Wasn't up until recently I determined I hadn't blogged in a few months. It certainly wasn't because my life had stopped; well in actually, my 'normal life' did disappear. The usual routines and rhythms of daily married life were lost in what had become the 'new norm'.
In December of 2014 my husband discovered he had another hernia, and at first things didn't change much in our lives, besides seeing a doctor and waiting for a specialist appointment. But as the weeks tumbled along so did his pain, and his energy diminished significantly. Unable to sit still and always full of zeal, Scott took on the world everyday, though now, with the hernia he'd barely get through a day of work, only to arrive home too exhausted to do much more than sit on the couch, before he'd fall asleep not long after the sun sets. By Saturday, when normally we'd be planning a day running around town or hiking in nearby trails, my other half needed to recharge.
As the months carried on with no sign of a surgery date, we had to take it day by day in terms of what to expect. Before, our social calendar was jam packed, and now there were many times we'd have to cancel last minute, which was frustrating for everyone. Thankfully we have some awesome friends who are understanding. By mid March all my time and energy had been focused around Scott and his hernia. I made sure to get the house work done before he could offer to help, as I knew he was exhausted and in dire pain. Between the two of us we were contacting the specialist and Work Safe BC on semi -daily basis, about when the surgery would be and to see if he would be covered.
These past five months have tested us mentally and emotionally, not to mention, for Scott physically. When we got married almost three years ago I vowed to stand by him 'in sickness and in health'. My exact words were I promise to stand by your side and hold your hand , even when it is easier to let go of your grip. And though it has been arduous and wearisome I have not loosened my hold. It was amazing to how this medical issue took over everything we did. I no longer had time nor desire to do the things I loved to do, like yoga, writing or even plan our trip to Iceland. It became the sole topic of conversation most nights trying to figure out a game plan to get surgery quicker, as there was no word from the specialist as to when there would be relief.
By Mother's Day we had both hit our breaking point. I remember being on the verge of tears everyday as I felt so helpless and hopeless about the situation. To see my husband in such extreme pain everyday was taking a toll. I think that was the toughest part. It wasn't the extra work or missing out on date nights; it was literally having to watch the one I love the most be in pain everyday and there was nothing I could do. Luckily we didn't have to wait much longer for a doctor to finally listen to our cries for help. Since the specialist we were recommended never gave us a date for surgery we had to seek out another. And with one look at Scott the doctor said that he needed to operate asap. One week later our prayers were answered as Scott got his hernia fixed.
Now is the easy part- recovery. With great support from friends and family we are so fortunate to have extra help on the road to recovery. And before we know it our lives will be go back to normal. Who knew normal sounded to nice.
