As you may know from an earlier blog post, I have had a major health issue.  I thought I should share some updates about what is going on, and what things are planned as I continue working on my health.

I had surgery in September to try reversing the colostomy.  Unfortunately, that did not happen.  The biggest reason is I still have inflammation in parts of my abdomen.  The plan to move forward is that I will give my body another 6 months to continue healing from my ruptured sigmoid colon and we will try another surgery to reverse the colostomy.  I will most likely need 4 to 6 weeks to recover.  Right now, we are planning the surgery for May. 

I learned a few days after my September surgery that I have severe arthritis in my left knee and will need to have my knee replaced at some point in the future. Due to the risks of infection settling into a replacement joint, a knee replacement won't be an option before colostomy reversal surgery and recovery in May.  It might be pushed down the road awhile if cortisol injections in the knee let me move normally, but at some point I will be getting a new left knee. 

I am prioritizing my health. I'm focusing on eating protein, fruits and veggies while reducing sugar and avoiding processed foods. I am trying to get 7 or more hours of good sleep every night (unless I'm needed at a birth). I'm doing exercises to strengthen my hips, core and legs, and I'm lifting weights to build more muscle. I'm going for walks and using an elliptical for a good cardio workout. I'm doing what I can to be strong and healthy before the next surgery to try to reverse the colostomy.

There will be a period of time when I will not be attending births next year. I will not be taking clients whose estimated due date window falls within my surgery date, or my anticipated recovery time.  I'm working to be stronger and healthier, and to be able to better serve my clients as a result of focusing on my health.