First day out

Saturday was my first real outing, cabin fever was setting in and I was one laugh away from a breakdown. God love my family, they have been SO good and are taking excellent care of me. I just don't do this sit around, let my kids and husband wait on me hand and foot, be a burden and smile while its all being done. I am MOMMA and I am the one who is suppose to be doing for my kids and hubby.

We made a quick trip across the river and crashed Aunt Amy's yard work party. The kids were so excited to have someone to play with and be outside running wild. After visiting we decided that we needed some Arni's pizza--it hit the spot and was so nice being able to be out and eating with the kids and sisters. I learned very quickly that I need to take a pillow with me to help with propping foot up on a bench/stool and to go to the bathroom before we leave!!

After we got our bellies full, Aunt Erin took the kids to play with her dogs for a bit and we headed back to Amy's to relax. It was a fun filled evening where we played until we were tired, ate until we were full, laughed til  I cried, cried til I laughed (I was a hot mess!). Thankful that my family is so supportive and helpful while I am a mess physically and emotionally.

Surgery follow up

Monday was my first post op appointment, I was 9 days out from surgery and was looking forward to seeing and hearing all that Dr Oster had for us.

First up, x-rays and my favorite part--they cut away the soft cast that I was in. Oh the fresh air hitting in and the fact that I could actually scratch my leg was heaven on earth. Yes, I dug at my leg like a dog that had fleas and didn't care one bit.  I am starting to heal nicely and didn't see any complications.

 

Next, stiches out. I was very surprised that he was going to take these out, I figured 14 days but was wrong. This hurt more then I thought it would, lots of the stitches were 6x tied and very small and close to skin to prevent scaring. He took 3 out of the left side ankle and 20 out of the right side upper leg area, leaving every other one in to take out next week. Healing nicely and will have the scars to prove it

Dr Oster told us that surgery went well, it was about 2 1/2 hours long (which we expected) and I did wonderfully. He ended up putting a screw on the right ankle to hold it together and a plate with 6 screws on the left. We will leave all this in until it becomes a problem and then we will remove it, said a 1/100 chance. There was talk about possible screws where my foot bends but that wasn't necessary after getting in there and looking around.

I am now in this lovely, heavy, REMOVABLE boot!! I couldn't be happier--I can take it off when  I am awake, elevated and non moving. Its so nice getting to let my leg breathe--I have been itching, washing, moisturizing my leg like crazy. Can't wait to shave, its driving me crazy!!

 

I am slowly starting to work on bending toes and flexing foot, its very sore and stiff to do but I am determined to do this soon!

Prognosis--4 months start to finish with 80-90% mobility and usage when completed! I am in this boot for 4 weeks and non weight bearing, 4 weeks on toe walking in this boot, 4 weeks in half boot and then 4 weeks of PT and learning to walk.

3 of 16 weeks down!

Prision Break

I broke out of prison and made it to the front porch...it was like HEAVEN!! This being on total bed rest/non weight bearing is for the birds and I am only 2 days into it post surgery

Hunter was too cute, said that he and Tex would pull me around the farm. Tempting, very tempting!

 

 I enjoyed some much needed fresh air, change of scenery and sunshine

Surgery Day

Monday was finally the day I counted down for...surgery day! I was at peace about all of this and ready to get some relief and start the long road to recovery. Surgery wasn't until 4:30 that afternoon and I was STARVING and THIRSTY!!!! My poor kids said that I was grouchy because of my lack of food and I was--me+food=happiness

 

The plan was to insert a plate and screws along the fibula break, screws to hold the ankle together and a screw that would hold where my ankle bends upward.

 

I kissed my kids and hubby goodbye and was off to dreamland...



Camcorder

Hayley came back from Daddy's with his old cam cored, you know, the 1980's bigger then you are, still takes VCR tapes??? She think it is the best thing ever and LOVES it. Cracks me up!

Honor Flight

I couldn't be more prouder to write this post about my Gramps. This is something that causes a mix of emotions from laughing and happiness to tears of joy and sadness. I couldn't only imagine what was going thru his mind if this is how I am feeling.

 

Gramps in the Army

 

Thursday, Gramps had the privilege and honor of being on THE HONOR FLIGHT (www.honorflight.org) to Washington, D.C. on D Day.(he was deployed D day + 5)  I can remember my Aunts and Uncles talking about how they wanted him to do this because it was something that he would enjoy and deserve. Well, after lots of paper work and hours,  he was chosen to be on this flight and with his brother in law, Uncle Bob! How neat is that, they both got to experience this together.

 

I was 2 days post surgery and still in lots of pain and groggy so we didn't go to the airport to welcome him back home. The kids and were very bummed but knew that he'd understand. We turned on the TV and were glued to the homecoming, it was very moving, I couldn't imagine what it was like to actually be there. 

GG was interviewd

The kids wanted to make balloons to release with messages to our vets

The following pictures are ones that I received via text, off family's FB, and from news and Courier Journal website:

GG and Gramps

Gramps in wheelchair coming off the plane, Uncle Bob behind him

 

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130606/NEWS01/306060042/On-D-Day-anniversary-World-War-II-Korea-veterans-from-Louisville-honored-D-C-memorials?nclick_check=1

One of the few signs that greeted Gramps

 

LOVE the sweetness of Drew's sign

 

LOOK at that smile--priceless

 

Great Grandkids lovin' on him

GG and Gramps with the great grandkids that were there

 

God Bless this man who look after Gramps, he took great care of him!

 

 

|Taking it all in

 

The kids and I called him the day after and he talked for 20 minutes to the kids about his trip. This is not like Gramps, he is a man of few words but was so moved about this trip and experience. It was something that he is thankful and grateful that he got to do.

 

Just to think back to this time last year and how very sick he was. To think that he was in the hospital for 66 days and to see him now is defiantly a miracle and an answered prayer. Just goes to show that there is power in prayer!!

My little helpers

The kids have been wonderful about helping and taking care of me while I am outta commission-keeping me packed with ice packs, laughing and in a good mood. Thankful for my little helpers