Thursday, November 20, 2008

~ Snowed ~

Ahhhh... yeap.. when one lives in Buffalo you expect snow by mid November... but honestly we've gotten a very little bit. A dusting here and there but not much to write about. Those of you that have heard on the national news that we have 2-3 feet. Well.... they lie. LMAO It's south of here, in ski country, where they want it, and several miles away from the city and me.

The snowed I'm talking about is the ability to fool someone, you know, snowed? ::giggle:: I went to the Dr yesterday. The surgeon who did the actual bypass. Well, I saw the practitioner, very nice girl. I had my trusty list of questions and concerns and she answered all of them. Telling me I was normal? Me? Normal? Ahhh you're snowed!!

One concern was my left foot. It's been off and on numb/asleep. I first noticed it after they took the balloon pump out and I was able to stand for the first time. I could not feel my foot on the floor. The more I moved the better it felt, but it still is not completely right. I was told it could take several weeks, maybe months.

Since they found high blood sugar while I was in there I was afraid it might have something to do with that. You regularly hear about issues with the feet, fingers, etc. At this point they are not even sure my sugar will stay this way or if it will bounce back after my body heals from the trauma. Currently every evening I give myself a shot. Three times during the day I test my sugar levels and if they are higher (based on a chart I follow) I give myself a booster shot. Not fun, and not something I ever thought I'd be able to do, but when push comes to shove......... Besides that whole air bubble thing when it comes to insulin is a farce. If there is air in the chamber/needle it won't kill you.. you just don't get the right amount of medicine. Do I mean it's always a farce? Hell no. But in this case it is putting myself at ease.

Speaking of pushing and shoving. I am still not allowed. No stretching hands/arms over head. Pulling, pushing, lifting more then 10 pounds. I can manage that. No driving for 8 weeks. GRRRRRRRRR about 4 more to go at this point. No work for at least 3 months, maybe the beginning of Feb. Though that could change. We'll see. I have 3 more doctors to see in the next couple weeks.

The staples are out of my chest and that feels great. I lost count, maybe 40? Next time I'm standing in front of a mirror looking at myself and how attractive that scare is going to be in all my V-Neck tops I'll count the holes.
The five staples in my leg are also gone. A snip below my knee and then one at the top of my thigh to pull the vein out for the repairs.

I did ask about damage to my heart itself and I was told it's all been fixed. The little aches and pains I feel are normal. Again, normal. ME? Apparently slicing you open, cutting thru your sternum, and then clamping you open to allow the surgeon inside does take a bit of a toll and some time to move back into place. The pain is really minimal, but it plays with your head. Am I having another heart attack? Why does this hurt today? Tears have been plentiful and I was told to feel free to take the Valium, that is what it's for.

After the Dr's. I did go for a bit of a ride with my son. Trusty bear in hand. If you aren't familiar, most hospitals (in this area anyway) give a harder pillow to patients. This allows you to hug and cough with the hopes of limited pain and discomfort. Mine is a bit of a deformed teddy, but he comes with me every where. He's the love of my life these days. The sun was shining even though it was cold, and the ride was wonderful. No place special. He put gas in my parents car. He's been using their car to take me places because his is a bit sporty and the seats are lower to the ground. I don't think I'd ever be able to get out. After the gas stop we went to the drug store. We both went in. I moved a bit slow but I was able to shop just a bit. Let me tell you it was wonderful!!

All in all we were out about 2 hours. We got home just in time for lunch. As I sat at my parents kitchen table with a bowl of soup in front of me all that went through my head was the video's that get sent to 'Funniest Home Video's', where the babies fall asleep right in their food. My head was bobbing. LOL I went and took a nap. A nice nap! Two hour long nap!

Last evening I also went out for a bit. My boss and co-worker took me to a little coffee shop around the corner from my parent's. No I did not have coffee but we were able to have nice sandwiches and salad for dinner. Sugar free drinks as well ;) Yes, teddy joined me there as well. Better safe then sorry, ya know? It was a marvelous time even if it lasted only an hour or so. It was nice to be in a different surrounding. This morning my legs hurt a bit. A good hurt.. I did something hurt. Not painful, just moving and feeling good knowing I did something.

