Even though we are only on our 2nd day at home, we are starting to get into somewhat of a routine, beginning with breakfast with my boys in the morning, getting them off to school, then getting me as clean as can be expected. Ben has been so sweet, making me breakfast each morning. He (and mom) also get the boys breakfast and we do our best to eat together. I sit in my spot on the far right side of the couch, reclined, and leg rest out. The boys kids' table is now right beside the couch so I can use it as a side table for my items I may need throughout the day. They sit in their chairs beside me on the couch and we eat and talk about what they might do in school that day. They are really starting to enjoy their new school!
After breakfast Mom and Ben get the boys dressed, teeth and hair brushed, and ready to head out the door. I sit on the couch and watch, wishing I could do more to help. It's hard not being able to put their socks and shoes on when they ask, or even go upstairs to pick out their clothes for the day. But today was different. Today, we pulled out the wheelchair! I (with help) sat in it and was able to roll around downstairs and do a few things by myself. Not much, but I opened the blinds in the kitchen, checked my email on the counter, and helped Owen get his pajamas off so he could get dressed. (I attempted to turn a light switch on tonight, but couldn't quite reach. Mom informed me that I'm trying too much too soon. Probably, but I need to feel useful somehow!! And I need to MOVE! Starting to get stiff in my chair!
After the boys leave for school (Ben brings them), Mom and I get me cleaned up. We brush teeth, put lotion on my back where I had a reaction to the epidural tape, put dry shampoo in my hair (this stuff is great for people who can't shower!!), and brush it. Then we give me a sponge bath. It's a little weird having my mom give me a bath at the age of 29, but we're close, and really, what else am I gonna do? So, we laugh through it and just keep getting closer and closer. At least I can still wipe myself in the bathroom, so we don't have to get that close! She keeps telling me that any mom would do this for their child, but as much as I'd like to believe that, I don't believe it 100%. I can't imagine not having help at this time though. This is tough work for everyone, and if it were just Ben and I doing this, we'd both be beat!
Today's bath routine involved changing my dressing for the first time. We were all anxious to see the incisions. I had prepared myself by looking at other people's pictures of theirs, and was pleasantly surprised by what mine looked like. My surgeon, being one of the best out there, used the glue method, instead of staples or stitches. In a few weeks, it should be pretty light, and flat. So here it is: the long incision is where he did the PAO. The 2 pinhole sized ones are the arthoscopy, where he fixed the torn labrum, and the 2 larger ones which are stitched up are from the bone graft (just my assumptions, but based on research, that's my best guess).
Also, thank you to all of you have sent cards: Bruce and Linda, Mrs. Jodoin, the Beddell family, and the Donaldson/Murley family. Thanks to my bestie in Vermont for sending me my books, sudoku, and magazine to keep me busy while on the couch for the next few months! And also to the crew at NetApp for the edible arrangement and balloons! You are all so very caring, and it means a lot to me! You keep me smiling each day!