Correct Foot

This little arrow, drawn by a nurse, made sure the doctor operated on the correct foot. That arrow, as well as at least three papers that said the same thing, and several checks by the doctor, assistants, and nurses, all ensured the left foot received surgery. I am really glad that the news last night of a hospital in another state making THREE "wrong side" mistakes during this past year was aired AFTER my surgery. I did not know to worry! My latest wrap was this lovely shade of green.

Thanks be to God

1. For his indescribable gift – Jesus Christ
2. For my strong & caring husband
3. For Shane, our adorable grandson
4. For Ben and Libby, Shane’s Godly parents
5. For Nate and Kevin, our second son and his girlfriend
6. For extended family, we love so much
7. For friends, who are like family
8. For allowing us to minister to youth, singles and adults in our community
9. For quiet times of reflection
10. For answered prayer

Thanks be to God

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Today was tough!

Each day since surgery I have felt stronger, needed less pain meds, taken fewer naps and been steadier on my crutches. I knew my foot was healing. It was hurting less and I could move around without sudden jolts of pain. Yesterday, I even made it to the computer desk for two short visits. The couch and the pillows holding my foot above my heart were my best friends.

Then today I had an early morning doctor’s appointment. That meant I must negotiate two small sets of stairs to get out of the house. Then transverse from parking lot to elevator, elevator to doctor’s office, waiting room to patient room – and all of these in reverse order to get back to my beloved couch.

The exam and words from the doctor were all good. According to Bob and the doctor the wound looked as expected. I thought it looked gnarly. It is healing as it should. Since the doctor did some extra work on some scar tissue and a thickened, tough plantar fascial band during surgery, I will need to be off my foot completely for three full weeks – GULP!

I came home exhausted and in pain. I finally took stronger pain meds and got that under control.

Tomorrow will be a better day!

Young and Strong

When the anesthesiologist described me as “young and strong,” I threw my arms in the air, cheered, chuckled and said to Bob, “Did you hear that? I am young and strong.” I have felt anything but young and strong for over a year.

There have been days I have circled the grocery store lot, waiting for a close parking space to open up. Then I have sat in the car willing myself to get out and walk the aisles. Will I be able to shop the whole list or just half the store? Will a bagger be available to take my groceries to the car for me? --Not to unload them, but to take the extra steps to return the cart. Have I timed it right? Will Bob be home to carry the groceries up the stairs? Do I have enough pain margin left to stand up and cook dinner after shopping? Hmm . . . young and strong?

During the last year I feel I have missed out on hiking, walks, snowshoeing, exercising and anything that involves walking.

Friday I had surgery to release an entrapped nerve near my ankle. Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment is somewhat rare and difficult to diagnose, but the surgery to release the nerve is relatively simple. It is an out patient procedure done at our local hospital by my podiatrist.

Along with the assessment of young and strong, my anesthesiologist wrote “Fast Track” on my chart. So I skipped the recovery room and as soon as I was awake in my room they brought me food to eat. In a quick 3 and ½ hours I was in and out of not just surgery, but out of the hospital.

Now I am counting on “young and strong” for a quick recovery.

Coon Hunting

Bob and I almost bagged a raccoon last night. We were driving home in the dark when two bright eyes, followed by a plump furry body with a ringed tail, scampered inches in front of our vehicle. We were able to skid our vehicle to a stop and the not so cuddly creature reached the other side of the road safely. Then we started sharing coon stories. When I lived in Tigard, I had two HUGE raccoons that lived in the forested area behind me tramp through my yard often. One Saturday morning they stopped on the deck and stared me down. Happily I was inside my home and when they decided I wasn’t scared enough to cave to their demand of some food, well, they moved on. Bob shared his story of the raccoons that walked through our yard last month. They haven’t noticed our pond, or they just fish unsuccessfully at night. We will be serious about a coon hunt if they choose our fish for their midnight snack!