A couple weeks ago, on February 1st 2013, I had major surgery. While I knew it was eventually going to happen, it wasn't exactly planned.
I went in to see my doctor that Monday, and the surgery was scheduled for Friday the same week.
I didn't have a lot of time to prepare for the downtime. I had 72 hours to do pre-op blood work, get a root canal (necessary, before I could "go under"), and set up a clean and comfortable recovery space here at home.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting the recovery to be as rough as it was. I figured I would spend most of the first week in bed enjoying books and movies and just resting. Unfortunately I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia that left me with blurred vision, nausea and "brain fog" - I was unable to comprehend anything much more than about the size of a tweet, lol. Ugh!
I'm much more alert and focused now, but it's been over two weeks and I am still on bed rest. Being up on my feet very long at all causes me pain and exhaustion.
This is not something I'm used to. I'm one with a very high tolerance. Even with that nasty flu for two+ weeks in January, I still ran circles around everyone! It takes a lot to put me down - but this damn well did it. 😛
I can't sit up for very long, so I haven't been able to host my Brainstorming Hour sessions I usually do twice a week. And my focus is still seriously lacking.
I do miss my work, and look forward to getting back in the swing of things when I can. And I really appreciate the understanding and patience. Everyone has been so kind. Thank you for that. 🙂
My health is my top priority right now. It will take me some time to be able to work for even a few hours a day, and to get caught up and back on a roll.
I'm okay with that - zero stress. While I don't like the idea of letting anyone down or things falling through the cracks, and certainly didn't intend to be unable to work for this long, I know you prefer me well and back at my best.
My surgery was of a personal nature so I didn't talk very openly about it. I had a partial hysterectomy due to a large tumor in my uterus they discovered last June, and another tumor removed at the same time. They were both benign, but I have been unwell with it all for quite some time, and am very happy to have all of this behind me. The "rush" came when the tumor grew to a point that the weight of it caused my uterus to drop. Thus the lack of time and preparation I was expecting to have. (Apologies if that was a bit too much detail for you.)
I am so very grateful for my local friends who have helped me out so much through all of this, and for the love and support I've received from my friends and connections all over the world. There were days where I spent hours on end sitting still and unable to sleep, and a card in the mail or an online message totally made my day.
I've met so many wonderful people through my work over the years. As much as I love the work that I do, it's the people that make the real difference. Thank you for being there for me. 😀
In your own work, always remember that every visitor and every conversion and every support ticket... is a real person on the other side of the screen.
Make solid connections, work with others in your industry, and get out to live events and meet people in person every chance you can - even local meetups. Not only is it good for your business, but it's a wonderful thing to grow a peer group of like minded people. You'll make some amazing friends that way.
And outside of work, in your everyday life, go out of your way to be the best friend you can be. I've learned some powerful lessons through this experience. Love and friendship are invaluable. We are not meant to live alone and isolated. We all need some sense of community, of belonging, and to love and be loved.
Rescue a pet that needs you. Take a home cooked meal to an elderly neighbor. Send birthday cards. Call your friends more often. Meet new people. Give hugs, they're free! You never know when you might need a good friend yourself... 😉
Best,
About Lynn Terry
Hi Lynn,
Sad to hear you're not doing well.
Get well soon, as you said in the post, health is first priority now.
wishing you to get well soon
Thanks
Jay
Hi Lynn, So sorry to hear about all this, I hope you recover soon and every thing gets back to normal very soon.
You are an Internet powerhouse and it's not been the same without you pounding out on the keyboard!
Stay well and get back to where you belong, right here!
John Duffield
Melbourne - Australia
I've been wondering where your posts were (I had been missing them!) Sorry to hear that you haven't been well. Hope you are feeling tip top soon but your health is a major priority and I'm sure everyone will understand if you take as much time as needed (((hugs)))
Lynn,
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Even with your pain and exhaustion you still managed to finish your article with an uplifting inspiring message, you are awesome 🙂
Nicola
Best wishes, I'll say a prayer for your speedy recovery.
Great advice about getting out and doing good things.
Lynn,
It will be so nice to have you back in the swing of things. When you mentioned on facebook that you were going to have surgery I expected you to be laid up for maybe a week, tops. I knew I could I get by with not reading a new update on Clicknewz for that amount of time. But the absence is stronger than I expected it to be , thank goodness you have so many articles in your archives for when I needed my fix. 😉
I'm just glad you're no longer in the intense pain you were in and look forward to when you're back full-time, better than ever.
Glad to hear you're moving in the right direction Lynn!
I feel for you and can relate to some things like the short notice and the appreciation of living/caring people at a time like this.
So sorry you had a reaction the the anesthetic. I'm sure you maybe thought of this but did you get the specific name of what they gave you that caused the reaction? If not it would be really good to get that and memorize it if you can. They asked me a bunch of times if I had any allergies so I'm assuming its quite possible to get missed along the way.
Hugs!
