I went into work late yesterday because Tony and I had an appointment here:
After an ultra sound and a CT scan, they have decided Tony needs one more surgery. The bottom line is his wound is just not healing as fast or as well we had hoped. So on Monday he’s going into out patient surgery to have a wound vac put in. It basically will speed up the healing process.
So why do I say there is still good news? Because Tony feels better than he has in a couple years. He’s sleeping. He has an appetitie. The prednisone he’s on makes walking so much easier. And as a glass is half full kinda gal I am, I am hanging my hat on that for now. š
I had just a quick English muffin before we went to the hospital. Tony couldn’t eat anything so I didn’t want to eat in the car. A quick 4 point breakfast.
Then I got to work and it was busy busy! I made my boss and I lunch – we split a serving of the Indian meatball soup and made us a salad with mixed greens, blueberries, apples, carrots and cucumbers with light balsamic – lunch comes in at 7 points.
Late in the afternoon I had to check back on my blog to see what was on my menu! I quickly realized that I was going to make a short rib ragu to serve over pasta or polenta, but I never made it. Most of the recipes I looked at called for braising the meat low and slow.
I thought, “what if I cooked it quick over high heat?” I just seasoned the meat with salt and pepper and added about 1 tsp. of olive oil to my cast iron skillet. While my potatoes cooked for mashed potatoes, I seared both sides of the boneless short ribs for about 3 minutes a side.
Here is a quick tip. You don’t need to have canned or packaged gravy on hand if you have beef or chicken broth.
Super Simple Gravy (2 servings, 1/2 cup per serving is 2 WW points, 74 calories, 6 fat, 3 carbs, 0 fiber and 1.8 protein)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup broth (I used beef last night)
- salt and pepper
Melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the broth and stir – cook about 5 minutes until thickened and then add salt and pepper to taste.
It actually reminds me of Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy!
The verdict? The meat was medium rare, super tender and delicious. In fact, Tony said “I’d eat this again in a heartbeat!” Dinner comes in at 13 points.
I didn’t have a chance to enjoy our almost 60 degree weather yesterday, but love that it melted all the snow. Today’s high is 44, so I’ll definitely get my lunch run/walk in.
So this next surgery is just another chapter to our life. We are a team and will get through it like we always do. If I could change places with Tony I would! I love you Tony!
I’m sorry Tony has to have another surgery. I hope it is successful and helps him get better sooner. Hugs to you both!
Bummer about another sugery but I love your attitude! Keep up the smiling face and soon this will all be behind you both. š
Good news Tony is feeling so much better! I can’t believe another surgery, but like you said – this is going to speed up the healing process – another bonus!
Geez…you dinner is perfect comfort food! I could stare at that picture all darn day!
Hopefully this is the last hurdle, and it is wonderful that he feels better.
Big hugs to you both…
Sending XOXO to you & Tony. š
Hey Biz…just checking in with you after being MIA for a while. Wow, I am so behind on everything happening with Tony. It sounds like overall things are moving in the right direction. Sending healthy, well wishes to your whole family.
I’m so happy to hear that Tony is feeling better he’s had a long struggle with health.
Hope the new surgery goes well and Tony doesn’t have to visit the hospital again for a long time.
Cheers to a half full glass! Once the wound vac has done it’s job, Tony will be in top form, yea!
I need to try that gravy, mine is almost always an epic fail! š
That’s southern gravy! It’s the only way I know to make gravy- just like my grandmother and my mother!
Poor Tony! Is this ever going to end for him? I’ll be thinking of y’all- as I always do!
I’m sorry to hear there’s another surgery for you and Tony to deal with, but I’m really glad he’s overall feeling better, that’s great news! I’m praying for a fast recovery and for strength for both of you guys!
Also – that fruit salad looks awesome, I need to incorporate more interesting fruit into my lunch…I never want to eat a whole apple because it’s kinda boring…making a fruit-filled salad sounds like a great way to go!
Oh man, sorry to hear about another surgery. But very glad it is outpatient and that Tony is feeling so well. Cheers to his health!!
Here’s to Tony’s speedy recovery! Soon, this will all be in the past. š
When I was first diagnosed with RA I had to be on Prednisone for a few months, it was like magic. Day to day I am pretty holistic but If there is a drug that works and helps me to walk I am all for it.
I am the worst gravy maker EVER! I grew up on meat and potatoes and now I never make it, my poor husband. Good thing my mom invite’s us to Sunday dinner where there’s always and abundance of meat and potatoes.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, Biz. I love the points attached to your recipes. I hope all goes well for Tony. You’re a bright light of support!
So glad to hear the good news that Tony’s on his way to recovery š Adam had a wound-vac when he had a cyst removed many years ago, and while it’s not pleasant, it certainly speeds up healing. Just make sure to wet the sponge before its removed. Trust me.
Thanks for the heads up Mara! š
If we worked together Biz, we would so have a lunch club and everyone would be jealous!
Healing vibes to Tony – you guys are due for a break!
As I said in my email, I hope you all have something WONDERFUL coming your way- its well deserved. Now, that lunch salad looks amazing. Great colors and flavors. I totally want a serving! You can make me lunch any time.
You are such a light – your positive attitude is amazing. Tony is such a trooper – I hope his next surgery is his last for awhile!
Well, if Tony has to have surgery, at least it’s to speed up his recovery from the last one! I’m glad he’s feeling human again though! That alone will help his recovery! š