Health Update From Renee... Is Your Baseline Healthy?
Hey there friends. Wanted to share a little something with you all. I wrote this email (see below) just a few short hours after emergency surgery where I had my gallbladder removed. This word is from the heart and still burning inside of me even as I’m now home (praise the Lord!)
“I'm writing this email from my hospital room tonight after an unexpected gallbladder attack and surgery! Many of you may have been following my story on social media but I thought I'd reach out to you this evening. I know many of you have signed up for my recipes, workouts and tips and may already be part of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss community as a coach or client; but this info will encourage you too.
On Wednesday evening, I began to experience a dull pain in my upper stomach region that only became worse throughout the night. Warm baths, the heating pad, or sitting in the recliner did not offer any relief. I was up all night long in terrible pain.
Thursday morning I drove myself to the ER to get checked. Long story short, a sonogram revealed an enlarged gallbladder and gall stone stuck in my bile duct. After being in the ER all day and enduring 12 hours of pain, immediate surgery for Friday morning was scheduled to remove my gallbladder. Y'all, it was 12 hours before they could get my pain under control... They were amazed at how strong I was to endure that!
From the moment I entered the hospital I was met by doctors and nurses who were astounded at how fit and energized I was! They could NOT believe I was 54 years old and all remarked at how healthy I was. One nurse even remarked how good my lungs sounded- ha ha! One of the things they were amazed at was my strength and how I was able to transfer myself from the bed to the stretcher and onto the OR table without assistance.
This morning I needed another procedure to remove the gallstone and I had to position my body in the endoscopy room treatment table- the nurse and doctor sat there amazed as they watched me do it in my own strength... they NEVER see that. The picture you see was taken two hours post op from having my gallbladder removed; I felt wonderful when this picture was taken.
As I've continued to recover on a post surgical unit, I am the ONLY patient who is up, walking around pushing my IV pole and moving. I say all this NOT to pat myself on the back or brag, but to share the IMPORTANCE of having a healthy baseline.
I work with so many women in my age group who are always so focused on a number on a scale... can you see by what I've shared that what has helped me to endure an emergent surgery and then recover strong is my healthy baseline. THIS is what has lit a fire in me! I want to shout it from the roof tops! Being functionally fit is what it's all about. I love lifting heavy weights, working out and seeing my gains in the gym, but I can tell you I felt really FIERCE when I was able to transfer myself after having abdominal surgery and get dressed on my own.
We never plan for sickness to come, but it's a blessing to know that we have a healthy baseline to work from. The other thing that has become real evident in going through this was the importance of having my spiritual health strong. Due to Covid-19 restrictions I was unable to have my husband or any family with me the entire time- NO VISITS at all. I am so thankful for the presence of God, his love and peace that was so evident and strong. When I waited for results or to go into the OR, I had to stand strong in my faith and trust in God. This sums up who I am and what I always tell anyone- Strong in body and strong in spirit! You need both!
THANK YOU, for taking the time to read my story, I am so ready to be discharged and go home and I pray that happens tomorrow. Please read the blog and reach out with any questions. To my fellow coaches receiving this email, I'm cheering YOU on to continue to help spread the word about the FASTer Way so that we can help more people create that healthy sustainable lifestyle. “
I love you & I'm always cheering YOU on!
Renee