Surgery Completed

After waiting all Tuesday afternoon for the doctor (the patient before me had complications and it took longer than anticipated), my ankle surgery started about 4:30. Everyone I ran into asked for my birthdate and what was suppposed to happen–plate for the small break in the back bone of the ankle and some ligament work.

I remember the anesthesiologist putting the stuff in the port that the nurse had painlessly put in earlier. First he did linacain (sp.) and he said it would sting a bit. It did. The other two things he added worked immediately. I said, “Wow this works fast.” Kathryn laughed, and that’s all I remember until I was in the recovery room. Bob & Kathryn were in there with me.

The key to being released was being able to pee and have a pain not more than the 4-5 scale. At some point they checked to see if I could potty. Yes, I could.  It don’t remember much about the trip to the bathroom. Think it was just across from my bed, but not sure. Pain was under 4 on a 10 point scale.  I qualified and we were home by 7:30.

Great docs and nurses, wonderful family care. Bob stayed home Wednesday morning until Kevin & Sarah got to the Lakehouse with Sara around 10:30.

Laura and Sarah at Birthday party.

Kathryn with Nelson & Lilly  (in first pic below) came about 1:30 so Kevin could run some errands. Nelson asked both on entering and leaving if my foot was better. He has a big heart. After Kevin returned, they left in time to get to 4:00 swim team. Laura arrived after her last Pilates class  and before Kat and kids left. Continuous coverage for the invalid. (Kevin leaving, looks like he’s wading through the water He’s on a sidewalk outside our windows, second pic.)

                Wednesday’s  yummy meal provided was provided by Kathryn’s gracious mother-in-law. Can’t beat the Central Market food! 

   

We’re using one of her wheelchairs for transporting. It must weigh a third of the one on the right that I’ve been using. The red one on the left doesn’t have wheels, someone has to push me but it sure makes it easier for the folks carting me around.  The right one was my mothers. Nice that she still helps out 🙂

                                           So I’m feeling pretty good. If I don’t move my foot, my ankle doesn’t hurt. Not bad I’d say. Now I have this one small issue: my toes are numb, and I can’t move them. Trusting this will change over time, but it’s a bit disconcerting.

  Getting ready to ice.

(Added Thursday morning: Yea! I can move my toes! Boy is that feeling going in a book sometime. Telling your toes to move and nothing happening! Just Wow!

I appreciate all the supportive comments and prayers sent through FB & texts. Friends and family are priceless.

My desk is set up enough that I can start working on my next book today. I don’t need the internet, but needed the space. (Windows 10 got installed on my big computer and it doesn’t recognize the antenna that allows a connection to the Hot Spot—which works on my laptop. Technology! GRRRR!) A new antenna has been ordered. I have the first 5 chapters printed out so I have lots to do before I need the computer again.

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Are you a caretaker of someone who needs taking care of? Is it harder for people who see themselves as more of the caretaker type to let others help than it is for others? 

Love to hear from you.