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,
I wish you a speedy recovery, rest well and try not to think abt work:)
Hug Hug (^-^)
Karen
Lynn,
They called for prayer for you at NAMS. I wondered if your surgery was serious. I'm praying for you, and I'm sending lots of love , peace and joy to you as well. Trust in the Lord, and it will all come into focus soon. Love you and miss your posts too. ShariLee
Lynn,
Although I'm a guy and can't totally relate to your particular issue as well as a woman would, I've had major surgery a few times in my life.
It sucks, plain and simple.
I assure you it will pass... just get plenty of rest and don't push things.
Frank
It said I haven't typed enough words, but sometimes fewer seems more effective. You're getting all the positive energy I can transmit. Take it easy for awhile, Lynn.
Lynn - we just want you to get better. So make sure you get the rest you need and be easy on yourself.
If I lived a bit nearer I'd definitely send chocolates 🙂
Hi Lynn,
We all were thinking of you at NAMS9 and missed you. Angie did a wonderful job spreading your energy and was always available with her own and passing on your smiles and support.
I am so sorry that you had to go through the process: first the fear of not knowing, cancer + or -; then surgery and rough recovery. I am so glad that the worst is behind you. It must have been a humbling experience. You will be back to your full self again soon. But during this important recovery be patient and listen to your body: rest, rest, rest! The body, including your brain, will tell you when you can venture out into the full swing of your life again! I assure you because I just got through recovering from two surgeries within a week last September; similar frightful reaction post anesthesia and narcotics. But today all is well again. I am only sharing this to give you all the encouragement, confidence, and also patience to let your body fully heal which is not that easy. However, the reward is that you will get stronger faster. All the healing power to you from this older grandma, but once more young at heart.
I have had friends with similar experiences. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to well being.
Hey Lynn,
I do hope you feel better soon. You're missed in cyberspace!
Take care and take it easy! It's so important to make a full recovery otherwise you'll have to do it all over again!
Amelia
Lynn,
You just take it easy and get better. We'll all be here when you get back to blogging. You're the best!
Lynn - We are looking forward to seeing you back doing what you do best, inspiring everyone.
Very best to you,
Liz
Hi Lynn,
Take all the time you need.
As we all know, health is top priority.
We will still be here when things for you return to normal.
Sending positive, healing energy through the air waves. 🙂
I couldan't agree more about the part where behind every screen there is an actual person and should be treated the same way you'd like to be treated 🙂 I hope you feel better soon great post.
You've been on my mind and heart during this time, Lynn, without knowing all the details. So glad you are feeling a bit better, taking care of yourself well, and finding support and healing where and when you need it. The encouragement and help you always give comes back to you!
Thanks, too, for that reminder (for those like me who work alone from home) to connect with others both online and in person at live events. It's building those key relationships that lead not only to business success, but also to a healthy personal life too. As always, your view of things is a breath of fresh air to me, and I thank you for it.
Healing wishes,
Mary
So glad you're on the road to recovery Lynn! I especially like what you say about none of us living a life on our own. We do best when we listen and learn from each other, when we reach out in ways we never thought possible. Take as much time as you need getting back on your feet; it's a tough thing that your body has been through and it's telling you to slow down for now. Godspeed!
Thinking of you, Lynn, and sending positive thoughts and well wishes! 🙂
I figured something was up because your blog hadn't been updated in a while and I always look forward to reading your post. May you have a speedy recovery! May you be blessed with optimal health! Get well soon Lynn!
I send you a gentle 'Doug Hug' Lynn - scented with fresh gum leaves (eucalyptus) from Aus. - to help clear your 'fog' and restore your good health.
Treat yourself to large lots of Love Lynn ... and be well only when you're ready!
With Best Wishes from Aus. ... Doug ...
Lynn,
I hope you are feeling better daily. They don't want to you to drive yourself yet because you might be too active and get tired out.
Saying prayers for easy recovery.
"Work" will be still be here whenever you come back!
Love, Anita
Lynn, I'm so sorry to hear of your health issues. I wish you a speedy recovery and you'll certainly be in my prayers.
Hi Lynn, some more best wishes for a speedy recovery from down here in South Australia.
Being a bloke (guy) it's harder to imagine the physical and mental discomfort you are going through. But I have some idea, because my wife had a similar experience, and by coincidence, a friend and neighbor of ours is recuperating right now from a similar operation.
I am an affiliate marketing newbie, having fun with it as a retirement project. Have always enjoyed your posts and hope to see you back on deck soon.
Cheers, Leon
Hey Perky, sorry to read you are on enforced rest & relaxation. Nurturing is always good. Consider this ebook, also available on Amazon as hard cover: http://www.amazon.com/Cure-Almost-Cancer-Home-5-15/dp/1615399526. Dr Scott Mumby (Dietwise.com) highly recommends it. Oxygen plays a major role. All the best, in keeping with your highest good. Cheers!
Your health comes first. Take care of yourself and get well soon. We will be here when you are feeling better. {{hugs}}
All the very best wishes Lyn, from Down Under , for a speedy and complication free recovery. People often don't appreciate the potential for side effects from anaethesia. A detox in a few months time when you are feeling better to help removed the remnants of it from your liver would also be very helpful for you:-) Thanks for the update and look forward to you being back on deck soon.
Missing your critiques...being thankful for all things good keeps the spirit high while your health gets restored.
