Well I wish I could make my recent surgery into a bigger deal than it actually was.
But I can't.
Last Thursday, I had umbilical hernia repair surgery. Which basically means that my "innie" had turned into an "outie" and it needed to be fixed. Nothing macho here. (It is a hernia that typically pregnant women and infants get!)
It looks as though the surgeon made a small incision under my belly-button (it's still covered up with a bandage), then he pushed back in what was sticking out, sewed in some mesh and finally stitched me back up. It took less than 30 minutes. I was home less than an 90 minutes after the surgery started.
I was told to do nothing for five days (which I've done) and I go back and see the Dr. tomorrow for my "follow-up" appointment.
I've had this condition for several months, but learned in August from a good friend in the medical profession that it could turn ugly fast. (Mention of softball size protrusions coming out of my belly-button got my immediate attention.) So I scheduled the procedure and now it's done. Hopefully it was stay done.
This tiny surgery has made me have great sympathy for people who have real surgery (which I have been spared up to this point in my life). I will be a much more attentive and compassionate when I talk with people who undergo surgery of any kind.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers, your encouragement and your surgery stories. They helped (and scared) me into getting better.