AT THE HOSPITAL:
My time at the hospital was not fun at all. I do recommend having music to listen too though. It really helped me make it through the night in ICU. I hardly remember anything from the first few days. I slept most of the time. I was moved to a regular room late Monday night. Every two hours or so the nurses turned me and gave me some medicine. Sleeping on my back was most comfortable but the nurses also propped me up with pillows on my sides. Just two days after surgery my Physical Therapists, Alice, had me sitting up. I even walked a short distance (about five feet) to a wheel chair. The physical therapy was exhausting. I got very light headed, heard a ringing in my ears, and got really hot every time I tried to walk but each day it got easier. By the fifth day I had walked all the way down the hall on my floor.
COMING HOME:
I came home from the hospital on May 29th... Saturday. It was a rough ride home. I never knew there were so many bumps and pot holes on the road. To get home we used my dad's SUV. It was helpful because I didn't have to bend over so much to get inside. A pillow behind my back also helped the ride be a little more comfortable. A wet wash cloth and a pan to vomit in accompanied me all the way home. Fortunatley I had no accidents. It was very uncomfortable though.
AT HOME:
Being at home is so much better than at the hospital! It is easier to sleep and the food tastes much better! When I first got home the nights were horrible. I would wake up every two hours or so because I was uncomfortable and I had to keep my medicines going. I am taking Vikadin (not sure on spelling) and Valium. The valium is to help with these aweful muscle spasms that I am having in my shoulders. Slowly but surely I am recovering. Each day I get stronger and can do something by myself. I still depend on my mom for about everything. She helps me turn at night, get out of bed, stand, sit down, walk, go to the bathroom, and shower. I can't do anything by myself. Yesterday, 10 days after surgery I sat down by myself. Today I stood up by myself. It takes a lot of energy to do the simple things that I never even noticed but every day I feel myself getting a little stronger.
Thanks for the prayers and thoughts during my surgery and recovery!
