Waddling

First visit to PT post surgery in which I am told to stop waddling like a duck & think beauty pageant walk (whatever that is) & advised to watch Miss Congeniality 

More of the Truth

The problem with blogs is that various people read them so one has to be a little careful. In this case, now that I am well on the way back to normalcy (in all it's glorious forms), details can be shared, details that were held back so as to minimize anxiety production (for 91 year old mom - who reads this & who was supposed to have this injury, not me). I now have a new ball on the top of my femur - yes, the dreaded 1/2 hip replacement. My recovery is most miraculous for which I am eternally grateful. I expect to be driving & walking the riverfront (with my cane until I gain confidence) very soon. 

And, since my creativity & wit appear to have suffered, and this has degenerated into boring, boring, boring, I'll take some time to process.........

Thank you again for all your support - I'll be seeing you......

On Being the Youngest

I have another sibling. The three eldest, turning out differently than expected, after a gap, you came along, with a challenging role to play - living with an ill father and grandmother while we were out doing “life.” And now you are stuck with all of us aging, and you get to be our executor (shh –  haven’t told her yet!).

You instinctively know what people need – from toys I would not buy my kids, to what I need to speed my recovery – in this case, Sherry’s Berries. Everybody should have a youngest sister!

1 Week + 1 Day ....

..... and my progress is remarkable after surgery. 

- the kitties made the 8 hour trip to their pet friendly home (thank you my irreplaceable friend)
- the pain med thing worked out - took a while for somebody who doesn't even have tylenol in the house. (1/2 a huge tylenol every 4 hours & lots of icing)
- the Bose headphones (given to me by my most gracious friend) have been the perfect companion throughout - distracting me, enhancing my music collection.
- found a semi-comfortable way to sleep & actually slept 8 hours - with only one break in the middle. 
- And my tub chair comes today so I can get cleaned up!!
- (More of you to thank & more reflections coming up)

But, on this, the day of rest, & for those of you with pain - physical or emotional, I share the following, which is a great comfort to me. 

# 5

Good News!
- PT cleared me to do my own exercises & climb stairs. She says even if I had insurance, I would be on my own. I can use a cane as soon as I am confident of my balance.
- So I can get back to my own apartment (we are a family who like our own spaces!)

 Some more tidbits
- Lazy lungs have to be exercised after surgery. Apparently with oxygen they don't have to work & have to be coaxed back
- Thanks to my brother for nightly ice cream
- Thanks to his most gracious wife - may she be greatly blessed
- Thanks to my older sister for leading the way - with childbirth & raising & leg breaking & all your pointers. It looks like I got off lighter than you.

Will take a little breather now.
Thanks to all of you for your support & prayers - without, I am sure my recovery would have taken much longer.

# 4

(Having problems with changing font on iPad)

- Today's big discovery  -  you can get Vicks already fused into tissue. Vicks was my father's rememdy for everything, I am finding it useful to clear nasal passages & it brings back sweet memories. 

- Visit from visiting nurse - "do not discount the value of ice in reducing pain - especially 20 minutes before and after exercise." "Good Rx" app - find coupons & cheaper meds. "Don't over do it" - that came a little too late. So I am going to sleep most of the afternoon. 

- Can't stand pain meds - trying big Tylenol - will see how it goes

- Have accepted I will have to be at Lake House until Dr visit next Friday. 

- Completed 2 out of 3 sessions of exercises - only made 1 yesterday (don't tell) 

- My personal "Gal Friday" going to get some stuff I need - especially info for that safe driving class I need to do to get rid of the points from my speeding ticket - which started this whole blog - proving life really does go in circles.

- Enjoy your circle!! 

Looking Ahead: PT visit tomorrow. 

# 3

Meds kicking in and out - some highlites

- long day yesterday - got to the Lake House & meds & slept in lounger, but not enough strength to kick down foot rest so slept on couch. 

- The "number two" the medical profession is so concerned with is functioning (I think Freud would have something to say about their fixation)

- My wonderful brother is going to do the stomach shots (a little more painful than the photo type, but my preference). Visiting nurse to come this afternoon to show how

- His wonderful wife making me comfortable and organized (important to both of us)

- The wonderful property manager is going to manage my kitties until my wonderful friend from previous city can come to get them)

- There is a possibility of an apartment with just a few steps - but dr & brother want me to stay here (decision does not have to be made today)

- I'm using the breathing thing to improve shallow breathing

- Started exercises - will probably only get in 2 sets today - tomorrow up to 3 times daily.

- Walked around a few times, but get tired and have to rest.

- Have to increase water intake & you know what that means.

- Brother got some salty snacks to help my blood pressure rise & some frozen desserts

- Only one of my tennis shoes showed up & they are fairly new & expensive - so my wonderful friends will do some searching. 

Looking Forward - will have to get some regular clothes - but quite frankly, these hospital gifts are quite comfortable. I'll get a picture - after I am out of them.

Those of you that know me, know how independent I am & how extra difficult this is for me. Thanks to all of you for your well wishes & prayers & help. 

#2

Change - they decided I have done so well (& there are no openings on the rehab floor). So I am being discharged today. Flurry of various professionals with all this info I will never remember. Thankfully no exams &  they have nice reminder sheets. And lots of great going away presents - it's like Christmas (walker, commode, grabber, sponge on stick to shower, various and assundry dressing assists, special pillow to keep my legs straight, etc.)  - then they said I had to give myself daily injections of blood thinners - that was my limit. But my special brother & sister know nurses & they will graciously let me stay in their house with only 1 or 2 steps in (I live 1.5 stories up with no elevator). 

And the best going away present - clothes (since mine were cut off). I have 2 hospital gowns in green & bright yellow, a pair of surgical pants in blue & tan tiger socks!  

DETOUR

This page will turn into my progress report until I am back walking with just my own two feet!

Brief recap: While out walking Friday, "I fell and couldn't get up." After a trip to the emergency room, it became apparent I needed surgery on my broken leg. Saturday surgery. Sunday & Monday recovering & gaining strength. I am able to get to the bathroom - more humanizing  than the "portable toilet" by my bed (they take those catheters out quickly) & I made it down the hallway & back (with a walker), albeit only past 3 rooms - but I'll take it.

Which brings us to today, Tuesday. Today I am to be released to the rehab floor. Quick progress they say. And the very best news - I had that all important bowel function they all seem fascinated with. 

Some fun issues: apparently pain meds make my blood pressure drop (first in my family to have low BP :), but it looks like they have found a Rx that is keeping me in the OK range. Drugs are amazing - when used for correct purposes.

Family members have brought me essentials & other pleasant things & I guess they will have to bring me more because my favorite shorts got cut off :). 

Thanks for all your prayers and support - stay tuned. 

A New Leaf

I love flipping the monthly calendar (yearly I pick out a special one with beautiful art work) – it’s like wiping life’s slate clean. Hope rises eternal right on schedule. And, A New Leaf is one of my favorite movies – enjoy both!