The Staples are OUT. That’s right. Those metal hooks of sleep deprivation have been successfully removed!
Today was my first post-op appointment, and after about a week of freedom from those overly sanitized hospital walls, I have learned a few things…
via GIPHY
Sorry VCU. After trying some of Mom’s fresh cooking, you’re more like VCEw.
via GIPHY
To all those wanting to celebrate Valentine’s Day who have staples in their head: CAUTION: HUGS CAN HURT! Yeah…Dad went for a happy father/daughter hug, but on the staple side…twas a little painful.
Making it through an entire day awake is the equivalent of doing a group project without that one awful team member: EXTREMELY RARE. All my internal energy is working on brain repair (and hopefully hair re-growth), so the daily crash is inevitable.
Gotta get my 10,000 steps in!!
I have yet to forget my daily 30+ minutes of Candy Crush home gym grind. Good thing I just finished a Tiger puzzle…because it’s the EYE OF THE TIGER, IT’s THE THRILL OF THE FIGHT, RISING UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF…well…the surgery, I guess. And I feel just fine! Even my Doctor told me today that exercise is the best thing I can do to start feeling 100%
Every time I’ve had a new medical person come “check in” during these pre, post, and mid-surgical appointments, they’ve had the same warm-up of sorts to check my “wellness.” And, honestly, it demands a Staples button it’s so easy. “Pull my fingers” and “walk 5 steps” and “shrug your shoulders” and “follow my finger” and…yeah…all extreme challenges. That’s what a medical degree is for, I suppose.
Those hospital beds are about 3 inches of cushion, sure, but the inclining head raiser-thing that you can adjust with your remote control is GOLDEN. Head rush has also been a somewhat ongoing side effect after the operations, so sleeping with my head raised was encouraged. And, being home, the only true option is a pillow stack. A.k.a. NO. It’s just NOT COMFY! So my bear Grid and I just make do with what we can manage to arrange each night. And then move very slowly the next morning. Which, honestly is the only thing I have energy for if I am awakened before 11:30 am.
This is one of the best parts of being back home! The amazing people who have sent cards and gifts and love are now allowed to come over and say hello, which means I get to finally say THANK YOU. Gratitude is better expressed in person, and though even this is not enough to cover my true thanks, it is better than an online note. So if anyone would like to say hi, come on over! I love company! 💓😄
My appointment took over an hour, for about 20 mins of actual updates. The staples came out, I waited 30mins, then the doctor said hi. Yup. That’s it. I love my VCU team, and every staff member I’ve worked with is wonderful, but the wait is still quite annoying…ah well. Only 1 appointment left! (for now)
So my recovery? Going SO WELL!! I’m getting off my pain medications, I haven’t had ANY seizures, and my kitty cat still loves me! I’m up and walking about (a lot), and exercising, and making plans to visit and hopefully start some work! Life is GOOD! 😊
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| my nurse! |
1. NOTHING beats a momma-cooked meal.
via GIPHY
Sorry VCU. After trying some of Mom’s fresh cooking, you’re more like VCEw.
2. Even hugs are dangerous.
via GIPHY
To all those wanting to celebrate Valentine’s Day who have staples in their head: CAUTION: HUGS CAN HURT! Yeah…Dad went for a happy father/daughter hug, but on the staple side…twas a little painful.
3. Naptime is a NECESSITY.
Making it through an entire day awake is the equivalent of doing a group project without that one awful team member: EXTREMELY RARE. All my internal energy is working on brain repair (and hopefully hair re-growth), so the daily crash is inevitable.
4. Exercise IS possible:
I have yet to forget my daily 30+ minutes of Candy Crush home gym grind. Good thing I just finished a Tiger puzzle…because it’s the EYE OF THE TIGER, IT’s THE THRILL OF THE FIGHT, RISING UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF…well…the surgery, I guess. And I feel just fine! Even my Doctor told me today that exercise is the best thing I can do to start feeling 100%
5. All Doctors use the SAME TESTS:
Every time I’ve had a new medical person come “check in” during these pre, post, and mid-surgical appointments, they’ve had the same warm-up of sorts to check my “wellness.” And, honestly, it demands a Staples button it’s so easy. “Pull my fingers” and “walk 5 steps” and “shrug your shoulders” and “follow my finger” and…yeah…all extreme challenges. That’s what a medical degree is for, I suppose.6. Pillow piles ≠ Raised bed incline.
Those hospital beds are about 3 inches of cushion, sure, but the inclining head raiser-thing that you can adjust with your remote control is GOLDEN. Head rush has also been a somewhat ongoing side effect after the operations, so sleeping with my head raised was encouraged. And, being home, the only true option is a pillow stack. A.k.a. NO. It’s just NOT COMFY! So my bear Grid and I just make do with what we can manage to arrange each night. And then move very slowly the next morning. Which, honestly is the only thing I have energy for if I am awakened before 11:30 am.
7. People want to visit!
8. Hospitals are still slow.
My appointment took over an hour, for about 20 mins of actual updates. The staples came out, I waited 30mins, then the doctor said hi. Yup. That’s it. I love my VCU team, and every staff member I’ve worked with is wonderful, but the wait is still quite annoying…ah well. Only 1 appointment left! (for now)So my recovery? Going SO WELL!! I’m getting off my pain medications, I haven’t had ANY seizures, and my kitty cat still loves me! I’m up and walking about (a lot), and exercising, and making plans to visit and hopefully start some work! Life is GOOD! 😊