Well, this week has been pretty anti-climatic. I have been tired but I know that I am on the mend. This has been a boost to my mental state as I can see that this too will end. I saw the Dr last Saturday. He gave me a clean bill of health, and said that he didn't need to see me again unless I need something. I can return to work when I feel up to it, and need to get a follow up MRI in a few months, and then in another 3 years to see if anything changes. I won't be on any medication and can return to normal activity, (IE running!!!!) at about 6 weeks. Yeah!
I will go back to work officially the first week of February. I am going to try and work for a few hours before that, to see how I feel. By then it will be about 5 1/2 weeks and I should do fine. The pain has decreased, and I find, if I don't push myself to much, I have less pain. So, I have been doing a lot of reading, and hanging out. Jared has dragged me out of the house a couple of times to go to the grocery store, and walk around a bit. Which has been great. I can't push a cart full of groceries for long, as it causes me pain. So I am okay with not shopping by myself for now. I don't go out and so I don't spend money. That is not such a bad thing.
I am so grateful for the many meals that have be brought in to us. It has helped tremendously, to not think about what we will have for dinner and how I will get it made. I haven't had to think about it until now, and that has been so helpful. So, thank you to all of you who brought meals. You are my hero.
We actually have been pretty relaxed this week. Monday was a holiday, and we just stayed at home for the day. Adam and Drew went sledding at the local park, but other than that we hung out at home. I read a good book called "These is my words" by Nancy E. Turner. I enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend it to everyone. Other than the usual, piano lessons, chorus, and scouts, we have been home bodies. It is always nice to be home and not be so crazy. And it has been a welcome change. Hopefully, we have learned a lesson. Less is definitely more.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Adam turns 8!
Well eight years ago today, January 16, 2001, I had a sweet 6 lb 4 oz baby boy with very little hair and a dimple in his chin. I remember it very clearly, he was licking his lips and was starving. He has always been a Momma's Boy, and wouldn't stop crying until I held him to my chest. Not much has changed, he is still a Momma's boy and tells me I am his favorite person. I am always touched by the sentiment, and feel the awesome responsibility as a mother to protect and teach him what he needs to know.
What a day we had. Adam woke up earlier than his usual 6:30 am he was so excited. He had asked for a new DS game and a few other things. He gets to go to scouts now so he also got his new scout uniform. He is almost as excited about scouts as he is about getting baptized.
One of our birthday traditions is to take the birthday boy or girl to lunch. I checked Adam out of school and we went to his choice or Olive Garden. A new Olive Garden just opened in October and he has been so excited to go there and requested it months ago. Jared had to go to St. George for work so it was just Adam and me. He was thrilled to get ravioli, salad, breadsticks, lemonade and alfredo sauce for his bread. We took a picture, but it wasn't a great one, I will post it later.
After a stop at Costco to pickup the baptism invites, I took him back to school. I have a sweet neighbor that offered to help me with the baptism invitations. She did them digitally and included photos of Adam and his two cousins. They are all being baptized together since they are only 10 days apart. Anyway, I got them from Costco, which saved me a ton of time and money. I am still up for a major project and this was a huge lifesaver. Thanks Jeannie!!!!
Adam went back to school for the last 2 hours of school. He got a new book from his teacher and he shared his birthday treats (laffy taffy) with is class. He thought his teacher had forgotten and was pleased that she didn't. He requested chicken rolls, potatoes, peas and chocolate cake for dessert for his birthday dinner. It was a lot of work, but I was able to get it all done by 6:30. We were going to take him and the kids mini golfing, but he changed his mind. He wanted a quiet night at home. Jared and I were not disappointed. Jared has got a head cold, and I still tire easily, and was grateful for the rest.
It was a busy day, and so Saturday has been a lazy day. We have all rested and taken it easy. Jared is not feeling well, with sinus pressure and a cough. I am doing better. Not quite myself completely, but it's coming. I never imagined I would feel so much better two weeks ago when I left the hospital. I see the doctor again this evening for a check up, so we hope he increases my lifting options. Luke still needs me to lift and cuddle him, and I need it to. I am hoping to get the weight increased to at least 25 pounds. I'll let you know what he says.
I did take a walk around the block today, it was freezing cold (28 degrees). It was more painful than I thought it would be, but I am at least, starting to stand up straight. We will try again in a few days. Slowly but surely, things will get better.
