Recovering

Here it is almost a month since I last posted. I got good news from the doc on Monday. I can begin PT in earnest now. Did I mention before that a bone in my arm fractured with the surgery? I have a metal plate to take care of the problem, but had to wait until now to make sure everything was mending well. My scar is longer than expected but Art has been massaging it and says he thinks it will pretty much fade away. It's been a longer haul than I thought to have had. My friend Mary Ann had pretty much the same thing happen with her hip replacement. It is so rare--strange to have two of us, different doctors, different hospitals, a week apart with our surgery have the same complication! The other day I had a mental image of how shocking it must be for a doctor to be in process with a surgery and have that happen. Glad he is very experienced and could solve it while I was still under anesthetic. Speaking of which, I was so out of it that I temporarily forgot what the doctor and Art told me the evening after my surgery. I woke the next morning thinking that it was over, I didn't have much pain and at least I hadn't had happen what happened to Mary Ann. Duh! A few seconds later, I said to myself, 'Wait a minute! It did happen to me, too!' Also, I got testy with Art because he kept asking me if I wanted more jello or pudding. I told him I couldn't make any decisions. Crazy what anesthetic does to you! Anyway, Art and I have worked hard (and carefully) with range of motion and now I can add 4 more exercises. The PT folks are professional and kind. I get to decide when enough is enough so pain is not too bad. After we get good range then I will work on the muscles. Another opportunity to practice the process of becoming more patient. Not what I'd planned, but there it is.

The Soloist?

Last week Art and I went to the dollar theater to see the movie "The Soloist". It was recommended to me when it was a first-run feature. My friend said it was a good movie which it was, and that there was beautiful cello music in it. That was also true although sometimes knowledge is a mixed blessing. Because I know where his left hand should have been on the strings as he was playing, I was distracted by knowing he was not playing the note I was hearing. I know Jamie Foxx was tutored by the cellist who was actually playing. (We have the habit of staying through the credits. Interesting what you can sometimes learn!) As far as the acting was concerned, both Downey and Foxx played their roles well. The movie was thought- provoking rather than fluffy entertainment. I am glad we went. Love seeing movies with Art. Wonder why we don't do it more often. Which brings me to yesterday at orchestra. For the second time, I was the only cellist. My skills aren't anywhere near where I would like them to be, although I am pleased with my progress. I don't like being a soloist, even for solo cello parts within the pieces we are practicing. So I am making phone calls this week to urge (plead with) the others to at least come part of the time. I know there are legit reasons to be absent but...it's lonely where I am sitting. Besides, my July is entirely dependant on when a new baby arrives. When she comes, I am not going to be available either! At least not on a consistent basis. So I am hoping, hoping, that I can have good news when I call my cello friends. BE THERE!!!

Ready to Blog Again!

Funny how being either a caregiver or receiver of care takes so much energy. Even though intellectually I thought it would be good to get back to this, on other levels it was impossible. Not that things are going badly. Far from it. But it seemed to take everything I had to stay afloat. Today is different. It seems that one more thing can be added and this blog is it! I was startled while playing around with loading photos into the computer (which will end up who knows where) to see that the web cam was doing its thing. So this photo is minutes old. I used Skype twice with Heather who now lives not quite an hour away. It is disconcerting enough to see yourself right in front of you (but with a delay in the image) when you are expecting it. Anyway, today I moved up/down, back/forth to try to center the image and smile instead of having my mouth open in surprise. Art is doing well even without using a walker. Today he even vacuumed the front room using our lightweight "Shark". I guess it served as a crutch. Each day still is better than the last. My hand isn't recovering as fast as I'd like. I'm not sure at this point how much flexibility I will get back, but I can type, drive, crochet slowly, play the piano (I can do an octave but tend to hit more than one note with my thumb. I've had the benefit of good hand therapists. Didn't know there was such a specialty before now.

Massage, the best part of hand therapy! This is one of the Megan's who have worked with me.

She is physically tiny, but a powerful woman. Nikki, the receptionist, took the photo.

And here's my guy a little over a week ago before he left rehab to come home. I don't know how he feels about it but I love this photo! He was actually using a walker very efficiently at this time but was pushed down to occupational therapy where he got to do bowling with a Wii! It was a balance thing. He ended his turn with a strike! Too bad we don't have one here. He would probably challenge me to a game.

