Round Five....Good News

Since I don't think it's fair to hold people in suspense.......  The news from Round Five is GOOD.  Well, not GOOD exactly, but recovery  is finally beginning to make sense.  Pain levels have dropped once more - unless I do something stupid like trying to go more than one place during a day.

First, this is sort of a public service announcement.  If you don't know it, all antibiotics are not these easily taken, clears up the ______________ in a week kind.  Since I google everything I take prior to taking it, I was more than alarmed to discover the two antibiotics the post operative PA prescribed can actually be quite dangerous if not taken properly.  One of them is a known cause of a very serious intestinal infection called C-def.  It's ironical an antibiotic which is supposed to clear up infection can actually cause one.  Clindamycin is so efficient at eradicating bacteria that it can scrub your gut of ALL your bacteria - even the helpful kind, and thus you develop an infection (C-def) because of the antibiotic.  Of course the post operative people didn't tell me ANY of this.

The reason the recovery is finally beginning to make sense is because I went to my family doctor for my annual physical.  He's going to take over the care of the infected incision.  He immediately put me on a SECOND probiotic each day.  (I'd already started one a day on the advice of my personal pharmacist.)  He carefully made me understand the importance of exact dosage times, and FOOD every single time I take one of the antibiotic doses.  His best guess is the infection will be gone by Monday the 13th of November, but not the inflammation near the incision which is still extremely painful.  It's so painful that I really can't wear anything comfortably except yoga pants - what a fashion statement. 

Jan and the Wonderful Walker

Next, he told me exactly how the recovery is going to go:  The next twelve to sixteen weeks will be daily, constant pain - usually low level (3/4).  Intermittent pain for the next six to eight months.  After that numbness will gradually lessen.  (My entire left leg is pretty numb down the side and front all the way to the ankle.)  In one year, I will probably feel back to normal if I do everything right - like no bending, twisting or lifting for two to three months after surgery, diligently going physical therapy, and slowly restarting an exercise program.  Sigh......

The bad news is the Doc cancelled the Thanksgiving trip to New York, and when I quizzed him about the Christmas cruise, his answer was a pair of crossed fingers.  I told  him I'm going on the cruise if I have to wheelchair it!  On the positive side, Southwest REFUNDED MY $1000 WORTH OF THANKSGIVING PLANE TICKETS TO AND FROM NEW YORK!  And people wonder why I always try to fly SW.  And, I know they can resell them for a much higher price than I paid, but, still - it's the principal of customer service Southwest practices.

I'm able to walk pretty normally around the house, but I never leave it without my trusty wheels.  Yes, that black and white monstrosity is my bag addition to carry stuff.  The real purpose of the walker is not to support me when I'm walking.  Instead, it's a mnemonic aid:  Turn your body, don't twist it.  Don't pick up anything you can't reach without bending over, and don't carry anything more than a pound or two in your hands (throws your body 'off').  What a complete pain. 

Ask Drake, or should I say, "Mr. Fetch-It".  Just imagine how difficult and frustrating your day is when you can't open a cabinet below your waist, use a wall socket, step your legs into your panties and pants, bend over to pick up anything off the floor, struggle to get in and out of the car, and my personal favorite: put on your own shoes and sox.  I tell you what; Drake's seriously thinking about putting me on the Waiver Wire.  He REALLY hates cooking by committee because I simply won't accept three months of fast food. 

This is a wonderful walker wheelie

Ok, so what's good?  Just knowing what I'm really facing has taken a lot of anxiety away.  I've noticed the pain is perceptively lessened since my Doc laid out a time table for me.  I have confidence that he and his 'peeps' are going to be responsive in getting this infection gone and the incision healed up.  (Oh, I forgot, I have to see a wound care specialist if the infection isn't gone after completing the two antibiotics.)

Finally, I promise the next blog will be something fun or interesting.  I'm tired of this whole surgery/pain/ gig, and I expect everyone else is too.  I want to thank everyone who sent me a card, texted me, called me, or e-carded me.  A special shout out to the person who has written me every single day since this ordeal started.  (I'm pretty sure she's earned some more stars in her heavenly crown.)   I've also received flowers, meals, and entertainment from friends and family.  My soft spot in the get well card category is for the 20 line letter from one of my second grader friends.  Let's just say it was a very interesting read.  It's so true when you're feeling punk that a 'good mail' day can really give you a lift.

Drake and I are feeling like 'when it rains, it pours' - This week my dentist discovered I need a crown, and Drake found out during his routine eye exam that he needs a minor eye surgery - he's developed a 'film' under his cataract lens.  It's a 2 minute procedure to correct, and he doesn't even need a driver to and from. 

That's just typical stuff that happens to your body post age 65.  I don't think anyone handed out a coupon allowing one to live forever.  However, life's highway seems to be on the downhill slide for us right now.  Ahhh, but this too will pass.  The real question is how graceful will I be while we are passing out from under this thunderstorm.