Wednesday, December 04, 2019

Update: Alive And Grateful


It's a month since my terrible fall, and I'm finally able to do most of my usual activities again (even taking walks!) without pain or concerns (or splints). I can feel a knot under the skin on my cheekbone, right where the two little scars are still bright pink. It's tender there when I lie on that side, but I can do it. My knees remain sore, but only when I kneel. Sometimes, I get this feeling like I need to crack my wrists or elbows, like something inside them needs to realign or shift, pop or snap like a rubber band. It's odd and hard to describe.

All of my upper body feels slightly out of joint, honestly. In the morning I do a lot of stretching before I get out of bed, much to the chagrin of one very hungry orange cat. I keep trying to figure out how the hell I managed to hit both knees so hard and sprain my wrists and hurt both elbows and break two teeth and bash up one side of my face. The logistics defy me. I need to Let It Go.

Aside from all of that, I am happy to report that Rick's surgery was a success, and he has made a fantastic recovery well ahead of schedule. Despite it being bone surgery (two big bone spurs were removed and the tip of his clavicle was shaved down), he has had no pain post-op. His mobility is almost normal less than one month later. I am so profoundly grateful. So is he, of course.

The two of us Walking Wounded are helping each other. Together, at first, we made about a Two-Thirds Person! That meant cancelling Thanksgiving since we could not produce a large dinner, and the boys were part of Thanksgivings at their girlfriends' homes. We prepared a small dinner for ourselves and a dessert to share with whoever might come over for a visit later. And they did come, bringing goodies from their dinner to share with us. It was a lovely evening.

Rick is anxious to speed through his remaining physical therapy and get back to normal and get back to work. I'm anxious to get back to normal and be able to do ALL of my usual activities again (like knit). My quest for Patience seems destined to be Eternal.

The very best to come of all of this is the outpouring of Kindness from so many people. Colleagues of my husband's, knowing we are without his income for the length of his recovery, all chipped in and presented us with that collection. My sister Susan cooked up a storm and sent over dinners for a week. One commenter on another blog I frequent noticed my absence there, found my post here about my fall, and let everyone there know what happened. These are but a few examples of the kind of warm compassion that has enveloped Rick and me. We are so grateful.

Of course, you, my Dearest Friends and Commenters, you immediately offered warm thoughts and kindness once I posted news of my accident. I'm so happy to have your support.

As I am typing this, the tense dialogue of the impeachment proceedings is in the background. I am disengaged--above--this mess. I've had enough. Right now, I am concentrating on The Good Stuff. And there is a lot of it.

Thank you, everyone, for your Kindness, Concern, Thoughtfulness, and Support. It means a great deal to me.

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34 comments:

  1. So glad to get your update and learn that you two are well on your way to 'normal' again.

    Even if you don't want to watch the impeachment hearings, it's important to a least have it on even if you don't have the volume up enough to hear it. Why? Because both parties are using the viewing numbers to gauge public interest. And it IS an important turning point in our nation.

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    1. Jean--Thank you.
      How do they know if I'm watching? Hm.
      Of course I know of the hearings' importance, and of course I am concerned with this vital process of our government. I am disgusted and dismayed and sickened by the republicans' blind partisanship and unwavering fealty to this lurching beast they have decided to unreservedly serve. I am constantly mortified and outraged every time Jim Jordan starts his twanging rants, knowing that he is my representative only because of shameless gerrymandering, which placed my home in his district, along with those of more than a dozen other counties, at least one of which cozies up to the Indiana state line. I live right smack in the middle of NEO, a short drive to Lake Erie's shore. As far as it being a Turning Point, I wish.

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  2. Glad you're doing better. and it is important to listen to the hearings.

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    1. Jill--Thank you; me too.

      I read an article in which the ghostwriter of 45*'s book was interviewed. He said that 45*'s strategy is always to outlast his opponents by any means necessary. He simply hangs around until everyone is sick of him and gives in. I really understand that and how it works for him.

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  3. Oh you are really on the mend!!!!!! So glad you both are on the way to health and festivities

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    1. kathy b--Thank you. I think our festivities will be calibrated down this year a bit, but that's okay with us.

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  4. So wonderful to see today's post and hear that you and Rick are progressing well and getting much needed support from family, friends and even Rick's co-workers. I am sure your support group is vast, likely due, in no small measure, to how willing you have always been to help others. 'What goes around, comes around' as the saying goes. And, yes, you do well to disengage from the impeachment proceedings: continue to take care of yourselves and let others help you as they can, or 'alive and grateful' as you say. :-D XXOO

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    1. Ortizzle--I got your kind email checking in on me; thank you so much.

