Thank you everyone for the kind vibes
I had a big multiquote going commenting on old posts in this thread, but it's too complex to do on a phone and I'll wait until I have access to a computer again before tackling that. The change in culture and in personal thought over the last 6 years is pretty interesting.
Quick comment on recovery: this really does suck. I'll spare everyone the details, but I feel so gross -- I have wound dressings that aren't removed until Sunday, and so I can't shower until then either. I'm covered in one continuous bruised patch from my hips to half way down my thighs. The initial pain medication they favour (tramadol) leaves me incredibly nauseous and throwing up in pain is NOT fun. Thankfully they've charted it as counter-indicated and I won't get it again (bonus: that also means exclusively good stuff).
I have a private room in a renovated Victorian home that's attached to the private hospital where my surgery was preformed. It over looks a park along the Praries River (a channel that divides Montreal Island from Laval.
My mom has also travelled here from Alabama and is staying for about a month. She can't visit right now due to Omicron, but that could change and at worst, I'm discharged Wednesday and l'll be able to see her then. She brought me brown sugar cinnamon poptarts as a treat, something not sold in Canada. She's amazing and I love her!