Off the Roller Coaster?

I had no idea what would be waiting for me when I got to rehab last Saturday morning. Art was looking sort of lost and the people asked me if he was usually this confused. No, he isn't. Turns out he had a not too uncommon UTI probably from the use of catheter in the hospital. I was scared especially since his reactions reminded me of the stroke he had last year. Fortunately, it was not so. It also is not uncommon with this infection, particularly in older men, for confused beliefs and perceptions to occur. He is doing well now, thank goodness. But he lost a day from memory--fortunately for him, I guess--and I got to see how concerned the workers at Health South can be. I am glad, now, that we got our third choice rehab facility. He had a fever as high as 103.2 before a high-powered group of antibiotics began working. Because he was dehydrated, his veins collapsed and they had to call in a specialist to insert a Pik-line (sp?)to get the antibiotics into his bloodstream. Pretty scary, all the way around. It took a few more days before he was himself again. Now, at last, he is making the nurses, PT and OT folks and aides laugh with his sense of humor. Sarah, his aide has been terrific. He recognizes the staff as friends and no longer feels betrayed. Funny, though. I wouldn't trade the experiences we have had together and with our family for anything. And I sincerely hope that my operation proceeds with fewer gliches. The odds are in my favor, they tell me. Perhaps soon we will know when he will be coming home. He's anxious to get here. With all he has had to endure, the blessing? He has no pain at all with the new hip and the incision. I have taken a few photos but again, I lack a step or two in being able to post new ones here. That inexperience too will pass. And each "tomorrow is better than today."

Heather on the Hill

Heather got her name because Art loved the musical "Brigadoon". This photo reminds me of that as well as of my trip in 2006. Although Art is rehabbing now at Health South (phone number: 801-565-6650, Room 1012, Bed 2) his music means so much to him that I am sure he will be listening with earphones to his favorites. I'm not sure if that will be as he is doing physical therapy (probably not) or when he is resting afterwards. So far, he has been well taken care of which is a relief to me. Today when I go there I expect he will be cracking jokes with those who are helping him. It has been a bit of a roller coaster of emotions. Fortunately he is resilient, inclined to make the best of things. Sure makes it easier for his worrier of a wife! He will be in rehab at least until next Thursday, the 28th, when the staff will evaluate progress. Speaking of Heather, she will probably be visiting today when Jake comes down to Salt Lake for his soccer match. Art will be glad to see them. We were lucky to be able to go to their new home for a Father's Day dinner with Jake's parents there as well. We got a vicarious look at their trip to Guatemala by way of DVD slide show. Travel is wonderful. What a beautiful country the four of them were able to experience.

Make A Wish

I don't know about his wish here, but mine has come true. Art did very well with hip surgery. Yesterday he used a walker to move down the halls of St. Marks hospital. All has gone well, so today he will be going to rehab at Health South. (Our third choice of places, but oh, well. It's close to home and the other two choices had no rooms available.) The kids have all been great to provide transportation for me. And yesterday (Surprise!) I was given permission to get rid of the splint! Ta-da!!!

(Stephanie's feelings at the moment of winning Bingo pretty much express how I feel about it!)

I am actually typing with two hands this morning. It is a bit awkward as now the tendons in the other fingers have shortened by being immobilized for so long. So now it's on to more physical therapy (ouch!) to stretch them out. The thumb is still healing on the inside although the incision is totally healed at this point. As soon as I have a good left hand grip, I have permission to drive. Freedom! The picture at the top is a birthday photo from 2006! In 2008 I will be in the hospital for his August birthday and it will be two days after my surgery on his special day. He has been a good model for me. He's been patient, has had very little pain, is following instructions so his progress has been steady. I suspect it won't be long before he will be home. We're so blessed.

Singin' In The Rain

Art had his surgery yesterday, his hip is now bionic, and the Dr. said he did "very well"! We were concerned because of his being on Coumadin (blood thinner) and his heart is still irregular. But, as we were assured, all went well. When he was being wheeled away to surgery and was told to say goodbye, he began moving his arms in a windshield wiper motion, back and forth. The attendant said, "That's a first!" Kimberly, Tracy and I knew he was being funny for us, imitating actions from the old Gene Kelly/Debbie Reynolds movie. We laughed as we went into the waiting room then again at his semi-coherant witticisms after surgery. What a guy!

