“It is the middle of December. The nights are longer, the weather is colder, winter comes.”
I have learned so much since the surgery I figured I’d share as none of my hard earned knowledge should ever go to waste. At first, as I was lying on the couch moaning periodically, I thought about a pamphlet or a novelette but decided my blog will have to do as the other choices seemed just too complicated. We’ll have to call this blog entry “If you find yourself, sick, disabled or otherwise incapacitated, read this.”
Just in case you’re handed a walker and sent on your way, I have a few walker helps and hints. A walker most decidedly has its advantages but getting around a house furnished for two feet makes it difficult. My walker has gotten caught on chairs, the legs of tables, a laundry bag, the butcher block and a couple of open doors. Right away I learned to close one arm of the walker so I could get around those spots. Of course, the directions tell you never to do that. I, always the rebel, did it anyway, and it worked and I was able to maneuver. A couple of times I had to wash some lounge pants as my laundry bag was filled. The walker was a great substitute for a clothes line. It also serves as an ottoman if the need rises. Right now, mine is a linen closet adjunct holding a quilt.
The worst part of being a bit disabled is getting to the bathroom. I wished I could plan my trips ahead of time. I figured an e-mail saying get up because in five minutes you’ll have to go to the bathroom wouldn’t take much and seems quite thoughtful. No, that never happens, and I ran though I don’t think using a walker can really be called running. A few times I breathed a sigh of relief at crossing the finish line just in time. Now, I stop at the bathroom on the way to the kitchen whether I need to or not. That’s my version of an e-mail.
Always have a straw which can be bent. The advantage is obvious. The disadvantages are wet and uncomfortable.
One of those grab things is a must. I used it constantly. It seemed everything I wanted was at the wrong end of the table or maybe I was. I’m not quite sure which. I used it to grab and slide stuff. Anything which fell on the floor would have stayed there without my grabber. Using it to tease people, though, is not a good idea.
Get into bed (the couch in my case) before the dog. Mine likes to be comfy and takes and arranges most of the covers in her quest. When I’m first in bed, she just has to make do.
Keep cookies handy. Sweets are one of the best remedies. I swear aches went away when I ate a star sugar cookie frosted in light purple, but I’m not sure the shape or color matters. It’s the magic of the cookie.
Today is the best day I’ve had so far. They started me on a new medication, and it seems to be working. I haven’t used my walker this morning and I’m still fine. Earlier, I was given a gift of wonder. I walked from the kitchen with my cup of coffee without dragging along my walker and no drops of coffee poker dotted the floor.
Last night I fell asleep really early with the TV, lights and computer on. I was even still wearing my glasses. I think it was a Hallmark movie which put me out. When I woke up it was a round 1 am. That was a long nap for me so I looked around for something to do. I chose a TV program with lots of blood and gore, grabbed a cup of coffee, took my pills and started a jigsaw puzzle. I was up for hours. It was almost light when I fell back to sleep. A phone call woke me around noon.
The pains are less, and I seldom yelp. I don’t seem to need the walker though I do limp a bit. I even went out on the deck a little while ago so I could do a weather report. It’s not so pretty a day, but I don’t care. I will appreciate all of today. I’m hoping for a parade later!
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This entry was posted on December 18, 2010 at 2:46 pm and is filed under Musings. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments.
Tags: Bathroom, being sick, Cookies, using a walker
Both comments and pings are currently closed.12 Comments on ““It is the middle of December. The nights are longer, the weather is colder, winter comes.””
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keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
December 18, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Okay, THAT’S more like it. Welcome back!
December 18, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Thanks, im6. I can’t help but smile today as I limp around the house.
December 18, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Hi Kat
And how do you avoid Gracie interfering with those walker runs ?
Yesterday was a day of remembering a couple of those who had passed. Ralph Coates was just 64 and was remembered as much for his floating hair and one goal against Norwich as the true talents and vision that he bought to both Burnley and Tottenham. And then there was The Captain . A fabulous name and an album Trout Mask Replica. A masterpiece, more avant garde than Zappa but somehow I could never quite get to grips with Captain Beefheart and the magic Band. Who wouldn’t want to love music entitled Bat Chain Puller but I was just more comfortable with The Faces and The Who
Both Coates and Don Van Vliet are remembered with kindness and they both had a role in the fabric of my adolescence
December 19, 2010 at 12:28 pm
My Dear Hedley,
Miss Gracie walks slowly behind me. She hasn’t ever come between me and the walker. I think she instinctively understands.
A few years ago is when I first encountered the Captain and his crew. I went looking for more music and found some I really liked and some I didn’t.
Days of remembering are good days. They bring back the people dear to our hearts.
December 18, 2010 at 5:08 pm
All surgery is easy, they put you to sleep, it’s the recovery that sucks. Usually the worst is the third day after the procedure. That’s when you body has finally rid itself of all the pain killing drugs.
Glad to hear that you are feeling almost well. The best Christmas present that you can get will be to wake up on Christmas morning completely pain free and feeling like you did 20 years ago.
December 19, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Bob,
You’re right: recovery sucks though in this case even the area of the surgery never once bothered me. The doctor was a bit nonchalant when he said nerves don’t like to be tampered with so I should expect some pain. YIKES!! It will take up to a year for the actual healing but that’s the inside.
I am better every day-finally!!
December 18, 2010 at 7:13 pm
hmmm. i see an HGTV special in this…decorating
around your walker!
glad you’re feeling better!
December 19, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Greg,
You’re brilliant. HGTV would love this. I might even throw in a crutch or two as an extra surprise!
December 18, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Hi,Kat. It sounds like your health is improving, and that’s great news. I wish you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful Yuletide and New Year. Your health is most definitely your wealth! All the very best…P.
December 19, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Hi P,
I feel better every day. This morning I was able to get up easily and go make coffee. That makes the morning special!!
I also wish you the best of the season. May all your Christmas wishes come true!
December 19, 2010 at 12:53 am
I never got a walker, I got crutches instead but they do tend to get stuck in everything too 🙂 The grabber thingy was great!! I even used it to put my socks on even if I had gotten another thing I should use when I needed socks. But it was quite useless 🙂 🙂
I took a long nap during the day too so I had some troubles getting to sleep last night. But I looked at a delightfully bad film by Will Ferrel called “The land of the lost” 🙂 🙂 🙂
It´s great to read that You´re getting better and better! It´s nice to have You back 🙂
Havbe a great day now!
Christer.
December 19, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Christer,
I didn’t have a choice-I guess my type of surgery wouldn’t work well with crutches.
The grabber thing is the best!!
The only Will Farrel movie I have ever liked is Elf, and I think because it is about Christmas.