I've made the move home successfully. It took a can opener to pry me out of my comfortable digs at my parents' house...amazing how lazy and comfortable I had become. But now I'm my own - for meals, for showers, for just keeping the place looking half way decent. My cousin, Holly, came up and got me all settled. We cleaned out the frig and the freezer, and got rid of 3 garbage bags of stuff! The expiration dates on some of those items was down-right embarassing. Holly is terrific at this stuff - if you're seeking a professional organizer, she is your gal.
Having all the time in the world has been wonderful. I'm still very much in the puttering mode - reading, napping, strolling. I haven't had this kind of time in my life...well, perhaps ever, and it is such a gift.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October already?
It's amazing to me that it is almost 2 months since my first surgery. In some respects, all that time in the hospital seems like a very long time ago...yet all I saw and learned stays with me.
I am preparing to move home and take on the challenges of running a house with two teenagers and all that it entails. The time with my parents has been a wonderful retreat, having only to focus on getting well. They have been amazing at covering all the bases....I fear I've forgotten what it's like to do dishes and laundry. I feel a bit like Cinderella at midnight....the party's over, now back to reality. But then again, going home always has its comforts.
The next hurdle is getting back behind the wheel. I hope to do that this week sometime. It will be interesting to see how much I can look behind me while driving. That's my biggest concern....but I will start with the small drives, and build up from there.
I will say that recuperating at this time of year has been a great choice - wonderful walking weather, and all the political reporting one can stand. I'm looking forward to the VP debate tonight, and the analysis tomorrow. What a great time to be a political junkie. I'll be back to work (at least part-time) by election day, so the clock is ticking in several ways.
Ellen
I am preparing to move home and take on the challenges of running a house with two teenagers and all that it entails. The time with my parents has been a wonderful retreat, having only to focus on getting well. They have been amazing at covering all the bases....I fear I've forgotten what it's like to do dishes and laundry. I feel a bit like Cinderella at midnight....the party's over, now back to reality. But then again, going home always has its comforts.
The next hurdle is getting back behind the wheel. I hope to do that this week sometime. It will be interesting to see how much I can look behind me while driving. That's my biggest concern....but I will start with the small drives, and build up from there.
I will say that recuperating at this time of year has been a great choice - wonderful walking weather, and all the political reporting one can stand. I'm looking forward to the VP debate tonight, and the analysis tomorrow. What a great time to be a political junkie. I'll be back to work (at least part-time) by election day, so the clock is ticking in several ways.
Ellen
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Out and About
I've had a number of great outings this past week, and enjoyed visits from some dear friends. I didn't think people were checking my blog much anymore, since most of the "excitement" in my life is behind me - at least for now. But one friend on Monday asked why I hadn't updated it....she got worried. So Jeannie Ryer - this one's for you.
Part of getting out has been learning how to ride in the car comfortably. The ride home from the hospital in Boston was a long and uncomfortable experience, so I needed to build up my stamina for shorter rides. Since I can't lean back comfortably, due to the incisions, I needed to find a position that I could sustain. After numerous tries, I am able to do it...and although I'm not quite ready for a road trip, I can at least get to the places I want to. I'm reminded of just how liberating a car can be. Next hurdle - figuring out to drive again with this chunky brace!
Monday was a day beyond compare. I got all duded up - first time for makeup and earrings since July - and headed down to a luncheon at the NH Center for Nonprofits gathering, a group where I sit on the board. I knew that many of favorite people would be there, and I was right. In addition to seeing many coworkers who I haven't seen since my surgery, I saw many, many old friends. I knew it would be a great outing when I walked through the door, and the Center's staff all shouted at once, "Ellen's here!".
As I moved through the crowd toward the room where the lunch was held, Edda Cantor appeared out of nowhere. Edda understands this surgery process well, and she cleared a path for me wherever I went. My biggest fear right now is toppling over, since I'm still trying to get used to this new body. She got me seated, and made sure that everytime I needed to stand up, my cane was nearby. At the end of the remarks, I was really warmed by a kind introduction from the MC, as I had missed the morning's introduction of the Center's Board Members, so I got my own 10 seconds of fame, and got to wave my cane to the crowd. It was a great moment.
So, all in all the recuperation continues along well. My walking regimen is still at about 2 miles, so now I need to kick it up a notch. And with weather like this, how wonderful it is to be outside.
Ellen
Part of getting out has been learning how to ride in the car comfortably. The ride home from the hospital in Boston was a long and uncomfortable experience, so I needed to build up my stamina for shorter rides. Since I can't lean back comfortably, due to the incisions, I needed to find a position that I could sustain. After numerous tries, I am able to do it...and although I'm not quite ready for a road trip, I can at least get to the places I want to. I'm reminded of just how liberating a car can be. Next hurdle - figuring out to drive again with this chunky brace!
Monday was a day beyond compare. I got all duded up - first time for makeup and earrings since July - and headed down to a luncheon at the NH Center for Nonprofits gathering, a group where I sit on the board. I knew that many of favorite people would be there, and I was right. In addition to seeing many coworkers who I haven't seen since my surgery, I saw many, many old friends. I knew it would be a great outing when I walked through the door, and the Center's staff all shouted at once, "Ellen's here!".
