Here we are then in February 22. See how much time passes?
At the end of October 21 I had an appointment with the anaesthetist to discuss impending surgery. It was anticipated it would be a few weeks after that. As part of that discussion, I thought I best mention my swollen ankle. This had seemed to develop after a day walking in London with my cousin and daughter but had not gone away. I was conscious that maybe it could be my circulation and that that could be important when preparing for surgery.
So, off I go for an ultrasound. I’m so pleased I mentioned it and didn’t just hope that it would go away. Turned out I had a blood clot! I know! Well that put a stop to any surgery for the time being. I then spent the rest of the day waiting for new meds and wondering what this all meant.
3 months later and I’m still injecting daily with blood thinners. My tummy alternates in colour on a regular basis and I learned the hard way what not taking them on time can do. I had a pre-op last week and am waiting to hear what’s next.
It’s booked! Such a mixture of emotions right now. Most people I tell say it’s good it’s booked. I suppose that’s true. My main thoughts have been practical- cancelling gigs I had booked, making sure work is sorted, family is ok. Obviously not in that order 😂 today though was more frustration. I’m not in any pain and yet this op is going to mean a hell of a lot of pain. Of course I understand the long term benefits but I can’t see that right now. This is going to completely change my life.
After a weekend spending quality time with the family and lovely friends sending me positive stories they’ve heard I feel a lot better. We’re doing things to make my bedroom a bit more cosy for when I’m laid up and just trying to get on with it. I’ve got a lot to sort at work, preparing a handover and making people aware. It’ll get done though, it always does. It’s just weird having conversations about things that might happen in a few weeks knowing that I won’t be at work.
I have thought about the opportunity that this amount of time off will present to me and I would love to think I can write about my experience and read lots in preparation for my return to work. Who better placed to be the resident menopause expert! Of course, I’ll see how it goes, I’m open minded that I’m going to feel pretty lousy at times.
I will be downloading a lot of tv and podcasts and would love any book recommendations. Nothing too heavy. I mean literally. No heavy lifting 😂
Thanks again for listening to me and for being interested in my story. I will endeavour to keep you all updated and would really love to hear positive stories, tips and recommendations.
See you in a few weeks!
Mid Forties Mum 
Dear Chrystal .
We have read your blog with interest.
What a wonderful descriptive blog you write.
We wish it all goes well for you . You are a positive young woman and we both know what that positivity is so important.
Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Love and fondness wishes
Ken and Margaret xx
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Thank you so much for your kind words. You really have looked out for us all these last couple of years, I really do appreciate it. I hope you are both doing ok, I know it’s been difficult for you too. Hopefully see you on the Island soon. Crystal x
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Dear Crystal, thank goodness you did mention your swollen ankle but at the same time I’m sure it’s been a huge shock. Of course it’s now delayed your other surgery which you were building up to. So it’s a very unfortunate double whammy for you. ☹️
I hope you don’t mind me saying that I’m writing this from my hospital bed having had major surgery on my spine this morning. (As you do on a Monday when the weather’s not good 😆) Our stories are very different of course, but the way forward is the same, surgery and recovery. I can’t begin to understand what you are going through and will be going through, everyone’s story is different. But you, like me have an amazing, loving, caring family behind you. You, like me have wonderful friends and colleagues who only want the best for you and will be with you all the way. Of course, you like me will have the most professional, skilled and caring medical team to look after you.
Of course you, like me, we’re determined, strong woman, who will get through this. Face whatever needs to be faced, have low days, despondent days, high days, days when we say ‘I’ve got this’ and days when when we ‘think’ we haven’t (but actually we have!) and days when we know we’re moving forward and getting there. 👏
Go with each day, absorb all the love that’s around you and gather strength from it.
Sending you, Chris, Betsy and all your family, lots of love and I’m thinking of you. Belinda xxxx
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Belinda, I hope you’re doing ok? How thoughtful of you to take the time to write to me whilst you’re dealing with your own op. How are you feeling? I think you should be writing too, your words are so lovely and considerate! You’re right about all the amazing support I have, I’ve had a real boost the last couple of days. I hope you continue to recover well and that we get to share our stories in the coming months xxx
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