Tomorrow, Wednesday Sept 7 I have my first follow up with Boulder Orthopedics. It is possible they will take out my staples. I will see my massive scars for the second time, and I'll get more information about "everything".
I'm still working on managing my pain; I never knew how complicated that could be. On average, I am around a 2-3 out of 10 on the pain scale which still brings me to tears at times (that could also be the medications and general dealings with trauma making me more emotional). Nights and sleep are hard on both me and Alon. We are getting 2-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night for a total of about 8 hours (plus little naps when possible). I am going on and off ice (a loud "ice cuff machine"), on and off the CPM machine, having nightmares from the narcotics, and self-administering meds when my phone alarm goes off and tells me what to take (vicodin, valium, chinese herbs, laxative, etc.). The swelling and bruising from my hip to my toes is going down every day. This is nice to see. I have some concerns about a possible left shoulder and ankle injury related to the bike accident that weren't observed at the hospital.
Day time is a bit easier because the pain seems less during the day and friends, family, and heaers have come by to help me out. Right now physical therapy is hard and tiring. And yet still "minimal" in terms of what I know my healthy body is capable of. I am listening to my body which changes moment to moment in terms of what I can and cannot handle in terms of physical, mental and emotional exertion and challenges. I had a really amazing Tibetan healing with singing bowls, chakra healing, and guided visualization meditation last Saturday from one my yoga instructors who came to my home (thank you Shareshten). It was a blessing and I plan to have her back every week. I also had an energy healer come last week, who usually does Shiatsu on me, but did something more like Reiki instead (thank you Dale). Both were beautiful and helpful experiences, which elevated my physical and emotional and spiritual state of being.
Mom and Dad were here last Thursday through Sunday, and that immediately lifted everyone's spirits. They are the best parents a girl could ask for.
My best friend Candice started working with me on Monday to create a "needs" and "day in the life of" document for me and Alon. I am currently working on creating a schedule for folks to be with me for a few hours a day (in chunks) so that Alon can close the office door at home or go to a coffee shop and work at least 6 hours of uninterrupted time while I get the help I need around the house and with personal care. My friend Jesse has also been instrumental in cooking, cleaning, providing trashy magazines for my reading pleasure, and general support to me and Alon. My friend Mary came over to get some household chores accomplished and entertain me with stories, change my ice, and get my CPM up and running today. She walked to my house in the rain. Such a trooper that woman is. Solid as they come. Sarah, Celeste, Jenny, Wynn, Bree and others will be stopping by and filling in as "me" around the house while keeping me comfortable and fed.
What could feel like a very long 8-12 week recovery process is already feeling lighter and manageable with all of your help and the kind, healing words from my friends and family back East. Thank you.
I have spent a tiny bit of time journaling, blogging, and drawing. Mostly right now, it's sleep, eat, PT, manage pain, connect with my support group, pet Ozy my cat, bathe. I plan to start doing some watercolor painting in the very near future... note cards, tiny paintings, bookmarks, etc.
I am so grateful for the support, patience, and understanding of my co-workers and friends at BCAP, my network of healers, friends, and family. Love to you all.
Sunday is supposed to be nice out, maybe we can take you for a walk in your super sweet wheels. I hope the transition into fall weather is working well for you.
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