What a day we had. Adam woke up earlier than his usual 6:30 am he was so excited. He had asked for a new DS game and a few other things. He gets to go to scouts now so he also got his new scout uniform. He is almost as excited about scouts as he is about getting baptized.
One of our birthday traditions is to take the birthday boy or girl to lunch. I checked Adam out of school and we went to his choice or Olive Garden. A new Olive Garden just opened in October and he has been so excited to go there and requested it months ago. Jared had to go to St. George for work so it was just Adam and me. He was thrilled to get ravioli, salad, breadsticks, lemonade and alfredo sauce for his bread. We took a picture, but it wasn't a great one, I will post it later.
After a stop at Costco to pickup the baptism invites, I took him back to school. I have a sweet neighbor that offered to help me with the baptism invitations. She did them digitally and included photos of Adam and his two cousins. They are all being baptized together since they are only 10 days apart. Anyway, I got them from Costco, which saved me a ton of time and money. I am still up for a major project and this was a huge lifesaver. Thanks Jeannie!!!!
Adam went back to school for the last 2 hours of school. He got a new book from his teacher and he shared his birthday treats (laffy taffy) with is class. He thought his teacher had forgotten and was pleased that she didn't. He requested chicken rolls, potatoes, peas and chocolate cake for dessert for his birthday dinner. It was a lot of work, but I was able to get it all done by 6:30. We were going to take him and the kids mini golfing, but he changed his mind. He wanted a quiet night at home. Jared and I were not disappointed. Jared has got a head cold, and I still tire easily, and was grateful for the rest.
It was a busy day, and so Saturday has been a lazy day. We have all rested and taken it easy. Jared is not feeling well, with sinus pressure and a cough. I am doing better. Not quite myself completely, but it's coming. I never imagined I would feel so much better two weeks ago when I left the hospital. I see the doctor again this evening for a check up, so we hope he increases my lifting options. Luke still needs me to lift and cuddle him, and I need it to. I am hoping to get the weight increased to at least 25 pounds. I'll let you know what he says.
I did take a walk around the block today, it was freezing cold (28 degrees). It was more painful than I thought it would be, but I am at least, starting to stand up straight. We will try again in a few days. Slowly but surely, things will get better.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Home recovery #4
Well it is official. Life has moved on. Jared has gone back to work, and I was in charge today. It was okay. I am tired and sore, and did most of my directing from a sitting position and from my bed. But everyone got to where they needed to be. My sweet friend took the kids to and from school. Madi's carpool got her for school and Luke and I took a nap. Madi is the "Superstar" of the week this week and we made a poster before my surgery, so that was not stressful. She has had it in her room since. Drew was nominated to be the Student of the Week at Freedom Elementary as well. He got a certificate, a Dominos pizza, a key chain and a sucker. Adam was probably more excited than Drew. I heard it from Adam first.
I still am not supposed to drive so my mom took Drew to the Orthodontist, and Jared had to rescue my mom from the orthodontist due to a dead battery. She left the lights on waiting for Drew. I was able to start dinner and Jared finished it up. We had leftover steaks, we turned into fajitas, which works great and rice. We had a short family night, on what to do in an emergency, and now we are putting kids, and me to bed. You take for granted how much you can do in a day, until you can't do so much.
Our power went out last night for about an hour and fifteen minutes. We were in the middle of eating dinner so it was not traumatic except that it was very dark, and we had to get out the candles. We stayed calm, except for Madi who kept asking, when the lights would go back on. We got her a flashlight of her own, and she calmed down quite a bit. We cleaned up dinner, and read by candlelight. We learned we are not as prepared with batteries as we should be, but didn't fare to bad. We have lots of scented candles, that don't get used now that Scentsy has taken over. Luke loved the headlamp Jared put on him, and wore it until bedtime an hour after the lights went on.
I am doing okay. I move slowly and try not to cough, laugh or sneeze without holding a pillow. Did you know that you use your tummy muscles to blow your nose? I learned that in the hospital. I am still trying to walk and am hoping to move outside to walk around the block soon. I tried to drive this evening to pick up Drew at a friends. It was actually more painful than I thought it would be. Maybe I will wait a few more days before I try that again. I don't have to take anyone anywhere soon, so that is a bonus. It is nice to be home though. I don't have a lot expected of me, and to tell you the truth it is a nice break. I am sure you can all relate. I am recovering slowly but surely. Jared is having some back pain, and taking a break from being mom today. He has been such a trooper. I can tell you my house is cleaner now than before I had surgery. I am so grateful to his mother for teaching him how to clean. He got the kids involved this weekend and is passing on his knowledge. I am so glad. I have taught them things, but sometimes it is good to hear it from someone other than mom. Madi is our best cleaner so far, and we just assume it is a girl thing. She also complains least about it. For now anyway.
