Wednesday, June 18, 2014

recovery





I'm not sure when the stitches pulled out from my drain.  But the black threads are hanging in the midst of flakes of dried blood from my JP drain attached to a bulb for collection, hanging from underneath my arm.  The tube, however,  is somehow still in my side, and still draining fluids away from the wound, so that this time, it can heal.  It was the fluid, that collected in a pocket under my skin, a seroma, that never resolved and led to the weakening of my incision the last two times. So I am careful again.  Hoping the drain can work, leading the fluid away from my healing incision. 

My entire approach to recovery is much more conservative.  On Saturday, I took a pain pill after a restless night of attempting to turn on my right side, only to feel the tightness and pull of skin stretching, and realizing I had to go left, or stay on my back.  

So when the dull ache set in, I went with pain meds, only to break out an hour or so later.  My face looked sunburned and I itched from head to toe.  As soon as I googled Hydrocodone, I saw it can be a common reaction.  It took two doses of Benadryl for any relief to set in.  But I was a groggy mess the rest of the weekend-  slowly yielding to being very mentally foggy, and quiet. 

So I read a little.  And have streamed a few shows on Netflix.  I even managed a shower, from head-to-toe, and marveled at the cleansing refreshment I've missed for so long.  It was awkward, and disjointed, and I am clearly out of practice, but the simple joy nourished me and I felt so accomplished even while having to tumble into bed to recover for a bit afterwards.

Other than the boys coming and going, and Rick working, its been far too quiet around the house.
I'll see Dr. Antoniuk tomorrow morning.  In the meantime, I'm baby stepping my way, back into the land of living, and hoping, and dreaming again.  






















27 comments:

  1. So glad you are getting better, think of you everyday. From experience, have you tried putting a pillow behind you on the right, so you won't roll over that way? It helps, especially if you're a side sleeper like I am.. Hope your incisions heal quickly and you can get out and enjoy some nice weather. Please take care.. HUGS

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    1. Such a simple thought, and I did find an extra pillow to do just that- thank you Jean! Hugs to you!

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  2. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

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  3. Oh, heavens - keep track of that drain! Until I read your earlier blog post, I had no idea this surgery would be so involved. So glad that it went well and that you're recovering relatively well. Enjoy the peace and quiet!

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    1. Yes- a bit more than it seems at first- but doable. It just feels like the weather is finally right to DO things, and that is what makes the rest and quiet so hard at times. But I'm getting there!

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  4. Ouchie....sending my love and prayers. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  5. bless your heart, baby steps sound like the perfect way toward healing.

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    1. I believe so as well- I just sometimes want to "muscle" my way through, and its not always wise to do so :)

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  6. Showers are wonderful. Of course, God sends showers of blessings to us everyday.

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    1. Yes, showers of both kinds, are truly a blessing!

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  7. You poor little thing. You just have to let me say that. You need a few "poor you"'s right now. So much to deal with and then a reaction to pain meds. Happy for the joy of your shower and that each day that passes is one more day you can tick up to recovery and regaining your mobility and healing. Yay for Netflix and those things that distract and help the long hours of healing pass. Looking forward to hearing what Dr. Antoniuk says. Hugs to you and continued prayers.

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    1. Robynn- that was the perfect thing to say and then it made me smile and laugh :) I'm coming through the other side once again and beyond grateful for each little distraction, each little victory :) Back soon with details about my appointment :)

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  8. Oh my sweet friend, Vicky.
    Rest...rest...rest...in Him, and allow the schedule to slow down so the healing comes from deep inside. Not an easy adjustment at all...to be still, to read, to sleep differently, even the pain meds bring an unwanted side effect. Yuk! This is not the fun part...but it is the healing station, the slowing down...allowing the wound to heal properly this time. A movie here and a book there and the blessing of the shower as well...the rhythm of All shall be well in the journey to more days and weeks and months and years.

