Wheels of fire

I've been getting a lot of "take it easy" and "don't overdue it" messages and concerns. I have to admit, I didn't expect this surgery to knock me on my butt so hard. I hoped that after they took out the drainage tubes, I would be able to walk without huffing and puffing so much and imagined myself doing circles around the nurse's station and everyone being impressed. Well, they are still impressed, but there is no gain in speed. 


Things that wind me: 

  • Showering to the point I can't dry myself off and have to go sit and take a break before getting dressed, especially if I wash my hair.

  • Walking 4 houses down the street. Becky was here and would walk with me. Thankfully, the neighbors have retaining walls where I can sit and relax. 

  • The steps out front. Sometimes I go slow, sometimes I go faster and most times I need to sit once inside. 


My years of training at Seal Team PT taught me your body can do more than you think. In Seal Team that meant, give it that last push to the finish. Now it means can you make it to the wall on the other side of the steps? Can you grab your meds, go to the bathroom and grab something from the bedroom before you go sit down? This is all foreign to me so I am pulling back that Seal Team training to little pushes. No longer is it run to the end of the block and turn around, but get to the same point as yesterday, go 3 more feet and turn around. I know before long I'll be back out there able to walk the neighborhood, just not on my timing. 


Some things I have been doing to get out are going out for breakfast, going shopping and using the electric cart. Remember the scene from Dispicable me where Dr. Nefario retires, gets on his scooter, and slowly rides off? Yeah, that was me in Publix. I think Power Wheels have more juice than the electric cart. It made us laugh though! I can also ride in the car, my discharge instructions say so! I need to sit in the back seat and put my heart pillow between me and the chest strap, and stop every hour to walk, but for the cost of freedom, I'll do it and car riding is comfortable  unless we go over big bumps. Not the time to do dirt roads. 


Life here at home is always exciting and loud. We're all managing pretty well and no one has eaten another, or stormed out of the house mad. 


A few reminders before I go, our Meal Train looks kind of sad. If you would like to bring a meal or contribute to a meal, it would be super helpful. No obligation. The sign up is under How You Can Help.


Sarah has been telling everyone that will listen about Frozen Jr. Last year she recruited a substitute teacher to drive out to Midlothian and see her in a performance. She would LOVE if you can come. Shows are this Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and tickets are $10. You can purchase tickets online. There is a link in the How You Can Help section. 

Back when I played adult softball, my team named me Wheels Of Fire because I can't run fast to save my life. Know that Wheels is over here trying her hardest to improve daily and so far, she couldn't  push too hard if she had to. That will change one day, but for today, that's  where I am. 

Making progress

From the vault, 7/12/23


Lots of good things are happening over here. Today, my chest tubes FINALLY came out. Imagine 3 straws, one poking your lung, one sitting next to your heart bouncing with your heart beat and one you can't really feel. Actually, the lung one was the worst and hurt from the beginning. I feel much better. Still need some pain meds and get winded kind of easily but I guess that's too be expected. 


I've also had a majority of the miles of tape removed from my body and got to see my incision today. I'm impressed! It should turn into a nice hairline scar and as the nurse said, I can still wear my bikini. I also put on real clothes which feel nice. I'll probably be here another day or two. AND drum roll, please! I moved to the Step down unit! Woohoo! I don't have to wear the blasted blood pressure cuff 24/7 now. My arm needs a break. 


In other news, Sarah got the part of Young Anna in Frozen 2 camp. She's elated to say the least! There were thirteen parts and 26 kids so I'm proud of her. For all the wild screaming and squealing she can do at home, she does well in these types of performances. Go girl! Don't forget to get your tickets.


Nanny has figured out the camp run and only gets a little lost sometimes. John and the kids are doing well. I think the kids can visit now that I moved. 


There's still lots of slots left on the Meal Train if you want to bring a meal. I like visitors if you are in the area. Text me and I'll give you the details. Thank you to everyone far and wide who sent their well wishes. 


Links for the Meal Train and Frozen 2 tickets are in the How You Can Help Section.