Well, that is all for now. I am off to bed and the land of Lortab. It is nice to have drugs that can help you get the rest you need, as painlessly as possible. I don't know what I would do without them, for now anyway. Modern medicine is a good thing.
I still am not supposed to drive so my mom took Drew to the Orthodontist, and Jared had to rescue my mom from the orthodontist due to a dead battery. She left the lights on waiting for Drew. I was able to start dinner and Jared finished it up. We had leftover steaks, we turned into fajitas, which works great and rice. We had a short family night, on what to do in an emergency, and now we are putting kids, and me to bed. You take for granted how much you can do in a day, until you can't do so much.
Our power went out last night for about an hour and fifteen minutes. We were in the middle of eating dinner so it was not traumatic except that it was very dark, and we had to get out the candles. We stayed calm, except for Madi who kept asking, when the lights would go back on. We got her a flashlight of her own, and she calmed down quite a bit. We cleaned up dinner, and read by candlelight. We learned we are not as prepared with batteries as we should be, but didn't fare to bad. We have lots of scented candles, that don't get used now that Scentsy has taken over. Luke loved the headlamp Jared put on him, and wore it until bedtime an hour after the lights went on.
I am doing okay. I move slowly and try not to cough, laugh or sneeze without holding a pillow. Did you know that you use your tummy muscles to blow your nose? I learned that in the hospital. I am still trying to walk and am hoping to move outside to walk around the block soon. I tried to drive this evening to pick up Drew at a friends. It was actually more painful than I thought it would be. Maybe I will wait a few more days before I try that again. I don't have to take anyone anywhere soon, so that is a bonus. It is nice to be home though. I don't have a lot expected of me, and to tell you the truth it is a nice break. I am sure you can all relate. I am recovering slowly but surely. Jared is having some back pain, and taking a break from being mom today. He has been such a trooper. I can tell you my house is cleaner now than before I had surgery. I am so grateful to his mother for teaching him how to clean. He got the kids involved this weekend and is passing on his knowledge. I am so glad. I have taught them things, but sometimes it is good to hear it from someone other than mom. Madi is our best cleaner so far, and we just assume it is a girl thing. She also complains least about it. For now anyway.
Well, that is all for now. I am off to bed and the land of Lortab. It is nice to have drugs that can help you get the rest you need, as painlessly as possible. I don't know what I would do without them, for now anyway. Modern medicine is a good thing.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Home Update #3
Life keeps On.
I am very sorry to keep everyone waiting. I have been a little busy. Now that Tracie has been home I have had a chance to run to the office and catch up on a little work. I have gone when the kids are at school and Tracie and Luke go down for an afternoon nap. She has quite the life, no real duties at home and lots of napping. On Wednesday Tracie went for a follow up check-up at the doctors office. He took out the gnarley train track looking staples from her incision and did an overall check on Tracie's mid-section. He pushed around a little on Tracie's tummy and hit a tender spot which produced a pretty good moan. She has been in some pain on her right side and the doctor was a little concerned. He ordered a CAT scan and Tracie and I went to St. Marks hospital to see what was up. I think he was trying to rule out any internal bleeding, infection or digestive problems. To check out the digestive system they make you drink a contrast called Barium Sulfate. This stuff is really gross. I made fun of the Banana Smoothie flavor and told Tracie she should picture sitting at a Juice bar. She didn't think I was funny and I made her cry. Everything checked out good and there will be no more procedures for now. Those of you who think I'm sappy will be happy to know that I scolded her for being a wimp and for crying over a Banana Smoothie. I have also made her get out of bed and help get the kids to school in the mornings, so there! Tracie is getting better every day. Her attitude has improved in a major way. I think she was afraid of having to be Mom again so we are easing our way back into a normal life. Tracie is still taking a few pain pills but they are getting less frequent and this helps her not to be as tired. She isn't healed yet but making good progress. I made her sign a document that she wont break again for a very long time. This will help all of our worrying and fretting. It will help the bank account a little too. Our family has really appreciated all of the little things our neighbors, family and friends have done to help us. This has made things a whole lot easier to handle. Thank You! I know that all of us are worried about the state of affairs in our nation right now. Take it from a guy who very possibly could have lost his best friend. It will all be alright if you have your family and other people that are close to you, even if you happen to not have as much "stuff." This event has refocused our family to invest our time in each other. Nothing could be more important than that. There are some of you that would like to help any way you can and we know a way. Today and for the rest of the weekend ,if possible, show each other how much love can do. That will be the best help of all. I am now calling off the no calls or visits moratorium so come and get her. Talk to you later.
