How nice it would have been to just skip over the last 5 weeks and jump to today. What a difference. Stu is doing fantastic--he was released from occupational therapy (OT), and now only has to go to physical therapy (PT) once a week. He has surpassed all of their milestones for recovery. He had an eye exam last week, and still has a little bit of double vision, so no driving yet.
Stu had an old friend from college visit over the weekend and the guys had a great time. They went for a hike on Saturday and Monday--slower than pre-surgery, but steady! The watched TV, laughed, ate, laughed, ate, and generally had a good time. Brad flew back yesterday, and Stu's dad arrived today (surprise!!) to help with the driving. Stu was very surprised (and pleased) when his dad walked in the door.
Stu doesn't know yet when he will be released to go back to work or to drive, but he is getting ready for both. I'm sure that being stuck at home gets pretty old after a while.
Deb
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Amost 4 weeks since surgery
Stu went to Phoenix Sun's game last night and had a great time--it was a big outing for him! The picture posted is a little dark, but Stu is on the left, and Kyle, his Iron man training partner is on the right. He had a great night of basketball, beer, hot dogs and nachos.
It is hard to believe that it has been almost 4 weeks since surgery. Stu has started working out at the gym in addition to his physical therapy. He walks on the treadmill for about 20 minutes, and then spins on the recumbent bike for about 20 minutes. His double vision is almost gone, so that helps him a lot. He hasn't had a nose bleed, and he has been faithful following the doc's instructions to keep foreign objects out of his nostrils.
Stu won't let me post a picture of his head scar yet.....
Deb
It is hard to believe that it has been almost 4 weeks since surgery. Stu has started working out at the gym in addition to his physical therapy. He walks on the treadmill for about 20 minutes, and then spins on the recumbent bike for about 20 minutes. His double vision is almost gone, so that helps him a lot. He hasn't had a nose bleed, and he has been faithful following the doc's instructions to keep foreign objects out of his nostrils.
Stu won't let me post a picture of his head scar yet.....
Deb
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Three weeks, 2 days post-op
The visit to the ENT doc went well yesterday. My dad stayed with Stu until a friend arrived to take him to the doctor's appointment. No ambulance was needed, and the crime scene is clean. I haven't been put in shackles yet. Stu was told to keep the inside of his nose moist with Vaseline or Bacitracin ointment. Otherwise, NOTHING is to go in the nose--no tissues, no Q-tips, and especially no fingers. We shall see....
The double vision is improving each day. Stu isn't wearing the pirate's patch anymore. Anyone need a parrot??
Deb
The double vision is improving each day. Stu isn't wearing the pirate's patch anymore. Anyone need a parrot??
Deb
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
3 weeks, one day post-op
It is amazing what a difference 3 weeks can make. Stu is at home alone this week, as I returned to work on Monday. He is a little bit bored and feels stuck at home. Yesterday was his last dose of steroids (yeah!!), and his last dose of seizure medication. His double vision is getting much better (most likely a side effect of the seizure medication). He is wearing a ball cap rather than a do-rag, which is much improved. Most days he takes a shower and shaves (yeah again!)
The nose-picking OCD is not better. In fact, he has picked so much that Stu now gets regular nose bleeds. This morning I walked into the bathroom and found him standing at the sink with blood everywhere--on the floor, on counter, all over his face, and a trash can full of bloody tissues. It looked like a crime scene. As I was cleaning the floor with a wet rag and Chlorox, I could only imagine that CSI would still know that there was blood everywhere, and they would still suspect the wife. The "bloody nose" excuse just wouldn't cut mustard....
So, Stu is going to the ENT doctor today for official treatment of the bloody nose and hopefully to decrease the nose-picking habit. More to follow...
Deb
The nose-picking OCD is not better. In fact, he has picked so much that Stu now gets regular nose bleeds. This morning I walked into the bathroom and found him standing at the sink with blood everywhere--on the floor, on counter, all over his face, and a trash can full of bloody tissues. It looked like a crime scene. As I was cleaning the floor with a wet rag and Chlorox, I could only imagine that CSI would still know that there was blood everywhere, and they would still suspect the wife. The "bloody nose" excuse just wouldn't cut mustard....