Speaking of different surroundings. I'm thinking I might go home this weekend. I am getting around pretty good and I can lay at my house as well as I can lay around here. Every body is pretty close by and my sister offered to stop in on her lunch, my other sister who lives with me can come home on hers, my niece doesn't work until 3, and my son. My brother, Cabana Boy, even offered to come stay at my house for a few days with me. That won't be needed, but the visits should about cover it. I just need to get to the store to get low/no sodium and no sugar items to eat. Ok, so it won't be me doing the shopping but you get my drift :)

Besides I need to get home. My boys are sucking big time. I mean big time!! They are giving up leads and look to be sucking wind by the middle of each game. Congrats on the win last night Brit!! I think I need to get back to my routine so they can get back to theirs. LMAO The Bills have been stinking up the joint too. Ahhhh to have such control over the sports teams. LMAO!!

I also need to get all my goodies home. I've completely over taken any empty table top here at my parent's. Flowers, plants, cards. Linda, Martha, thank you for the care packages, both arrived yesterday. I so appreciate the beautiful thoughts they carry.

Wow! I knew I had some energy today, but didn't expect this entry to be so long. I'm trying to visit but I'm having a hard time keeping the energy for long. I will get to you, I promise! Hugs to all of you and I so appreciate your good thoughts and positive vibes.

Hugs
~d

58 comments:

Julie said...

Oh I am so glad your feeling better and starting to sound like your old self. Hope I never have to feel first hand what that surgery is like to go through. I will content myself with taking care of the patients how have. Take care and take it easy.

Joyce said...

Great to see you posting Donna...you sound much better...enjoy that snow and keep it in the North please,LOL. Good doctor visit for you...good to have that list of questions. High sugars are what caused my daughters foot problems...be careful and stay on top of it...you got answers and that was good. Hope you get home to check on those boys of yours. Please take care...love you!!!
Joyce

- said...

Poor Miller...He just couldn't get his mind right. It's like they suffered a heart attack along with you!! LOL

They are a good team D. I think they need a little reality check and maybe my Boys gave it to 'em? lets hope, so they can get back in the game.

Our boys meet up again on your Ice next Wednesday!

Unknown said...

So glad to hear that you are healing and feeling better! A lot of people where concerned about you, be sure to take it slow and don't strain yourself. I hope your boy's do better, they need you to watch to root them on. :)
Take Care

Tabby

Astaryth said...

It's good to hear/read that you are doing better. You'll be more content once you get back to your house. Hang in there and keep giving us updates!

Bridgett said...

Wow...even the tone of your entries are more optimistic, upbeat and energetic! Good for you, D.

You're doing so well and I'm just so proud of you.

Just don't overdo it, okay?

Much love,
Bridgett

Traci said...

Sounds like you are returning to the land of the living! What an ordeal to go through. I'll pray that the blood sugar gets itself in order. I had gestational diabetes with Bella. I never minded the shots either.

Traci said...

Sounds like you are returning to the land of the living! What an ordeal to go through. I'll pray that the blood sugar gets itself in order. I had gestational diabetes with Bella. I never minded the shots either.

Carol said...

Don't be in too much of a rush to get back to normal.
Hope your blood returns to normal.
Don't like the sound of doing your own injections. Sends shivers up my spine just thinking about it.
Glad you're getting out and about. It sounds lovely.
Take it easy Donna.
Keeping you in my thoughts.
Hugsxx

Yasmin said...

So glad your feeling much better and feel able to go home, that will help to just being around your own stuff, like you say the visits etc will be enough, and good that you got out for a few hours. The healing process will take a long time, so just take all the time you need, no need to worry about getting around to the journals everyone understands.
Hope the boys do better!

Take care

Yasmin
xx

Linda said...

I am so glad to hear that you are getting around so much better. I bet you were worn out after that two hour excursion out! I hope you continue to get better each day. I am sure you are looking forward to getting home! Linda

Big Mark 243 said...

I am glad that you are feelling so much better. Part of your story, really hit home for me, brought tears to my eyes. I am glad that you are so positive about things, and are doing so much better.

