Stepping Up

Making progress here. On my morning walk, I made two laps around the block (up from one). Still feeling better & trying to cut down on the pain pills. Now, I just need to get to where I can lift some weight & start working to get back to normal some day.

Duaine

Grandfatherly Responsibilities!

I take my responsibility as a grandfather (call me "Papa") seriously. For example, my beautiful daughter-in-laws had all the grandkids together today for a "cousins day" which they do regularly. I want my grandkids to experience the finer things in life such as gourmet foods, etc. So, today I introduced them to the world of gourmet "Twinkies". It was a hit. A couple of weeks ago I introduced the 3 year olds (3 of them) to gourmet "Tootsie Roll Pops", the world's best lollipop. Rest assured as they grow older that Papa will continue to see that they experience the best things in life.

Papa

P.S. - I'm feeling pretty good these days.

No Doctors This Week - Finally

No significant developments. Wound care doctor said last Thursday that the second wound is about healed - no more packing - it has only a scab. The last wound has progressed well & is close to being healed. It still has to be packed and dressed daily but hopefully that will be over in the next 3 to 4 weeks..... I still have some abdominal pain and swelling but I'm getting better at controlling it. Internist said on Friday to get a back support belt (used by workers lifting heavy weights - I call it my "man girdle") to wear when I walk. It seems to have made a big difference in having less pain after a lap around the block. He also wants me to see a therapist to start trying to rebuild some muscle tone in the abdominal muscles. Have to proceed carefully because of the hernia. Otherwise, I am feeling pretty good and continuing to make progress. Getting to the point of being able to travel by plane (issue is lifting luggage) is the last hurdle to returning to work. Woohoo - no doctors this week!

Duaine

Father's Day

It was a really nice family gathering today. I had a bit more pain than normal - probably the result of holding the grandkids and not eating right. The pain is pretty well under control now..... My brother surprised the family by marrying his fiance at my parent's house today. Obviously a small, family only wedding but very nice and we're very happy to have Karen in the family.

Duaine

Holy Cow!!!

I'm learning. I've learned to exercise very moderately or it hurts. I've learned to take my pain meds with me when away from home. Yesterday, I got up and felt great; had a good morning; met a friend for lunch. On the way home from lunch I called Connie and moaned to her how bad I was starting to hurt - the pain meds aren't working as well as usual. Wrong! She looked on the sheet where we record all meds as taken. HOLY COW!!! It's 1:00PM and I hadn't taken a pain pill at all yet. In fact, I hadn't had a pain pill since the night before - something like 14 or 15 hours. Good news but I took a pill when I got home & never quite got back to good. Feeling better this morning. New resolution - take pain pills with me when I leave the house.

Duaine

Wound Care Update - June 7

The wound care doc gave me mixed news today. The smaller of the two remaining wounds he declared adequately healed so no more packing - just a bandage. The bigger wound at the navel still has 3 to 4 weeks before it will be healed. Not sure why it has slowed but he doesn't seem to be concerned. Connie will still have to pack and dress it - dang I'm gettin' tired of this routine.

Duaine

2 Steps Forward & 1 Step Back

I took the good news from last Friday too seriously. The swelling in my abdomen seems to have increased. So, I am stopping the new med for swelling and going back to the old med. Also, I had increased my walking distance but will cut it back a bit to see if that helps too. Oh well, two steps forward & one step back.

Duaine

June 1 Update

Two doctors appts in the last two days. Wound care doc yesterday says all is going well & remaining two wounds should be healed soon (maybe as soon as 2 to 3 weeks)...... Internist today said healing is going well. My only remaining symptoms are abdominal swelling and pain both of which can be managed to tolerable levels with medications. Doc said these symptoms should slowly diminish and I can go back to work in 2 or 3 months depending upon progress. He stated, as other doctors have, that full healing will take another 8 to 9 months. Also approved me starting a "very easy" exercise program to help speed the rebuilding of my strength. For the first time since the accident I am really optimistic about my recovery. I've noticed a big improvement in the last couple of weeks.

Duaine