The ride home went as smoothly as could be expected. Grasshopper drove as gently and carefully as anyone possibly could, braking and accelerating slowly. It was exciting to pull in the garage and finally be home! "Mimi", our 14 year old Maltese was thrilled to see Mommy!
After putting away a few things, I was anxious to get a good shower. Grasshopper was my helper, actually my new care taker! I was unable to put my arms up to wash my hair, thus he did it for me. I had to be careful not to move my neck as I showered. As soon as I was finished, I had to put the c-collar back on. Grasshopper placed a new dressing over my incision and secured my c-collar. I needed help with everything, including dressing and brushing my hair. It is amazing how much we use our arms and shoulders. We use them for everything! However, I am not allowed to lift anything over one pound. No bending or picking things up. No reaching up high. I needed help with most everything it seemed!
Once I was nice and clean, I was ready for a little nap. It was amazing how such a simple thing as taking a shower was so tiring. I slept for about an hour.
Maman had also come over that afternoon. She helped Grasshopper get dinner together. I needed help cutting my food. I even needed help to eat, as getting the utensils to my mouth was a challenge. Praise the Lord for the patience of my Maman and Grasshopper. Caterpillar thought he was such a big boy to be able to cut his own food, and to help Mommy with hers! I was thankful for small bites, and all the help I was getting. Thank you Lord for my wonderful family!
At bedtime, Grasshopper arranged several pillows to prop me up in bed so I could sleep. I was able to sleep a couple hours at a time. Each time I would wake, I would need to shift, or reposition... or it was time for medication. Grasshopper was such a trooper, getting up each time to help me.
It is Wednesday, April 15th, 2009. Maman came today and helped with laundry and things around the house. Caterpillar did some math and reading, as well as practicing his piano. Afterwards, Caterpillar and Grasshopper went outside to work in the garage and in the yard. Caterpillar has become quite a big help around the house! I am so proud of him!
Around 5 pm a friend from church brought us a meal, taco soup. It was such a blessing to us! It is especially nice for Grasshopper to not have to cook with everything else he is doing to take care of me! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful church family!
As each day goes by, I am a little stronger, and noticing all of the hospital medications working out of my system. I am a little more sore through my upper body and shoulders. However, the pain is more from the surgery itself. It is getting a little easier to chew my food and swallow. The pain I had before surgery is gone! Another praise! Amen!
More meals are brought as the days go by. I am simply amazed at the outpouring of love and care. I have never experienced anything like this before. We are truly blessed! From pork tenderloin, to fried chicken, and even homemade chocolate chip cookies and brownies! Some close friends even sent an edible arrangement of delicious fresh fruit! WOW! With all the delicious foods, and steroids I am taking for inflamation and swelling, I am bound to gain a few pounds! I am thankful for our abundant blessings!
It is Sunday, April 19th, 2009. Grasshopper and Caterpillar leave for church around 9 am. I try to sit up in bed and read my Bible and devotional. I cannot bend my neck to see the pages. It is difficult to hold up my Bible or devotional, so I go to the Lord in prayer. The tears begin to flow. I am sad to not be able to attend worship. I am thankful for the many blessings this week has brung. I am overwhelmed with emotions, God is my rock! I am not alone; He is with me! A little while later I take a mid-morning nap.
Caterpillar and Grasshopper return around lunchtime. It is getting easier to chew and swallow. Maman comes to visit for a while. We had a nice afternoon together as a family. I am humbled by how blessed we are, and how dependent I am for everyday little things. I have learned it is ok to ask for help. We are here to help one another on this earth. I am so thankful for my family!
Step by step, I am making progress!
1 comment:
I am glad you are on the mend. My mother and twin sister have both had this surgery and it was very successful for both of them. I am sure it will be for you too. They have no bad after effects at all and the titanium plate has posed no problems at all. They both have told me the most painful area was the hip area from the piece of bone removed.
Blessings,
Glenys
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