Look at the beautiful flowers my boss/APU sent me last week! They are still living and the lilies are so fragrant. Love it! Thanks Todd! (and Azusa Pacific)Well.. it's been 19 days since the big day. So far, I've been content resting with my foot elevated, watching tv/movies, and being on my kindle. I've been out of our apartment only a handful of times ~ to the dr, pharmacy, Target, and to 2 friend's homes, but only for a couple of hours each. Today.. for whatever reason.. my lack of mobility has hit me. The weather is GORGEOUS outside and I am longing to go for one of my walks through the Father of the Bride neighborhood, one of my favorite things to do! Alas.. that won't happen for months and months! I knew this going into the surgery, and I know the benefits will outweigh the costs, eventually. The rehabilitation stage of this surgery is intense, and part of that will be my emotional state. I have to 'choose' to hang in there day by day, hour by hour, sometimes minute by minute!
Even though I am feeling 'antsy', my spirits are still high. I have decided to be proactive regarding my emotions. For me..depression can sneak into my life. I am a very extroverted person, and since I have little contact with others right now, I am aware that the 'bummer bug' could hit me at any time.
Here are a few things I am doing to stay positive and emotionally healthy!
*Even if I'm groggy from my nightly pain meds, I get up and out of bed by the time Jeremy leaves for work and the boys leave for school. This gives me time to connect with my family and then I am not tempted to stay in bed all day. Jeremy brings me my coffee before he leaves and I watch the Today show for the first few hours.
*I am sure to get 'ready and dressed' for the day.. even makeup and hair, no matter if I plan to leave the house or not. This season in my life almost reminds me of my first time being home with a new baby, minus the lack of sleep and caring for someone else 24/7. I remember being told by my new Mom friends to 'get ready for the day' and how important that was for overall sense of sanity. Since I am in a cast and non-weight bearing, this 'project' takes me about an hour or more, so it's a great thing to take up some time during my 'slow' day!
*Clean, clutter-free surroundings. Sitting in a messy place (without the ability to clean it quickly) drives me crazy. This has been more difficult for me this week, now that I have no 'help' at home with me during the day. I have found that with my glorious knee scooter, I can pick up some things and get them to the right place, as long as they aren't too big. Once the laundry is brought to the living room by my family, I can sort laundry, and fold it once it's done (Jeremy and the boys have to actually do the washer/dryer thing). I can't unload the dishwasher, but I can load it. Sometimes I do too much, or attempt too much, and yesterday I lost my balance on my scooter and fell on my cast, toes first. OUCH. I am sure to 'remind' my family to put things in their place before bed and before school and work. Everyone has been pitching in and it's been a great thing for our entire family to gain some discipline!
*Daylight and fresh air. This one is also tough for me. But I can hop out onto my back deck, and can roll my scooter out into our courtyard. I have tried to be intentional to get the sunlight on my face for at least 15 mins a day. Amazing what a bit of fresh (smoggy) air will do! Now that I'm feeling better, I am also going to try and get out of the apartment at least every other day. So important!
*Teen Dramas on Netflix. Probably not a therapist's suggestion, but it's working for me. Now, I'm not going to 'expose' which drama I am watching right now. I decided to watch something that would pull me in like a soap opera, but that took little 'thinking' to watch. Originally I had planned to watch Battlestar Gallatica, but it was too 'smart' for me, considering my meds are so sedating. I found something that has 86 episodes and honestly, I am able to blow through the days watching it. I figure this is the only time in my life that I'll be able to watch so much tv.
*Enjoying extra time with my boys. Since I work full-time and commute, I miss out on the before school and after school rituals of my boys. I have loved the days when they burst through the door after school and talk my ear off about their days. I have been able to help Parker brainstorm his science project ideas and was able to be home when Colby got the flu. I am soaking in this 'extra blessing' during my recovery and am loving every minute!*Last and definitely least.. Roscoe. Yes, I said Roscoe. Our dog has caused me more headaches over the past year and a half..and has always driven me crazy. I have regretted saying 'yes' to my husband when he sent me pics of Roscoe as a puppy. Welp.. I guess we have bonded during my recovery. He keeps me company and I have actually enjoyed having him around.
I guess that's all for this LONG post. I had hoped on blogging more during this experience, but it just hasn't been the case. I would say for those reading this who are considering the surgery.. it's really not that bad when you are in the 'non-weight bearing' stage, if you keep your head on straight and prepare for down time. It's made all of the difference for me, for sure! Peace to all...
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