May 13, 2009

There is no reason to post everyday it seems as progress seems so slow. Everyone keeps telling me how quick things are happening but I am completely useless. Ali and Kara come every day to take care of me and keep me company. I appreciate it so much but I feel bad at the same time because I am sure they would like to do something fun. Sitting with me is not fun. I tend to sleep a lot or groan. I actually am feeling pretty well right now. I have decided that I need to try better to keep ahead of the pain. Tomorrow is my appt with the orthopedist. Hopefully my bones will show that they are healing well on the x rays. I am hoping that they will let me start trying to walk with hand crutches. I am going to talk to the physical therapist about that tomorrow. Home health comes in twice a week. My coumadin level is good so I only need to have my blood tested at this point once a week. YEA!!!! My fingers are calloused from all of the times my fingers have been pricked to collect blood. Meg is having a great time in New York. That makes me very happy. I'll post more tomorrow if anything new happens.

Day 28 - May 9, 2009

Haley went home today. It is always so hard to say goodbye. I appreciate so much her being here and all of the work she did while she was here. It was fun to have the kids around as well. Lexi slept with me last night and she did not move. I know Colby was worried about her sleeping by me but I felt that Haley needed her sleep so she could get everyone home. Meg was so excited to go with her. She loves the kids and I am sure she will be a help to Haley. The house has been so quiet today. I did my therapy and really pushed myself. I even took 2 steps without the walker. They were very painful steps however so I think I will wait for a while before I try that again. Beginning Monday, I will be having a physical therapist come in my home for a couple of days a week. This is just a slow process but hopefully there will be an end in sight really soon. I can't wait to get my neck brace off so I can stop gagging.
I am going to try to go to sacrament meeting tomorrow. That will be it as sitting for longer than an hour will be very difficult.

Day 26 - May 6

I am finally home!!!!!! Almost 1 month of my life spent in a hospital. I don't recommend it. I have certainly had very good care and feel that I am ready to start the next phase of my recovery. They stressed to me many times that I was being released to take care of myself. I could not help anyone. I don't know how I would help anyone. I move very slowly when I get up the courage to move. I did not have therapy today so I did it on my own. I was not nearly as rough on myself as my therapist at the hospital was but tomorrow I will be. Home health is supposed to call me tomorrow to set up times to come work with me at my home. I think one of the biggest issues I have is the nausea I feel. It is hard to eat because I feel nauseous all of the time. I am sure it is the lovely neck brace that I get to wear that is creating a gag reflux with me. I can't even wear turtle neck tops because of this so I am struggling but I will wear it until the doctor says take it off so I will be safe. Colby has done so much in the house to make things nice for me. I am a spoiled woman. He put a nice flat screen TV in the living room for me and the best part is I CAN TURN IT ON MYSELF AND CHANGE THE CHANNELS MYSELF. I don't know how to turn the tv on upstairs because it is hooked to so many things so he really outdid himself to simplify things for me. I am looking forward to going to bed tonight and not being awakened at 5:30 a.m. with someone poking my finger to get my coumadin level. I was starting to feel like a pin cushion. My fingers are calloused because of the pokes. Nikki and Ryan are my helpers whenever I get up. They think they have to walk with me holding on to the walker. Nikki moves slowly but Ryan wants to "book it". I have to say not so fast. The walker has been a great interest to all of the grandchildren. Maybe I will get them all one for Christmas. Thank you to everyone for all that you have done for me and my family. My girls have spent hours cooking meals that have been frozen so when Haley goes home we will have food to eat. It is difficult for me to stand without holding on to something so I am afraid it will be a while before I will be cooking anything or cleaning anything. But eventually I will be doing these things. I am hoping to get back to work in a month. Right now the thing holding me back is just the pain. As my injuries heal, I am sure things will progress quickly.
My love to all of you who have asked about me and have helped in any way.

Day 24 - May 4th

I know this sounds repetative, but each day Jan looks better and better. It has been hard for her since she started putting weight on her right leg last Thursday. In a number of ways it was as though she was starting from ground zero. But she seems to be past the initial inertia and is going forward at a more rapid clip.

She met with the doctor last night. They reviewed her progress and where she is now. They came to the conclusion that she is just about ready to come home, and a target date has been set of this coming Wednesday (May 6th). To say the least, we are all very excited about this.

It's been over three weeks since the accident. In one regard, it's as though it happened an eternity ago. On the other hand, given the severity of her injuries, it is miraculous that she has made a recovery of this magnitude in such a short time. There is still a long way to go, but given her determination and the Lord's power I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen much faster than we all think.

Again, thanks to all for your help in making this happen.

Day 23 - May 3

Jan was able to come home on a visit from the hospital today. She arrived about 2:30PM, and returned around 8:00PM. There were several things that we all wondered about (including Jan). First was about getting in and out of a car. She was pretty concerned about it, but she handled it very well. The second was going up the steps to the front door of our house. She had received physical therapy that taught her how to do it, so that was handled. She spent most of the time surrounded by family in an easy chair in the living room. When dinner was served, she sat at the table and ate with us. She also checked out the changes we made to the house that would make it easier for her (such as in the bathroom, our bedroom, and the living room). It was literally a trial run for when she comes home. It worked out almost perfectly. She was absolutely thrilled to be at home with family. As it turns out, she doesn't need to be taught much more in the way of therapy. She is determined to get home as soon as possible (hopefully this week). After arriving home, she will continue therapy on an outpatient basis for some weeks yet to come.

Day 22 - May 2nd

It's Satuday, which means that Jan doesn't have therapy. She still hurts from the last couple of days. In spite of it, she continues to do various pieces of therapy in her room. She wants to get home so badly. In connection with that, she discussed with the people of Health South if it were possible for her to be able to come home on Sunday to visit with her family. They said it would be OK. As such, I am picking her up in the afternoon and will be returning her in the evening. I've been working pretty hard to make the conversions in our home that will be necessary for Jan as she continues to heal at home. I think that most of it has now been accomplished.

Again, thanks to all for your prayers and help.

Day 21 - May 1st

Since it was discovered that Jan had another hairline fracture in her pelvis, her therapy has shifted so that she is putting weight on both legs. She says that it is just like starting all over again from ground zero. Her pain level is now higher because of her right side of the pelvis is now enduring more stress with the adjusted therapy. It is discouraging for her because she was feeling she was getting on top of it. Now she's been thrust back.

She is appreciative of all the visits she has received. It's wonderful to know that so many care.