New Hip Update, day 12, part 2

It's been a good week. It has definitely been a different kind of week, but overall really good.

I was thrilled to be at Ellie's baptism. I still can't believe that I was able to go. Not only was I able to go, I felt great while I was there! Better living through chemistry, as Susie used to say about medicine. I was pumped full of pain meds and felt like a million bucks. I will do another post about Ellie's baptism because it certainly deserves its own.

Jack left for out of town on Monday morning (returning Thursday night) and Sally and Ellie moved in Monday afternoon. They really did not HAVE to stay overnight, but it was a nice peace of mind thing for all of us. Also, Jenny came over every day and was super helpful in only the way my sister can be. For example, on Thursday morning, she basically watched Ellie while Sally ran some errands. While Ellie and I took our naps, Jenny tidied up everything in my  house, did some dishes and also seeded my front lawn. Oh yes she did. Sally and Ellie were super helpful too.

Sally tackles the TED hose challenge

Jack and the TED hose

There were ups and downs this week. I felt great Monday and Tuesday and not so great on Wednesday and Thursday. That was in part because of cruddy weather and in part because of the whole healing process and pain meds and all. The "ups" of the week is that my mobility continues to improve. I have not had to use a walker, other than at the baptism, since a week ago Thursday. I can go up and down steps and walk outside. I even went grocery shopping at Mariano's with Sally and Ellie on Tuesday. The "downs" is that I didn't feel quite like myself. My appetite was not quite right and I felt a little off, especially on Wednesday and Thursday. Luckily, I am not on many meds. I am only taking a blood thinner and a stool softener for three weeks and then the pain meds as needed. That has been tricky for me, trying to figure out how much medication I need for the pain. It has been so helpful to be able to email my surgeon and his staff any time of the day or night and get a response to my questions. It appears I am on the right track with the meds and though I still need some, that need is steadily decreasing.

I am feeling much more like myself this morning and looking forward to getting out and about with Jack today. It helps that the sun is shining, even though there is a bit of snow on the ground. Oh, spring in Chicago!

New Hip Update- part one

It's Sunday morning, 6 days post-surgery. I can't believe how blessed I have been through this whole new hip process.
So far, so great.

My experience with Elmhurst Hospital was amazing. I received incredibly attentive and helpful nursing care. I was so well cared for in every way.
There was excellent consistency in the nursing care. The shifts are 7am- 7:30pm, and 7pm til 7:30am, so the nurses get to know you well. I was lucky to have Karla as my nurse from the minute I came to the floor on Monday til 7:30pm, then all day on Tuesday. She was so in tune with me and my needs and my motivation. It makes it so much easier to recover when you have that level of trust. My patient care technician was Alex, who was also incredibly good and helpful- especially in making sure I could pee after the catheter was removed 24 hours after surgery (key: be patient, wait it out, running water, etc). My evening nurses, Latasha and Katie, were awesome too. Karla and Katie helped me figure out my medication situation. When it became clear that I wasn't good at speaking up on pain level and need for meds, they suggested they just wake me up round the clock for pain relief. That was huge because I stopped getting behind the pain and then was so much more comfortable.
I felt like I was their only patient. That's what I call personalized care.

Karla!

Suzie and Katie

Another thing I liked about Elmhurst Hospital was the patient-driven, 24/7 visiting hours. That made it possible for me to have visitors when I wanted them and whenever I wanted. That also helps healing.

sunrise out my window on Tuesday

my posse! Tuesday morning

I ended up being discharged on Wednesday afternoon. I could have stayed another night- it was totally my choice. On Wednesday morning, I knew I wasn't quite ready to go home, but after 2 productive physical therapy sessions, it became clear that I was ready to go. One of the advantages was being able to get up and move around independently at home. At the hospital I was still considered a fall risk, so I had to buzz for a nurse or aide every time I wanted to get up on my feet. Since moving is clearly key to recovery, I figured it made more sense to head home where I could be more mobile.

I am going to end this update because I have to go get ready to go to Ellie's baptism!!!!
Again, so blessed!

Hip Hip Hooray!!-written on 3/29 but posted on 4/3

I got my new hip yesterday! I couldn't be more pleased with how the day went.

Jack and I arrived at Elmhurst Hospital at 5:45am and I was prepped and ready for surgery by 6:30. I was wheeled back to the operating room around 7, was immediately given the spinal anesthetic and that was the last thing I remember til they woke me up in OR to say I was done. I arrived in the recovery room at 8:30 and spent 2.5 hours there. It took a little bit longer than usual to get the feeling back in my toes, but no one was concerned so I wasn't either. I finally made it to my room around 11:30 and Jack was waiting for me there.

The afternoon started out with physical   therapy. He did some range of motion excercises, then got me up and walking. It was so strange and amazing. I also sat up in a chair for an hour. It felt good to be moving. 

Spring Break 2016! Woohoo!

Hello, Spring Break. It's great to see you again.
I have had interesting Spring Breaks over the years. Many were low-key as in staying at home and recharging the batteries, others were amazing vacations- Cayman with Mark and Cath in 2009, Scottsdale with Jack, Wayne, Julie, Sally and Matt last year (both vacations so memorable and fun), Others were a bit traumatic, like sitting through my brother Tom's federal trial in 2004, going to Houston for Tom's radiation for his brain tumor in 2006, planning Tom's funeral services in 2007...
Well, let's just say that Spring Break has had its ups and downs.
This Spring Break is in a class of its own.
I am getting a new hip!
Not to jinx it, because I cannot get a cold or the flu or have anything wrong with me on Monday morning, but if all goes well, I will be having surgery to replace my left hip first thing Monday morning.
I am so excited and grateful and a little bit keyed up (I think that was one of my mom's expressions).
I feel great about the surgeon (trust me, I did lots of research!) and his team. My experience with them has been excellent so far. My doctor has a website full of great information and that has been super helpful to me.
I report to the hospital at 5:45am. That is about 33 hours from now!
Please pray for me that I stay healthy (everyone I work with had a virus with a terrible cough last week!) and am ready for surgery on Monday.
I promise to keep you updated.

Happy First Birthday, Charley!

My newest grand niece Charley turned one yesterday. Kjell and Lisa hosted a party on Saturday and we had fun watching this little sweetheart celebrating. First birthday parties can be overwhelming, but Charley handled all the commotion like a champ. She even demonstrated her cruising skills, walking while pushing around her new dolly in a toy stroller. We also celebrated her big brother Jake's birthday.
It was super fun to be together.

Grammy with Charley and Abbie

Charley with her new dolly and stroller

Sweet girl!

Happy Hour, the Next Generation

On Friday, I hosted a happy hour for Teri, Caylen, Henry, Sally, and Ellie. Jack joined us too because he was done with work for the day.

It was a nice little slice of life to be sitting in our living room with these dear people. We all appreciated the chance to watch Henry (9 months) and Ellie (6 months) hang out on the floor together without lots of distractions. It's the next generation of friendship. We are so thankful. 

Henry and Sally

Henry and Caylen

Teri capturing the moment

Teri holding Britt and Dane holding baby Sally- June1988

Long time, no posting

It would appear that I have hit a dry spell in my blogging. It's been three weeks since I posted anything. I don't even have any drafts waiting to be edited. 

It must be that late February slump. The weather, the lack of sunlight, but most significantly, the anniversary (Feb 25) of Dane's death. It hits everyone in our family every year, each person in a different way. It is difficult to express how awful, how utterly earth-shattering, the sudden loss of Dane was and is. He was funny, kind-hearted, and just a one of a kind guy. We miss him every day. 

I will just leave it there. Grief is a tricky emotion.