You certainly have the right approach to this. BTW, I really think the Wings are going to get hung up in the Western Conf. Championship. Just a feeling, just a feeling. San Jose and Anahiem play tough enough hockey to pull the upset.

Bethe said...

OMG, You have been one sick cookie! Balloon pumps are serious business. Just a little nursing care info-Because all the nerves, tendons ligaments come together right were that artery and & vien in your groin, having leg and foot pain is quite natural. It's a tight fit there & that numbness/ache is what I hear people talk about the most. I've had the angio cath before I got the pacemaker 10+ yrs ago and from time to time I feel a "tightness" in that tendon in the Lt groin. Just letting you know because I know you are thinking the worst with what may happen with the newly diagnosed diabetes.

On the positive side :) I have to comment that I am sure you are going to lose some weight and when you get your strength back, you'll do some shopping, the scar will fade, & you'll be putting us 'ol fatt's to shame because you'll be one hot Mama : )

(Gentle Hugs)

Ally Lifewithally said...

Donna it is so good to hear you sounding so much better ~ keep on taking it easy and take care of yourself ~ hope you do manage to get home soon ~ Ally x

Sweetnessk71 said...

Hiya. I am glad our "snow" isn't that much.. if it only would stay that way lol. I'm so glad to see that you are feeling better. Something like that takes time to recover from I'm sure and you are doing really great. Glad to see you posting and keeping us updated.. have a great weekend. Take care

Kris

Emmi said...

I'm so glad your home & feeling better.

Jan said...

You saying you feel you could go home suggests you are feeling better which is such good news to hear ,and nice to know you are getting out abit too ,Prayers continue for you dear girl .love Jan xx

Leslie said...

Hi Donna hun, *HUGS* Im so glad your feeling a bit better and are able to move around more. Thank god. I prayed soo much for you dear. I didnt have internet for a few days. So now im catching up im sorry i wasnt here sooner. Im glad you got many answers from when your went to the docs. Wow hun though no work for 3 mos, no driving either. Bless ur heart. but most important thing of course is ur ok, you have your meds what you need to be ok and as painfree as possible. I can imagine being comfy though can be tough sometimes. Im glad u were able to get out and shop for a bit too.It will be great you will be able to go back home soon. You have all your family close by to help you. Thats wonderful. Hang in there hun, get rest and get better. Love u dear. Oh and im sorry about your boys not playing so good right now bummer :( Take care hun. Cant wait to hear from u more soon
Love, Leslie

Margaret said...

The foot thing would be worrisome, wouldn't it? Hopefully that won't take near as long to straighten itself out as they think. Glad to hear about your normal status...they just don't know ya, eh? lol
Good news! Methinks the sugar issue will go away as well....SOON.

Sandra said...

I`m so glad you are recovering well Donna. I can`t imagine exactly how you feel but you have been through so much and I can understand your concerns. Take the Valium, it`s there to help. Take care, God bless.

Love Sandra xxxx

Debbie said...

Nothing like home, I'm sure you're looking forward to it. It's great to hear from you and see you have the energy to write a longer entry. So glad you were able to get out and about for awhile, kinda uplifts your spirits to get a bit of fresh air. Hang in there and take it easy, oh, when you get home your boys are gonna play the game of their life just for their biggest cheerleader, squeeze teddy tight while you're rooting for them. You're in my thoughts my friend.
Love ya
Debbie

Melissa said...

glad ur feeling better *hugs*

Hollie said...

OMG it is sooooo good to hear from you. I think about you everyday! I'm so happy to hear that you are doing well, & getting out & about some. Don't over do it though. Please be careful if you go home.....

Jeannette said...

It's so good to see a post again Donna, I was thinking of you today like I do everyday. I'm so glad you feel a little better now and managed to get out for a while. It makes you feel so much better doesn't it?! I think you know enough about the consequences not to rush anything, no need to preach! Being back home will make you feel tons better and having your family drop in to check and make sure you have enough groceries will be a great weight off your mind. Take care, we all want to see you up and running again when you're ready but not a day before! I'm sure your boys will play bettrer when you're home! Love Jeannette xx

Lainey Laine said...