Hi Lynn,
I wondered where you've disappeared to, and I'm very sorry to hear about your illness and surgery. Hope you get well soon.
Keeping you in my thoughts.
Regards,
Frans
I am so glad to see that you are finally back to sounding and feeling like yourself! It's been a rough recovery and I and glad that the worst is behind you! Here's to you being 100% soon!
I had no idea...I somehow thought the root canal WAS the surgery and not the surgery prep for heaven's sake!
...
The pause was me saying a prayer for your speediest recovery.
I continue to be amazed at the positive things you take away from this and that's why you are an example to your community. Way to go!
Continue to take care of yourself first. Now, lay back down and rest a bit.
If you'll excuse me, I've got to phone an old friend.
Jeff
Lynn,
It's so good to hear from you. I'm glad you are feeling better and, hopefully, the worst is behind you. Best wishes!
Shawn
Hi Lynn! Oh, it is so good to see your post, and know you are well on your way to being your healthy dynamic self! I knew what you were going through from Facebook, and now am happy to see this update. You have lots of wise words in your post, too!! I love it that I have met you in person.... and Friends and Family are so important, aren't they? Love, Diana
That type of surgery is not easy to bounce right back from so take your time and do the healing you need to do. I'm sure having it done and over is a weight off your shoulders though.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and nothing but good health from here on out!
HI Lynn,
Please take care of yourself. You are important to us. I had a similar surgery a while ago and my recovery took much longer than I anticipated. Please do not lift Anything heavier than a 5lb bag of sugar. That was advise from my aunt who has been a nurse for 40 years. Not being able to stand much is typical and I know that I slept a lot, during the day and all night. Be patient, you will feel better. It took me 8 weeks before I could go back to work. Your body has a lot of adjusting and healing to do. Sending healing to you.
Get well soon Lynn, take care of yourself. I know you will bounce back fast!
Hi Lynn, I have always felt like I have know you personally, even though it is through cyberspace. We have tried a couple of times. You point about treating responding to every person as you would in person, is critical to all of our relationships, whether in work or with friends. I am so sorry that you have such a tough recovery, as you certainly are not used to not being in charge of when and where and what you do. Thinking of you and sending you good energy!
Hope you'll feel better soon. Just take a lot of rest and refrain from thinking about work too much.
Lynn, I am sorry to hear that you had to go through all that, but thankful that you are on the mend. I know that is not an easy surgery, so give yourself a break and take the time needed to get strong again. I don't believe anyone will fault you for that.
I wish I lived closer so that I could have helped you over this time. However, you have been in my prayers and strength and well wishes have been sent your way.
Take care,
Carol
Best wishes for a continued recovery and do take the time to recover fully. After all we will still be here when you do recover, so while the webinars you normally do are great for us, I fear based on what you went into regarding reactions that you will only set yourself backwards instead of forwards to recovery. Possibly by April you will be at or close to a 100% again.
Hi Lynn: So sorry you've had such a rough time. We have missed you but knew that had to be a good reason for you to be absent for this long.
Hope you're feeling much better soon.
Cheers
Rhonda
Glad you're doing better. One of my sisters had to go through something similar and had to take a couple months off work. Rough stuff. Keep focusing on your recovery and take the time you need.
Sorry to hear that you are not doing well.
But I pray for your recovery and better then new condition. Continue to take it easy as you only have one body. I sent you an additional email about the progress of Atlanta dog scene and I hope that will bring some cheer!
Take care and God Bless!!!
Chase
Lynn, I'm so glad you are feeling better. 🙂
That's a serious surgery you went through. Enjoy the rest of your time you are recovering. #1 take care of YOU! (((Hugs))) 🙂
I am sooo glad you are finally getting a post out. We all miss them, and it is our way to touch out to you. I think it made a lot of us feel better hearing from you.
Rest, and write again when you can.
Hugs, kisses, and all that schmoozey stuff.
Hey Lynn, I have mixed feelings for you at this point of time. I am sad as you are in so much of pain, bearing a surgery is not easy, I completely sympathize you. At the very same time I am happy about you that you are over it. Its a lovely feeling of getting rid of something that has been holding you for long. My earnest wishes for your early recovery.
I wish your quick recovery, and I know how it feels in bed after a surgery. I have been operated twice, and didn't quiet liked the feeling. Though I was operated for tonsilitis and was fed ice-creams for twenty four hours, feeling weak and sick I can't take. Get well soon.
Wishing you all the best during this time of ill-feeling, difficulty and stress - and that your recovery will be successful, full, and as pain free as possible.
Good Luck Lynn! Hope you feel better very soon!
Sincerely,
Susan
Wow! You've been through a lot lately, Lynn. Just rest and take care of yourself. I hope you're feeling much, much better soon.
All the best,
Don't worry about letting anyone down. Your health is what is important. Have a safe recovery and I wish you the very best.
Tonya Simmons
Hi Lynn. Sorry to hear about your health conditions. Get well soon, Lynn.
And thanks for your valuable wise advice.
I look forward towards your amazing emails! God bless you. Take care.