So, Stu is going to the ENT doctor today for official treatment of the bloody nose and hopefully to decrease the nose-picking habit. More to follow...
Deb
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Rest Day
Stu had a wonderful surprise yesterday--his younger brother, Andy arrived to help out for a few days and to give me some rest. Andy and I planned the trip a week ago, and decided to keep it as a surprise for Stu. He seemed thrilled. He even took off his hat and showed Andy his scar!The two of them went out to dinner last night (I haven't heard who left the tip). I slept in the guest room--9 hours!!!!
Stu and Andy are at physical therapy this morning, and I am going to plant some flowers in the yard. This afternoon I might just go get a massage--who knows.
Stu is doing great with his physical therapy and continues to improve every day. He is a little anxious about me going back to work next Monday, since he will be alone in the house and can't drive. I think he is bored. If anyone has time during the day to visit or take him on an excursion, I'm sure he would be pleased.
Deb, well rested....
Stu and Andy are at physical therapy this morning, and I am going to plant some flowers in the yard. This afternoon I might just go get a massage--who knows.
Stu is doing great with his physical therapy and continues to improve every day. He is a little anxious about me going back to work next Monday, since he will be alone in the house and can't drive. I think he is bored. If anyone has time during the day to visit or take him on an excursion, I'm sure he would be pleased.
Deb, well rested....
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Day 7 at home--2 weeks post-op
What a difference 2 weeks can make--it was this time 2 weeks ago that I sat fretting in the surgery waiting room of Mayo Hospital holding back the tears, feeling so out of control. This morning, I shaved the rest of Stu's head, and left a pile of his hair on the floor. See the picture...
Today, we took a trip to one of our favorite breakfast places. On the way, the "cornflake" issue came up again. As Stu blew his nose into his handkerchief, he said that although he knows that I don't want to see certain things (aka buggers), he blew a huge chuck out and just HAD to share. I have to say, it was a pretty big chunk, but still.... Stu said this one had a heart beat and stem cells could probably be harvested from it. He just didn't understand my lack of enthusiasm as I looked at the dead fetal pig in his handkerchief. He kept picking it up, turning it over, in complete awe over what just came out of his nose. He said that if Lance, Brad, and Chris (college friends) were around to see his majestic bodily fluid, they would appreciate the moment. My thought: Why do men feel the need to save their snot? Women use Kleenex, which are thrown away--in the trash, where they should be. Men use cloth, which then has to be laundered, and those nasty "chunks" floating around in the rinse cycle just waiting to attach to another piece of unsuspecting clothing. Yuck.
So, for anyone who wants to visit, please come!! Bring Kleenex. Taking Stu for a walk is a good thing. Playing card games or Monopoly is a good thing. Stu likes to get out of the houseas well. I would suggest that if you take him out to eat, don't let him calculate the tip.
Deb
Today, we took a trip to one of our favorite breakfast places. On the way, the "cornflake" issue came up again. As Stu blew his nose into his handkerchief, he said that although he knows that I don't want to see certain things (aka buggers), he blew a huge chuck out and just HAD to share. I have to say, it was a pretty big chunk, but still.... Stu said this one had a heart beat and stem cells could probably be harvested from it. He just didn't understand my lack of enthusiasm as I looked at the dead fetal pig in his handkerchief. He kept picking it up, turning it over, in complete awe over what just came out of his nose. He said that if Lance, Brad, and Chris (college friends) were around to see his majestic bodily fluid, they would appreciate the moment. My thought: Why do men feel the need to save their snot? Women use Kleenex, which are thrown away--in the trash, where they should be. Men use cloth, which then has to be laundered, and those nasty "chunks" floating around in the rinse cycle just waiting to attach to another piece of unsuspecting clothing. Yuck.
So, for anyone who wants to visit, please come!! Bring Kleenex. Taking Stu for a walk is a good thing. Playing card games or Monopoly is a good thing. Stu likes to get out of the houseas well. I would suggest that if you take him out to eat, don't let him calculate the tip.
Deb
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday, March 9--Day 6 at home
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a few days--all is well, and Stu is progressing nicely. He has even had a few showers since the last time I signed on!!