I am very sorry to keep everyone waiting. I have been a little busy. Now that Tracie has been home I have had a chance to run to the office and catch up on a little work. I have gone when the kids are at school and Tracie and Luke go down for an afternoon nap. She has quite the life, no real duties at home and lots of napping. On Wednesday Tracie went for a follow up check-up at the doctors office. He took out the gnarley train track looking staples from her incision and did an overall check on Tracie's mid-section. He pushed around a little on Tracie's tummy and hit a tender spot which produced a pretty good moan. She has been in some pain on her right side and the doctor was a little concerned. He ordered a CAT scan and Tracie and I went to St. Marks hospital to see what was up. I think he was trying to rule out any internal bleeding, infection or digestive problems. To check out the digestive system they make you drink a contrast called Barium Sulfate. This stuff is really gross. I made fun of the Banana Smoothie flavor and told Tracie she should picture sitting at a Juice bar. She didn't think I was funny and I made her cry. Everything checked out good and there will be no more procedures for now. Those of you who think I'm sappy will be happy to know that I scolded her for being a wimp and for crying over a Banana Smoothie. I have also made her get out of bed and help get the kids to school in the mornings, so there! Tracie is getting better every day. Her attitude has improved in a major way. I think she was afraid of having to be Mom again so we are easing our way back into a normal life. Tracie is still taking a few pain pills but they are getting less frequent and this helps her not to be as tired. She isn't healed yet but making good progress. I made her sign a document that she wont break again for a very long time. This will help all of our worrying and fretting. It will help the bank account a little too. Our family has really appreciated all of the little things our neighbors, family and friends have done to help us. This has made things a whole lot easier to handle. Thank You! I know that all of us are worried about the state of affairs in our nation right now. Take it from a guy who very possibly could have lost his best friend. It will all be alright if you have your family and other people that are close to you, even if you happen to not have as much "stuff." This event has refocused our family to invest our time in each other. Nothing could be more important than that. There are some of you that would like to help any way you can and we know a way. Today and for the rest of the weekend ,if possible, show each other how much love can do. That will be the best help of all. I am now calling off the no calls or visits moratorium so come and get her. Talk to you later.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Home recovery #2
Here I am.
Well, this is Tracie. My sweet husband is taking a hiatus today, he spent the day doing my chores, and is exhausted. That makes two of us. I am not the type to sit idle, but today, I relished in the quiet of children being at school, and a child and husband sleeping. My pain is under control, but still not comfortable. I feel like I have been at the bottom of a football pile up. I find new soreness and weird scars, where I don't expect. If I turn my head to one side, my lung hurts then I turn the other way and the other one hurts. Weird I know. I think is from the central line they put in during surgery. It was stitched in place right above my right clavicle, the tube went directly into my heart. That was a weird sensation, tasting salt every time they flushed the line. Anyway, they took that out when I left the ICU. Even though I have had 5 previous c sections that experience did not quite prepare me for this. I figured I would have a big ugly scar, but I didn't think I would wind up in ICU and lose a lot of blood. I thought I would be able to run and return to work within 3-4 weeks, and pretty much be back to my crazy self. Well, I feel like I have been hit by a truck. I walk a bit hunched over because I hurt all over. I finally feel like I can eat a little bit, now that my system is running again. I haven't been able to run for about two months. Let's just say, my mental health has suffered, and this has been a bit harder to handle. When the surgeon, that is supposed to be the best, says "that was scary" you tend to believe him. I am winded by sitting up in bed and hope to someday do a full lap around my house without breathing heavy. I know that some of you have been afraid to call, the warden has been doing his job. I am really tired and don't have much energy. Don't worry, I will be back to my old self in no time then we can catch up.
My children are all well, and want to be right where I am. I have only had to banish them once. Luke has learned to milk the system, by just asking for "Mommee" when daddy tries to put him to bed. He is soft for the most part, but wants to lay on my chest to give me real "loves."
I am sorry this is short, but I am done talking. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I know I would not be here without them. I appreciate all of your help with our children, the meals, etc. My sweet husband may return tomorrow. You didn't know how much he loves me, huh? Well, I did. I am a lucky woman. Talk with you soon.
