This might be too much information for some of you. You may think I’m getting a little too personal. But this is my story to share, and my choice to share it. I share it because I’m terrified and I need prayer. I share it because it helps me to process my emotions. This is minor in comparison to most surgeries. I have a friend who’s mom is having a hip replacement tomorrow! My surgery and my recovery doesn’t even compare to that. But it’s still surgery, and that alone makes me feel overwhelmed to the point of tears.

Just as a disclaimer, I hesitated to share this because I don’t like when people use fear tactics. This is one person’s story and one person’s experience (mine) and is the rare exception, not the norm. I don’t share it to persuade you into my way of thinking or to affect your decision at all. I just want you to know that.

I am having my IUD surgically removed tomorrow. I have felt almost constantly uncomfortable with sometimes painful cramping on and off for the last several months and finally discovered that my IUD had become dislodged. There is a possibility that it has perforated my uterus, but I they won’t know for sure until the surgery tomorrow. The best case scenario will be a procedure similar to a D&C (that’s if the IUD is in my uterus). That’s what I’m praying for, to be honest. I can handle being uncomfortable for a couple days. The worst case scenario is that the IUD has perforated my uterus and they have to go in through my belly to get it out, which would mean 6 weeks of no heavy lifting. They say to the mom of a nursing toddler.

So chances are this doesn’t sound that bad to you. When I spell it out it really isn’t that scary. What terrifies me is this…

1. I’m the mom of a breastfeeding toddler. Who has rarely left my side over the last 15 months. Who still doesn’t sleep through the night. Who won’t drink from a bottle. Who is allergic to milk (to what extreme we aren’t sure yet). Who wants to be held all the time. Who can’t do anything for himself. I don’t know how to navigate this all…but thank goodness my mom is here (or will be soon) and he loves her to pieces.
2. My husband is in his last year of grad school. Not only did he just finish part 2 of National Boards, but he’s in the middle of midterms and doesn’t exactly get days off. If this is a 6-week recovery, I just can’t even wrap my head around how to get anything done.
3. I do not respond well to pain medication. Let’s just hope that Tylenol and Motrin do the trick.

My husband has been amazing. Even surprised me with a hair appointment today, knowing that would be the bottom of my priority list during recovery. But I have been fighting the anxiety. So if you’re the praying type…would you keep me in your thoughts tomorrow and send all your positive vibes my way? I appreciate it, friends! And I’m so thankful for this community.