Awwww Donna great to hear you feeling better and happier. You got to take it easy girl! You hear! LOL But Im sure you are know. Im just teasing. My mum had an angina attack last year and luckily she did not have to have an operation like you have had. She takes loads of tablets now and has a spray thing to take if she feels unwell. I have been thinking of you. Love Laine xxxx
http://lainey-lainesworld.blogspot.com/
p.s. I like the sound of teddy.

Linda :) said...

So glad to hear you are out and about and may be going home soon...
Take care of you, one step at a time, one day at a time....

Hollie said...

Come by my blog when you feel like it to pick up your award!!!

HUGS:)

ADB said...

Very pleased things are going so well, all things considered Donna. Keep up the high spirits!

Guido

Beth said...

Glad to hear you're recuperating nicely. I hope all continues to go well!

Hugs, Beth

Ken Riches said...

What a difference a week makes. So glad you are doing better. Enjoy the naps while you can :o)

Amelia said...

You are alive Donna!!!!

You went through such a hard experience, please take care of yourself. I'm still just so happy you are okay. Sometimes things can go the other way too quick.

I'm sure your family don't mind you being around until you're better. Take yor time. *M*

http://learningtoadapt.blogspot.com

Martha said...

It is so good to read this entry - you sound like you are getting back to normal... er, youself ;-)

It's such a great sign to that you feel like you are ready to go home (and especially since it's in the name of sports, LOL) That's our Donna!

I know it has to be so hard on you - not being able to do things probably as much as the physical part. Just hang in there!

HUGS!!

Mari said...

Glad you are feeling somewhat better ...just take things easy and rest as needed.

Hugs Mari

Chris/cacklinrosie101 said...

You're sounding better and better, D! All these things will improve and go away. I'm very sure it's from the huge trauma your body endured. So, you got staples? My BF had huge, ugly stitches that are taking forever to heal. Whoo hoo, you got out with the girls. That had to be a great feeling! Hang in there. Love ya!

Terri said...

So glad to hear from you Donna!!!
Can ya believe we actually got some flurries today...well it actually snowed...pretty hard at one point but didn't stick...it never got out of the 30's today...the low tonight is 24...Winter has arrived! I bet you can't wait to go home this weekend...there is no place like home...glad to know your brother and others will be stopping in from time to time...take it easy...and have a good weekend

Hugs
Terri

Carlene Noggle said...

IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE FAMILY WHO LOVE AND LOOK AFTER YOU. GOD BLESS YOU.
LOVE,
CARLENE

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to see an entry from you! It sounds like you are healing great. Take your time and continue to get all the rest you need! It is cold (16 degrees) and a few flurries here in MN tonight. BRRR! Big hugs to you Donna!
Robyn

gina said...

it's really good to see that you are feeling up to getting out and about for a while...and good to hear that you are normal. :) it'll take time, but before you know it, you'll be full steam ahead again.

Lori said...

I'm glad you are feeling well enough to get out a bit, even if you do fall asleep in your soup when you get back home. My sister's pillow after she had her surgery was heart-shaped, and she said it helped her a lot. We had a dusting of snow today, too, but no more than that. That's okay; I'm in no hurry!

Unknown said...

So glad your feeling better and getting out a bit. Glad to see an entry from you.

ELLIE said...

so good to hear that you are moving around - and people are taking you out - how excellent - that brings alot of relief to my mind!
Please do not rush going home - it is best to always have people around 24/7 at least for the first 3-4 weeks home - just to be safe....but I am glad things are good and your spirits are sounding better!!
Hang in there girlfriend - my thoughts are always with you - take care of you!! squeeze that bear---Ellie

egtara said...

So glad you are feeling better.

Adirondackcountrygal said...

I'm so glad you are up and feeling better. What a scare! Wear your scar proudly. I have a friend at work who had open heart and she isn't ashamed of hers. I had a funny image of you shuffling around in public all "snowed" and clutching a teddy bear. You must look a bit deranged. Teehee, hugs to you! Linda

LYN said...

take it easy hunny..but so glad you got out and about..back in the land of the living so to say..my FIL had quadruple bypass a few years ago..absolutely amazed me.. talk about frankenstein style when the staples are in huh/ but to tell you the truth his scar has almost healed right over...
so good to read your post today...take care.. xx

Gaboatman said...