Well, this is Tracie. My sweet husband is taking a hiatus today, he spent the day doing my chores, and is exhausted. That makes two of us. I am not the type to sit idle, but today, I relished in the quiet of children being at school, and a child and husband sleeping. My pain is under control, but still not comfortable. I feel like I have been at the bottom of a football pile up. I find new soreness and weird scars, where I don't expect. If I turn my head to one side, my lung hurts then I turn the other way and the other one hurts. Weird I know. I think is from the central line they put in during surgery. It was stitched in place right above my right clavicle, the tube went directly into my heart. That was a weird sensation, tasting salt every time they flushed the line. Anyway, they took that out when I left the ICU. Even though I have had 5 previous c sections that experience did not quite prepare me for this. I figured I would have a big ugly scar, but I didn't think I would wind up in ICU and lose a lot of blood. I thought I would be able to run and return to work within 3-4 weeks, and pretty much be back to my crazy self. Well, I feel like I have been hit by a truck. I walk a bit hunched over because I hurt all over. I finally feel like I can eat a little bit, now that my system is running again. I haven't been able to run for about two months. Let's just say, my mental health has suffered, and this has been a bit harder to handle. When the surgeon, that is supposed to be the best, says "that was scary" you tend to believe him. I am winded by sitting up in bed and hope to someday do a full lap around my house without breathing heavy. I know that some of you have been afraid to call, the warden has been doing his job. I am really tired and don't have much energy. Don't worry, I will be back to my old self in no time then we can catch up.
My children are all well, and want to be right where I am. I have only had to banish them once. Luke has learned to milk the system, by just asking for "Mommee" when daddy tries to put him to bed. He is soft for the most part, but wants to lay on my chest to give me real "loves."
I am sorry this is short, but I am done talking. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I know I would not be here without them. I appreciate all of your help with our children, the meals, etc. My sweet husband may return tomorrow. You didn't know how much he loves me, huh? Well, I did. I am a lucky woman. Talk with you soon.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Home Recovery #1
Home sweet home!
Tracie was a little apprehensive about coming home. She thought her children would want to jump on and love her too much. It turns out when you show the kids the creepy wound they back off and help take care of mom. Last night Tracie finally got some good rest this is important to maintain that beautiful glow. We are all settling into our usual rolls all except for Dad. I have taken on a couple of new responsibilities. I am now Dad, Mom and Nurse. It was a little overwhelming at first but I am getting into a groove. I think I'll live. Things are much quieter at home than in the hospital this gives Tracie an opportunity to get caught up on good rest. The only problem is she is getting a little lazy and has to be reminded to get up and move. She still does laps and guppy exercises only now she has a small flight of stairs added to the workout (no problem for this mama). Now that we are at home I have been able to see the scar in all it's glory. I did not have anything to do with it, but it seems the surgeon decided to put my first initial right on the front of my wife. Combined with the c-section scar it is the letter J with an underline for emphasis, J pretty cool. I now have my own brand so if you see this symbol on anything, hands off! The pain medication is doing it's job, although Tracie is showing more signs of soreness. This will retreat in the coming days and I promise I am taking the Mom role all the way (no work for the real mommy). Tracie will have the staples that hold things together removed tomorrow and has been instructed not to lift more than ten pounds for eight weeks. This also means no running for the same period. I know she has been dying to go out and splash in the slush but I am afraid this will have to wait, bummer. Tracie is glad to be able to snuggle with her children and luckily for them she can't go anywhere. The kids are drinking in the attention. We are happy to have our mommy back there was a short time during surgery when we had our doubts. We are lucky! Thank you everybody for all your great encouragement it really helps. I think we are seeing a hint of normal now and we could not have done it without support.
See you later.
