It would be rather sad if it was really my best life but I'm doing ok: surgery went well, I can transfer successfully from bed to chair and back. It's not graceful but it's effective. I have three decent meals plus cups of tea delivered to me every day and I'm in a prime people watching position.
The necessity of help with bathing and bed pans is not something any of us enjoy but the nurses give me every opportunity to maintain every possible shred of dignity and independence.
There will be days when I am bored, demanding, self pitying or frustrated but that's true at any point in anyone's life. The general trajectory from here is up.
If the physio and OT give me the thumbs up tomorrow, I can go home on Tuesday.
Access to the house might be tricky but my minister has offered to figure out a temporary ramp to get me inside and I've been in touch with a builder who will install permanent ramps sometime soon. Ramp access will be fabulous and allow me a lot more agency long into the future so it's expensive but an investment.
I am dipping my (plastered) toes back into blog world and if I haven't commented recently, I've probably read you.
The operation went well and that is the very best news !
ReplyDeleteHope you are home by Tuesday. Ramp access will be brilliant.
There will be days that are awkward and frustrating, but not I hope boring.
Radio, television, books, magazines will come in handy.
As well as happy conversation and laughs with your children and friends.
The weather is mild I'm sure. You can dream dreams, plan plans.
I am dreaming dreams, just reading Neil's end-of-May post in Yorkshire.
Jack H
You're right, Jack! Boredom won't really be an issue. I have a slightly neglected chaplaincy course to work on, books, Netflix, podcasts, friends and family. My life is rich and interesting and that won't change.
DeleteI'm reluctant to be overtly religious here but you will appreciate that I am deeply confident that God has planned all this to the last detail. It's reassuring.
*And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.* Romans 8:28.
DeleteDon't over exert yourself in these post-op days, Kylie.
Think positively about the chaplaincy course, but never fret about it.
Chaplains have to deal with people who struggle with faith issues.
Since I was an atheist until 57, I never once consulted a chaplain.
This evening (Sunday) I spoke to a woman who is a nurse for Marie Curie, and she told me she is a Catholic who practises her faith.
I have been following the YouTube vlogs of Father Mark Goring CC (Catholic) and Rev. Ed Trevors (Episcopalian) whose parish is in Nova Scotia, Canada.
We must feed off the Word daily, because there is nothing else which feeds our souls. Nothing else.
The Good Fight is for the souls of men and women, which is why I keep a close eye on what my former fellow atheists are saying.
*What's So Great About the Great Beyond?* FFRF (YouTube) rehearses all the tired arguments I used to make whenever I encountered Christians.
They show an interview with Bertrand Russell, without saying that he spent his life searching for something he could not find; and he had plenty of success, love affairs, fame, and stimulating work. A tortured man.
Albert Camus was ready to return to the Catholic Church before his death.
Saint Augustine's Confessions is a great read (I have the Everyman edition) and you can see the feature film about Augustine on YouTube, *Restless Heart*.
I liked the opening scene: it is tense with crisis, like the crisis we are going through in the West, because of the pandemic and the injustices it has highlighted.
Augustine (Franco Nero) is on the roof of his home, watching the storks depart at the end of summer.
Augustine had to answer the question on everyone's lips: Why hasn't God protected them from the pagan tribes besieging the Empire?
Why did they abandon the old gods in favour of Jesus Christ?
It was why Augustine sat down to write *The City of God*.
Jack Haggerty
I suppose if you were not getting help, you would not be getting all this dining service...lol. Enjoy it...lol. However, I know you will be glad to be home and do for yourself as you can. Of course, with three other adults, you should be set. Here in the US, we have metal ramps that have the advantage of never rotting. Tommy has a second-hand one. Maybe you can find one of those cheaply.
ReplyDeleteThe food is not restaurant quality but it's good enough and I don't have to think about it!
DeleteI am thrilled to read that the operation went well - and hope that you CAN go home on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteA big hooray for ramps (which I should consider much more seriously than I have).
And thank you for letting us know.
Today the physio has said I need to be stronger so I'm off to respite care.
DeleteI was more disappointed than I thought I'd be but I'm going to follow the advice of the experts
So glad to hear you are doing well and to discover you blogging so soon after surgery. And don’t be “reluctant to be overtly religious” because you may be the only Bible some people ever read.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a speedy recovery and glad to hear about the ramps. It’s like they say, the enemy meant it for evil, but God I meant it for your good.
Hi Robert,
DeleteI think overt religion turns some people away, which I'd rather not do ...or maybe I overestimate my power 😂
You're dong well for only day three.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought so. The low will come at some point
DeleteGood to know you are doing well Kylie.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite obvious that you are enjoying your hospital sojourn! I look forward to your posts after you reach home and start the rehab program.
ReplyDeleteYes, you know the rigours of rehab!
DeleteI'm glad the nurses are doing their best to give you a sense of dignity and independence. That can be elusive if you need help to do the most basic things. Good luck with returning home.
ReplyDeleteThey are really fabulous.
DeleteHi kylie, I'm so glad to hear you are now on the other side of the surgery and well on your way with healing. I see in your reply to EC that you will be looked after for awhile longer before returning home. I'm glad they are helping you get stronger before turning you loose. It can be quite different thinking about being home versus actually being there. I picture you as the ideal patient - cheerful, pragmatic, willing to do what it takes even if it's not exactly how you wish it would be. Keep it up :)
ReplyDeleteLovely Jenny!
DeleteI like to think I am all those things. In the past I have also been self pitying and unmotivated, especially when tired. Hopefully I've grown some since then