Milizlinx

This week has been... interesting so far. Monday we spent trying to finish the many things we'd like to get done before I was put out of commission by surgery. We cut it pretty fine, but did manage to finish the absolute necessities like grocery shopping!

Tuesday morning began all too normally: Jasmin stirring at 6ish, waking Grace so mommy starting the day much earlier than hopped and planned. But this time NiNi is here too, so a much easier breakfast and getting ready for the day time. I had the recommended shower with anti-bacterial soap, and said my goodbyes and we left for the hospital in the rain, leaving NiNi with 2 wailing little girls (who we knew whould be happy enough once we were properly gone!

We get to the appointed place just on time: the Surgical Daycare Center. What a name, eh? What does that make you think of? No place to send your kids, I hope! We arrive at 10am, and even though the surgery isn't scheduled until noon, I am quickly swallowed up in the system - and have to sneak out to get a quick goodbye hug from Michael. Later, lying in bed just waiting for noon, I am miffed to see other patients coming in with husbands/wives/daughters, etc. Why are they allowed when I wasn't? And I did ask specifically a number of different times.

I am prety sick of old People magazines and watching the 'traffic' by the time my turn comes. The nurse almost makes off with another girl in my place (so that armband checking IS useful!), but does take me in the end. To wait some more. This time just outside the O.R. The 'traffic' is slightly more interesting, and the heated blankets they bring me are a definte plus - such a delicious feeling of warmth and security! - especially since I have an extra 1/2 hour wait while they clean and prepare the O.R. inbetween patients.

Once inside, I am quickly prepped: blood pressure, pulse, I.V., etc. all given with cheerful talk from the nurses. Then comes the oxygen mask and I don't know anything more until it feels like 1/2 dozen people all trying to wake me up at the same time. Waking means waking to pain so I'm rather loathe to come to. Not sure how long I stayed in between the blackness and waking - but ti was long enough to exsaperate one nurse, who, after asking me for the umpteenth time about my pain levels, more or less told me off for saying I still hurt alot! "There's no way you can still be in that much pain - not after what I've given you!" is what she said. And, indeed, while she was talking, the meds did conquor pain and I could agree I didn't hurt that much any more. Five hours after leaving the ward I was back: 6 pm. Only an hour to wait before Michael could come in to see me.

While I waited, I got that first delicious sip of water - the first since 10 pm the night before! - and a face wash to get rid of the sticky gunk left from having various tubes taped down. And, believe it or not, some snoozes, even in a very busy 14 bed ward! The nurses were excellent and efficient at keeping track of 14 patients in various stages of recovery and leave taking. i'm so glad I didn't have to face leaving that evening! I could have, but I/m glad I didn't take that option. By the time Michael arrived to visit, the ward was quieter and only the overnight patients were left, so we had a short but good visit.

Staying overnight didn't actually mean more rest or sleep for me... after all, when are hospitals ever good places for sleeping? But the few times I had to tackle getting to the bathroom, etc. are something I'm glad I didn't have to face at home! By the time Michael came for me in the morning, I felt much more mobile and ready to face the world. (And surely the last shot of morphime helped too !)

So far so good at home. Grace and Jasmin have done marvelously with NiNi while mommy was gone, and continue to be happy and helpful even with mommy aroud but not doing anything. I am not attempting much at all, but stay in my lazyboy most of the time. Still, this evening of beautiful sunshine and warm weather was too much and I made it out to the park with everyone else. So glorious to be outside in the green and blue!

I hurt plenty, but already I see more movement and strength in my foot; I can know I have "hit bottom" and am working my way to recovery now; and all has gone so smoothly with the girls so far.... our hearts are very full of thanksgiving! It has happened and now we can get better and move on. PTL!