My fellow Dearies...
Today has been a good day thus far. I had a good long sleep and finally hauled myself out of the big girl sleigh bed after 11am! My JB was out and about for appointments and errands, and just as the coffee maker was sputtering its last bit of damn good into my big huge cup, he arrived home with good reports and a few bags of provisions.
After a wonderful hot and soapy shower and hair wash, I was off to visit with Dr Eskapalli...my kidney doc, who was anxious to hear all of the exciting details of the last month.
Can you believe it's been a month?! I was kind of feeling a bit behind schedule a few days ago, but Dr E assures me that a normal person (without all of my other issues) normally needs at least twelve full weeks to get this far, so I'm feeling a little better about being so "lazy" these last several days.
But in the spirit of keeping you up to date, I will tell you that my recovery progress remains slow and steady. I am becoming more and more confident taking care of Louie, and thanks to patience and excellent nursing while in hospital, I think I've learned what to look for in terms of trouble signs. Pain is still an issue, but more and more a minor one, and I have weaned myself down to taking two Tylenol before bed instead of every six hours.
I've lost a fair amount of weight and continue to do so, and despite being free to eat "anything that sounds good", I am, for the first time in my life, consistently making good choices and have reduced my portion sizes considerably. I'm concentrating on protein, and am very very slowly re-adding fresh fruits and vegetables as well as higher fiber foods.
Energy-wise, I am still nowhere near my old self, and my ability to stand or walk for any length of time is really really limited, but I have a wonderful set of exercises to do for both upper and lower body, thanks to visits from physical and occupational therapists.
My greatest challenge right now is mental. (I know. Surprise surprise , right?) My stupid to do list has grown arms and legs and is now learning to growl at me from various corners, and I spend a lot if time mulling all of the shoulds that just aren't getting done. CS2 is in desperate need of a deep clean, I am woefully behind in keeping up with bills, paperwork, correspondence, etc., and my poor skin and hair are definitely looking more Swamp Witch than Suburban Spinster.
(But...baby steps. I have to remember that at no time did one single doctor or nurse refuse to care for me because of my split ends or epic winter leg hair and post-menopausal beard/mustache situation, and last time I checked, not one visitor has recoiled in horror when coming in to check my blood pressure.)
So tonight I will have a light dinner and will watch a bit of something easy while Rich ushers the Notre Dame men's basketball game versus Duke. I'll put the game on for a minute or two to see if he's on camera, and then I'll head to bed early for another good sleep.
I am still so very happy and grateful and humbled by the love and prayers and encouragement that surround me. How did I ever get to be so incredibly blessed with such a beautiful life?
I've had a few minor surgeries over the years and find it takes me 6 months to clear the post-anaesthetic cobwebs out of my brain. As for housework, it's over-rated. If you don't give yourself food poisoning then your kitchen is clean enough. If your shower floor isn't dangerously slippery, then it's clean enough too. It can all wait. Bills - well, allow for the cobwebs and take your time. Elaine in in Oz.
ReplyDeleteGreat update Coni. You're being showered with prayers & love 24/7 from your loyal followers. One day at a time, one step at a time. You got this. Prayers continue 🙏💓xoxo. MaryO1230
ReplyDeleteBecause you are beautiful person with a kind soul who has had a very bumpy, detoured road to travel. But we love you and care about you, praying for continued steady healing.
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew your name because your lovely reply to Coni was in my thoughts as well but you wrote it so beautifully. Coni, celebrate your what you call your baby steps. You continue to amaze me!
DeleteYou are doing so well. take it easy on yourself--I know, easier said than done, right. Why not think about a cleaning service to do the really heavy stuff for a couple of months? That could relieve some of the mental angst and save your healing body. Sending good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhen I made the cleaning comment forgot to change and add my name--anonymous comments aren't my thing.
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing!
ReplyDeleteConi, I am glad you had a good visit with Dr. E and they confirmed the time for your recovery. Continue on with the baby steps because each day will bring you a bit more strength and endurance. Thinking of you and know that you are loved.
ReplyDeleteHire someone to come in and clean your apartment. Mentally, it’s worth every penny not to have to think about it.
ReplyDeleteYes. Call in a reliable cleaner. Worth every penny, believe me. They change bedding, too, and can\will help w other stuff you shouldn't be doing. Really. -psv
ReplyDeleteSo glad to read you are moving along this road to healing. Sounds like you are much further along than average. I would not worry about the cleaning unless its an issue of sanitation, which I highly doubt! As much as a cleaning service might be nice, it won't go there because I know it is not something in MY BUDGET! Easier said than done. You just keep doing the best you can and that is enough. Love and hugs.
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