One Long & Unexpected Day

My operated leg & foot have been taking on a purplish tone for the last week, to the point I thought I should phone the doc.  He said it's more than likely an inflamed nerve, but to be safe I should have an ultrasound to rule out a clot.   I was totally convinced that no clot existed, but how can I complain about something and then not take the good doctor's advice.  Plus what if there really was a clot and I put my health in jeopardy?  So off I went today to have the ultrasound.

On the drive over I decide to use my time wisely and do a couple new PT exercises--they're basically isometric holds trying to get the muscles firing again.  So I squeeze my quads (or what's left of them), slowly lift my foot off the floor as far as it will go (about 1 inch), and SNAP!  What the hell was that?!  In an instant I couldn't breathe, I was seeing spots, and I thought I was going to be sick.  My quad muscle did this terrible snap, pop, and flutter move like an overstretched rubber band that caved under pressure.  I was certain the muscle detached, or at the very least tore.  I let out this horrible scream, terrifying my mom and cousin as they hadn't heard the muscle make any of these awful noises.

I end up having the ultrasound (no clots!!), and then head over to the ER per my surgeon's orders to check out my quads.  My biggest concerns were, 1) a tear would require more surgery & 2) am I bleeding internally? which could be complicated by the blood thinners.  I'm sent off to have a CT Scan which was relatively quick and painless, except for all the radiation exposure (when I asked the tech how much I was exposed to she replied "A lot."  Great.)

CT Scan shows no rupture, thank God!  After 4 hours in the ER, it's determined that what I experienced must have been one wicked muscle spasm.  Those quads must be pissed off at how puny they've become and are letting me know!  I've dropped about 6 pounds and it's all from my leg muscles =(  Anyways, it's the best possible news so I'll take it.

It's off to rest & ice for the next couple of days, hopefully that does the trick!

The Adventures of PT

So I ventured into familiar territory today as I started physical therapy for the second go-round this year. I've already clocked 8 weeks for my scope in February. Basically I'm back at square one, or maybe it's negative 50. Whatever it is I'll be there for many, many more weeks. But this is all a very good thing, and I'm starting about a month sooner than I thought I would, so I'm happy.

First & foremost I need to get driving! In order to do so I need to be able to lift my leg more than the 2 cm I'm currently able to get my foot off the ground. It's so crazy how my brain is saying "Lift!", but nothing happens. It's all about reprogramming the nerve sensors. So rule number one is to do what I can unassisted, and then use my hands to move my leg as needed. Little by little I'll get there. On a very cool note I was able to ride the recumbent bike for 5 whole minutes, mind you I probably averaged 5 rotations per minute but I still did it. I was also told to start massaging the scar and giant numb area on my leg to get things firing up again. I'll do it, but I won't like it--it feels like 100 shots of Novocain have been injected into my thigh and everything feels odd and droopy. Speaking of droopy, my quad muscles have turned inward if that's even possible. There is absolutely no muscle definition, they've pretty much have become a flap in the wind. Guess it will definitely give me something to measure progress against.

On a very weird turn of events, my mom & I are now going to PT together--her for her back, and me for my hip. Some moms & daughters might go shopping, or to the movies together. But not us, we go to PT. She was going to have to drive me anyways, now she has something to do instead of just wait I guess.

So what's on the agenda this week? Blood draw tomorrow (hopefully the last!), my cousin is also coming back tomorrow to help with the boy for a couple days (thank GOD!), more PT, more baseball watching, and thankfully the Olympics are on to switch things up a bit! Seriously, that is my week besides eating, sleeping, cha'robics, and the internet. Boredom has definitely set in.

3 Weeks Down & I'm On My Way!

Another week has passed, and I find myself even more thankful for the random everyday things I use to take for granted.  I continue to make mini accomplishments, enjoying every second of them!  What you asked?

1)  I just soaked in the tub! Mind you I have a deeper garden tub making the entry & exit all the more challenging, but I'd do it again in a heart beat.  Every bit of me got a little relief, from my throbbing big toe (from when I had to schooch my foot to take a step), to my ankles, knees, of course my hip, back, shoulders, arms, and neck.  It's amazing how every muscle is involved with each step I take.

2) Sleeping on my side for 1-2 hours at a time, with a king pillow down the length of my legs for support.

3) Shopping at Target.  The whole family ventured out to Target first thing this morning, and it was awesome.  Not because I got to drive the scooter, but because I'm use to frequenting that store on a weekly basis and it felt good to be out (and I only ran into 2 displays!)

