Sunday, December 07, 2014

Some Things I've Learned Recently

Being under deep anesthesia for nearly 6 hours removes some of your powers of concentration and patience. I have a hard time reading anything longer than a few paragraphs and almost no patience for playing my word games, which have been a large part of my life.  It has gotten better over the last few weeks, though, so I expect to be back to playing well in the  near future.

Scars itch. They hurt too, but itch more. And I was told not to put any lotions or balms on it. I had 4 open IV's in my neck. a chest drain under the scar, 2 pacing wires going into my heart. They all itch.

The shiny stuff is glue. My breast bone is wired shut, and the glue will dissapate eventually and flake off. It can't happen too soon for me.  I have enough brown spots and imperfections already.  A surgical nurse told me that my scar was very neat. I will have to take her word for it, since I've never seen another one.

My  three children and my son-in-law have all risen well to the occasion of caring for me and Jim too. They have all been very solicitous and helpful. I never thought it would be otherwise, but they have all surprised me, especially in the face of numerous doc and lab appointments. I want to publicly thank all four of them: Shannon, Aliza, Darren and Ed.

10 comments:

amarkonmywall said...

It's true- they itch! And the itching can be more annoying than the pain part. It's painful itching. Every time I've had surgery for skin cancer that's the worst part and keeping your hands away is tough. Amazingly, seemingly nasty scars do indeed fade well and relatively quickly. A year from now it will be a pale white or pink line.

I'm really happy for you, with the support of children and family. I'm happier for them, that they have had this opportunity to care for their mother. I'm thinking it means a lot to them.

kerry said...

Best wishes for a speedy return to full health! Recovery is an ordeal.

Arkansas Patti said...

Sooo glad you have your daughter to give you all the aid you need. What a blessing she is. You raised her well.

kenju said...

I have two daughters and a son. They have all done very well by us, as has our son-in-law, Ed.

Pat said...

What a great team but I would expect nothing less from your family - they have a splendid example to follow.
Your concentration may be less than usual but you still beat me at scrabble. I'm so glad you are getting better I don't mind at all:)

Loren said...

I've had three major surgeries so far, and itching only counts as a minor inconvenience.

Considering your Scrabble play, though, I suspect you're also in more pain than you discuss here.

I'm sure how much better you're about to feel will more than make up of this temporary pain.

Star said...

You have been through a lot Judy, but better days are ahead.. You just cannot keep us word game loving folks down ! Good to see you blogging.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how much love contributes to healing. It is wonderful to know you are surrounded by so much love right now. I hope the itching stops, and that you are clear-headed and ready to play your word games as soon as possible. Been thinking of you and sending good healing thoughts your way.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you are healing slowly but it's frustrating while it is happening. As others have said, the itching is a good sign. I'm so glad your children, family and friends have been there for you.

Granny Annie said...

I really thought I could take advantage of you while you were under the weather with the word games but you are still whipping my butt!! And you say you are slowed down???

Love all the attention and TLC you are getting. No one deserves it more.