Tracie was a little apprehensive about coming home. She thought her children would want to jump on and love her too much. It turns out when you show the kids the creepy wound they back off and help take care of mom. Last night Tracie finally got some good rest this is important to maintain that beautiful glow. We are all settling into our usual rolls all except for Dad. I have taken on a couple of new responsibilities. I am now Dad, Mom and Nurse. It was a little overwhelming at first but I am getting into a groove. I think I'll live. Things are much quieter at home than in the hospital this gives Tracie an opportunity to get caught up on good rest. The only problem is she is getting a little lazy and has to be reminded to get up and move. She still does laps and guppy exercises only now she has a small flight of stairs added to the workout (no problem for this mama). Now that we are at home I have been able to see the scar in all it's glory. I did not have anything to do with it, but it seems the surgeon decided to put my first initial right on the front of my wife. Combined with the c-section scar it is the letter J with an underline for emphasis, J pretty cool. I now have my own brand so if you see this symbol on anything, hands off! The pain medication is doing it's job, although Tracie is showing more signs of soreness. This will retreat in the coming days and I promise I am taking the Mom role all the way (no work for the real mommy). Tracie will have the staples that hold things together removed tomorrow and has been instructed not to lift more than ten pounds for eight weeks. This also means no running for the same period. I know she has been dying to go out and splash in the slush but I am afraid this will have to wait, bummer. Tracie is glad to be able to snuggle with her children and luckily for them she can't go anywhere. The kids are drinking in the attention. We are happy to have our mommy back there was a short time during surgery when we had our doubts. We are lucky! Thank you everybody for all your great encouragement it really helps. I think we are seeing a hint of normal now and we could not have done it without support.
See you later.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Post Op Update #5
Let's blow this joint!
Tracie did such a great job yesterday that when the crazy doctor showed up at 10:00 p.m. he decided to let her go home. Oh Ye-aah!! My wife kicks butt. She beat the expected departure by a whole day. Check out is at 11:00 so we should be home in time for lunch, mmm more food. The nurse will be removing the I.V. lines, the two drains and also the two small lines for the Lidocaine which is about done anyway. We go home tube free. Tracie is a little frightened that she is going to hurt at home. I told her not to worry she could take all the pain killers she needed for now and they were not going to run out. Tracie is still not feeling all that well and is tired. I am sure all of you will understand when I request that you hold your phone calls and visits until next week. If you want to send your best, leave a comment on the blog and I will make sure she gets it. Don't worry she looks great and is as pretty as ever. You would have to see the scars to tell she has had anything wrong. I have touched, hugged and kissed her and I know that she is still here. Don't worry. I am always willing to dole out hugs and kisses for anyone jut let me know I'll deliver. Leaving the hospital is only a step in the total recovery, a huge step, but still a step. She still needs help getting out of bed and will need time for her stomach muscles to heal. I have taken all of next week off and will be there to play nurse, which I do pretty well. We appreciate all of the support and Tracie and I will see all of you very soon. I will still be updating Tracie's progress every day until she tells me she figures she can do it on her own. Talk to you tomorrow.
Tracie did such a great job yesterday that when the crazy doctor showed up at 10:00 p.m. he decided to let her go home. Oh Ye-aah!! My wife kicks butt. She beat the expected departure by a whole day. Check out is at 11:00 so we should be home in time for lunch, mmm more food. The nurse will be removing the I.V. lines, the two drains and also the two small lines for the Lidocaine which is about done anyway. We go home tube free. Tracie is a little frightened that she is going to hurt at home. I told her not to worry she could take all the pain killers she needed for now and they were not going to run out. Tracie is still not feeling all that well and is tired. I am sure all of you will understand when I request that you hold your phone calls and visits until next week. If you want to send your best, leave a comment on the blog and I will make sure she gets it. Don't worry she looks great and is as pretty as ever. You would have to see the scars to tell she has had anything wrong. I have touched, hugged and kissed her and I know that she is still here. Don't worry. I am always willing to dole out hugs and kisses for anyone jut let me know I'll deliver. Leaving the hospital is only a step in the total recovery, a huge step, but still a step. She still needs help getting out of bed and will need time for her stomach muscles to heal. I have taken all of next week off and will be there to play nurse, which I do pretty well. We appreciate all of the support and Tracie and I will see all of you very soon. I will still be updating Tracie's progress every day until she tells me she figures she can do it on her own. Talk to you tomorrow.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Post Op Update #4
Let's Eat!