The Piano

The camera caught him in a reflective moment, sitting in front of the piano which was in his childhood home. In a way, this piano was central to life in that home. His dad was a musician who practiced and taught in the room by the piano. We are incredibly blessed to have it in our home now. The first time I sat down to play it after it was in our living room, I was startled by the intensity of feelings which rose inside me. I couldn't believe how lucky I was. Having the piano here is a gift. I can hardly wait until my hand has healed and Art's hip as well. His surgery to replace the damaged right hip is coming up soon. We've looked forward to it for so long. Now, next Tuesday it is going to happen. We both have good feelings about it. At the same time we are buoyed up by the faith and prayers of loved ones. When recovery is well on its way, I am imagining him sitting nearby to listen as I play some of his favorite hymns on this beautiful piano.

Art Dances

Ever since I have known him, Art has used the expression "Might as well. Can't dance!" It got to be a family joke. If you said "Might as well..."someone was sure to complete the sentence. But no matter how many times I asked, he couldn't remember where he first heard the phrase. One day, an old movie was on TV and I heard someone say that very sentence. I got pretty excited and thought I would remember the movie and who said it. But, guess what...I don't remember. Help, anyone? Anyway, for once in Art's life he really can't dance at this moment. But someday maybe he will be moving freely again--even more than the man in this newspaper ad for Ballet West!

Class Reunion: the oldest dad with his youngest child.

Well, actually he probably wasn't the oldest dad. But here's the story: When we were at Art's last class reunion from Murray High school, one of the activities was passing out certificates for the member with the most children, married longest, etc. We didn't figure he'd get anything, especially after someone had...I can't remember how many, maybe 40 grandchildren, and we have three. (They are VERY special ones, I must admit.) Then the group was asked who was the classmate with the youngest child. Compared to others, Art got a bit of a late start, as we didn't marry until he was almost 28. So Heather turned out to be the person who let Art win a certificate (Woo-Hoo!) for having the youngest child. Here they are celebrating that fact!

The Princess of Cedar City

From the time I was very young I had panic attacks when my parents left to go somewhere. By the time I was 8 or 9, I'm sure it was inconvenient for my parents, to say the least. My mother decided to get me a pet. I think she liked cats herself, so that was what she found for me through a newpaper want ad. The cat did seem to fill a lonely place in my heart. There wasn't much said about neutering house pets in those days, so he occasionally went off on his route. He was black and white and quite patient with me. For the most part he was there when I got home from school or play and he was there when I was left with a baby sitter. The panic didn't totally go away, but became manageable. I still have a great fondness for cats so when we discovered Aunt Fran had a cat, I was pleased. As you can see, Princess is beautiful. At the time this photo was taken she was still quite kittenish. Art was able to get her to dance following the sunlight reflected from his watch as he turned his arm this way and that. Often she would leap so high that it was hard to get a good shot. I really like this one. I think of this picture of Princess as the essence of what it is to be a cat.

I adore cats!

The Chairs

When we visited Smart Clinic regarding leg and knee pain, we sat in chairs like these. Unfortunately. Art and I both noticed how comfortable they were. So we began asking questions as to where to purchase some like them. They were a Costco find a few years preiously. We went to Costco. There are two of them nearby. No luck. Long gone. Next time we visited the clinic, we checked the brand. Lane Furniture. The internet was next. No results. Something about how Lane had been sold to another company. Next visit, we got a serial number. We discovered they were office chairs. Office chairs. Hmm. Maybe Office Max or another office supply store? I can't count how many chairs we sat in. We tried not only Office Max, but also Staples and Office Depot. Nothing felt nearly as comfortable. So Art went on to the next step which was joking/pleading. Everytime we went in for PT or other treatment, he asked the poor receptionists if they wouldn't sell the chairs to him. It was a running theme for the entire time we went to Smart Clinic. Of course they just smiled and told him "No". I'm not sure, but it is possible that when we left or came back they might have rolled their eyes in anticipation of his nagging question! Now whenever we come near an office chair, we have to sit down and try it out. One at Sam's Club was almost OK. One at Educators Mutual insurance office was actually quite good. But we still have not been able to find chairs as downright comfortable as these in Smart Clinic physical therapy area. Unfortunately. But fortunately "hope springs eternal", so I imagine we will still stop and sit down every time we see another potential candidate.