Today was a red letter day. Concerns that Paul and I about the looks of the skin graft and skin surrounding it was erased when the doctor said everything was looking fine. We were concerned about the open skin, but he said that would heal in time, but not to worry. I can start walking.
When I asked him about when would be a good time to go back to work, he asked what I did. When I told him secretary/receptionist, he surprised me by saying "tomorrow". When I told him that going back to work meant driving again, he again surprised me by saying, "What's stopping you?" My jaw dropped open. So next week, I'm going back to work on Tuesday and Thursday which are the days that Michael has school and sometimes parks at the church and then goes to the hi-speed line to catch the train to Rutgers.
Next Friday I'm having a mass said for my late nephew on his birthday at St. Rose. I will drive myself the three blocks to the chapel to test my ability.
On Friday, April 23 my friend Karen treated me to lunch at Brio to celebrate the good news on Wednesday. I actually put a shoe on my right foot and was able to walk with crutches to get in the car and the restaurant. There wasn't the pain in my foot that I used to have caused by the scar tissue on the bottom. I just felt the stitches there. The day was sunny and a little breezy, but I made significant strides in my recovery.
Pray that my days back at work will be sunny and bright like the friends that I have been blessed to have helped me through this transition.
Fondly,
Betsy
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16, 2010
Good day everyone. I had my follow-up visit to the surgeon for my skin graft surgery last Tuesday. He was happy to see that the skin graft took and there was small open area which he felt would heal quickly. I am once again able to shower after taking the bandages off. I don't have to keep it elevated as much, but I notice if I have it down too long, it does bother me. Since we can change the dressings ourselves, the nurse is no longer needed.
After showering last night, Paul and I noticed that the open wound seemed to be a little bigger; maybe the graft pulled away slightly. I don't know if I did something, but I have been careful to not put weight on the foot even though I have to crutch it to the bathroom from the hallway door.
I actually made dinner this week from the wheelchair much to Paul's happiness. He hates deciding what to have for dinner everynight. What woman enjoys that job!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been watching a lot of the Food Network shows for simple ideas of enhancing our boring dinners, but I seem to forget them or don't have the ingredients on hand. Eventually I'll do the food shopping again.
One good thing that has come from all of this, for the first time in years I have long nails. No fake ones this time, but I find it harder to type.
Thanks again to Donna from Presbyterian Church for our lunch together on Wednesday. The plant is beautiful and I really appreciate the company.
Peace and love,
Betsy
After showering last night, Paul and I noticed that the open wound seemed to be a little bigger; maybe the graft pulled away slightly. I don't know if I did something, but I have been careful to not put weight on the foot even though I have to crutch it to the bathroom from the hallway door.
I actually made dinner this week from the wheelchair much to Paul's happiness. He hates deciding what to have for dinner everynight. What woman enjoys that job!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been watching a lot of the Food Network shows for simple ideas of enhancing our boring dinners, but I seem to forget them or don't have the ingredients on hand. Eventually I'll do the food shopping again.
One good thing that has come from all of this, for the first time in years I have long nails. No fake ones this time, but I find it harder to type.
Thanks again to Donna from Presbyterian Church for our lunch together on Wednesday. The plant is beautiful and I really appreciate the company.
Peace and love,
Betsy
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9, 2010
Dear Friends,
I had the skin graft surgery on Tuesday, April 6th. What supposed to be an early morning procedure was shifted to a 2:00 pm surgery. Upon arriving at Penn Presbyterian Hospital at 12:00 noon, we were informed that Dr. Levin was running behind. So they showed me where to get my hospital gown and sit in the patient waiting area till they could take me up. They didn't take me up till at least 3:45 to the pre-operating room to see the anestheologist. When Dr. Levin came out to check on me, no one had put an IV on me. It turns out I went to sleep and not just the leg. Paul said the doctor came to talk with him at 5:00 pm. I awoke about 5:40 and they put me in post-op till 6:10. (There were clocks all around.) We didn't leave recovery until 7:45. So you can see that it was a long day for an 1/2 hour procedure.
I have another half-cast on my foot and must keep it elevated for a few days. Just when I was getting used to my independence on the crutches, I'm now back in the wheelchair. My next follow-up appointment with Dr. Levin is Tuesday at 3:30 if I'm lucky to get home by 7:00. The doctor did tell Paul that I would be "good as new" in two weeks. We'll see about that!!!!!
I had the skin graft surgery on Tuesday, April 6th. What supposed to be an early morning procedure was shifted to a 2:00 pm surgery. Upon arriving at Penn Presbyterian Hospital at 12:00 noon, we were informed that Dr. Levin was running behind. So they showed me where to get my hospital gown and sit in the patient waiting area till they could take me up. They didn't take me up till at least 3:45 to the pre-operating room to see the anestheologist. When Dr. Levin came out to check on me, no one had put an IV on me. It turns out I went to sleep and not just the leg. Paul said the doctor came to talk with him at 5:00 pm. I awoke about 5:40 and they put me in post-op till 6:10. (There were clocks all around.) We didn't leave recovery until 7:45. So you can see that it was a long day for an 1/2 hour procedure.
I have another half-cast on my foot and must keep it elevated for a few days. Just when I was getting used to my independence on the crutches, I'm now back in the wheelchair. My next follow-up appointment with Dr. Levin is Tuesday at 3:30 if I'm lucky to get home by 7:00. The doctor did tell Paul that I would be "good as new" in two weeks. We'll see about that!!!!!
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