Three weeks after surgery...........

This time last week I was in agony!! I was feeling so sorry for myself and had the old feelings of what on earth have I done to myself and why on earth did I do it!! The day I am talking about is the day after having the staples and stitches taken out of my legs and arms. Having them taken out was an extremely painful and traumatic experience. It was so unpleasant and the nurse was being so careful and taking good care of me while doing it. She did it slowly and in stages, swapping areas to give each part of my body a rest. I can tell you I did lots of slow deep breathing and sipping water!! I was hoping for a sense of relief once they were all out, but what I got was a few days of trying to recover from the ordeal. The couple of infection spots made it a more painful experience also. I didn't think I could make it through it all and even almost asked for my mum to be brought in to hold my hand!!! I felt I had gone backwards in my recovery and couldn't help but cry into my mum's arms feeling so distraught. I was now having more trouble walking and I couldn't get comfortable in any position.

But, one week on, I am happy to report that I am starting to feel improvements in my legs and arms. The swelling is slowly going down on my legs and I can see the shape of my knee again and the dreaded veins that pop out!!! I can walk a lot easier and with much less discomfort now. My upper thighs are the worst affected and still get in the way of each other!!! I am able to stand without my legs feeling like they are heavy tree trunks and my legs bend a lot easier at the knee. My arms still have a few tender spots and some quite red areas. The infected spots on my legs and arms are healing very well now and don't ooze anymore. I have a morning routine of sitting on the bed (in a very unladylike position) and using the hair dryer to dry my legs and arms. This was recommended by my mum who we affectionately call "Matron". (She was a nurse many years ago). I then put betadine on the bits that need it and wait for everything to dry again. I think this has really helped. The bruising all over my body is fading and only a few spots still look like I have been bashed about.

Its amazing what a week can do for you. I am hoping that this time next week I will be almost back to normal.

Just to finish this note, I thought a pleasant photo of Thomas was needed!!! He makes me smile everyday!!!