Monday, February 22, 2010

Butterfly Effect

I've always thought the Butterfly Effect to be an interesting theory. 'A butterfly flaps its wings in Costa Rica, and there's a massive wind storm in the UK'...or something like that.

The effects of my Sinus Surgery are no different. I was hoping for a miraculous recovery, perhaps a few days of discomfort and/or pain. But life doesn't always work out the way we intend for it to. That doesn't mean the changes are bad, or that the current path is any worse than the previous route. Just...different, and unintended.

Let me show you...

GREAT change: My Mom is coming into town! I'm sooo happy that she'll be here to help me out, spend time with me, and just take care of me. I've been super lucky with Meredith, Dave and Soren... and of course, with Nathaniel. But Moms are just special - and I can't wait to give her a BIG HUG.

NOT-SO-GREAT change: Nathaniel is leaving for two weeks of training. There was a possibility that he would have to go - and now its certain. I'm just happy that he can get in some great flying.

GREAT change: The anti-nausea medication my doctor prescribed. It works! HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF! That's all I can say... With the level of pain and sinus drainage, I've spent the past few days feeling like I'm about to toss my cookies. Which is really bad - especially since I haven't had any cookies to begin with.

FOR-THE-BETTER change: I'm no longer racing in March 7th's Desert International Triathlon. I was really excited about my first Olympic-distance race in nearly three years...but with the missed training and general crummy-feeling, I figured adding an early-season race to my schedule was just, well...stupid. Besides - there's NO rush. I've got a long time before my 'A' races - so the extra rest will do me good.

CAN'T-BELIEVE-IT change: I haven't had sushi in over a week. That's something I never though would happen. But...it has.

SOMETHING-TO-LOOK-FORWARD-TO change: Sushi with Mom. Sushi with Nathaniel. Sushi with everyone!

COMFY change: New bedsheets. I love new bedsheets on the bed. Clean, fresh, and they feel great.

NO-SENSATION-LACK-OF change: I'm still pretty numb in my right cheek and part of my right lip. Thankfully I can move everything - it just still feels like that area was numbed (like when you visit the dentist). I had a great explanation from another doctor today about that... it involved facial fractures...and then I nearly passed out. No - I don't have a facial fracture, but to put it mildly - the surgery was invasive. (And now I need to take some more anti-nausea medication...yuck!)

HAPPY change: Watching Olympic athletes who have overcome difficulty and setback achieve their Olympic dreams. I LOVE it - it makes me happy to know that people CAN and DO overcome obstacles and major challenges. Bravo!

FUTURE change: I keep looking at my training and racing schedule...excited about my upcoming sessions. I can't wait to get back at it. But all in good time...all in good time. Like...when I can walk for a block and not get a nose bleed. Yep, all in good time. In the immediate future, I can see myself hanging out with Mom, watching a movie and sipping on GingerAle.

Thanks for the continued support - it means a lot.

20 comments:

San said...

Glad to read that the surgery went well and you have so many good things coming up.

Keep the spirits up, girl.

Cheers from Germany

ADC said...

Lots of "changes". I am glad things are feeling bettr. It sucks that Nate will have to go away for two weeks but yay for your Mum coming into town. Please give her regards from Shaun and me.

Jennifer Harrison said...

Marit! Glad your mom is coming into town! Yay! Hang in there, and just one day at a time! You will start to feel better each day! :)

Pedergraham said...

Marit, so glad that your mom is going to visit you. How nice for her to get to see you AND get a break from winter. I have been thinking about you...it is so hard to be patient and wait to heal, especially when there is no PT or ice baths or stretching or foam rollering for sinuses to help them along. Keep your chin up and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your recovery is rapid and you and your mom will get o do some fun stuff---art galleries, maybe?

Pedergraham said...

P.S. I forgot to say that Soren is awfully cute.

Kim said...

sounds like there are a few wonderful things coming your way - like YOUR MOM! :) way to stay positive marit - i know it's hard, but hang in there. soon you will back into the hurt locker with your speedwork :)

Anonymous said...

hi Marit's Mom! Get M back to health soon!

GoBigGreen said...

Ok so Rich has a ton of confidence in the trigeminal nerve sensation returning. The more you focus on it the more you will realize that the sensation is muted, but it WILL come back in 1-3 mos. Your motor function is obviously fine( hahaha. I didnt mean for that to be motor mouth but now that i say that...hahaha) but seriously...the sensation will return.

Ok that being said....have a nice time with Mom!
And eating sushi! I miss sushi. Just seems that i cook my fish when it is 12 outside:)

Hugs.
Julia

Wytosk said...

hang in there, you are a tough tough chica!

Missy said...

I swear, is there nothing like a big mom hug and mom to take care of you, no matter your age?! I mean really!?

Sushi with mom, even better.

Hold your mom tight...I lost mine over 10 years ago but the thought of your mom coming to visit and take care of you...I know exactly what you mean...

Laura said...

Let me know when you want to get sushi! ;)

Speedy recovery chica!

cherelli said...

Mmmm.... sushi! Fortunately like most good things - the longer you are away from it the more you appreciate it when you finally get it! Same goes for when Nathaniel is away of course :) Enjoy the time with your mum.

Beth said...

Yeah for moms! They totally know how to make it all better. :) And hang in there. Sept is a long way away and there is sooooo much time! :)

Maggs said...

I thought this was a post about you joining the butterfly swim off. It's not too late to sign up. Hope you heal up!

Maria said...

Having moms around when you're feeling sick is the best medicine!

Teresa said...

Mom in town is the best medicine...and new sheets are an added bonus!!! (comfy!)

tn

Trigirlpink said...

phew.. sounds like the worse is over thankfully. Enjoy the time with mom. Does the House Monster let her touch her? I'm guessing...

no. :-)

meeting Cricket this weekend.

Runner Leana said...

Yay for your mom coming to take care of you! Aren't moms the best?

I hope you continue to heal up well!!

Charisa said...

Have fun with your mom! You are going to be flying on the bike, swim, run in no time!

Mer! said...

You're doing great Marit!!! Yayyy for your mom!! Hope you guys are headed to sushi at some point sooner than later!!

Hoping the Dr. visit went smoothly today and he/she gave you some reassurance!!!

Sending hugs!! (and thanks to Pedergraham above for her cute Soren compliment) =0