Today I noticed for the first time that the color is changing on my arm bruises. Not only changing colors, but getting noticeably lighter. And I'm getting scabs all up and down my chest and torso. It's so nice to see visible change. Last night I slept almost all the way through the night. Wahoo! I'm seeing progress. My friends say they see noticeable color change in my face. I'd had no idea that I'd looked so 'ashen' before. I guess getting more oxygen really helps. Yes, I got a new valve for my aorta, but I also got an entirely new 'core', which means the surgeon got in and found he had to "core the apple", as he called it. He had to rebuild an entirely new aortic core down into my heart because it was just too small. It took 2 extra hours. It's so amazing that he could give me such a gift.
I talked on the phone with my parents today. They are each going in for an appointment with a cardiologist themselves, rather than just being proud of lasting so long without their symptoms showing up with any major Major trouble. Pride certainly can get in the way sometimes. I'm proud of them. It truly might add life to their lives.
I realized why I'm not holding Lacy. I took her in my arms carefully, held her, petted her, and then in the process of giving her back she scratched all across the wound on my chest. Ouch! She's just a doggy, after all, and she did what doggies do. But I learned. No holding Lacy for me until I'm totally well. I'll just let her sit on the couch by my side, where if she struggles at all, she won't hurt me.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thanks, more than I can say.
As I read the supportive comments I feel lifted - more than I can say. Thank you, thank you. It's amazing how much just a kind word means to me right now.
It was a tough day today. First day of Physical Therapy down at IHC. Long Halls, long waiting times, and just sitting answering questions (besides the time on the stationary bike) - took lots of energy. Came home and took a nap. I know there were a few phone calls that came in during the evening, but I just let them go. I just didn't have the energy to talk to anybody. It's interesting to notice how 'being real' takes precedence over 'being nice' when you're hurting and tired.
I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep - they seem to be getting betting each night. Yes, my body is in need in much healing, but I can already tell that my breathing is better than it was before the surgery on my heart. There are quite a number of things that are different than they were before. In ways, I'm learning how to be a new person.
It was a tough day today. First day of Physical Therapy down at IHC. Long Halls, long waiting times, and just sitting answering questions (besides the time on the stationary bike) - took lots of energy. Came home and took a nap. I know there were a few phone calls that came in during the evening, but I just let them go. I just didn't have the energy to talk to anybody. It's interesting to notice how 'being real' takes precedence over 'being nice' when you're hurting and tired.
I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep - they seem to be getting betting each night. Yes, my body is in need in much healing, but I can already tell that my breathing is better than it was before the surgery on my heart. There are quite a number of things that are different than they were before. In ways, I'm learning how to be a new person.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Visitors, and a Different Experience
Yesterday and today I've had visits from friends and relatives. Some visits have been an 'energy add' for me, and some have been an 'energy drain". It's disctictive. I wonder if it might have something to do with my literally having new heart parts to experience the world with, but I'm noticing people's intentions much more clearly - even when they aren't consciously aware of them themselves. Funny thing. There are those who who come to visit me to make themselves feel better, and there are those who visit me to truly 'be' with me in my time of need. Takers, and givers. The words said may even be the same, but the feeling is different. I don't say anything about it, because somehow I know that it wouldn't be understood. It would probably be stressful - for them and for me. Not good for either.
A neighbor brought a delicious pasta salad for dinner. I could tell my body needed a little more protein so I added a can of tuna and it did the trick. Marcia came home during her work today so I could take my first shower since I've been home. Feels really good. It tired me out though, and I slept for 3 hours after. I looked at my arms, chest, and stomach for the first time. Wow. It looks like somebody beat me up! Lots of bruises all over and lots of places that need healing. Body's are amazing. And no wonder mine still hurts.
I'm posting some pictures - I hope they come out OK.
A neighbor brought a delicious pasta salad for dinner. I could tell my body needed a little more protein so I added a can of tuna and it did the trick. Marcia came home during her work today so I could take my first shower since I've been home. Feels really good. It tired me out though, and I slept for 3 hours after. I looked at my arms, chest, and stomach for the first time. Wow. It looks like somebody beat me up! Lots of bruises all over and lots of places that need healing. Body's are amazing. And no wonder mine still hurts.
I'm posting some pictures - I hope they come out OK.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
I'm Back....Sort of
Hi Everybody,
I thought I'd have a really good post today for you about everything that's been going on. Ha. I had no idea how much energy just recuperating takes. I've had some big milestones today - all the things we usually take for granted as part of our days. Getting out of bed by myself, and getting a drink of water. But I need help getting medicine bottles open, and in getting up from the couch. And I can't hold Lacy yet. Boo hoo. I can have her on the couch next to me though, so I'm happy with that. She was so happy to see me when I came home. And she likes to stay close to me. Makes me smile.
I'm so glad I haven't been alone at home. Today Dorie and Marcia have been mostly with me during the day. Tomorrow will be different though. I'm not used to being so 'in need' of care and help. Usually I can 'buck up' and get through it - whatever 'it' is. But not now. I have to be really carefull. My 2 naps per day are much needed. And then there are the 'rests' inbetween. It hurts to breate, and move, and everything is slow. I can't count on my strength yet. I've yeard it takes awhile. Now I believe it.
Dorie just brought me pictures from the hospital that she took. I'll post them tomorrow. I'm too tired now. See you then!
