But, last Monday afternoon I sure felt like it. The surgery on Monday morning went well. Three hernias... one under the belly button which was very small and not a problem so not bothered with. One low left... small and repaired. One on the right. I knew it was large. My wife said that the surgeon showed her a picture... said she could have put her hand through the hole. Was not able to stand up long enough last Sunday to preach two morning services. Had to sit most of the week and do nothing. Did slip off to the range for a bit. Shot a 15-22 and a 1911 Marvel .22 conversion. Really tired when got home.

On Monday morning we got to the hospital by 5:30 a.m. My district superintendent was in the waiting room when we walked in the door. He and my wife accompanied me to the little room with the bed, etc. where I waited. We had prayer and he left for a district set-up meeting, first one I've ever missed. In a few minutes, I was dressed in a designer hospital gown. The set up a IV and maybe a few minutes later I was rolling down the hallway. They put something in the IV and I went bye bye. About 10 a.m. they had me back in the little room. It took quite a while for me to come around from the anesthesia. About 4 p.m. I could finally use the toilet, so they let me go home. That night was lots of fun... pain. Got burned in 1998... this was a different kind of pain.

Next day I was alone as my wife had to go to work. Getting out of the bed took quite a while. Next two days spent on couch and walking around house. Yesterday slipped out and drove car to bank to deposit paycheck. Got home... enough of that. Finally able to eat solid food on Thursday night... stewed potatoes w/ bacon and cornbread. It was wonderful. Had only had ice cream and sherbert since Monday b/c throat was sore. Bruises starting to fade. Look like someone held me down on the floor and stomped me from about the middle of my stomach on down. Real colorful. You will hopefully understand that there are no pictures.

This morning... just finished a nice big mug of semi-hot mostly warm coffee. Starting to feel like a human being again. Was so swollen up Tuesday morning the only pants I could get on were a pair of BDU's ... size Ex. Lg. ... about 42 waist. Normally I wear size 38 pants. This morning... can get a pair of 38 Carhartt's on... but still to tight to sit in comfortably... so back with the BDU's. Weak as dish water. In a few minutes... will make another mug of coffee. Then I will start composing and typing and printing bulletins for the four churches for Sunday morning. Got one finished last night. Two are not so difficult. One is fairly complicated. Must finish and have ready to go not later than 11.40 a.m. to get into town (1.5 miles) so various folks can carry them to the churches for me. Otherwise... got a 32 mile trip to make. One man is coming by this afternoon for one set of bulletins so that will save me an additional 25 miles of driving. Sorry for the poor quality of writing. Just real tired. I can tell you now, this surgery stuff is a real experience, one dance that I will in the future do my best to avoid.

Looking at my stomach it is hard to believe the difference. I have always tried to keep myself in decent shape. Never was a great athlete, but was not a couch potato. About January, knew I'd hurt myself... thought maybe pulled/torn a muscle. Figured it'd get better. By March... had gotten to the point I was no longer able to run, etc. Got hard to carry my M-1 rifle when walking, etc. Never imagined what was actually wrong. During Annual Conference on Sunday night a few weeks ago... hurt so bad thought they were going to have to take me to the hospital. It really hurt, bulged. Pushed it back and made it through to Wednesday. Went to local doctor on Thursday and he found the hernias. Told me not to cough/sneeze... if had to then be very careful or would be going to emergency room. Really got my attention. Between January... June... I got all swelled up. Figured it was just b/c I could no longer go running, etc. Now... my stomach is as flat as a board. Weird. Never imagined hernias could mess you up so much.

Must be quiet for the next few weeks as per doctor orders. So, intend to do exactly as I'm told. Absolutely don't want a repeat of this mess. Only thing really concerned about right now... cost. Surgery on eyes earlier this year... paid all my deductibles (which have gone way up... from $500 to $2000 yr.). Hopefully this time the insurance will actually pay something. Trying to get set for the bills. Just no idea what they will be. Thanks for letting me ramble. Wonderful to have a place to go... get stuff of chest... stomach! Sincerely. brucev.

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This brings back painful memories from 20 years ago. Take it really easy for a couple of weeks then your abs will continue to do your thinking for you. Prayers for comfort and quick healing.