      I have a small but mighty support group, and they have been terrific. Thankfully, I lead a small and quiet life as it is, so I am not requiring much. Once I found that I could type, get back out on my walks, and now drive for short distances, I feel much better. xxoo

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  5. P.S. — Just read above comments from other folks saying how it is important to listen to the hearings. I agree to a point, at least in terms of viewing numbers, but I also think, when one is facing health and recovery issues, that minimal viewer involvement is also totally O.K. —Practical example: Luis has been dealing with major health issues for the last 2 months, (2 surgeries and a life-threatening bacterial infection that had him in the ICU for 5 days). So... we have been doing a lot more movie-watching and a lot less impeachment stuff for a while. I think it is possible to keep up without obsessing on watching every minute, especially when every time a Republican chimes in, it makes me want to vomit. Just sayin' ... ;-)

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    1. Ortizzle--Thank you. Especially when the republicans have made it their mission to bog down the proceedings with procedural bullshit.

      I'm terribly sorry about Luis! How scary! I hope things are well in hand now and he is recovering at home with plenty of TLC.

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  6. Healing from falls seems to take forever. I hope each day gets a little better than the day before. Okay .... I hope each day gets A LOT better.

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    1. Dee--Thank you. I'm a good deal better than I was a couple weeks ago, and if I weren't so impatient, I'd be thrilled with my progress. Just getting up the nerve to get back on my walks was huge for me. Being able to comfortably type--another biggie!

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  7. It is such a relief to read this update, Nance! I am so very happy that both of you are healing so nicely and focusing on the important stuff and less of the rest.

    I will confess that it is always refreshing to come here and read your and others' comments about our current USA/world situation though. I definitely feel less alone when I do.

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    1. Shirley--Thank you.

      I understand completely wanting to connect with that sense of likemindedness. But I have had to pull back on my investment because it was wearing on me. I was so active in the Resistance that it was starting to feel desperate and, at times, hopeless. I was constantly in a state of stress and combativeness. I had to step away and allow someone else to step up while I recaptured my Zen.

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    2. Nance, I probably didn't make myself very clear. I'm all about your "focus on the important stuff and less of the rest for you." I was talking about my own feelings and personally appreciating the like-minded souls commenting here. Your blog is always such a lovely place to visit, not just to hang out with you but also to hear from your fellow readers. There are so very few around here who share my feelings. And you know my personal situation of course. Because of it, I have too much time to devote to staying current on it all, being in the Resistance, etc. Although I wouldn't wish our situation on any individual or any country, it has filled a void for me in some ways during the last several months. But that said, even I have to step away at times. Your comment about stepping away and allowing someone else to step up is the right approach for pretty much everyone. It reminds me of the realities of the geese flying in their V pattern. As I'm sure you already know, the birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. In this way, the geese can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest. We all need to fly for a long time so rest is definitely necessary. I'm truly glad that you're recapturing your Zen while recuperating. I hope to fully recapture my Zen one day. I have faith that it will happen over time.

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    3. Shirley--Thank you so much for bringing up the analogy of the flying geese. It's so perfect here! It's exactly what I need to hear, and it's exactly what I hope is happening as I reduce my political activist footprint.

      I think of you more often than you know. And you have an open invitation should you ever want to spend time with a friend up north. XO

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  8. I am glad that both of you are doing well. I know only too well how it feels like forever when you wish you could get back to "normal."

    Look at it this way - you have the chance to slow down and just enjoy things rather than run around like crazy doing holiday prep. I know that last year, that was a benefit for me (even if really frustrating at times).

    Take care. It will happen, trust me.

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    1. Bridget--Thank you. And you're right; it was a relief to be out from under the big meal prep this year. We really did enjoy the day. I am trying to focus on progress and the Cans rather than limitation and the Can'ts. It helps.

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  9. Woo hoo! So glad that you're feeling better and almost back to all of your activities (not being able to knit would make me crazy. Well, not me specifically because I don't knit, I crochet. You know what I mean). And that seems pretty near miraculous about Rick's recovery! It's what Mike was hoping for, but instead he got the slow & steady kind of recovery that is more common with his type of surgery.

    As far as the politics, I'm listening to Michelle Obama read her book & I just want to weep for those heady golden days of yore. Sigh.