As I moved through the crowd toward the room where the lunch was held, Edda Cantor appeared out of nowhere. Edda understands this surgery process well, and she cleared a path for me wherever I went. My biggest fear right now is toppling over, since I'm still trying to get used to this new body. She got me seated, and made sure that everytime I needed to stand up, my cane was nearby. At the end of the remarks, I was really warmed by a kind introduction from the MC, as I had missed the morning's introduction of the Center's Board Members, so I got my own 10 seconds of fame, and got to wave my cane to the crowd. It was a great moment.
So, all in all the recuperation continues along well. My walking regimen is still at about 2 miles, so now I need to kick it up a notch. And with weather like this, how wonderful it is to be outside.
Ellen
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Walker - Be Gone!
I've officially tossed my walker...my good and steady friend over the past month. I had a basket on the front, and had taken to storing lots of stuff there, so I admit I will miss this junk collector. I had harbored a hope that if I had put an empty yogurt container in it, that I might have had the experience that Lew Feldstein did when he had a yogurt container on his crutches, and have someone put a dollar in it. Oh well....
So now I am a speed demon on my cane, tearing up the streets several times a day. Cars tremble at the sound of me tick-ticking down the street. Dogs run inside and hide. And I'm sure the locals peek at me from behind their curtains..wondering who this strange woman is with all that equipment around her middle. Actually, my parents road is very quiet, so usually the only ones I encounter are lots of chipmunks. I could use a bit more excitement.
The cards and gifts keep coming. Over the past few days, I've tackled the wonderful gift basket that my coworkers gave me before I left. There are about 100 well wishes all wrapped in ribbons...some personal messages, some cartoons, some inspirational quotes or poems. Some especially clever person wrote some haiku for me, but remains anonymous. One of my favorites:
So now I am a speed demon on my cane, tearing up the streets several times a day. Cars tremble at the sound of me tick-ticking down the street. Dogs run inside and hide. And I'm sure the locals peek at me from behind their curtains..wondering who this strange woman is with all that equipment around her middle. Actually, my parents road is very quiet, so usually the only ones I encounter are lots of chipmunks. I could use a bit more excitement.
The cards and gifts keep coming. Over the past few days, I've tackled the wonderful gift basket that my coworkers gave me before I left. There are about 100 well wishes all wrapped in ribbons...some personal messages, some cartoons, some inspirational quotes or poems. Some especially clever person wrote some haiku for me, but remains anonymous. One of my favorites:
Scoliosis, huh?
Sponsored by the letter S
Surgery, pain free
What fun...going through that pack. Here's my own haiku:
Recuperation
A beautiful thing, done right
So good for the soul.
Ellen
Thursday, September 4, 2008
What a difference a month makes
Tomorrow will be exactly one month since my first surgery...and what a difference in the way I feel. All the books said the first month was pretty rugged, and I must agree. But now that the worst is behind me, I can focus on the incremental improvements I see everyday.
I think I will forever link political conventions with this recuperation time. My parents and I disagree on all things political, but they were gracious enough to listen to the Dems last week, and I have been enthusiastically watching the Reps this week. Funny thing, my parents are anything but Hillary supporters. When she gave her speech last week, it was late, and I needed to lay down. In order for me to hear it from my room, they turned the tv up really loudly, and I couldn't help but smile about how I had managed to have Hillary's voice ringing from the rafters in this Republican stronghold. She would have been proud.
I'm still out there walking. I have a loop that is almost a half mile and my dad and I walk it twice a day. I wear a great big straw hat for all the sunny spots, so I must look quite a sight. Yesterday, I started to practice with the cane, and walked a bit outside with it. It's nice to have greater flexibility than on the walker, but I do feel a bit more precarious on it. For now, I'm sticking with the walker for my "long distance" walks, so I can keep up my "speed" ( a relative term, I can assure you!)
The meals from the lovely folks at work have started - 4 meals a week. It is a tremendous boost to see the food come through the door, and all the thoughtful and creative extras that people choose to include. Thanks so much to all who are involved. Plus, my friend, Eileen, delivers the meals, so we get a chance to visit on screened porch. The porch is in such a serene location, that Eileen said she felt that she had a reiki treatment that last time she was here.
All in all, I'm doing pretty well a month out, and am enormously grateful for family and friends.
Ellen
I think I will forever link political conventions with this recuperation time. My parents and I disagree on all things political, but they were gracious enough to listen to the Dems last week, and I have been enthusiastically watching the Reps this week. Funny thing, my parents are anything but Hillary supporters. When she gave her speech last week, it was late, and I needed to lay down. In order for me to hear it from my room, they turned the tv up really loudly, and I couldn't help but smile about how I had managed to have Hillary's voice ringing from the rafters in this Republican stronghold. She would have been proud.
I'm still out there walking. I have a loop that is almost a half mile and my dad and I walk it twice a day. I wear a great big straw hat for all the sunny spots, so I must look quite a sight. Yesterday, I started to practice with the cane, and walked a bit outside with it. It's nice to have greater flexibility than on the walker, but I do feel a bit more precarious on it. For now, I'm sticking with the walker for my "long distance" walks, so I can keep up my "speed" ( a relative term, I can assure you!)