The stitches came out of his head yesterday (the lucky guy has a plastic surgeon at home who can at least do a few things). There were 35 of the little suckers, and Stu screamed for just about every one of them. He won't let me put a picture of the stitches on his head, but maybe I can convince him later. He is a much happier camper with the catheter out, normal bladder function, and now the rope gone around his scalp. He still wears a hat and a pirate's patch, but what the heck.
If any of you ever have a spouse who has brain surgery, let me give you a tip of what NOT to do: let them calculate the tip at a restaurant post-op. The occupational therapist suggested that it is an activity for Stu to do (with me watching). Last night we went to an Italian restaurant for a lovely dinner (sans pirate patch). The total cost of the meal was just over $36, and the total with tax just over $41. Stu put a $10 tip on the credit card slip, then pulled $10 out of his wallet. He said that the waitress was very good and attentive. Okay, the meal was good, and the waitress was fine, but is there something I am missing???? He left a $20 tip for a $36 meal!!! If Stu had not just had brain surgery a few weeks ago, I would be suspicious...
Stu loves the comments all of you are posting (he even posted one himself). Keep them coming!
Deb
The stitches came out of his head yesterday (the lucky guy has a plastic surgeon at home who can at least do a few things). There were 35 of the little suckers, and Stu screamed for just about every one of them. He won't let me put a picture of the stitches on his head, but maybe I can convince him later. He is a much happier camper with the catheter out, normal bladder function, and now the rope gone around his scalp. He still wears a hat and a pirate's patch, but what the heck.
If any of you ever have a spouse who has brain surgery, let me give you a tip of what NOT to do: let them calculate the tip at a restaurant post-op. The occupational therapist suggested that it is an activity for Stu to do (with me watching). Last night we went to an Italian restaurant for a lovely dinner (sans pirate patch). The total cost of the meal was just over $36, and the total with tax just over $41. Stu put a $10 tip on the credit card slip, then pulled $10 out of his wallet. He said that the waitress was very good and attentive. Okay, the meal was good, and the waitress was fine, but is there something I am missing???? He left a $20 tip for a $36 meal!!! If Stu had not just had brain surgery a few weeks ago, I would be suspicious...
Stu loves the comments all of you are posting (he even posted one himself). Keep them coming!
Deb
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Day 2 at home
The personal hygiene is a little better today--Stu got up, took a shower, shaved, and brushed his teeth. The catheter came out as well. The "mood" however is like PMS on steroids. This is going to be a fun recovery for everyone around him. I'm ready to ask the neurosurgeon to put the tumor back in!
Stu went to PT and OT today where they worked him hard. He will continue with physical therapy about 3 times per week. His gait is still just a little wobbly and sometimes his balance is off, but improving every day. He is supposed to play cards, scrabble, board games, etc at home for therapy, but fat chance that will happen. If anyone wants to stop by for a good game of Trivial Pursuit, please come over!!! (just don't expect you-know-who to be in a welcoming mood). Stu was such a funny person when he was high on pain meds....
Deb
Stu went to PT and OT today where they worked him hard. He will continue with physical therapy about 3 times per week. His gait is still just a little wobbly and sometimes his balance is off, but improving every day. He is supposed to play cards, scrabble, board games, etc at home for therapy, but fat chance that will happen. If anyone wants to stop by for a good game of Trivial Pursuit, please come over!!! (just don't expect you-know-who to be in a welcoming mood). Stu was such a funny person when he was high on pain meds....
Deb
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Day one at home (feels like day 100)
It has been a long day.... Stu plopped down on the chair in the family room about 5:30 am, and didn't get up until I made him go for a walk about noon. Then he went back to the chair until a friend came over and made him walk mid-afternoon. He has been back in the chair ever since. The personal hygiene thing has got to improve soon. I am not interested in seeing what he digs out of his nose. Period.
On a lighter side, we received a wonderful package from my Aunt Elly--it is a prayer shawl that was knitted in a 3-stitch Trinity pattern with "prayers for healing, comfort , peace, hope, and love added as the knitting progressed". The shawl was blessed by the Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry in Albion, Indiana (where she lives) on February 24th (Stu's surgery day). The enclosed note gave instructions for the shawl to be used as we wish, and be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love. I cried when I opened the package and read the note (I love you Aunt Elly!!). The shawl is beautiful and soft. It will be used with love.
