Snow Day #2

Maybe every day of this recovery won't be all unicorns and rainbows. I learned today that I must accept my current state as part of who I am, and deal with it accordingly. Today was not a fabulous day in the sense that I was very down in the dumps for a good part of it. I've heard from people who have had the same surgery before me that depression can set in after a while. I'm doing my best to fight it and be strong, smiling through the pain. For some reason, that was hard for me today. I want this blog to be an honest representation of who I am and how I progress through the healing process. With the good must come bad, so here we go.

I woke up with an upset stomach, but I was fortunate enough to receive some anti-nausea medicine from the hospital. I fought that off, but then my hips began to hurt. As I've said before, so much of my pain post-op has been in my hips. I feel this huge weight on them, pressing down and making my nerves go crazy. It often spreads down my legs and makes it almost impossible to sit or stand for very long. Let's just say today was full of me laying down and trying to relax. If any of you know me very well, you know that sitting still and relaxing for an extended period of time is not my cup of tea. I feel like I waste a day if I take naps or whatnot. Well, today was full of naps. I tried walking around the house, and could do it for a short time, but then my hips would disagree with me and I would have to go back to bed for a bit. Once I fell asleep, and woke up to Lynne and Leila at Gretchen's house.

Lynne has been one of the most supportive and encouraging friends I've ever had through this process, and I owe her big time for the compassion she has shown me. Unfortunately today I was not the best friend to her. Every so often I would get very very hot, and my nerves would freak out. I can't describe the feeling any better than a million fiery red dots all over my skin, itching and burning. Mom and Lynne said there's nothing visible on my skin, but it's just my nerves reacting to either stress or the healing process. Basically, I feel like I'm being pinched all over my back by fireplace pokers. Anywho, after some fanning and a cold drink of water, they go away. Mom called my nurse and she said that's normal, and I just need to relax. Seems like I have an issue with that concept, huh? :)

Lynne was nice enough to stay and let the kids play with Leila (her precious puppy) while she helped Mom babysit me. Seriously...my mother deserves an award for all of the stuff she's put up with when it comes to me. I would be completely lost and clueless had it not been for my amazing parents throughout this process. Dad came up tonight and brought Outback for dinner. I didn't have much of an appetite for some reason, so I ate a little bit and then laid down. When the Clardy's came back from their family dinner, we baked some cookies and had fun just laughing and hanging out. It's funny how your pain seems to go away when you're with people you really love and care about. Or, maybe that was just the medicine I took...Hehe I'm just kidding. I was able to go upstairs (with the help of Dad) and take a shower. I know I definitely took for granted all of the little things I was able to do without anyone's help. After I heal up completely, I am definitely going to thank my lucky stars that I have the abilities I do. We are all so blessed, and need to be thankful every single day.

After my shower, the kids hugged me and said goodnight. I got in bed and began to put the finishing touches on my preparation for tomorrow's interview. At this very moment I have minimal pain, a warm blanket on me, and a few butterflies in my stomach. I suppose that is to be expected. :) I will update tomorrow hopefully with a positive feeling about how the recruitment fair went. I hope my wheelchair doesn't scare them away. :p I can't even begin to imagine how different my life will be as the months pass and I continue to heal. One day at a time... :)