A Long Road

Dr. Harriman released me to go back to work Monday the 28th. He said that looking at the x-ray he wouldn't be able to tell the bones had been broken if it weren't for the screws and plate. I could have some "weather-related" problems and possibly arthritis in that leg, the scars should probably just go away, and the left ankle would be the same color as the right by the end of a year (it's still very dark and bruised-looking). He said that I "have turned the corner," as they say; I've been able to tell within the last few days or so that the pain has diminished a lot and that I am walking more normally. So I'm very thankful to have healed so well. And I thanked him and his staff for their excellent treatment. He said he hoped to not see me again. I hope so too! (I don't know why this x-ray says 6-20-09 on it; I guess they didn't change the date? This was from the ER on 7-4. And I don't know what that long thin wire is - there was nothing sticking out...)

Going back to work will take some getting used to, for sure. The rest of the week I must just start getting up at regular go-to-work time and get back into a routine. For one thing, the house has to be cleaned thoroughly. It isn't terrible, but it needs a deep cleaning with something other than a Swiffer duster. Maybe I'll take a nap every day, just a short one - it will be some time before I get to do that during the day again!

Thanks to Paul and Amy for being such good nurses and taking such good care of me, for catering not only to my needs, but to a lot of my whims. Thanks, Amy, for putting butter on my cornbread - for knowing! And thanks, Paul, for all the morning coffee you brought me when I couldn't carry anything; and to all my "away" family and friends for every thought, prayer, card, meal, phone call. Ultimately, thanks to God for His healing.

Fallishness

I just remembered the pictures of wet leaves I made this morning, a portend of fall. It has rained parts of the last three or four days. Everything was shiny and cool this morning; by afternoon everything was steamy again. Paul said rain is forecast for the next 10 days!

Mama's gigantic philo which will need to be brought in and put... where?... before too long. But I know she'd be pleased that it's been nurtured so well and grown to be a big, healthy plant. The small plant below it is a cutting of her Christmas cactus that has done well outside this summer. There's a larger one from which this came; I'll have to repot it soon.

Came across this on my disk of the two Dawg fans before the Jax State game a couple of weeks ago.

Tomorrow Amy and I plan to go to Iuka for the day. She said she hoped I bring Oscar. I hadn't really planned to, but he enjoys riding and she enjoys playing with him. He'll be on the leash the entire time he's at anyone's house. But at least there is one more person - Amy - whom he "likes" now! It hasn't always been so and she has scars to show for it. But she didn't give up on him.

This has seemed like Saturday all day. I gave Oscar a bath, started dusting the house (serious dusting - throwing away things, putting jewelry away, putting lost buttons in my sewing drawer) and did some shopping. By the time I got home from the grocery store and Walmart, being gone for about an hour and a half, my foot/leg was screaming for relief. I did take something; I've hoarded my prescribed med because I knew it would have to last at least till I see the doctor again - no refills. Paul asked, "Are you limping because you're hurting?" I try to walk as normally as possible, but when it hurts I limp, so yes - I was hurting. But it is better.

Doctor's Visit

My appointment went well yesterday and Dr. Harriman said I can begin putting some weight on my hurt leg. I'll have two weeks of physical therapy, 3 times a week; and in two weeks go see him again to see how I've progressed these two weeks. Probably, he said, I will be off for two weeks after that and another visit. I asked how long it would look so bad and he said it would take at least 6 months to a year for its appearance to be "normal."

He took off all the little adhesive strips from the surgery sites (I'd changed some as needed) and indeed, it looks pretty rough. The side that has the 6 screws (the fibula - the smaller, outer bone of the lower leg) looks worse than the tibia which has 2 screws. The other screw is at the back of one of these and I think the big bone - the tibia.

My first PT is today at 3:00 and it will be the first time I'll wear a shoe on that foot in 5 weeks. My friend Judy Hudson is going to take me today. Paul first said he'd come home and take care of Oscar's protest and teeth-gnashing at the door, but I think I can lure him into his kennel with a treat (I know, how sad) and it should be better going with him out of the way.

After the big rain last night, it's still overcast today and "feels" fallish. I love fall, especially October. There are still living things, the sun is wonderful, the days are still warm with just a fringe of crispness to them, and NASCAR sounds give way to football.

