I was so excited when I fried myself two eggs for breakfast the other day. After having family looking after me 24/7 the week before, it felt like freedom.
Sure, I had surgery. Sure, I only had one leg to stand on, and my balance wasn’t the best, but I wasn’t an invalid.
I have had other moments of rebellion since then, but reality always brings me back to the actual situation. Sure, I no longer need someone to be here all the time, but I am still very limited in what I can do alone.
A simple thing like going out and getting the mail is impossible. I can wheel my wheelchair from one end of the house to the other and back again. I can take mail that belongs in the recycling box to the office via the wheel chair and deposit it into the recycle box. The other day, I proved that just because my helper didn’t empty the commode, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it by myself. Of course, I can’t get into my own master bathroom, kind of a space problem to turn the corner, but I can tote it down to the other bathroom and dump and rinse it, and return it to its designated spot.
However, that same night, I tossed and turned in bed, trying to get a comfortable spot for my aching neck and shoulders.
It seems all of this wheelchair rolling is taking a toll on my not too certain shoulders, to say nothing of the taxing problem of propelling me up off of chairs, beds and the like using the one leg and two arms and shoulders.
However, as the days go past and turn into weeks, I am thankful that I am doing as well as I am. For the most part, I can care for myself, but the help of those who stop by is much appreciated.
I have a granddaughter who comes late morning and makes a meal for me, does laundry, plants flowers, mows lawn, washes dishes and the like. Then, when the mail lady comes, she brings the mail in and can go for the day. A friend continues to come every couple of days so I can shower. My kids are in and out as their jobs allow, for other tasks and errands.
Meanwhile, I have made some discoveries. The day I made eggs, I assumed I was limited in reaching things from the wheelchair. Then I discovered that the wheelchair has brakes, and if I set them I can stand on my left leg and reach what is needed. If it is still out of reach, so be it. I make a change of plans or use something else.
Last week’s visit to the doctor went very well. The nurse looked and said it looked great. The doctor came in and looked and said it looked great. I looked at my foot and wondered how it didn’t hurt more than what it does, which isn’t that often. Not near the pain I had prior to the surgery.
It is just now that there is a cast on it. Any swelling does cause pressure and pain, so put it up, higher than your heart, I am told. I am sitting with it up, but to get it that high is a challenge. However, two weeks down, only six more to go.