Hello Lynn,
Greetings from Cario/Egypt 🙂
Wish you the best to get well soon and post a beautiful video.
My regards,
Fawzy Mawy
Lynn
Just a quick message to wish you very quick recovery. I also had a friend diagnosed with cancer just last week. It all puts things in persepective.
All the best and hope you get back to work soon
Charles
Hi Lynn, so sorry to hear of your ordeal. Hope you have a speedy recovery. SCH events are always a good opportunity to pause and reflect on things at a deeper level and to assess what's really working well in your life and what's not... Then take the steps to move towards MORE JOY and less stress! All the best.
Andy
Don't worry about us... we'll still be here when you feel better. Take your time, take it easy and you'll heal faster for sure. Take care, too.
Lynn,
We're sending positive, healing energy, thoughts, and prayers your way!
Peace to you.
Chris
So glad to get and update from you Lynn. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Hugs from Sweden!
Hope and Pray you get to feeling better soon and get back
to doing the things you Love.
To a Speedy Recovery,
Ron
Lynn,
I wish you all the best. Really hope you feel much better by now. Health is always top priority. Take care
Lynn,
You spend so much time helping others that now it is time to just take it easy and rest. It sometimes takes this type of
event to understand that we are all connected, and we need each other. We just take turns on the giving and receiving end.
I am adding you to my prayer list. Rest and get well soon. Thanks for the help you have given me.
Lynn -
Wishing you strength and comfort during your recovery. I had a similar situation being taken out of commission unexpectedly -- it's very humbling but it does force you to realign your priorities and take stock of what's really important in life.
I wish you all the best for continued healing, and we look forward to hearing from you when you're back on your feet.
Wishing you Blue Skies,
Mary
Lynn,
All my best wises and prayers for a speedy recovery back to feeling healthy. We have all missed your posts, videos, wise advice on the forums, and the mastermind meetings since you became ill. Please spend as much time on getting healthy as you do helping us with our troubles. But know this, we miss you and are looking forward to your return as soon as you are better.
Dear Lynn, Thank you for sharing and I wish you a full and speedy recovery. I have had the surgery you described and a hip-replacement so I know what is like to face a forced slowdown and long recovery. Let me tell you that life is sweet on the other side after your recovery. You appreciate your ability to move and the wonderful feeling that comes when the pain subsides.
I've learned so much from you in the past and I look forward to the lessons you will share in the future. But for now, enjoy your rest and tranquility and please know that all of your friends and fans will still be there when you get back.
Dear Lynn, Thank you for sharing and I wish you a full and speedy recovery. I have had the surgery you described and a hip-replacement so I know what is like to face a forced slowdown and long recovery. Let me tell you that life is sweet on the other side after your recovery. You appreciate your ability to move and the wonderful feeling that comes when the pain subsides.
I've learned so much from you in the past and I look forward to the lessons you will share in the future. But for now, enjoy your rest and tranquility and please know that all of your friends and fans will still be there when you get back.
Hey Lynn,
Thank you for sharing, Sorry for this bump in your road. Please, take the time your body needs and take care of yourself. You are loved by all of your friends.
Looking forward to a continued good recovery for you.
Here are your smiles and a hug for you as well. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 ((((((HUG))))))
smiles, 🙂
Gary
Slacker. 🙂
You are correct about putting people first. I'd be hard pressed to tell you anything about the sessions from the 2011 SBS, but I do remember iced coffee on the terrace with you and Angie!
And please continue to rest until you are fully recovered and healed. It may take a few extra days, but it's better to do that than to push yourself too early and have to fight this for months.
Take care,
Tom
Hey Lynn, I'm always amazed by the array of global friends you have. What I'm not surprised about is how much they love you! You are always worrying about us - now it's time to worry about yourself with no regrets. We love you unconditionally! Don't feel like you have to "show up" all the time for us. This type of major surgery is a huge assault to the body. I went through it when I was 40, but luckily without the anesthesia reaction. It will take about 6 weeks to get back to normal. I'm so glad though that you finally had the surgery so you can start feeling good again. I know you'll come out of this as the FIRECRACKER you were before and start cracking the whip on us again. Guess we'd better get prepared!! Big hug!!!
Been where you are, years ago, it is no fun. I will pray for a speedy recovery for you. You have been a real blessing to me through your newsletter. Your are a very special person to me, and love your work. Just take care of yourself and the rest will take care of its self.
Wishing you the best.
Doris Hopper
Hi Lynn,
So sorry to hear about your surgery and send thoughts and prayers your way for a speedy recovery. Make sure to heal properly now so as to not have any set backs later:) Take good care of yourself right now..it is important....just think of it as SEO for your body!!!..lol
Lynn, I can only imagine the distress of quick surgery, reaction and recovery. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to your return to full health and to your work. Meantime, I think we have plenty of material at your website and in the forums to keep us happy and working towards our goals. We'll have lots of questions for you once we get back to brainstorming sessions. Warm regards, Kate