Count Down

Tomorrow, tomorrow! I'll be sooo glad to hear what Dr. Harriman says. Hopefully I can start putting some weight on my foot/ankle, but I dread it, too. Today I propped against the sink and bathed Oscar, with Amy's help. My right hip and leg can only take so much sress/pressure on it before it just nearly quivers with fatigue, so I'm thinking it may take a little while to get used to getting everything aligned and working like it's supposed to. I also showered and did the hair wash/dry. Such a small everyday thing to do, but every movement has to be calculated beforehand: how to get on the stool in the tub, remember which foot goes in the tub first, be sure everything is within reach, remember which foot goes out of the tub first, have all the clothes ready so you don't have to hobble all over the house wet gathering them up. Hold the mirror between your knees to see what you're doing to your hair - dry, curl somewhat but in vain since once you get back on the couch the hair goes flat.

After Oscar's bath, I trimmed around his nose and his chin whiskers and poor baby, I must keep him away from a mirror or he will never forgive me. He looks like he's had a bad facelift or the wind is really blowing hard in his face. His "mustache" is just too short. But - thank goodness, it will grow.

Amy's been here this weekend; and she and Paul took care of meals: grilled hamburgers Saturday and a Crock Pot roast today, all delicious. Not something I especially look forward to doing - cooking -but it will be a sign of recovery!

A Goal

A shower and hair-wash is wonderful and refreshing, but after rolling around on the couch with my foot propped up (not over my head any more, but propped nonetheless), the hair has to have major help. For a month, all it's had is wash/dry/something I get away with called "styling" - a little smoothing out with the curling iron. It doesn't last and it's woefully bedraggled. So tomorrow Paul's taking me to the beauty shop for some work. I hope I have enough stamina to make it through the spiffing up. It shouldn't take but about 45 minutes, but to me right now, that's the equivalent of walking a half marathon. Which I couldn't do before I broke my ankle. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Paul told me I need to be getting up more. I know. When I feel like it, I just want to sleep. When I'm awake, my ankle hurts. Not a good situation. But I'm trying.

Meantime, this afternoon's goal is to walk to the kitchen and back a couple of times, finish my book I'm reading, and check in the bedroom bookcase to see if there is another book there I think I have.

Up and About - Some

Shelby came by and picked up her roast pan and some other dishes from the meal Sunday. (She is making roast and veggies for Wanda Smith tonight. Wanda had surgery last week and is doing fine.)Jean called to see if I needed anything from Wal-Mart (and I don't think I mentioned the ham stew she brought last week that was good!). Carolyn Henley from work called and we got caught up on a number of things.

I've been up longer today than I usually am. When Shelby came, I had unlocked the back door beforehand, and had gotten Oscar up in my lap so she could get her dishes. Did some banking online, wrote Bren email. Just trying to stay up and upright a little longer.

I told brother Mike Sunday that if you had to choose something to break never choose a leg! He broke his arm back in December and had that awful brace screwed in place on the outside. With a leg out of commission, you can't carry things. If I have anything to carry, like my cell phone, which I don't leave the couch without, it's in my pocket; or papers are stuffed in my waistband. When I get back to my "nest" I'm going to put Amy's walker pocket on the walker so I'll have a little pouch to put things in. The crutches hurt my arms and back yesterday, spasms, so I'm using the walker now.

It rained last night and is cloudy now. A pretty wet/green day.

Amy's coming tomorrow to spend the night while Paul goes to a meeting in Searcy.

Saturday

Up and about a bit this morning. Had boot off some, wiggling foot around. Checked emails, bank. Back and forth to bathroom on the crutches; into the "den/office" for computer.

Paul's cut the yard.

Joyce Futrell (SS Class) brought our supper last night! Oh My Goodness! Veggies! It was wonderful. Thanks, Joyce! Just what I'd been wanting.

Amy had a full week working at the crematorium; was busy every day and was so ready for the weekend.

Just puttering along - boot off a while this morning, wiggling foot around as I can stand it. Ready to go back to the couch!

Home

So good to be home. Got staples out Monday, copy of x-rays - 9 staples, plate. Start bending foot some, can get it wet now. That means a good bath or shower when I get enough energy to get there! Still taking pain med but not as much; have to go back to dr in 3 weeks for another post-op check. Got to learn to be vertical again!

Couch is home for now. Miss Amy so much. Paul's a great husband. Appreciate and love them both so very much.

Thanks to all for cards, food, prayers.

Sunday

Finally got to sleep last night. Leg/foot had hot spots, aching, nerve touchiness. Loosened the velcro on the boot and relieved some pressure, though my toes don't look swollen. Maybe I sat up too long and had pressure on it yesterday.

I'll miss Amy's laptop when I go home. I'll miss her when I go home. I think Paul will be glad to get me and Oscar back under our roof! He's worked himself out of more jobs here, but enjoys staying busy.

CNN Headline News has made a couple of cycles, I've watched Sunday Morning, Bellevue Baptist service, and some of Charles Stanley. Mama always watched Charles Stanley. I need a nap and get my foot back up on the couch.