Donna
I'm glad to hear about all your progress during your recovery. Your son is a great guy doing all he can for his mom. I can relate to your feeling little pains here and there and fearing another attack coming on.

I think it's great that you are getting well enough that you feel you can go home now. Don't over do it too quickly, but yes, being home will be a good thing for you. I hope the Boy's luck changes once you're back.

Take care of yourself and keep us posted. I'm so glad all our prayers were answered and you are getting better.

Hugs
Sam

Slacker Mom said...

Just take your time and don't worry about everyone "here".....Glad to see you are feeling much better and getting around better!

Jeanie said...

#Dear Donna...you are sounding so much more positive today. Make sure you don't overdo it though.
My husband had a heart atttack and had to take insulin injections for three months, which he was told would protect his heart as it recovered. Once the three months were up he was allowed to stop and just watch his diet and check on his sugars after that. I hope the same will ring true for you too my friend.Steroids can give a high reading when testing for sugars. Just a thought if you are having to take any at the moment.
Take care of you for now. I hope you get your wish and get home soon.
Gentle (((hugs)))
love
Jeanie xxx

Kathy said...

So glad you are starting to feel better. And wanting to go home. That's a good sign!

You are in my thoughts and prayers every day Donna.

Shelly said...

Sending lots of love D. Good luck with transition of going home. I'm sure you will be happy. And sending good vibes to your teams. ; ) Love ya!!

Heli gunner Tom said...

Nice to hear from you again. I have never seen so many comments on one's blog post! Wow!

Tom S
tschuckman@aol.com

Donna - DBP said...

I hope you see this comment among all your others! I have given you an award. Check it out.

http://dustbunnyprotector.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-feel-special.html

Helen said...

Glad that you are feeling better and I hope you can go home soon. It was good that you got out and about some. Makes a person feel better even if it is tiring at the same tiem. Hugs, Helen

Anonymous said...

HOLY SHIT! I've been behind!! I was wondering what was going on by your comments and finally made it over here. OMG!! I can't take my eyes off of you for a second!
xo
MJ

Allison said...

You just be sure to take care of yourself and take it easy and go slowly. We all need you here and we need you at 100%. : ) Have a happy Sunday. Luv ya!

Joyce said...

I was so, so happy to see you did an entry. Nice and long and informative. I'm so sorry you had to go through all this Donna but God is looking over you shoulder (I know because I asked Him to) so you will be your old self before you know. We all miss you and love you. Take good care of you.
Hugs, Joyce

lisa said...

forgive my delay...i will email you for the reason why.....i am so glad you are doing so much better...i think of you every single day..i hope you are home now..i know you miss your own bed...i am glad you got to get out and enjoy seeing the sights. I love you, D.

Lippy said...

Hello there,
It sounds like you've been through quite the ordeal. That's a tough situation, but I can see from the tone of your writing that you are definitely on the right track to a healthy, complete recovery.

If anyone can with against a stacked deck, I have a feeling it's you, and you'll be putting these health issues behind you in no time. Good to see you! Thanksgiving will be a great holiday for ya this year, won't it?

Luv ya

Trees said...

Donna, I am so very sorry you have been through such a hard time, so very happy to hear you are starting to improve and may be able to go home. I just now found your blog, after much searching, so glad to be reading it again. Not to sure what the Sabres are doing at the moment, the Leafs are pretty much going down the drain. As for the Bills, thought they were going to do well but have had a rough time. My son faithfully goes to all the games including the last one, he got home at 4 am and was up at 5:45 am to go to work. I do think though that he is starting to question their coaching and players. He is though going faithfully to this Sunday's game. Again, my friend, I am so happy you are starting to feel better. God bless. I had booked to come to Buffalo this weekend but from some weather reports it seems a big storm is coming and I dont wish to get stuck down there in a blizzard. Following the news to see what happens about coming.