Well, where to start? Firstly the operation, I guess. Several people asked me how it went, but as I was unconscious for all of it, I have no idea. One minute it was 11am, the next it was nearly 6pm. I have a dim memory of a friend who’s a nurse calling in to see me, but I could have made that up. The following day was a nightmare of illnesss and tubes. The morphine drip made me feel incredibly sick, I had anaesthetic drains into my stomach, oxygen coming through my nose and a catheter. Not a pretty sight. I was so far out of it I couldn’t face turning on my phone or talking to anyone. The lone sailor visited and I couldn’t talk to him either, poor fellow. I just dozed on and off all day.
But the following day they removed various drips and I began to feel better. The day after that, they said I could go home when I wanted as long as I had someone at home. I would have stayed another night, as I was feeling pretty ropey, but one other patient was incredibly sick, poor lady, and I didn’t feel I could cope with any more of that. So I came home after 3 days and my god was I glad to be back.
The Lone Sailor volunteered to stay for as long as I need him, and thank god for that - I hadn’t realised how utterly helpless I would be. All those little things I can’t do like drawing the curtains, bending down, lighting the fire, turning the TV on, feeding the animals, picking things up off the floor, opening windows. Getting in and out of bed is a challenge. So many little things that I need help with.
But a week on and I am a bit more mobile around the house, though walking is a No No still. My legs just don’t work, which is probably a good thing, and my scar - which is massive - aches if I do too much, so the two combined stop me doing too much.
The lone sailor has been incredibly patient and understanding. He has held my hand while I cried at 3am (can’t hold me because The Wound is too sore), and talked me down when the pain got too much. God knows why or if we will ever speak after this interlude, but he seems positive - even cheerful - about it all.
The other thing that has been worrying me is Mr B. But on Saturday he is going to take me down to see darling Echo. It’s difficult for both of us, but we know enough to secure our strong friendship which means a lot to us both.
How I will survive the next 5 weeks is anyone’s guess. But I have friends to take me out every day to prevent cabin fever, friends who bring food and friends who are just there on the other end of the phone.
Mr B said the other day how much he admired my resilience. It’s down to my friends, I said. You’re the ones who give me strength, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
13 comments:
Glad to hear you're on the mend. I hope you go from strength to strength. Take care :-)
A blazingly honest, inspirational post. Congatulations on coming through the worst of this trial with your humour and friendships intact. Now each day you will hopefully be a little closer being 'you' again. Take good care of yourself :-)
Well, I am SO glad you have come out of the other end of it in reasonably fine fettle. Just take the time needed to let your body repair itself. Recovery from these kinds of operations are not to be 'sniffed' at. Take time and your body will let you know when it is repaired.
DC - my body seems to want to go at its own pace and that's fine! Thanks for that.
Jane - what a lovely comment! Take care x
Well done Sue you have made it to the other side sailing season beckons love rose
What a post! Sending best wishes and hope you have a speedy recovery x
Frugal - thanks! x
Rose - thanks for that - can't wait for the sailing. Hope you are progressing well too! xx
Absolutely brilliant to have you back and getting into your stride again - no matter how carefully you must take things for the time being. Sounds like you have come through a horrible ordeal, Sue. But the important thing is that you have come through it and are now on the road to recovery.
The fact that you have so many lovely, supportive friends says as much about you as it does about them.
I'm looking forward to all those future updates as your recovery continues. Until then, take very good care of yourself, won't you. Rx
Rena - I've just walked round the block for the first time since my op which is a real step forward and I'm delighted! Thanks for your kind words Rena xx
I am so glad to read this post and hear that you are out the other side. It will soon be a distant memory and in time you will feel so much better, the pain will disappear, the scar will be barely noticeable and you'll be back to all your old vices again!! Believe me, it will pass.
Addy - thanks that's very heartwarming. The stitches are already dissolving and I've got a bit more energy which is great. x
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