    You are covered in prayers and more prayers during this down time, my friend.
    Loves and hugs and prayers, always prayers.
    Love, Linda

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    1. So grateful to feel the blanket of all those prayers- I truly rest in that. And it allows me to feel all of you and reciprocate with prayers often- especially when I am being more quiet these days :) Love and hugs and more love to you Linda!

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  9. Baby steps are just fine Vicky....just take each day slowly. Thinking of you.

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    1. Thanks Lisa- am hoping you and bike man are biking away these days! Love to you!

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  10. As others have said, baby steps are just fine at this point! You must rest and do everything you are supposed to do to heal and recover. I know it's very difficult when the sun is shining and the boys are busy as ever, but you must baby yourself! Hopefully you can find some good things on Netflix, and possibly some reading - although I also know concentration can be difficult at this time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers each and every day! Love to you and your family ~ take care!

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    1. Thanks so much Steph- I'm listening to all of you and keeping it simple. Back to infusion already next week so I am being as good to myself as I can- need those counts to be in a good place. Thank you for thinking of me- am thinking of you and all of the sistas as we grieve for our friend Lisa- am with everyone in spirit. Love to you!

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  11. Vicky - I saw the post on Facebook about your surgery and left a comment which you probably missed because I left it several posts back. In case you missed it, here it is again: (thinking of you every day)
    "Vicky, I've been so busy fixing my home to sell it so I can move into my Mom's house which I have almost completed renovating that I haven't been on the computer for weeks. I checked in with the people I care most about on Facebook and saw your post about surgery so I read several posts back to catch up on what is going on. I am always so blown away by your hope, strength, peace, friendships and all-around-amazingness that I am once again left in tears. Again and again I hear in my heart, "THIS GIRL IS GOING TO LIVE." I am so happy to have run across you in my life.Vicky,"

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    1. Kass- someone read that post to me- I just didn't have the fortitude to get up and get to my computer. I am so glad you took the time to repost it here!! Are there pictures Kass, a way to see your work? It sounds incredible! I love that you thought of me and came and caught up- I miss hearing about YOU Kass :) Such kind words- friend- truly touching and speaks to me how special you are as well. Love to you friend- count yourself amongst those who have helped me through all of this along the way.

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  12. I love the flowers.
    Oh I am sure the shower made you feel so much better.
    Progress already
    I can't wait for you to start enjoying swimming again cause this always helps a lot.
    Those drain thingy's are a pain. I guess you have to sleep sitting up for a while and stay off that side.I had to do that when I had double pneumonia but it wasn't hard to do in my case cause the moment you lay down the water inside your lungs swooshed around like in a bottle and moved up to choke you lol xoxoxox

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    1. Yes- I had to sleep in propped up sitting up way for awhile, and am now still slightly at an angle, but comfortable at least. Am sure this will all be a distant memory soon!! So good to hear from you Vic- hope you are well!

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  13. Dear sweet Vicky,
    God has so faithfully brought you to my mind tonight as I am preparing for bed. You have been such a blessing to me as you've traveled this difficult road. I remember reading about you when Robin first asked us to pray for you. That was a long time ago. I continue to bring you before God's precious throne. May He keep you close to His heart.
    Blessings,
    Carolynn

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    1. Carolyn! So great to see you pop up here! I pray you are well. Thankful for those prayers and your continued support- I have no doubt they have kept me here and going strong. Love to you!

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  14. O my goodness! I have missed your post's..to tired to write!!! but I will check back and read and investigate...!!! meanwhile..I am THRILLED...showers!!! showers!!! YES, YES, YES... look forward...even though I know you cherish every day...and live in the NOW...look forward..."I know the plans I have for you....." HE DOES! many prayers, much love...and oh oh...how I love the hurdles you have gone through and were the lord in leading you! You are..his child...his beautiful, real, contagiouse, wonderful, Vicky!!!!

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I welcome what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to grace me with your thoughts and words!

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