My uncle passed away just a few days before Christmas, and my aunt cared for him during a prolonged illness for several years, but most severely in the last 6 months of his life. She is an amazing woman--incredibly strong, patient, and giving. If I can be even just a little like her during Stu's recovery, then I am doing good.
Tonight I need some sleep, as tomorrow will be another long day.
Deb
On a lighter side, we received a wonderful package from my Aunt Elly--it is a prayer shawl that was knitted in a 3-stitch Trinity pattern with "prayers for healing, comfort , peace, hope, and love added as the knitting progressed". The shawl was blessed by the Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry in Albion, Indiana (where she lives) on February 24th (Stu's surgery day). The enclosed note gave instructions for the shawl to be used as we wish, and be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love. I cried when I opened the package and read the note (I love you Aunt Elly!!). The shawl is beautiful and soft. It will be used with love.
My uncle passed away just a few days before Christmas, and my aunt cared for him during a prolonged illness for several years, but most severely in the last 6 months of his life. She is an amazing woman--incredibly strong, patient, and giving. If I can be even just a little like her during Stu's recovery, then I am doing good.
Tonight I need some sleep, as tomorrow will be another long day.
Deb
Day 1 at home
OMG--Stu is milking this one. We stopped at Wendy's on the way home yesterday to get a Frosty and a fish sandwich, picked up the dog, and headed home. Stu took a 4 hour nap. He wanted spaghetti and meatballs for dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. I told him "no shower, no spaghetti". He finally showered, shaved, and put on fresh clothes. Yeah!!! When we arrived at the restaurant (cap and pirate patch on), he ordered a salad with salmon. Go figure.
Stu didn't sleep well last night, but at least he stayed in bed. I slept in the guest room next door because I have a wicked cold and cough and didn't want to keep him up (okay, he didn't want me to keep him up). Stu just hollered if he needed anything. He wore one of those eye covers they (used to) give you on long plane trips to keep the light out. He wouldn't take it off this morning to go to the family room. So, I led the blind man with the catheter out to the family room, propped him on the chair in front of the TV, and made him coffee served with a bendy straw, 2 Pop tarts, got his slippers, a blanket, made him Orange Jell-O with pineapple, and took care of the dogs. Now he is asleep in the chair. It is going to be a looonnnng day.
Stu didn't sleep well last night, but at least he stayed in bed. I slept in the guest room next door because I have a wicked cold and cough and didn't want to keep him up (okay, he didn't want me to keep him up). Stu just hollered if he needed anything. He wore one of those eye covers they (used to) give you on long plane trips to keep the light out. He wouldn't take it off this morning to go to the family room. So, I led the blind man with the catheter out to the family room, propped him on the chair in front of the TV, and made him coffee served with a bendy straw, 2 Pop tarts, got his slippers, a blanket, made him Orange Jell-O with pineapple, and took care of the dogs. Now he is asleep in the chair. It is going to be a looonnnng day.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Post-op Day 7: DISCHARGE DAY!!!!!
Home today!! The rehab doctor evaluated Stu yesterday, and said that he is stable enough to go home today and return for outpatient rehab. I raced home last night to get the house ready--basically baby-proofing the house so that Stu won't trip on anything or get into trouble. I put a rubber in the shower, non-slip bathmats on the floor, and moved any throw rugs. Sharp objects are in hiding....
Stu is not happy about the catheter--he has to have it "in" for a week to let his bladder rest. At least he doesn't have to get up in the middle of the night to pee!!
The information I have now is that Stu can't drive for 3 months, and will not be back at work for 6 months. I suppose all of that depends on how he progresses, and everything can change. I'll bet he is back to work in just a few months, and back on his bike in a few weeks.
Now, if I can just convince him that a shower is a good thing....
Deb
Stu is not happy about the catheter--he has to have it "in" for a week to let his bladder rest. At least he doesn't have to get up in the middle of the night to pee!!
