Britt Lawrence

Britt Lawrence

What. A. Month. It has been one of the toughest of my life, and if I had known what would lie ahead, I may not have been able to bring myself to take the leap. That said, I am never one to back down from a rough ride/go if it also means progress lies in wait. So, it is with a massive dose of naivety that I leaped into abdominal surgery in late July.

As someone with fibromyalgia, I knew it could require different expectations for recovery. However, going into surgery, all indications from medical personnel were that it would not be a significant thing, nor would it require a major comeback. Well, it has. Between medicine taken for inflammation blocking the pain meds to waking up out of surgery in the worst pain I have ever endured (and that is saying something), it has been a bumpy road.

As a close family member has told me: “pain lets us know that we are alive,” even if we rarely welcome the reminder.

When you get put under, there is always a risk. So, in that respect, there was gratitude for the pain. Fast forward to late August, and the good news is that the clouds are finally starting to part. The pain endured regularly has joined in like a familiar if unpleasant roommate. The pain from surgery like a pesky visitor has finally seemed to leave. 

Fibromyalgia pain does not put you at ease, but you know what to expect, so that brings its share of comfort. Surgical pain is far less familiar, although not a stranger. There is a reference point where it is concerned. After all, this abdominal procedure was not my first surgery. That was ten years ago. It was a cakewalk compared to this.

The trauma endured this time seems born out of how much worse fibromyalgia has gotten in the last decade. It is now a raging beast. One that has threatened to crush my spirit more times than I can count. Thankfully, I have a supportive family and a wonderful little dog who keeps me going. Throughout all of it, Chewy has remained a loyal, thoughtful, and kind companion.

Without Chewy -- who patiently waited through surgery, an emergency room visit, and a full day stay in the ER -- I would not have made it. Chewy has been my little rock. The way he has known where my pain is and tried to heal me has been so powerful. He is such a source of light and love. As long as you focus on what you have to be grateful for, you can help buoy yourself.

Thanks for reading and until next time, have a great day!