surgery includes  a 3-4 day hospital stay-blech!). They decided not to do this at this time since I was two weeks out from gallbladder surgery. Two weeks later, February 29th-my hubby took me back to the ER for dehydration, drastic weight loss (30 lbs at this point from December) and yes, continued pain. My blood work came back at this time with an elevated liver enzyme level-so at this point they decided that the ERCP/sphincterotomy needed to be done and I ended up having a double sphincterotomy. I have the best support group in the world-since being in the hospital so many times really begins to mess with your head and everyone has been so supportive with help with the kiddos, meals, cards, messages on FB and so much more!  The person that has been there for me through every step of this journey (nightmare!) is my wonderful husband, who even reminded me as I was laying in the (uncomfortable) hospital bed that it was our 11 year anniversary on March 1st. (I was so doped up, that it was the first year that I wasn't thinking about it!!!) The letter below is to my beloved.

Dearest Christopher Michael,


Where do I even begin? Eleven years ago you asked me on our first date, six and a half years later we are married with two of the most gorgeous children that I have ever seen (okay, so I am a little biased!) and we recently hit a roadblock in terms of one of us having health issues.  We have been through so much together-the good, the bad and the ugly. 2012 has really been the bad and the ugly. Who would have thought that I would have met my insurance deductible by March?  You are my partner in life, parenting and love and have shown your true colors through advocating me through this whole ordeal. I have never had a doctor tell me before how great it is to work with my husband and how special you are for keeping the lines of communication open between us and all of the doctors who have handled my "issues." There are so many people that would not have done what you have done. I can't think of a better partner that I would want to go through the trials and tribulations of life with, you are my Prince, my Ragin' Cajun and all of my heart and I look forward to spending every day of my life with you and I know whatever rough tides and rocky terrain that we encounter ourselves and with our children-we will embrace them with open arms and with God's help. When I made those vows, seven years ago in November 2005, at Ladue Chapel, I never knew how applicable they would be until we have met them. "In sickness and in health" Your love, support, positive attitude on days that I feel hopeless and miserable and unconditional love are everything to me.  I love you with all of my heart and soul and will forever be yours.


Love,
S