It's been a challenge to post for so many reasons. First and foremost is the limited energy level that I have. When I am awake, it's hard for me to keep my eyes open for any length of time. Forming complete sentences and spelling words correctly in my blog takes a lot of effort. I truly know what "word finding" issues are all about for my students. I have a hard time getting the words out of what I want to say. Patience Grasshopper...Patience.
Monday was the first day that Beth, the RN from home health came out. I really like her! She is such an advocate for me. When she changed my incision, she realized that there was a problem. Beth called Dr. Adam's nurse Liz right away and explained about the excessive drainage from the incision. She said they wanted to see me at UVA right away. So off Nancy and I went. I should have gone to the "beauty salon" (head under sink for a shampoo) earlier in the day had I know that we were going to be taking an "out of town" trip.
I can't even begin to put into words what Nancy (my roommate from college) did for me/us while she was here. She helped me in every conceivable way. She made sure that she had a vegetable with every meal that she made me. For her, I ate my spinach! As Nancy and I close our eyes, there are memories that only we can share while she was helping to take care of my wound. I love her from every fiber of my body.....
At UVA, Dr. Adams cleaned the now very open wound. It's still together on the top and bottom of the incision. The middle is quite deep. I won't go into those details because it's even hard for me to visualize. I don't want you to have to think about it. The great news is that there is NO INFECTION! Because my needs have significantly changed, they are having the RN come in daily. We are in charge of cleaning the incision the 2nd time each day. A "wound vac" has been ordered and should arrive Thursday or Friday. The nurse will install that when it arrives. She will cut foam to fit the inside of the incision. The pump plugs in and continually suctions the drainage from the incision. I may have to have this on for 30 to 60 days but from what I understand, will greatly increase the wound healing.
PT has been out for an evaluation. OT will be coming on Monday for their evaluation. Once I start feeling stronger, we will work on climbing steps. I am definitely willing to wait. It takes all the energy I have to walk to the bathroom in our rec room, let alone lift my feet from one step to the other.
The hospital bed is my salvation. The PT at UVA said that I didn't need one, but she was definitely wrong. There is NO WAY that I can lay all the way flat....no way. I know things will change at the end of the month but until then, I NEED THE HOSPITAL BED!
I'm going to end now because I'm pretty well tapped out. I hope to update again soon. Until then, thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I need them every hour of the day. I was told from one of the nurse's that my most important job right now is to recover from surgery. That has to be my priority. Nutrition goes hand and hand with recovery.
2 comments:
Sharon,
I feel so at peace knowing that you are in the hands of such competent and caring professionals! I'm glad they're treating you with respect and taking good care of you. And I can imagine the joy of spending time with Nancy. College roomies are like family - they love us completely. I'm so thankful that Nancy was able to be there with you and take you on your "out of town trip" - though next time, I'd plan something a little more fun if I were you! Vegas?! ;) Take time, Sharon! Your body has been through so much - so use that hospital bed and focus on letting your body heal.
On another note... though we missed you dearly at school today, you were there with us in spirit. Some very special people saved a spot for you with your name on it! So... focus on healing so you can come back and claim that spot of yours!
Lots of love,
Rosemary
Sharon -
As I walked the halls of Catoctin yesterday, I could swear I heard a faint familiar melody ringing out. The tune was one very familiar to all of us blog followers, but the words were different, and they seemed to ring out with new vim and vigor . . . I could swear I heard "We miss you. . . We miss you . . . hurry back, hurry back. We miss, we miss . . Sharon Funk, Sharon Funk".
Though I am not an "official" member of the Catoctin team, I, too, miss seeing your smiling face peeking out of your office in that front hallway. I can't wait until that dark room in the front hallway, with the dull brown door is replaced with your cheery, smiling face! That's a day when we will ALL be smiling!
Kelli
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