2 Week Review--Mini Victories

Wow, somehow that second week went by fast.  Lord knows the first one didn't!  I am doing much better than I thought I would.  A lot has to do with this wonderful pain medication, Oxycodone.  Funny thing is, I'm not a medicine taker at all.  I fought tooth & nail in the hospital for my morphine drip not to be turned on automatically; and I'm now taking my pain meds every 6-7 hours before things start to surface.  I'd try for longer but I'm too afraid to find out what they're really masking!  I don't understand how people can take this stuff just for the heck of it, I have trouble keeping my thoughts straight am just in a general fog.

These first two weeks I've been spoiled with having my husband working from home and catering to my many demands and requests.  Everything changes come Sunday when he heads out of town. Maybe that's why I've really worked hard at gaining some independence this week? Whatever the case it's been a week of mini victories.  

What I can do:

1) Get in & out of the shower on my own (just conquered this today), although it's still a little scary.

2) Get dressed on my own.  (Reminder to self--bad leg first.)

3) Make myself something to eat.  Well, really take something out of the fridge and put it on a plate and work my way to the table.

4) Shave my legs, fortunately I have this little step in my shower to bring my leg up higher otherwise this wouldn't be happening.

5) I'm able to get my son out of his crib if he holds onto my neck.  Good thing we had practice with this earlier in the year when I had my scope, but I'm going to save this for when we're in a jam.  Just not worth losing my balance or mis-stepping.

6) Get myself in & out of the CPM machine on my own, but with help it's so much easier.

7)  Able to put my pretty TED stockings on & off by myself, sometimes.

8) Make it to the edge of the driveway to get the mail, although I'm still too scared to actually step out into the street.  The exercise is good as I need to get the blood moving & muscles firing.  Plus fresh air does wonders for the brain & soul.

What I'm still working towards:

1)  Sitting in a regular chair for any long period of time.  Thank goodness for the recliner!

2) Sleeping through the night.  One of these meds has me waking up to use the bathroom every night--so annoying!

3) Sleeping on my side.  I called my PT this week and told her that I have to find a way to change positions.  She said I could gently start to side-sleep, so I tried it.  It was awesome to be off my back, but then I realized I was stuck and unable to flip back over.  Felt like our old overweight dog who had the same problem.

4) Having my medical tape fall off my incision, I can't wait to see what it looks like.

What has helped me get through these first 2 weeks?:

1) My husband.  He's helped with everything from getting me in & out of bed, the CPM machine, the shower, the car, feeding me, tracking my meds, making runs to the store, driving me to get blood draws, and taking care of our son.  Whew, what a list.  He's probably secretly happy to hit the road.

2) My parents & in-laws.  They are second to none when it comes to helping with my son. We're so fortunate to have everyone chipping in.

3)  My friends who have taken it upon themselves to supply us with all the yummy, delicious food!  A huge thank you for all the thoughtfulness.  It's almost been worth the surgery to not have to think "what's for dinner."  The coolest part is that everyone makes their best meal, so we are in heaven =)

4)  Visits from friends and family to breakup the boredom.

5) Comfy boxer shorts to make it above my incision.

6) Tons of Gatorade and water for hydration and to keep those veins plump. 

7) A laptop to stay connected to the outside world.

8) Metaucil smoothies & fresh fruit to ward off the effects of the Oxy. 

9)  Lots of ice.

10) Borrowing my mom's recliner.  It's an absolute must for this surgery and the only place I can really get comfortable.

11) Although not a necessity, Tiger Baseball has really helped the evenings go by.  For the first time I'm thankful baseball is on like everyday.  I'm still sad Pudge is gone.

What's Next?

I see Dr.Z this coming week, so I'll be posting what he has to say.  Also, in a strange twist of events as my hubby hits the road I will be gaining a couple of new roommates.  Our very good friends sold their house unexpectedly fast and have yet to find a new home.  So they will be taking over our lower-level.  I think this is a win-win for everyone--they get a place to stay, my son gets a couple playmates, and I get a little extra help if needed.  Plus this may help me kick the pain meds faster so I can hang out and drink!