Sunday, August 12th
I boarded a plane with Brett for the next step of my journey. We were headed to Los Angeles for Surgery #3. We arrived at LAX early morning and checked in to our hotel in Santa Monica. We put our suits on and headed to beautiful Santa Monica Beach and Pier. The abundant sunshine and beauty helped keep my anxiety down. The evening was spent at 3rd Street Promenade, an outdoor plaza and public entertainment venue in the downtown area of Santa Monica. The Promenade is considered a premier shopping and dining district on the Westside.
Monday, August 13
A relaxing morning was spent at Santa Monica Beach to rent bikes and ride the South Bay path along the ocean. Stops were made at Venice and Muscle Beach to watch the LA Fire Department workout. I could handle running or biking this path daily.
That afternoon was my pre-op appointment to meet my doctor: Reproductive Endocrinologist, Dr. Charles March. His office is located in the Brentwood neighborhood and reminded me of a modern relaxing spa rather than a clinic. He was exactly the person that women from the International Asherman's Association had told me about. He was very personable, humorous, caring and honest. He treated me like I was his only patient, making sure everything would go just perfect with my surgery. I felt very comforted after meeting him.
After the appointment we went to Beverly Hills. While walking down Rodeo Drive we saw a Bugatti car parked along the street. There was a crowd of people around taking pictures. I later learned the car was worth $2.5 million. I wonder what it would be like to have that kind of wealth. A stop was made at the famous and original Sprinkles Cupcakes and the wait in line was definitely worth it. The red velvet cupcake was my favorite. Then it was time to eat my last meal before fasting for surgery. I had to be sure it was high protein and fiber to better regulate my blood sugar. We chose Izzy's Deli in Santa Monica. A good choice it was. My anesthesiologist, Dr. Bornstein called me before bed to determine the plan of action for my diabetes control during surgery. He was also very caring and listened to my concerns and wanted to avoid the complications I faced in the past. It was decided my insulin pump would be left on during surgery.
Tuesday, August 14
Today is the day for Surgery #3. It was going to be my 3rd surgery within 7.5 months. Report time was 6am. I felt pretty calm knowing I'd be able to leave my insulin pump on during surgery to avoid the risk of developing ketones and DKA. Dr. March and Dr. Bornstein both assured me things would be just fine. A hysteroscopy(not to be mistaken for hysterectomy) and laparoscopy were performed simultaneously. This is done by placing scopes up into my uterus and through the abdominal wall to cut through the adhesions. Once inside it was determined my case was severe. Dr. March said I was a complete mess and called my case grim. He wasn't sure what he was going to be able to accomplish. The surgery lasted just over 1.5 hours. Dr. March was very happy with how things went. I have a triangular Cooks balloon stent placed in my uterus for 3 weeks to hold things open while I'm on a high hormone regimen to try to rebuild my lining. My blood sugar remained stable during surgery and no signs of ketones or DKA. I give so much thanks to the doctors for consulting with my endocrinologist back home and letting me keep my pump on during surgery. This made a world of difference and I couldn't believe how great I felt after surgery. One of the nurses told Brett he has a very strong and brave wife and that I have a high pain tolerance. Another came by to tell him he should be proud and that I am stoic. I was released and went back to my hotel to rest. I knew going into this surgery the severity of my case and the small chance of success but knew I am a fighter and had to give it my all. I will continue to pray for healthy healing and that the cavity will remain free of adhesions.
Wednesday, August 15
Today was a bit of a setback but nothing terrible. I didn't have much energy and had a severe, pounding headache that made me nauseous. I had to lay in bed all day with it dark and quiet. I also had shoulder tip pain from the carbon dioxide gas that was used. I got out of bed late afternoon and we took a drive up the Pacific Highway through Malibu to Camarillo and then back to the hotel to sleep.
Thursday August 16
I slept in and then laid by the hotel pool with my heat pack for my shoulder tip pain for about an hour before getting ready to head to Burbank to NBC Studio 11 for a taping of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. When I found out the date of my surgery I wrote to The Tonight Show and shared my story of traveling from MN to LA for my 3rd surgery and my love for the show and how being able to attend a taping would help lift my spirits during recovery. We waited 2 hours to get into the show. There was bench seating and mists of water to keep us cool and water and lemonade. I was ecstatic when they placed us directly in front of the guests in the 2nd row. The guests were Kristen Bell and Ryan Lochte and we even made it on TV. My pounding headache returned during the show but I sucked it up and talked myself through the pain and nausea. It was still a great experience that I will never forget.
Jay honking and waving as he left the studio
After the show we drove to Beverly Hills for dinner at The Stinking Rose. I am a huge fan of garlic and luckily Brett is too. The Stinking Rose in Beverly Hills has become a star on the famed Restaurant Row for celebrating the culinary euphoria of garlic. There motto is: "We Season Our Garlic With Food!"
On the way to Beverly Hills we came across a picturesque landmark. The Cross at Cahuenga. It is a cross on a hill in Hollywood running between LA and the San Fernando Valley. Its beauty is profound and deeply spiritual. It reminded me of God's powerful presence in my journey. It is a testament to God's love shining down upon Hollywood protecting and guiding it. Truly...God shines brighter than all the stars in Hollywood.
I was sad it was the day to be leaving but happy to get home and see my loving, furry companion. I was able to enjoy my time in Los Angeles and could handle living in California. We paid our last visit to the beach. I was feeling great and the flight went very well. I had the best surgery experience yet and couldn't have asked for better care. I will continue to keep my hope and faith alive for healthy healing.
Saying goodbye to Santa Monica Beach