Friday

Slept well last night, at first determined not to take pain medication. What is it about night time that intensifies everything? I nearly drift off and a tiny noise or even nothing at all will jerk me awake. I know the dangers of pain meds, and yesterday I only took 3 over the course of the whole day. That's one fewer than even Wednesday, so I'm gradually cutting down. Haven't had to take anything this morning so far, so that's about 12 hours since the last one. I can tell a difference every day.

Paul has just gotten here and brought mail; said lots of folks have asked about me. I appreciate it so much. Beth Lee (two doors down) sent lasagna to Paul by hubby Alan, and Paul brought it with him since there was so much. Thanks, Beth; and for all the neat goodies in the goodie bag! Card from Ruth SS Class at church - Betty Jones is the teacher. From so many others - thank you all. If I start naming everyone I'll surely forget someone. Just nice to be thought about. I'm just overwhelmed!

Becky said Mr. Carpenter called and was released "100%" and hoped to be at Woodruff's Annual Meeting next week! This man is amazing! Eighty-six years old - had 5 bypass heart surgery plus removal of a goiter. So thankful all went well with his surgeries last month.

I think Paul is going to get a window A/C unit to put in Amy's bedroom - the big unit for this side of the house has been out all spring/summer and truly it is unbearable in her bedroom. But in the front bedroom, with that unit full blast, it is way too cold. I think I have the "sweet spot" on the sofa. So the window will have to be taken out and partially boarded up. But the cost of a new window in the future is still way less than a new A/C unit. We've gotten estimates, but too costly right now!

Thursday the 12th Day

Amy made stuffed peppers for supper last night and they were wonderful. And she brought me flowers! Her card read, "It is a pleasure and a blessing to take care of you." I hope I've been a good patient - I've tried!

I thought I could do without the hydrocodone last night, but no. I think I'm relaxed having been on the couch all day, but when it's time to wind down and go to sleep, the involuntary muscle jerks begin, and the aching and trying to find a position that's comfortable. So I take my meds and finally go to sleep.

About 4:00 this morning I woke to sound of thunder and a good rain - and it's still dark outside, cloudy, so maybe it will be cool longer today.

Carol called yesterday evening and cheered me up with funny stories! Sher called as she was getting home from work - our usual evening call now that she's back home and in the routine again. Cards from Shelby and Richard.

Amy's going to work this morning for a while for her friend, for whom she'll be filling in next week, and I have all my "stuff" around me - pnb crackers, water, crutches, books, phone, camera. (Some strange pictures of bookcases and lamps from a horizontal position; passes the time - perspectives...)

Monday I thought Friday would never get here, but it's already Thursday, and only 4 days till doctor's appointment. Hope I've done okay; not for lack of trying! Isn't easy hauling a ten pound (at least) boot on a really sore foot and not putting any pressure on it. Heard this week of a lady who fractured her foot trying to burst a balloon by standing on it! The balloon won. All the times I've said I sure don't want to fall, it scares me to fall, etc. - just when you least expect it, when you're not even thinking about "being careful" why, that ground will pull itself right out from under you!

I told Paul not to come back till tomorrow as today he's completely booked with meetings and catching up at city hall.

Will check up on headline news (Sotomayor confirmation hearings, Pensacola couple's murder, man who survived in Australian wilderness for 2 weeks...); read some. (All the female newscasters on CNN have the same eyes/hair/make-up. Especially eyes. They're pretty, so much the same!) I try not to nap because it's hard enough getting to sleep, but I do doze off and re-read the same sentence several times, all the while strange visions casting about in my mind, on the verge of half-sleep.

Update

I'm doing well, still keeping foot elevated. I'm more confident on the crutches; at least Amy or Paul don't have to stand right behind me for me to feel balanced. I get up and walk a very short distance about three times a day, to keep the blood circulating.

Amy called for assistance getting her wireless internet working and was successful, so I can update, check on accounts, and email some. It's still awkward finding a good position to hold the laptop and keep my leg elevated. About twenty minutes is all I allow myself at a time.

Paul's in Wynne and he'll be back Friday. Tomorrow will be another busy day for him catching up, attending meetings, and keeping our yard cut! There could be no better nurses - he and Amy have been so wonderful and patient. I knew Amy could cook, but I found out she can really cook! She's great!

Sher's back home at long last; moved into her house. Mike and Marsha are vacationing in PC and visited her over the weekend, also went to see Aunt Margaret and JoAnn, our cousin. Aunt M in nursing home there. Glad they had time together. Jordan is with Sher now also and getting settled in, job-hunting.

Thanks to you all for your prayers, calls, concern for us. So thankful for friends and family!!