On the Road to Recovery

Vitals taken for the um-teenth time just before shift change at 5 AM, blood drawn at 6, breakfast at 7, then "bath" by 9...with visits from Amanda (Dr. McMath's physician's assistant, or PA), Dr. McEvoy (family physician) for a "courtesy call," and Dr. McMath, himself, all before 8:30.

There's NO rest for the wicked...I must be very wicked.  Or is that weary?  I was extremely weary!  But, OH SO HAPPY!

After my bath, my morning continued with Occupational Therapy.  Two entered my room together, one the OT, whose name I can't remember, and the Student OT, Mitch.  Mitch was left in charge to talk to me about all of the equipment I would need:  the extended shoe horn (thank you Mama and Pop, 2 Christmases back), the "sock aid" (thank you Jessie and Richard, again, 2 Christmases ago), the reaching tool (thank you fellow Bionicle, Robert Church), and the long handled bath "brush" (mine is a nylon scrubbie).  Mitch didn't literally show me how to get dressed, but he was pretty detailed in his explanation.

Mitch left and Physical Therapy arrived. I'm sorry that I can't remember her name, but, she was the first one to get me on the road to independence again.  (I will return to a thought about independence in a minute.)  We talked about, but didn't practice stairs, the walk-in shower, and the car transfer.  We did, however, take my maiden voyage around a short square in the hall.  She said I was doing very well as I made my way around the "block."

Sometime before lunch, Respiratory Therapy arrived.  Deep breathing can make one light-headed, especially when it is SSSLLLOOOWWW deep breathing.  And dry-mouthed!

As we rounded the last corner, there stood Jessie at my door.  "Look at you walking down the hall!"  I must admit that I was a little proud.  She had brought Mama to visit before lunch at Primrose, so we finished up PT and had our little visit.  I go them caught up on my busy night and morning.  Mama caught me up on the folks at Primrose asking about me.  Mama and Pop have their hands full telling everyone my "latest news."

Jessie took Mama back to Primrose.  After a bit, my lunch arrived.  After another bit, Mark arrived to visit over his lunch break, so I caught him up on my night and morning happenings.  After another little bit, Jessie walked in the door with a tray from the hospital cafeteria to have lunch with me.  Mark should have brought his lunch.  We could have had a veritable feast!!

Mark returned to work.  When Jessie and I finished our lunches, we took a walk so that she could make sure that the physical therapist was working me hard enough!  I think that she was pleased with my progress so far.  Then, Jessie had to return to Muncie.  :(  I knew it couldn't last, but I am so thankful that she was able to visit for the time of my surgery and part of the following day.  She could answer questions that I forgot to ask my therapists.

Well, the afternoon was much the same as the morning, minus Occupational Therapy.  Apparently, they only work with patients once a day.  I went twice as far around the "block" this time with physical therapy.  It was a busy afternoon, and I think it might have involved a little "exploituting."  That means "napping" for those who live outside of the world of Team Pagano.

Sanny Sutton came to visit on her way home from work and to fix a meal for Mark and Jessie...who left...poor Mark!  There would be PLENTY for Mark over the next couple of days for lunch.  That was nice of Sanny.  The "Life Group" that we are in is bringing meals every other day for the next week.  We will eat like a king and queen!

Mark visited again on his way home from weight training with the high school girls he coaches in soccer.  Tiffani (my "supervisor" at Primrose) was visiting me, giving me a blow-by-blow about the helicopter activity.  While she was catching me up on all of the things I was missing at work, on come the flood lights, right outside my window!  We watched the helicopter land...and we thought it might come right through my window if it didn't quite make the turn!  Happily, there was a controlled turn and landing.  After awhile, once Mark arrived, we all watched it take off.  Then, visiting hours were over and the both had to leave.

Tomorrow is another day.  Thanks for reading.

Cindy