Last night Tracie's body gave the signal the doctor needed to approve food. Normally you don't celebrate flatulence but here everyone congratulates you. The only bummer is that the doctor forgot to change the diet orders so no orders no food. A few of you may have seen me angry and you can imagine the tension that was in Tracie's room this morning. The doctor that is treating Tracie does excellent work in the operating room but gets a little "side-tracked" when it comes to post-op care. One of the reasons we were pretty laid back about this surgery before she had it is because we didn't have all of the information that we needed. Our doctor said things like "don't worry I do this thing all the time" and the answer to questions are "possibly" and "we will have to see." So I am applying some gentle pressure to the nursing staff to get his $%^& @#$ on the phone and give the go ahead for lunch. This will get done. The other odd thing about our doctor is that he does his rounds very late in the evening because he does not like to have to talk to too many people. I think I intimidate him a little. He showed last night at about 11:00 p.m. and before I left for the night Tracie and I wrote down some of the questions we had. So here are some more specifics. Dr. Belnap did not take out any major chunks of liver he only removed the tumors. The three tumors that he left behind are small and do not pose any risk. He said that the remaining tumors are probably good for another 20-30 years. As for the short term treatment the surgery took care of that already all that is left is the healing. Tracie has had five c-section births so recovering from a big cut in your belly is not foreign. In fact she is darn good at this part and knows what to expect. As far as time left in the hospital it will "probably" be until Sunday. Tracie has to be free from all the tubes and also be able to eat and process food.
She is a real trooper and will not miss a requirement. We will spend the rest of the day on the same training schedule and I am confident there will be food. What do you know just as I am typing the nurse has just given us the good news. There will be lunch!! Oh and an added bonus a shower and pajamas. Life is good!! Tracie is an amazing person she may seem meek and fragile on the outside but has the heart of a lion on the inside. We will be home in no time. For those that are concerned the kids are having a mini-vacation of their own. On Wednesday they visited one of their uncles work places, the fire station. They were able to sit in the fire engine, talk on the radio, dress up in the gear, and as they were leaving the Paramedics got a call so they were able to see all the vehicles leave sirens blazing. New years eve was spent at Grandpa and Grandmas where they had a party and counted down the new year. Yesterday and part of today the kids have spent at my sister Melissa's home. Yesterday they visited Jump On It. I think they are doing very well. When I talk to them they are all happy and anxious to get back to what they were doing. Hey lunch is here and the first sip of cranberry juice was luxurious. Well got to go mama needs a little help.
Last night Tracie's body gave the signal the doctor needed to approve food. Normally you don't celebrate flatulence but here everyone congratulates you. The only bummer is that the doctor forgot to change the diet orders so no orders no food. A few of you may have seen me angry and you can imagine the tension that was in Tracie's room this morning. The doctor that is treating Tracie does excellent work in the operating room but gets a little "side-tracked" when it comes to post-op care. One of the reasons we were pretty laid back about this surgery before she had it is because we didn't have all of the information that we needed. Our doctor said things like "don't worry I do this thing all the time" and the answer to questions are "possibly" and "we will have to see." So I am applying some gentle pressure to the nursing staff to get his $%^& @#$ on the phone and give the go ahead for lunch. This will get done. The other odd thing about our doctor is that he does his rounds very late in the evening because he does not like to have to talk to too many people. I think I intimidate him a little. He showed last night at about 11:00 p.m. and before I left for the night Tracie and I wrote down some of the questions we had. So here are some more specifics. Dr. Belnap did not take out any major chunks of liver he only removed the tumors. The three tumors that he left behind are small and do not pose any risk. He said that the remaining tumors are probably good for another 20-30 years. As for the short term treatment the surgery took care of that already all that is left is the healing. Tracie has had five c-section births so recovering from a big cut in your belly is not foreign. In fact she is darn good at this part and knows what to expect. As far as time left in the hospital it will "probably" be until Sunday. Tracie has to be free from all the tubes and also be able to eat and process food.
She is a real trooper and will not miss a requirement. We will spend the rest of the day on the same training schedule and I am confident there will be food. What do you know just as I am typing the nurse has just given us the good news. There will be lunch!! Oh and an added bonus a shower and pajamas. Life is good!! Tracie is an amazing person she may seem meek and fragile on the outside but has the heart of a lion on the inside. We will be home in no time. For those that are concerned the kids are having a mini-vacation of their own. On Wednesday they visited one of their uncles work places, the fire station. They were able to sit in the fire engine, talk on the radio, dress up in the gear, and as they were leaving the Paramedics got a call so they were able to see all the vehicles leave sirens blazing. New years eve was spent at Grandpa and Grandmas where they had a party and counted down the new year. Yesterday and part of today the kids have spent at my sister Melissa's home. Yesterday they visited Jump On It. I think they are doing very well. When I talk to them they are all happy and anxious to get back to what they were doing. Hey lunch is here and the first sip of cranberry juice was luxurious. Well got to go mama needs a little help.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Post Op Update #2
Hey we moved! Tracie finally got to move yesterday afternoon the only draw back is that you get one on one attention in the I.C.U. and here you have to compete for attention a little bit. Last night Tracie got a little frustrated and was mad at everything even little old me. The kids were able to have a short visit last night for kisses and hugs and Tracie seemed to like that (it was before the anger). I left her alone for the evening which benefited the both of us.