I thought I'd have a really good post today for you about everything that's been going on. Ha. I had no idea how much energy just recuperating takes. I've had some big milestones today - all the things we usually take for granted as part of our days. Getting out of bed by myself, and getting a drink of water. But I need help getting medicine bottles open, and in getting up from the couch. And I can't hold Lacy yet. Boo hoo. I can have her on the couch next to me though, so I'm happy with that. She was so happy to see me when I came home. And she likes to stay close to me. Makes me smile.
I'm so glad I haven't been alone at home. Today Dorie and Marcia have been mostly with me during the day. Tomorrow will be different though. I'm not used to being so 'in need' of care and help. Usually I can 'buck up' and get through it - whatever 'it' is. But not now. I have to be really carefull. My 2 naps per day are much needed. And then there are the 'rests' inbetween. It hurts to breate, and move, and everything is slow. I can't count on my strength yet. I've yeard it takes awhile. Now I believe it.
Dorie just brought me pictures from the hospital that she took. I'll post them tomorrow. I'm too tired now. See you then!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Dorie Here-Gwyn is Home Now
Gwyn is home now! The hospital asked her if she wanted 'Home Care', but she assured them she had help available at home. Since both Marcia and I had volunteered, I'm sure she meant us.
Gwyn's discharge was quite a process yesterday, and we didn't leave until around 6:00pm. Finally, by 7:00pm Gwyn was able to be back in her own bed resting. During the night she was up twice- once with Marcia's help, and once all by herself- so she didn't sleep all that well. Marcia took care of her this morning, got Gwyn breakfast before Marcia had to go to work. I came over a little later, fixing Gwyn an egg and helping her with her pills. (They put her pills into bottles she can't open yet!) Gwyn then was back in bed for a good nap. She has been a little worried about being home without the hospital facilities and staff but she is doing OK. Today she has gone to bed, gotten up gone into the bathroom and been able to take care of her own self by herself pretty much. I was here, available if needed, but she didn't need my help. Slowly but surely she took care of herself. This is all helping her to be more relaxed, letting go of that worry.
Gwyn in now dressed, on the couch, eating chicken soup & asking me to post on the blog for her. A neighbor came by this morning leaving some good chicken soup, so Gwyn is now having lunch.- chicken noodle soup, a piece of toast, some small garden tomatoes and a nice lemon cucumber. She is going slow and tires easily, but I can see an improvement from yesterday. She has asked me to say hello to everyone from her. I'm sure she will be posting one of these first days.
Dorie
Gwyn's discharge was quite a process yesterday, and we didn't leave until around 6:00pm. Finally, by 7:00pm Gwyn was able to be back in her own bed resting. During the night she was up twice- once with Marcia's help, and once all by herself- so she didn't sleep all that well. Marcia took care of her this morning, got Gwyn breakfast before Marcia had to go to work. I came over a little later, fixing Gwyn an egg and helping her with her pills. (They put her pills into bottles she can't open yet!) Gwyn then was back in bed for a good nap. She has been a little worried about being home without the hospital facilities and staff but she is doing OK. Today she has gone to bed, gotten up gone into the bathroom and been able to take care of her own self by herself pretty much. I was here, available if needed, but she didn't need my help. Slowly but surely she took care of herself. This is all helping her to be more relaxed, letting go of that worry.
Gwyn in now dressed, on the couch, eating chicken soup & asking me to post on the blog for her. A neighbor came by this morning leaving some good chicken soup, so Gwyn is now having lunch.- chicken noodle soup, a piece of toast, some small garden tomatoes and a nice lemon cucumber. She is going slow and tires easily, but I can see an improvement from yesterday. She has asked me to say hello to everyone from her. I'm sure she will be posting one of these first days.
Dorie
Friday, September 24, 2010
Dorie here-Gwyn Is Coming Home Today
Yesterday as Gwyn was preparing for sleep she said 'This has been a great day' - and it was. She was able to have her catheter removed, she sat up in her chair from 2:30 pm until 9:30 pm. getting up to go to the bathroom, and going for a walk- and even then she didn't need to go right back to bed. She had a good visit from our hypnotist friend Jamie, and she ate well. Things are going well.
There are flowers on the windowsill from her daughter Ranna, her niece Becky, our garden friend Rosie, and her friends Ralph and Kathy Bradley. She has received cards and letters. What's amazing is that each has surprised her. She didn't expect to be so well-thought of by others. She's a humble lady.
She asked me to bring in my camera and I have taken pictures of some of the staff. They are also signing her pillow. One of the nurses Steve asked to be scheduled with Gwyn again on her last day. She has made a difference in his life I can tell. She has made a personal heart connection with several of the staff just by being herself. This may be my last post, but that is depending on how Gwyn feels and how soon she gets back on the computer.
Thanks for all the prayers, Reiki and good wishes. I know that you have made a difference for her.
Dorie
There are flowers on the windowsill from her daughter Ranna, her niece Becky, our garden friend Rosie, and her friends Ralph and Kathy Bradley. She has received cards and letters. What's amazing is that each has surprised her. She didn't expect to be so well-thought of by others. She's a humble lady.
She asked me to bring in my camera and I have taken pictures of some of the staff. They are also signing her pillow. One of the nurses Steve asked to be scheduled with Gwyn again on her last day. She has made a difference in his life I can tell. She has made a personal heart connection with several of the staff just by being herself. This may be my last post, but that is depending on how Gwyn feels and how soon she gets back on the computer.
Thanks for all the prayers, Reiki and good wishes. I know that you have made a difference for her.
Dorie