The information I have now is that Stu can't drive for 3 months, and will not be back at work for 6 months. I suppose all of that depends on how he progresses, and everything can change. I'll bet he is back to work in just a few months, and back on his bike in a few weeks.
Now, if I can just convince him that a shower is a good thing....
Deb
Monday, March 2, 2009
Post-op day 6: 5 pm
It is a warm afternoon, about 85 degrees outside and a beautiful day. Stu and I went for a walk this morning all over the hospital and to the clinic building next door. He refuses to take a shower, shave, or change his clothes. I know that he can't smell, but he doesn't realize that the rest of us CAN. He needs a lesson in personal hygiene.
The rehab doctor saw Stu this morning while he was with the physical therapist, and is very pleased with his progress. He walks fairly well, but can't do the "walk the straight line" test the cops use when they pull over a drunk. So, they want to send him home with me tomorrow and he will return for out patient therapy. I don't know how will take care of a brain injured husband, and crazy young dog, and old easy dog, and another old invalid dogs who falls over. It will be a challenge.
The catheter came out just a few hours ago, but Stu still can't pee on his own. The nurse just told me that I will have to cath him at home every 4 hours. How far does love go??? This is the true test...
Stu also has double vision from nerve injury to his eyes--the muscles don't work exactly right, but they will recover. For now, he has to wear a pirate patch over one eye for 2 hours, then move the patch to the other eye. He just needs a parrot on his shoulder. Since he has double vision, does that mean that I look twice as good?
More later!!!
Deb
The rehab doctor saw Stu this morning while he was with the physical therapist, and is very pleased with his progress. He walks fairly well, but can't do the "walk the straight line" test the cops use when they pull over a drunk. So, they want to send him home with me tomorrow and he will return for out patient therapy. I don't know how will take care of a brain injured husband, and crazy young dog, and old easy dog, and another old invalid dogs who falls over. It will be a challenge.
The catheter came out just a few hours ago, but Stu still can't pee on his own. The nurse just told me that I will have to cath him at home every 4 hours. How far does love go??? This is the true test...
Stu also has double vision from nerve injury to his eyes--the muscles don't work exactly right, but they will recover. For now, he has to wear a pirate patch over one eye for 2 hours, then move the patch to the other eye. He just needs a parrot on his shoulder. Since he has double vision, does that mean that I look twice as good?
More later!!!
Deb
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Post-op day 5: 11:30 am
I can't believe it has only been 5 days since surgery! The doctors decided to keep Stu in the hospital for another week as an in-patient in rehab. He will move to the rehab floor (3rd floor of the hospital) tomorrow. They are guessing about a week, but it will depend upon his progress--could be more, could be less. He is in therapy right now as I type.
It was shower day this morning. Although Stu can't smell, the rest of us can, and he needed a shower. As much as guys joke about wanting a sponge bath from a good looking nurse, it just doesn't do the same thing as a good scrub-down under running water. So, the man who would never let me even scrub his back pre-surgery let me scrub every nook and cranny this morning without too much protest. I even washed his hair and scar... It was tricky getting him dressed again, especially the socks. I never was good at getting socks on little kids, and I suck at getting those tight white compression hose on an adult. He has clean clothes on (t-shirt, boxers, and hospital bottoms). He still wanted him same hat, even though I bought him a few new ones for Valentine's day in preparation. Men.
It is almost lunch time. We usually sit in the room and have lurch together. It is nice.
Deb
It was shower day this morning. Although Stu can't smell, the rest of us can, and he needed a shower. As much as guys joke about wanting a sponge bath from a good looking nurse, it just doesn't do the same thing as a good scrub-down under running water. So, the man who would never let me even scrub his back pre-surgery let me scrub every nook and cranny this morning without too much protest. I even washed his hair and scar... It was tricky getting him dressed again, especially the socks. I never was good at getting socks on little kids, and I suck at getting those tight white compression hose on an adult. He has clean clothes on (t-shirt, boxers, and hospital bottoms). He still wanted him same hat, even though I bought him a few new ones for Valentine's day in preparation. Men.
It is almost lunch time. We usually sit in the room and have lurch together. It is nice.
Deb
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