Tuesday, May 19, 2015

On The Mend

I don't know the psychological effect a surgery like this has on a woman but it is clear for me to see the physical effects.

This is a painful surgery. Darlene takes her pain pills but also uses ice packs when it is bad. The day she came home from the hospital the pain was pretty bad.

The doctor said during discharge, "Don't go home and sit down in a chair or recliner, it is not good and you will be sorry. Go straight to bed and use pillows to prop yourself up to be comfortable." Just like my little rebellious and non-compliant wife, she came in and sat down in a chair. Getting up out of a soft leather chair after surgery is not as simple as it is when you still have a full uncut chest.

After about 40 minutes we got up. Now it is time to tackle 13 stairs up to the bedroom. "He didn't know I had stairs, he didn't know I had 13 stairs", was the refrain being uttered through the tears.

Stair one elicited a moan, stair two brought forth verbalization's of the pain, three saw tears on her cheeks, at six, "I can't do this, I can't", through the tears falling on her arms holding her chest.

Now this is not a good place to be, six back to the bottom or seven to the top.

That brave and strong girl grimaced and cried through the pain. To the top of the mountain she climbed. It might as well been Mount Everest, the summit was achieved.

That girl deserves a better nurse but she got what she got in me.

Our daughters have been coming over regularly and have been godsend for us both. It helps that Erica is a registered nurse.

Three days in bed only getting up to pee and shower. It's hard on me trying to help without hurting. Taking off bandages to shower and putting new bandages on without hurting her is hard. Every stuck thread of gauze on her wound hurts me.

Today has been a day that sitting in a chair beside the bed has been possible. Tomorrow she wants to try the stairs. Hopefully, thirteen down on day five will be easier than thirteen up on day one.

Otherwise I think things are going as well as can be expected. back to the doctor on Friday.

9 comments:

Tracy said...

She is lucky to have you as her nurse, what you may lack in skills is more than made in in love & caring.

Bristolvol said...

This brought tears to my eyes. No one deserves to be in such pain. Hopefully she is getting a little better every day. Bless you for being so loving and caring.

Laura said...

Keeping your family in our prayers. I think of you both daily! Hope the pain subsides quickly from here on out.

beachteacher said...

Oh Ron-- it's like Helga said-- I winced for Darlene at what I read. I feel so bad for her pain -- and my heart is warmed by your love for her. I'm keeping you both in my prayers & thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Prayers for your family. I hope every day gets better!
I may have to post as anonymous because I don't remember my sign on name, but I have been a faithful reader and appreciate the help of both of you!

Annette said...

This made me cry too...for her pain, but for how much you love each other and the pride I hear in your words for her.

Syd said...

I am so sorry that she has to go through this. It is hard to see the people we love in pain.

Anonymous said...

I feel for you story so much. I myself am in the process of getting custody of my sisters infant baby girl right now. She is also an addict and the baby just came off of withdrawal from crack and meth. if you want to follow my story i am at. www.savingsky.net. Much Love to your family.

Chelsie said...

Hope she gets better soon. Sending lots of healing vibes her way.