Two weeks today since my surgery. I'm glad it's not that day; that day sucked. I'm still quite sore and fatigued, but there are definite signs of improvement. The nerve tingling on my left side is improving. The nights are rough, though. I'm not sure why, but I'm super uncomfortable in the evenings and lately sleep has been extremely difficult, especially getting to sleep. It often feels like I'm trying to sleep on a bed full of bowling balls, or jacks. Or maybe croquet balls--and mallets.
The bruises on my hand and leg are almost gone, and I'm glad. The one on my left hand is HUGE. I'm fairly sure the nurse who did that served time. For some reason, I tend to be depressed looking at post-surgery bruising. I don't know if it just brings my misery and trauma to the surface (so to speak) or what. But it just makes me feel bad. I can't get the tape residue off from the tubes, and it's driving me bonkers! Neither acetone nor rubbing alcohol worked; I'm thinking an arc torch might.
Today a church friend hooked us up with food. She made two gigantic dishes (plus salad and a carrot cake), easily enough to feed us all for four meals. Phew! Food has been a bit of a challenge at times. I'm the primary chef in our house. Mark's a great cook, but he's been so busy (and he works nights), so once and awhile, we've been caught short. Anna's willing to learn, and we have worked it out. Once, my friend from Kentucky (Sea Monster) called a local pizza place and they delivered out here! That was pretty sweet. :) Obviously, the worst of that scenario was right after we got home when Mark had to return to work immediately upon our arrival home. I'm a lot more able to do little things in the kitchen now. My dad comes over sometimes on a night Mark works, makes us dinner, then he and Anna play chess and take the dogs to the beach. I like those evenings!
Things are definitely moving forward. I wish I felt better, stronger. But considering what my body went through (and has since I was 22), I'm doing pretty awesome. I need to focus on that. My friend Valentine, who has a background in medicine, told me yesterday, given all the times my "spine has been carved on, it's a wonder I can even walk." Damn right. But I can! And right now, I feel optimistic about the future. I'm just ready to attack it! I'm a summer girl and I haven't had one (again). But all indications point to surgery free summers in the future and a definite improvement in my health.
Yeah, my spine isn't the only problem. I have that weird metabolic/endocrine thing that causes various problems, including weight. I have chronic fatigue issues. I have other structual problems that make life tough (like my thoracic outlet syndrome). But I've got other things to, more important things: a family, friends, and an iron will. And right now, I'd say the smart money is on me. :)
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