The meals from the lovely folks at work have started - 4 meals a week. It is a tremendous boost to see the food come through the door, and all the thoughtful and creative extras that people choose to include. Thanks so much to all who are involved. Plus, my friend, Eileen, delivers the meals, so we get a chance to visit on screened porch. The porch is in such a serene location, that Eileen said she felt that she had a reiki treatment that last time she was here.
All in all, I'm doing pretty well a month out, and am enormously grateful for family and friends.
Ellen
Monday, September 1, 2008
Enjoying the beautiful day
Today is Labor Day...a good time to reflect on what I was doing last year on this day, and what I expect to be doing next year. Perhaps mountain climbing is too optimistic, but a good long swim across a sparkling lake sounds pretty realistic. It will be interesting to reflect on all this from a year's vantage point. And to celebrate my newly found inch and half of height. (Really....I am 1.5 inches taller) So watch out tall people of the world....I'm catching up.
The time when I can get around without the walker is now within sight. I've had 3 good walks today, all about 15 minutes long. And the most recent one was the first time I could actually think of something else while I was walking. The weather this weekend has been spectacular, so the walks have been especially enjoyable.
In addition to a Jewett Brace, which prevents me from bending over at all, I am also wearing a device around my middle called an electronic stimulator. It sends out an electric pulse from front to back, which is supposed to encourage bone to heal faster. I need to wear it for 4 hours per day, and often do when I'm out walking. It beeps continuously, so I'm not planning on it on any airline flights in the near future. Homeland Security will be hauling me off for sure. I look like a superhero who had a really bad day with all these devices, but it certainly is an interesting conversation starter.
Again, a big thank you to all you who are checking this blog, and concerned with my progress. I am creating a wall of cards in my bedroom. I think I have almost 100, and each one is reminder of the remarkable web of connections we each enjoy, but often forget about until we need them most.
Ellen
The time when I can get around without the walker is now within sight. I've had 3 good walks today, all about 15 minutes long. And the most recent one was the first time I could actually think of something else while I was walking. The weather this weekend has been spectacular, so the walks have been especially enjoyable.
In addition to a Jewett Brace, which prevents me from bending over at all, I am also wearing a device around my middle called an electronic stimulator. It sends out an electric pulse from front to back, which is supposed to encourage bone to heal faster. I need to wear it for 4 hours per day, and often do when I'm out walking. It beeps continuously, so I'm not planning on it on any airline flights in the near future. Homeland Security will be hauling me off for sure. I look like a superhero who had a really bad day with all these devices, but it certainly is an interesting conversation starter.
Again, a big thank you to all you who are checking this blog, and concerned with my progress. I am creating a wall of cards in my bedroom. I think I have almost 100, and each one is reminder of the remarkable web of connections we each enjoy, but often forget about until we need them most.
Ellen
Friday, August 29, 2008
I'm baaack.....
Here I am, finally upright, and viewing the wonderful comments and updates from so many of you. Thank you for all the wonderful well wishes - they all must have worked, because I have come through things in pretty good shape, considering....
Although the time in the hospital and the rehab were grueling, I met some terrific people, and learned so much about what works well in the health care, and what works less well. One of the more interesting experiences was staying at the rehab hospital in Brookline. The people who work there are from all over the world and have some amazing stories to tell. My bed faced the window in the room, and my favorite time of day was about 11:30 am when the many ethnic restaurants across the street would start their cooking for the day, and the most exotic smells would come wafting through the window. There was always a lot to see out that window as well.
I've been home for almost a week now, and get just a bit better everyday. I am eating a bit better, sleeping better and able to go a bit farther with the walker. My parents are taking excellent care of me, and I highly recommend this "step down" approach to recovery. I'm not sure if they'll be taking new patients in the future, but if you have a need, I can always put in a good word for you. :)
The cards, calls and flowers have been such a lift. Thank you to everyone who has sent me some love and light. Being reminded of what we mean to others is the true gift of a situation like this one....and one of the many learnings coming from it.
Til the next posting!!
Ellen
Although the time in the hospital and the rehab were grueling, I met some terrific people, and learned so much about what works well in the health care, and what works less well. One of the more interesting experiences was staying at the rehab hospital in Brookline. The people who work there are from all over the world and have some amazing stories to tell. My bed faced the window in the room, and my favorite time of day was about 11:30 am when the many ethnic restaurants across the street would start their cooking for the day, and the most exotic smells would come wafting through the window. There was always a lot to see out that window as well.
I've been home for almost a week now, and get just a bit better everyday. I am eating a bit better, sleeping better and able to go a bit farther with the walker. My parents are taking excellent care of me, and I highly recommend this "step down" approach to recovery. I'm not sure if they'll be taking new patients in the future, but if you have a need, I can always put in a good word for you. :)
The cards, calls and flowers have been such a lift. Thank you to everyone who has sent me some love and light. Being reminded of what we mean to others is the true gift of a situation like this one....and one of the many learnings coming from it.
Til the next posting!!
Ellen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)