Lynn,
I'm so glad you're on the mend and on your way back with improved health! Your health is the most important thing. I've been having some health challenges of my own and I know it is not easy to take the necessary steps to get your health back on track and manage your online business(es).
So, please get the rest you need to ensure that you will have a complete and speedy recovery. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs, hugs and more hugs, then a bag full of good wishes trailing with kisses. May your recovery be speedy, my young Gemini friend!
Thank you all SO much. You're very kind. 😀 I had my post-surgery follow-up appointment today. I am healing well and on the road to recovery, but do have a slight complication (nothing too major) that has me continuing bed rest for two more weeks. That explains the pain and exhaustion I'm still experiencing this far out, but fortunately it will resolve itself with time and rest.
I'm being a good patient and taking it easy. 😉 *cheers*
Dearest Lynn,
It's been quite some time since I've particpated in the forum. I'm so glad you sent this message so you could receive blessings from all your well-wishers and supporters: those who over the years, you have wished well and supported and taught. I had a hysterectomy some time ago, too. The recovery took longer than I expected, but all was restored. You'll mend well because you're you. Rest, rest, rest.
Blesseings,
Candace
I hope you are able to survive, even if it's hard. I also have a sister-in-law are cancer surgery. In fact, when undergoing chemotherapy, her all head hair loss due to the drug. But she is vigorously. At the same time, her husband also had brain surgery and lung. Her husband died after a month in hospital.
But my sister-in-law, is able to survive until now. Now she's back healthy and active as before the operation.
Take care & get well Lynn. Greetings from a "fan" from across in the UK! Good to see you have so many well-wishers. Sickness of any kind is a downer especially when working for yourself Relax & don't get frustrated God bless Andrew
Good to hear you're on the mend, Lynn.
Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery and good health thereafter. 🙂
Neil.
GOOD Vibes from RI continuing your way, Lynn, along with lots of prayers for a speedier recovery. You just take care of yourself first ... the rest of the stuff will come back together in time.
Rick Wilson aka CorpRebel 😎
I'll pray for a quick recovery, Lynn, thanks for the update. Marlene A Hibbard
I often pop in here, sorry about your news Lynn, from here the only way is up!
Get well soon 🙂
Lynn,
I wish you a very speedy recovery. You are an amazing woman so make sure you get as much rest and time you need.
I wish you all the best. Such a wonderful message. We all need to love and to be loved. That is the whole point to our existence here. Look for every opportunity to love because they are all around us.
Get well soon. XOXO.
Hi There you beautiful young Lady,
Lynn they all tell me i'm a Prophet, but not so by my standards but I was in my Office, doing my news letter, and a Picture of your Face came to me, and as I've seen these before, and Knew it was a call to Urgent Prayer:
I stopped what I was doing and got down on my knees to Pray, and as I was Praying I saw a big growth, and when I questioned the Lord Jesus about it He told me to Rebuke it in his Name and you would make a full Recovery.
But there was another one and it would be taken out as well, and that you require total rest, and believe me Lynn You only know part of what you went through while you were under the Antisemitic, God had his hand of Healing upon your Body, and now your life will be much more fruitful than ever before, work will be easier, and your Health will be completely restored. Thank You Jesus. Kind and warm regards to you, and remember you are now always in our Prayers. Love Garry from Tasmania/ Australia. xoxoxo
Lynn, I also wish you the best in your recovery and hope that you come out with flying colors! I love how you encourage us to be more loving and caring, I also believe it is so important in our lives to feel connected, safe and loved, and to go out and do good can only help.
Looking forward to hearing more from the old Lynn soon!
Yay! I'll be glad when you're back to yourself. I DO miss your blog. Don't rush it, though. Take the time you need to heal properly. We'll be here!
Lynn, don't you worry. We're not going anywhere! I think it's a testament to your own warm, "heart-centered";) personality that so many people notice it when you're quiet for a bit, and that so many send their prayers. I hope your recovery picks up the pace now and you start feeling more yourself soon.
-Sharyn
Hi Lynn
I just want to say just take your time and get fully recovered I have read some of your well.... friends comments and I agree with them. We all will be waiting for you when you return. I am so glad that tumour was benign and is now gone for good.
I look forward to your return to excellent health.
Richard
Wishing and sending good vibes your way, Lynn. Thanks for sharing, I only knew about the root canal and not the rest of it - so thanks for letting us know. You are missed by your online friends, and we can't wait for you to come back and be with us all.
Kindly,
Missy
Wishing you well, Ms. Terry.
"It doesn't matter how deep you fall, what matters is how high you bounce back!"
Hi Lynn..
It's been awhile since I've been to your blog.
I've had my nose to the ground working diligently, and only focusing on what directly pertains to my task at hand.
But I miss your awesome site (I always learn something valuable) and decided to sneak a peek before resuming work.
1st, great news you will recover!
But also, I just want to say, your heart shines thru.
~ darlene 🙂
Well, get well soon and enjoy the rest of your time off. And God bless! 🙂
Lynn,
Wishing you a very speedy recovery!
Can't wait to see you get back into the swing of things and putting out more great content.
Brian
Hey Lynne! Bless your heart. Wish we all lived in a big old IM community so we could rally around you. Feel better fast!
Oh my dear! So sorry you've had to go through that. Glad you are on the mend.
And now, how wonderful to not only have great friends to help you through, but passive income streams to support you as well!?
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Glad to hear you are doing better! Great advice at the end of this post.
Praying you are back to full speed soon.