It's the little things

Every day I get a little bit of my life back. I have been able to watch my daughter swim. She received her varsity letter for swim team this year and I was there to see it happen. Once the incision heals I will be able to get in the pool and exercise.

I was able to attend the last wrestling tournament of the year. It was a very long day but I got through it. He didn't have a great end to the season. There are important lessons learned by losing. I hope that I am also providing him a good role model by never giving up.

I can help cook a meal. Since November I have had to rely on my daughter or husband for a meal. It may not be 5 star dining but it was nice to cook dinner for the family again. I can complete many household chores by myself now. There are still limits to what I can do but every day it gets a little better.

I continue to work hard on my physical therapy. We are slowly increasing the speed that I am walking at. Every visit they add a few more exercises for me as well. There has been some pain associated with PT but I'm pushing myself. One benefit that I have enjoyed is that I have lost 7 pounds. 

Wound update

Scenic drive home

It was a good day today! I drove myself to Georgetown University Hospital. If you only knew how much I hate driving in the city. Thank goodness for valet parking! I was early but they took me back into a room. Vital signs were great even with the stressful drive through the city. 

The nurse practitioner came in for some poking and prodding in the incision. Soon after the surgeon took his turn at poking and prodding the incision. Final decision...superficial opening to the wound that does not appear infected at this time. I will need some lucky family member or friend to help me pack the wound twice a day. 

It was a beautiful warm sunny day today. My spirits match. I return to physical therapy tomorrow!

Infection?

This is the start of week 3 with an open incision. At this point I'm pretty sure that it is infected. 

I'm not running a fever. The drainage in no longer clear. There is throbbing pain to the incision and it hurts to touch it.

Dressing this morning

I have an appointment on Wednesday. Not looking forward to the drive through DC.

Opening has become bigger

I will post a follow-up on Wednesday.

First week of physical therapy

View from the treadmill.

Physical therapy has started. Right now I'm walking on the treadmill and have a few exercises. In March I get to start aqua therapy and I'm really looking forward to it. Not looking forward to putting this fat body into a bathing suit.

I have been walking every day according to doctors orders. Treadmill at 0 incline at a speed of 2.4 for 30 minutes. I CAN DO IT! My back doesn't hurt and there is no longer numbness to my legs after 15 minutes. It's so amazing!

There are still issues with the opening of the incision site. I am still experiencing a lot of pain. No redness, drainage or fever.