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Bill
Dis B. Leaf

Glad you are recovering. I had a double repaired last year and can identify with what you are going through. Know this: every day you will get better and better. It sounds trite, but don't sweat the small stuff. Money is small stuff compared to your health. It will work itself out. Peace to you and prayers for a swift recovery.

Out
West

Wow!!!

Prayers up for a speedy and complete recovery.

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Dum vivo cano

Sorry to hear of your experience but glad you're on the recovery road.
Take it slow and easy for a while!
Prayers for a speedy recovery.

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“Look life in its iron face”

Weren't nothing to worry about! You had God as the Head Physician.

Glad you're feeling "better".

Prayer sent for speedy recovery.

It is now 11:57 a.m. All four bulletins are done. The resident medical expert, AKA my wife the "Big Shot" nurse, has just feed me some stewed potatoes w/ a bit of bacon drippings and some sweet tea. Wonderful.

Went to sit down on the couch and fell. Don't know what happened. Felt legs go... managed to hit on my behind. Nothing hurt. She insist that I lie down now. Harry Potter is on the T.V. A six inch 19-4 is on the foffee table... unloaded of course! It's a shooter. Got it at the LGS late last year for $282 OTD. Figured good deal... Some blue wear, ugly Pachmayar gripper grips that someone ground on w/ some sort of tool. Found a set of old not so pretty S&W TG's to put on it. TT/TH... and a T stop. Cool. Never had one before.

Lying here on the couch... thinking. Just wonder... maybe find a 2 1/2 inch blued 19 barrel. Maybe... rebarrel? Just thinking. Nothing else to do. Already got a nice 15-3... 66-2. Be nice to have a little snub-nosed .357 Magnum. Given that I can barely handle a four inch... imagine a snub would be lots of fun. No telling. Guess I'll call it quits for a while. I am tired. Sincerely. brucev.

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I feel for ya - I went through a double hernia op in 1981 - it was no picnic. They used the fiberglass mesh to keep things stable, and I've had no problems since. Someday it will all just be a fuzzy memory.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I've had one and hope never again...call me a wuss but that stuff is bad news before and after. Glad you're feelin better and on the road to normal.

this all sounds just wonderful. I have one just above the bellybutton that is going to have to be worked on. sounds like it will be a great couple of weeks. hope you get better soon. when you get your 2 1/2 in gun, try some 296 powder with 125gr bullets. it's a real light show.

Pastor Bruce, I'm glad you're on the mend. Take it slow, sir, and do what The Boss tells you. Our Heavenly Boss will be looking out for you, too. Now that you've had your 50,000 mile checkup, you should be good for the same from here!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Hang in there, Rev. And try not to fall again.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Hope you feel better...

Good Luck!

Well here I sit all shaved and clean. My wife is at church and I have spent some time reading, praying, etc. But, it sure ain't anything at all like being in worship with the people of the churches I serve. Still, right now it is about the best I can do. I think my wife is right, the last couple of days I over did things. Last night I paid for it. This morning... weak. Weird. Had some problems w/ the plumbing after I got home... took till Thursday a.m. before all working properly. By yesterday much better. Today, all working normally. Very thankful for that.

My wife saw to it that this morning I had two big mugs of excellent coffee... and some home made pound cake for breakfast. When she gets home from church, she's already told me we'll be having left-overs... either grilled pork or fried chicken or roast, whatever I feel like eating. There'll be plenty of iced-tea. And then this afternoon I guess I'll just have to be quiet and sit still. Normally by 3 p.m., I'd be leading another worship service. Right now... just can't seem to spring back to normal. My wife says this is normal for any surgery. I guess she's right. Will check back later. Hopefully some good threads to read and pictures. Sincerely. brucev.

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You are going to sit down tenderly for about a couple of weeks. That's normal. Just relax and let nature and the guy upstairs take care of the healing. Enjoy your "mini-vacation" in the meanwhile - use the time to think up new sermons on how adversity strengthens you. Without pain, you would not be able to appreciate comfort.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

good luck on the healing up. I have had enough surgery to know how you always feel afterward.

when i had mine my biggest mistake was sleeping lying down i had a heck of a time trying to get up to use the restroom had to roll outa bed. I found sleeping in a recliner was much easier . Dont lift anything heavy