4) Going to the doctor's.  Now mind you my doc isn't in a normal office, he's in a HUGE hospital, and I conquered the walk to & from all on my own.  Going there I thought I'd use a wheelchair, but due to my general fear of cooties and trying to hurry to get my dad to the golf course on time I made the trek on my own.

5) Enjoying the outdoors.  My wonderful friend loaned me a wheelchair, and it is so nice to have my husband push me around the block with my little boy sitting in my lap.  This kid hasn't sat still in months, so I secretly relish in the moment =)

It's crazy how even answering the phone that's across the house, or the knock at the door make for such a challenge, or how making a bowl of cereal involves so many steps.  But you do what you have to.  I'm able to water some of my flowers with this silly water bottle holder that goes around my neck, and I've changed some diapers and helped with bathing my child.  I also need to mention that I'm down to 1 pain pill per day, still trying to get to zero.

While this week has been very challenging due to my husband going back to work, I have found I've been able to do more than I than I've ever thought I'd be able to at this point.  I'm pretty much able to fend for myself (although not for my son), but with help it is much easier.  I've been so fortunate for my parents, in-laws, cousin, neighbors, and friends for taking such an interest and taking care of me and my family--THANK YOU =)

A Visit with my Favorite Doc

Huge day, actually had to be some where on time this morning.  With the help of my fabulous cousin, I was able to get my son up and fed.  Then it was off to see Dr. Z.  Gotta give a shout out to my dad for the ride, especially since it wasn't looking too good for him to make his tee time.

I learned a long time ago, make my hip appointments first thing in the morning.  That cuts my visit from 5 hours to 3.  That is one busy place, but the people are so nice and I love my doctor (which may be why he's so popular) so it's totally worth it.

I was able to see my x-ray of my newly constructed hip (sorry I don't have a picture to share, I'll work on getting that.)  4 big screws and a lot more coverage over the femur, which is what we were going for.  Dr. Z seems pleased, but warned we're not over the hump quite yet.  The best thing was that he ordered me up PT and told me to get to the gym and ride the recumbent bike. That means I get to get out of the house, whooo-weee!  I also get to lose those sexy TED socks, but I have another 10 days of blood thinners and blood draws.  I did ask if I can do some water walking in the pool and he said I could do some high knees, but if I actually extended my leg out then my quad muscles will rip away from my thigh since he had to detach them during surgery.  I think I'll stay away from the water for now.   All-in-all a good visit, plus my dad made it to the golf course so I don't have guilt.

I also have to give a HUGE thank you to my good friend who brought over a pesto tortellini dish and to my neighbor for some Chinese bread that looks awesome.  It is so very helpful to be able to just put some food on a dish and heat it up.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Random Thought of the Day

Once I'm able to walk again, should I throw a huge Dance Revolution party? :)

Calling in the Reserves

Oh how I'm trying to make lemonade out of lemons right now! Yes, I'm a control freak. Yes, I am working on learning to give some control up and taking the laid back route. Of course 'I' think I'm doing a pretty good job given the circumstances, but the universe must see things differently.

Prior to surgery I called a little family meeting to make sure we're all on the same page, and to get all of our schedules in sync. It worked out beautifully. Must have been a little too well. Since my husband works out of town, my mom was going to take the bulk of load taking care of my 2 year-old. Well low and behold her back goes out--UGH! Major setback, and I feel so bad as she's still trying to do what she can which is really hard to watch. So this has been going on for a few days. Then my AC went out--we're talking kaputt, needing total replacement. That's always good when one's self employed and not collecting disability. And then my sister calls this morning, mind you she's part of the back up plan since she just had a baby a couple months ago, and she's at Urgent Care for her back. WTF?!?!?!

Ok self, breathe.

The good news is that in any second now the AC people will be here with a new unit. Also any second now there will be people here to remove drywall from an area in our basement that sprung a leak. A little chaotic, but these things will be fixed.

So with my mom, sis, and myself out of commission that leaves good old dad. Poor guy, he also takes care of his sister and mom. We had a good laugh this morning about how desperate people must be to need his services. None-the-less he will be here in 30 minutes :) I'm hoping my 12 year-old cousin will think it's fun to come over and take care of the needy; summer vacation is not that fun anyways, right?!

I'm trying to keep this blog positive, because after all my physical recovery is coming right along. But sometimes one just has to vent.

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!