3 weeks home!

I'm happy to report that I have now been home for 3 weeks and I've managed to stay home with little complication! Transitionally, I'm feeling a little bit stronger each day but continued work is necessary to get my motivation up to par regarding eating/drinking and finding things to keep me busy each day when I don't have a doctors appointment or physical therapy. I have been reading some, when concentration allows!

I saw a lot of surgeons this week (Thank you again, Uncle Mickey for being my doctor shuttle) The hand surgeon removed my cast...for the first time since December 2009. (well actually I did have it off for 4 weeks in between then and now) but I don't recall that period much! It is looking like I will need hand surgery similar to what I had on the left hand. CMC or basal joint reconstruction at the base of my thumb. Uncle Mickey and I both felt reassured that my hand surgeon (although not at "my hospital") was willing to work with us and listen to the usual plan to get me through surgery. More of a decision will be made when see him again in 4 weeks.

Yesterday, I saw both knee surgeons. Dr. Salas, the plastic surgeon who did both complicated Z-plasty scar revision surgeries on me this summer, was so pleased he said I don't have to go back to him for 3 months!! I cannot remember ever being on the "3 month plan" with a surgeon before! This is very good news. It means he continues to be happy with my skin, the way it is healing, and even having had started the process of physical therapy....things seem to be "Staying together..." which for me, is a great accomplishment!

Last but not least for my surgeons of the week, I saw Dr. Rosa my knee surgeon. I have been a patient of Dr. Rosa's since 1996 and he has done very many surgical procedures on me. He was happy with my progress (this is only the 2nd time I've seen him since he operated on me in July) however would like my knees to bend more. I reassured him that I am working hard and the progress that I have made in the last 3 weeks has been huge-- so he seemed happy by it. There is scar tissue rolling around in there causing "grinding" and "flapping" but we will pray this all breaks itself up since I won't EVER have it fixed!

Next week, Tuesday, I go under anesthesia to have my port assessed with a venogram and possible surgery to fix whatever damage there may be with the vein that the hickman catheter/port goes into. The port vein leads directly to my heart so any mishap, mistake, or complication could be detrimental to my health. I must be very careful when infusing at home....and hospitals must be very careful when administering the IV that the numbers on the IV pump are correct so ensure no problems. Unfortunately, there just are not many places for this port to go if the vein is damaged. So,we will see what my vascular surgeon (Dr. Addis) discovers during Tuesdays procedure....and pray that it is fixable.

All in all it has been a good 3 weeks at home. I met my new baby cousin from Maryland, Michele had a surprise 40th Birthday party for David, I had lunch at the Ritz Diner with Uncle Mickey and Eileen, and I made it to temple service with my mom and Michele....I just wish I did not have to rely so much on people to take me places and that I could be less of an imposition!

Thank you for your continued support...(you know who you are...)

To be continued....
Stacy