Hi all! Sorry it's been awhile. It's been a challenging couple of weeks since I came home from the hospital. There was lots to set up and organize to continue the healing process. Grateful that my mother was able to stay thru the transition and deal with a lot of it for me. We rearranged my living room to incorporate a therapy table and a hospital bed that has now become my nest. We also discovered upon our return my furnace was working sporadically. Not the optimum time to have heating problems with the big storm that was coming in. So $7,500 and a new furnace later I found out that it had nothing to do with the furnace it was a regulator that the propane company came and fixed for free. Uhhhh. I guess some things just work out that way.
Burton has come down from Bear Valley for a few quick visits. It's always so good to see him. He lifts my spirits and always makes me laugh with his quirky ways. You should have seen all 100 lbs of him trying to get into the twin hospital bed with me! I wish I had a camera. His legs were hanging off the side of the bed but he was determined to stay with me and snuggle. I ventured outside the other day with him for a very slow walk. Was nice to get out in the sun and fresh air. A bit painful when I got back home. Guess I'm not quite ready to have him back full time yet.
As far as recovery goes.... I'm just over a third of the way there! My mom has left and gone back to New Jersey so I'm doing a bit more for myself. Still have movement restrictions but starting to test the boundaries more and more, letting pain guide me. If you know me, then you know what a difficult mental task this has been for me to stay down this long. Trying hard to stay as positive as possible but everyone has down days here and there. Anna and Robert built me a base for a rehabilitation table so I have been using that everyday for Physical Therapy. Getting stronger every day. The pain from the surgery has subsided some but is still there especially with a lot of movement. A new pain at the top of my left rod seems to be a side effect of the surgery. Trying to stay away from the evil pain pills and go the more natural approach with cold laser therapy and herbs. Seems to be working out. My pressure sore is healed over as of yesterday! Still have to be careful because of the scab and scar tissue but it's one thing that is almost off the list! Going down to San Jose next week to try and get my wheelchair and cushion dialed in for this new posture I gained. Still can't drive but trying to get out here and there to keep my sanity. So that's about where I'm at today.
Just want to express my deepest thanks to all who have helped in various ways! I would not be able to do this without you all! The donations have been a huge blessing with all the out of pocket expenses that keep popping up, especially since I am not working much right now. I also was able to have someone come in to clean the house which feels great. You all have relieved a lot of stress... so thanks again.
So how can you help me now? I have set up a Care Calendar that I am able to post my needs on. It's really easy to use and has been working out great so far. You just sign in with the info below. Click on a task to see what it involves and if you want to help, then just enter your name in for the task. I get an email to let me know who is coming to help and you get a reminder email. Pretty simple and effective. Here's how to access it:
Char's Care Calendar site: http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/67157
CALENDAR ID: 67157
SECURITY CODE : 6705
Until next time, hugs and luv to all!
Char
Address: 545 Williams St, Murphys CA 95247.
Phone: 209.728.8766.
Donations for medical costs instead of flowers/gifts would be appreciated. I have set up a link to PayPal where you can donate. (You don't need to have a PayPal account) Here is the link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L5AP83PXC47FN
Thanks so much!
