HOME!!!!!
Jane Ellen Burke drove me home from UNM Hospital in ABQ on Tuesday, August 19th. If, for some reason, we had been stopped by the cops, I may have been suspected of being a druggie! Needle tracks and puncture spots were visible all up and down both arms. And I was definitely under the influence of something! We made it to Taos at 5:00 pm. I was beyond exhausted. Ah, sleep, in my bed!
I had resisted enlisting Home Help before surgery, not knowing what kind of help would be needed, and as it turned out, none was needed, though I had to invent certain maneuvers to navigate around chores. I borrowed from dance moves: The Hinge - bending from the hips, and not the waist,( to load the dishwasher and clothes washer), The Log Roll ( for getting in and outta bed), and my favorite – The Plie – a bending of the knees but keeping the upper body straight…great for sitting on the toilet!! What more does a post surgical person need? Okay – food.
Getting sufficient protein is the issue. As a vegetarian, I really have to work at it. Some would say, “Thank goodness for Protein Shakes.” Believe me, there is little goodness about those things! But I have discovered that a double shot of espresso mixed in makes things more pleasant on the palate. A double shot of bourbon would be better!! (Dream on Surgical Queen!)
What I need NOW is an answer to the casual question I received from a friend: “Are you planning to have your scar tattooed? WHAT? Scar? Tatooed? I wouldn’t consider a tattoo on my belly under any circumstances. Ouch! But the idea does present some esthetic and creative opportunities: 12 inch scar slightly curving from just below the belly button (head of a snake?) to sternum, 32 small staples, rippled surface. Yes. I can see the potential…..
No driving for 4 weeks, nor lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. In 2 weeks, I’ll see my surgeon about future plans, and get the stitches out…and perhaps work on a snake design in the interim????