Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Post Op Chronicals: Part II


Well my guardian angel has flown away, back to Cape Cod where three anxious dogs and a lonely husband await
I have had ten days of loving attention, as had the house and the cats.

Every piece of clothing is clean and perfectly folded; I fold laundry as if I always have a shoulder injury.

The pantry is stocked, fresh sheets on the bed and the fridge has roasted vegetables ready for consumption. There are cans of cat food at the ready, the plants watered and I have stacks of book everywhere, some from local friends some from blogger friends.

By Thursday I was able to join Susan for haircuts and errands.

Friday I saw the doctor, had the stitches removed, was told whatever you two girls are doing keep it up because it's looking good. Girls?

Then we girls did a little shopping and a two hour lunch with a friend. A 1/4 of a percocet can take you a long way baby.

I can now keep the shoulder brace off during the day and only have to wear it to sleep. For 6 more weeks.Sitting upright in bed. This is not as comfortable as one might imagine:-) I hate sleep time.

The exercises I have been given to do at home are where I hit the wall.

I'm not sure I understand the instructions and trying to raise my arms over my head while holding a cane in both hands as I lie on the floor is not only painful but seemingly impossible.

But I start physical therapy on Monday and this is when impossible becomes reality.

The last ten days have flown by in a dream of pain, friendship and minor victories.

Susan, I literally couldn't have done it without you.

And I'm damned glad I didn't have to try.

Merci. Gracias. Danke from myself and the kittens. They're sulking in Elle's room waiting for you to return.


Bye Susan, hope we weren't too scary.















20 comments:

  1. What a friend! Thank you for taking such good care of our girl, Susan!

    Sleeping sitting up sounds rough. Do you have a comfortable reading chair and an ottoman? That might be easier (says the "girl" who regularly falls asleep in her reading chair).

    xo

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    1. Well girl I do have one of those "husband pillows" as my doctor prob calls them, so i stack a couple of more pillows in front of that and snuggle down to an hour and so of agony and then sleep. Can take a damn good open mouth nap on it tho..go figure.

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    1. Do you think it's too early for me to vacuum? Have people coming for Oscars....might try. Hope not to tear tendon. Damn Irish upbringing!

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  3. Looking forward to hearing your reports on PT. I find it a mixed bag, but that may just be my ornery side showing.

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    1. I've been going since last June and adored it. But then I wasn't really in pain then was I...report forthcoming. if I can type past the tears.

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  4. Yes, that PT wall is a bugger! "just leave me alone - I'm already suffering just fine with the surgical pain"! but you will triumph, Janey - tears really ARE an option and keep your eye on the horizon: by Mother's Day you'll be slinging stems like a twenty year old!

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    1. I hear we have snow and ice on the way. Almost hoping it happens so I can postpone my first PT appointment. me, who love a gym. Who'd a thunk it!

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  5. I just heard a bell, Susan got her halo. I feel for you, sounds as if you're progressing well though. Those kitties are just too cute.

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    1. We must all remember, Susan is originally from New Jersey. She said if one more of our friends thanked her for being here she was going to slug them. I think her halo is a little bit crooked:-)

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  6. What a slog, sounds like you have had some fabulous kindness from humans and kitties though! Hope the next few weeks get easier. I have read a couple of great books recently, if you have got thru your stack, shoot me your email and I will send some replacements! xxx

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    1. I would love some book suggestions. flwjane@verizon.net. fire away!

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  7. It seems a little odd to have to wear a sling but have to put your hands over your head. There's nothing worse than not being able to get into a comfortable position to sleep. Everything seems better with a good night's sleep.

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    1. Thank god for naps, that's when the cats and I get our best rest. Yes the sling, with a block under it that encircles my rib cage and a harness over my shoulder for the ice machine is an encumbrance at best. I often take my nap while "forgetting' to wear my sling. heaven.

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  8. I loved PT, once i learned to give up control and let the PT move my arm without fighting him. And, the heatand cold really helped. Hope it goes well for you. The upright sleep was my Waterloo! Hope things continue to go well. xoxo

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    1. Webb, that was exactly how I felt about PT, many years ago. When we were done, I was a bit bereft, actually. Have to go with their guided flow, even when it feels wrong to us. Good luck with the latest forecast, you two.
      Diane
      in Denver

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  9. You're doing so well! But sleeping sitting upright is terribly difficult, especially if pain wakes you when you've just turned ourself over in your sleep trying to get comfy... Keep up the good work though! And what great friends you have....

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  10. 1. It's ALWAYS too early to vacuum.
    2. Those cats are cute even when they are sulking.
    3. So glad that Susan came and performed the little angel role to perfection - she can try to slug me if she wants, but she'll have to catch me first!
    4. Sleep. Oh, I do sympathise. Perhaps try to concentrate on just resting rather than sleeping, with soothing music that you love. A time to contemplate or plan.
    A load of ........? Okay - then I hope a good night of sleep will come - and get well soon.

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  11. Look at those eyes... Upright in bed? Say it isn't so. Are you sure you didn't dream Susan? I want a Susan. I hope physical therapy is starting off well. Take care. xx

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  12. I had 6 weeks IN the sling....gag! Three cheers you don't have to!!! Therapy is good, painful, but necessary and makes the difference. I cried through mine some, but then my sweet mom also died mid-stream in all that so...
    It seems I spent part of the night in the recliner, and part of it in bed with my slinged arm propped up with pillows while telling myself...."I won't be this way forever. I won't be this way forever..."
    On a cheery note, last week I had flowers in my house....it was GRAND. I stand in line with the rest of the U.S begging spring to come and STAY.

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