#1.Home from the hospital. Again.
Chiggers.
Poison Ivy.
Root Canals.
Steroids.
All of the above falls into the same category for me. Painful experiences that we must endure as a part of this mortal world we live in.
I now have a very healthy respect for steroids. They are a necessary evil part of the large concoction of medications that are given as a part of the recovery process from brain surgery. Something that must be endured, but something I was woefully unprepared for.
What to entertain me after this posting? Please feel free to post a comment of your experience from either steroids or another painful recovery process. I could use the chuckle!
#2. Food Update:
Chiggers.
Poison Ivy.
Root Canals.
Steroids.
All of the above falls into the same category for me. Painful experiences that we must endure as a part of this mortal world we live in.
I now have a very healthy respect for steroids. They are a necessary evil part of the large concoction of medications that are given as a part of the recovery process from brain surgery. Something that must be endured, but something I was woefully unprepared for.
What to entertain me after this posting? Please feel free to post a comment of your experience from either steroids or another painful recovery process. I could use the chuckle!
#2. Food Update:
Due to an unfortunate and potentially very dangerous allergic food reaction that I suffered the first week post-surgery, mainly to a peanuts and gluten, all food preparations have been limited to family members who are being coached in proper techniques to remove all allergens and all cross contamination to allergens. The home must stay a nut-free zone. Remember, hugs are always allergen-free!
I cannot thank enough all of those who have bought, brought, offered to bring and wish to bring food for the patient, however please refrain from using that form of recovery and comfort therapy for me. I don’t like being any sicker that I have to be at this time.
Interested in helping with a comfort-improvement option? Please see #7 below!
#3. Walks:
* Linda is walking multiple times, strengthening with each walk
* Sleep makes the brain heal, and is when the muscles and nerves connect back together; walking after a good nap makes those connections stronger after they happen. It is a process that cannot be forced or hurried. Always enjoy your view, no matter how near or far you go!
Here is a picture of my first walk to Cedar Creek with my good friend, Anne.
#4. Conversations:
* I can hold conversations for longer times, sometimes up to an hour if properly supported by few questions (this goes for texting or talking)
* Although improvements are made daily, I still struggle with multiple conversations or multiple questions at one time
* Laughter encouraged
* As I get stronger, I am able to start responding and replying to texts and emails. But please understand, a personal or individual response may not happen for a few days. It is a process, but as I read through them I respond to what I can when I can. With that said, PLEASE feel free to begin texting, messaging or emailing a personal message if you would like. I will respond as I can, but as I said, it may take a few days. Than you for your patience!
* I will still continue to regularly post updates and answer all questions regarding care on THIS blog to make sure that I inform everyone of the same information. I do not want to neglect a single friend or prayer partner!
#5. Caring for the patient:
* I will still continue to regularly post updates and answer all questions regarding care on THIS blog to make sure that I inform everyone of the same information. I do not want to neglect a single friend or prayer partner!
#5. Caring for the patient:
* If you are coming over for a period of time, please follow the following guidelines to make things easier and safer for the patient:
SUPER IMPORTANT ==> I NOW suffer from a SEVERE peanut allergy. Unfortunately, we have had multiple chances to test this theory, and it is ringing true every time. It is crucial that NO nuts come into the home if possible - PLEASE PLEASE be careful what you touch when you eat nuts or touch peanut butter! Cross contamination from a person's hands DOES matter!
1. Hand sanitizer – this removes all germs and any possibility of nut contamination coming into home
2. All shoes and purses stay at front door
3. Always, slow down and sit it down and ask how the patient is doing that day. I am brain-surgery/recovery patient. Fast movement and quick words make for a confusing, exhausting start to any visit.
Watching TV with my little "Lord of the Rings" Buddy.
Watching TV with my little "Lord of the Rings" Buddy.
#6. Recovery:
* As long as I am on a long concoction of medications for proper recovery, my activities will be limited. I also try to limit loud noises and strong smells, as they have become brain triggers.
"You wanted to write down your medication schedule where?"
* As long as I am on a long concoction of medications for proper recovery, my activities will be limited. I also try to limit loud noises and strong smells, as they have become brain triggers.
"You wanted to write down your medication schedule where?"
#7. MY Comfort-Improvement Help Option:
In lieu of flowers or food.
In lieu of flowers or food.
* I have put a lot of thought into this. I started fostering after Harvey.
* Then, due to my medical condition, I had to stop fostering. Below is a photo of my very first foster ever, Snowball.
* Snowball was tiny, scared, did not do well with my cats but she wanted to be loved so badly we made it work for a few weeks until she quickly found her furever home.
* In lieu of flowers or food, PLEASE consider donating towards my favorite foster group, Project Rescue Ready. Michelle, the owner, is active on FB, always has a handful of cats and dogs and I am always amazed at how she is able to continually work to assess and then find proper placements for all of the animals that pass through her home.
* All donations go towards food, medical assessments, etc. so that when I pick up a foster, all medications and food are paid for a ready to go.
* Facebook link: projectrescueready
* Then, due to my medical condition, I had to stop fostering. Below is a photo of my very first foster ever, Snowball.
* Snowball was tiny, scared, did not do well with my cats but she wanted to be loved so badly we made it work for a few weeks until she quickly found her furever home.
* In lieu of flowers or food, PLEASE consider donating towards my favorite foster group, Project Rescue Ready. Michelle, the owner, is active on FB, always has a handful of cats and dogs and I am always amazed at how she is able to continually work to assess and then find proper placements for all of the animals that pass through her home.
* All donations go towards food, medical assessments, etc. so that when I pick up a foster, all medications and food are paid for a ready to go.
* Facebook link: projectrescueready
I cannot wait to see everyone soon – {big hugs} to all!
Peacefully yours,
Linda
"Snowball, my first foster pup."
So good to hear from you and know you still have your sense of humor. Rodney and I pray for you daily and are willing to help any way we can when you need it. Blessings to you, Ginger & Rodney
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, so glad you have begun sharing your recovery journey! I look forward to seeing you when I get back in town!
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