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    1. Bug--Thank you. I can't imagine a Dana unable to crochet--that would be an unhappy, fidgety, fussy woman indeed! I'm not quite as addicted, but I do enjoy my hobby, and I miss it. Probably my potential Gift Recipients are not so upset. ;-)

      I absolutely yearn for the No Drama days of the previous administration. The civility, the dignity, the days/weeks upon end with no embarrassment or shameful news coming from the nation's capital. Those really were golden days.

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  10. Wonderful to see this update and to know both of you are much improved and well on the way to normal. I totally but respectfully disagree with the others about the importance of listening to the hearings. PBS does a very nice summary every evening and if there is something you feel the need to watch you can easily find it Online. Why subject yourself to some of the ridiculous posturing and senseless questions from some of the folks? You are so right...concentrate on the good stuff.

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    1. Carolyn--Thank you so much for taking the time to comment here. I appreciate it.

      While our circumstances are vastly different, yours and mine, our philosophies are the same at present. I take the time to educate myself re: the hearings and ensuing impeachment. I have already been far more active in The Resistance than I daresay most people I know. I stay informed, but I refuse to remain engaged in it for hours at a time. For my own wellbeing, I'm making a choice. Thank you for understanding and for your support.

      I hope you know you are daily in my thoughts. XO

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  11. It is so good to hear that you and your Rick are on the mend, keeping you both in my prayers for a full recovery.
    Me and my Rick are getting there... My hand is almost ready to start crocheting again... I've incorporated crocheting into my PT,��... My Rick had his second surgery on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving; we'll find out in January how many more, if any, surgeries he will be having in the future... Our turkey day turned out about the same as yours.
    Until our next interweb encounter,
    Wishing you and yours A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year...

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    1. Denise--My goodness! I had no idea that you were facing such tribulations yourself. What happened; did you fall as well, or did you have carpal tunnel surgery? And my sincerest best wishes to your Rick for good health and speedy recovery soon.

      Please take Very Good Care of yourself, dear friend, and you will be in my thoughts.

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    2. Thank you so much for your kind words. I had a growth taken off of my left hand that had enmeshed itself into most of the working parts of my hand, and part of my wrist where the hand and wrist connect.

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    3. Denise--Heavens! I'm glad that you were able to have it taken care of and are regaining use of your hand.

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  12. So glad to "hear" your voice again. And, so glad to hear both you and Rick are healing well. Patience...it always seems to elude me, but as Bridget said, enjoy the opportunity to kick back and relax and not be frantic (not that you have a choice...but, you know...). Happy to know you two are more than 2/3 of a person now!

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    1. Vera--Thank you. Circumstances have allowed, rather than forced, us to really simplify this year's Holidays. That's how we've decided to look at it!

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  13. I'm just resurfacing after months of insanity (we moved from England to Texas in April, sold a house that we hadn't lived in for 8 years, married off one son in Gibraltar, graduated the other from University in Amsterdam, and then - 6 weeks ago - moved to Germany), so I am so sorry to be late to the party with both sympathy and wishes for a rapid recovery, but I'm deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support that you and Rick have experienced. I'm also impressed at the way you're both bouncing back so quickly from what my 22-yo son would describe as 'a LOT'. I hope you'll use the holidays to rest and recharge and that both of you will be at 100% in time for spring.

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    1. Caroline--What a lot of frenetic activity you have described! And I cannot imagine the Culture Shock of that England to Texas transition. Congratulations to your family on both a wedding and a college graduation.

      We, too, are profoundly touched at the continued kindnesses of people. It gives me so much hope.

      Thanks for checking in here. It's always nice to hear from you. Happy holidays, and I share your wishes for our return to wellness soon, especially in time for lake season again in the spring.

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  14. I am so glad you are both doing better my friend. I usually suggest Tiger Balm to all my adult patients with pain. Keep it away from your face but rub it all over your wrists and knees. You can probably order it online although I get it from the health food store. It just really helps and is more natural then other things like it sold at Walgreen's, Walmart or Target. your Thanksgiving, while not what you expected shows how wonderful the people in your life are. And good for your husband's office helping, I just love that. Continue to heal and I'll be sending you positive thoughts that you are done with all of this soon.

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    1. Meredith--Thank you, and thank you for your suggestion. I appreciate your concern and help. And I do hope you are feeling much better yourself these days!

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  15. What a relief to be on the mend! So glad to hear this. Sorry you are in the midst of it, though.

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    1. J@jj--Thank you. We're moving through it more easily now, weeks later. Rick's progress is astounding. The colder weather sets us both back now and again, but nothing serious. It's a process.

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Oh, thank you for joining the fray!

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