I've been home for nine days now, and my recovery has settled into a 'comfortable' rhythm (which I'm sure is subject to change). Time for a comprehensive update!
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| care packages from my SIL and sister before surgery |
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| taken on the way out the door for surgery; petals are falling now |
My time in hospital was trying. In my determination to do all that was needed* before being laid up, I didn't drink enough water the day before surgery, and the morning of I was restricted to 16 oz. of Gatorade.😝 Being dehydrated made it very difficult (for the nurses) and painful (for me) to get an IV started. When I got out of surgery I was so cold (my temp was 96°), and so thirsty. Apparently I overcompensated; my sodium level dropped to well below normal resulting in frequent blood draws to monitor it. On top of that, the day after surgery I could keep nothing down, and was also anemic. All that left my discharge on Friday in doubt, but in the end I was given an iron transfusion and released that evening. Ah, home sweet home!
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| my cousin brought this sweet bouquet to me in hospital |
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| fiery lilies from our church family |
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| sunrise from my bed |
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| volunteer #1 |
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| volunteer #2 |
Since then I've been well cared for by my husband, son, and two friends (when the guys are at work). Starting tomorrow I won't have 24/7 help and I'm ready for that. I've been managing my medications from the git-go with the help of a schedule I printed out and alarms on my iPhone; I've been going to the restroom unassisted for a week now; need no assistance for the various exercises prescribed (five sessions on the PortableConnect and three sets of PT exercises per day); and feel ready to tackle a solo shower. We're still being provided with delicious food by our church family, too; what a blessing.
On the list of what I can't do yet:
• Wipe the dogs' feet if needed after they've gone outside
• Laundry (the washing machine is downstairs)
• Barn chores
• Drive
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| using the Romtech Portable Connect |
My first PT appointment wasn't until last Thursday evening, a week and a day after surgery. Not ideal, but I started using the in-home therapy device my surgeon prescribed the day I got home as well as hobbling about the house with my walker. The PT was pleased with my range of motion, but of course proceeded to 'torture' me with exercises, some of which are quite uncomfortable. Still, I didn't experience the predicted increase in pain and swelling the first week post-surgery and feel like I am making good progress.
*On the list of needful things done before surgery:
• Prepare some food in advance
• Clean house
• Wash sheets and towels
• Gather some boredom busters to have at hand
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| so far, I've only spun more of the black roving |
• Set up a lambing 'jug' and companion quarters
Haunted by the memory of the disastrous start of lambing three years ago while I was away in TX, the last item on that list was a top priority. I took photos for Rick and Brian of the pregnant yearling and the two sheep who would make the best companions, divided the middle barn stall into side-by-side quarters, and added straw, hay, and water buckets.
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| yes, those are tool boxes sharing the stall; I told you stuff is everywhere! |
Looking out our windows at the views and ewes has been one of the nicest things about being home. While doing that Tuesday, I noticed Bernice exhibiting some symptoms of being in very early labor. Instantly overwhelmed by my helplessness and knowing my 'Tuesday friend' wouldn't be able to manage the situation, I called the friend who helped me shear. She had her hands full dealing with an unexpected lamb herself, so I called Rick. Thankfully he and his field assistant were available and drove out. A bit of a sheep rodeo ensued, but eventually the three were moved into the barn and the rest turned back out on pasture. Of course nothing has happened since, but better too early than too late, right?
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| the expectant one |
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| lady in waiting #1 |
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| lady in waiting #2 |
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| pregnant Bernice in front |
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| Chuckie lolling on the deck |
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| Rick tilling up the middle pasture before reseeding it |
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| another 'nicest thing' – having my pupper close again |
12 comments:
What a wonderful update. I'm so sorry there were struggles in the beginning, but it's lovely to see how you're doing now.
Thank you, Leigh. I don't have any regrets so far!
Good to hear you (and all your creatures) are doing fine. I have been thinking about you a lot lately, as I hobble around on this knee that was scoped in February. I am scheduled to see Ortho this Monday for options - and hoping for an injection at a minimum. If a knee replacement is in my future - it will have to wait until I know what is happening with my husband - which may not be known till the summer. But hearing your good news was welcomed.
I'm sure your ortho will tell you, Elaine, that getting an injection will put off the possibility of a knee replacement for awhile. Since there were no guarantees if or how long injections would help my knees, and our insurance and national situation dictated doing my knee replacements this year, I didn't really consider shots. I tried to brace myself for the worst, but it hasn't been as bad as expected.
It sounds as though your healing is coming along really well. I'd never heard of a Portable Connect before; I don't think they were available after I had my knee surgeries. I remember the satisfaction of being able to take solo showers! What a blessing to have friends helping you out, and that your church friends provided meals for you. That's what it's all about, isn't it? Jesus with skin on. Blessings to them!
Thanks for the update. Sounds challenging but you are rocking it. Keep it up!
Yay!!! So glad to see this update today. Did they not give you a scopolamine patch for nausea after surgery? I always have to have one. One the whole, though, it certainly sounds like you are handling everything well, and your knees look normal size through your pants! Yay!!! It also sounds like you have great help - I'm so glad :-) :-) Holding you now in the light of healing and perfect health, with a shot of strength for PT (I know it's the No-Fun Plan at the moment) You're going to be back up and running before you know it.
The PortableConnect was recommended and prescribed by my surgeon, Mokihana. I don't know yet if its rental will be covered by our insurance, but I decided to get it regardless. I think it has been beneficial.
I'm trying, Donna! My Rx of Oxy ended yesterday so my discomfort has ratcheted up, but hopefully not so much as to set me back.
No, they didn't give me a scapolamine patch until Thursday evening; I think that's what helped end my nausea. Then Rick was late in picking up more patches from the pharmacy, so I had one nauseous day at home, but not to the point of throwing up. As for the size of my knees, black really is slimming. 😉 My knees are still big blobs.
I’m so glad you are home and mending! Being home with family and all the animals mean a lot. Please take care of yourself first and I know that’s hard to do but in the long run it is the most important.
So glad you're coming along well. Keep up the exercises and before you know it, you'll be doing all sorts of things and NO pain.
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