Thursday-more of the same.
Today has been a lot like yesterday except the epidural drug that made her itch has worn off and the great cycle of itch has ended, alleluia! We have spent the day on a training schedule. We do laps around the floor of the hospital. Everyone here does laps, it looks like the nearly dead are having a parade. They all push fancy stands with lots of tubes hooked somewhere on their person and every entry has an escort. During the laps we stop five times to do breathing exercises. She takes in a big breath then tries to get more and more air in, as much as possible, count to five, and slowly let it out. We do the exercises to prevent Pneumonia. It really looks like a fish in a desperate search for water. I call it the guppy exercise. Michael Phelps must do these same exercises. When we finish each lap we stop at the room for a refreshing ice cube and then two breathing exercises with an apparatus that measures results (too much pressure). We started with one lap around the nurses station. We are now up to two laps around the floor and one lap around the nurses station. Tracie still hasn't met the requirements for food yet but every lap we get a little closer. There isn't much new to talk about so I'll fill in some of the gaps. Tracie has nine tubes hooked up to her right now. Two are small and run to the incision site and brings Lidocaine from a pressurized ball, which comes with it's own purse for the parade. Two are I.V. lines, one for the pain medication and one for the fluids. Two more are drains that run from the wound and are hooked to little pressure sacks that reside outside of the body. Two more run from a small little compressor at the foot of the bed to two air bags that hug Tracie's calves to prevent blood clots. The last one drains the bladder. We are hoping the last one can be removed today. Tracie's incision runs from her sternum down to her bellybutton and over about 8 inches to her right side. There is a compression bandage that resembles a back brace that keeps the under-dressings stable. It covers most of her mid-section and also helps to keep her insides in the right spot. So if you combine a c-section scar and the big "L" scar she now has she looks like a battle savvy warrior. I'll be honest, I am now more frightened of her kicking my butt than ever. This looks to be a pretty hard recovery, maybe even a little harder than we thought so keep up the prayers. We love all of you and can feel the support. Thanks, we appreciate it all. Please leave comments for Tracie I read them to her every day. Talk to you soon.
Thursday-more of the same.
Today has been a lot like yesterday except the epidural drug that made her itch has worn off and the great cycle of itch has ended, alleluia! We have spent the day on a training schedule. We do laps around the floor of the hospital. Everyone here does laps, it looks like the nearly dead are having a parade. They all push fancy stands with lots of tubes hooked somewhere on their person and every entry has an escort. During the laps we stop five times to do breathing exercises. She takes in a big breath then tries to get more and more air in, as much as possible, count to five, and slowly let it out. We do the exercises to prevent Pneumonia. It really looks like a fish in a desperate search for water. I call it the guppy exercise. Michael Phelps must do these same exercises. When we finish each lap we stop at the room for a refreshing ice cube and then two breathing exercises with an apparatus that measures results (too much pressure). We started with one lap around the nurses station. We are now up to two laps around the floor and one lap around the nurses station. Tracie still hasn't met the requirements for food yet but every lap we get a little closer. There isn't much new to talk about so I'll fill in some of the gaps. Tracie has nine tubes hooked up to her right now. Two are small and run to the incision site and brings Lidocaine from a pressurized ball, which comes with it's own purse for the parade. Two are I.V. lines, one for the pain medication and one for the fluids. Two more are drains that run from the wound and are hooked to little pressure sacks that reside outside of the body. Two more run from a small little compressor at the foot of the bed to two air bags that hug Tracie's calves to prevent blood clots. The last one drains the bladder. We are hoping the last one can be removed today. Tracie's incision runs from her sternum down to her bellybutton and over about 8 inches to her right side. There is a compression bandage that resembles a back brace that keeps the under-dressings stable. It covers most of her mid-section and also helps to keep her insides in the right spot. So if you combine a c-section scar and the big "L" scar she now has she looks like a battle savvy warrior. I'll be honest, I am now more frightened of her kicking my butt than ever. This looks to be a pretty hard recovery, maybe even a little harder than we thought so keep up the prayers. We love all of you and can feel the support. Thanks, we appreciate it all. Please leave comments for Tracie I read them to her every day. Talk to you soon.
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