Tag-Archive for ◊ taking care of family ◊

01 Apr 2009 Day 2 After Hip Replacement Surgery!
Author: admin |  Category: Day to Day Family, Health and Fitness  | Tags: , , ,  | One Comment

I think I left you to get coffee!!! (more on that later! :) ) re-fueled I headed to the airport to get my sister, timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Her messed up travel plans allowed her to touch base with family in Salt Lake and that was nice for all.

We then headed to the hospital to see how dad was doing, we took a route I new and hit some rush hour traffic but all in all made good time.  When we got there Dad was still shivering, which sometimes happens after surgery, and he was having a difficult time getting comfortable.  He had some pain in his lower back and I think he thought it was the same pain he had prior to surgery so in his somewhat muddled state this upset him!

Luckily the nurse caring for him only had two patients that evening so it allowed her to spend a little extra time taking care of my Dad.  She tried moving him etc and gave him some medicine to help him relax as well as an anti-inflammatory on top of the pain medicine he was getting, all of which finally started to kick in about the time we had to leave.  Visiting hours were over at 9PM.  We knew he was in good hands and had hopes he would get some sleep.

We left to get something to eat along with a nice glass of wine! Both of us were quite tired from the day and it was nice to catch up a bit and relax before heading home for bed!

It stormed like crazy during the night and felt like the house was being attacked, my sis confirmed the night was like that for her as well!  We got up at 8AM and got ready to go see Dad.  Arriving just after 9:30 he had had some physical therapy and had been up standing before we got there.  He looked much better today and like he had gotten a little rest.

He was due for another PT session at 10:30 and this time they got him up walking.  I of course had my camera out again telling dad these were “scrapbook” moments!!!  We were amazed at how well he was doing.  We had always heard how they get you up and moving right away and they weren’t kidding on this.  They said they were going to come the evening before but because he was in pain and kind of having a bad night they didn’t.  He is so funny chatting to the PT guys!  Finally chatting about golf and he said he was planning on skipping next Monday’s game but had hopes of making Thursdays!! :P

My plans were to leave that afternoon, my hubby was home watching our daughter and working from home which can be a challenge and he had only made the arrangement for Monday and Tuesday.  Checking the pass information it was CLOSED! Argh!!!! Snowing……in the mountains yes….but it is almost April!  So, we talked about my options and just decided to keep watching the pass report.

Finally after a couple hours it opened up and I saw a window of opportunity to head home.  So, my sis took me back to Dad’s house and I packed up my dirty car and headed for home (dad gave me a hard time on this…..he wouldn’t drive to the hospital in it!).  I had to get gas and make a couple stops,  I needed to get a treat for my daughter and something to eat and then I was on my way.  It rained to beat the band then up toward the top of the pass it snowed hard!! Thankfully it wasn’t sticking to the road (I had already taken my snow tires off!) I kept thinking it would only snow for about 10-15 miles at the top but noooooooooooooooooo 60 miles!!!! I was happy to get through it knowing had I waiting an hour more it would have been much worse!

So, home again and all is good.  My sister said they had Dad walk 50 feet in the hallway after I left and he was scheduled to have group therapy today with other patients in the same recovery as him.  They are planning on discharging him tomorrow if he keeps doing well and from there he will go to a recovery facility for 20 days and have lots and lots of therapy there.

I am heading back at the weekend providing the weather cooperates to see both my sister and my dad and taking my little one with me this time.

For now, I am off to get ready as my oldest is coming down to get her tattoo finished!!! Yay! and I will have more on that as well!

Thanks again for all your prayers for my Dad!  I did tell him I was expecting a significant personality change as a result of the surgery!!! He just laughed!

Cheers!

Grace

30 Mar 2009 Surgery day is finally here…..
Author: admin |  Category: Day to Day Family, Health and Fitness  | Tags: , ,  | 2 Comments

I arrived to my dad’s a little after 7pm last night after making a stop for something to eat…..PCC, love that, Veggie wrap and Ginger beer…..and ready to press on to dad’s.  In spite of my trepidation at spending the evening with my sometimes quite grumpy father we had a nice evening…..he gave me ALL kinds of instructions and dos and don’ts around the house as is his custom….sigh….but I lived through it :P and when he went up to have a shower and go to bed I went for a run….as I was a bit keyed up from the day!

Late to bed…and woke early this morning waiting for my alarm to go off……about 5ish I think and missing my family I didn’t sleep much after then.  Got up finally at 6AM when my alarm finally did go off…..and my gosh I think I was asleep! dead to the world for about….isn’t that always the way!  I headed downstairs about 6:45 ready to go…..a bit on the early side and wrongly assumed dad was in good humor after his hello….definitely not the case!  Very testy this morning….what I like to call “Ass-hole mode”  so fun…..I thought….”Oh my, this is going to be a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggg day!!!”

With that in mind I was quiet for the ride to the hospital and once we arrived and got back in the room he seemed better so I put it all down to nerves…..he just isn’t very nice sometimes…..!  His attention got off me and on the people taking care of him…..etc.  The nurse prepping him for the surgery was a gal named Poonam…..so of course he has to ask what part of the Middle east she is from?!!!!!!!   She was of Indian decent but born in Canada….go figure….!!! and has never even been to India!   She took his questions in stride and I just smiled my apologies to her!, she said “oh, he is so cute!”  I thought, “Hmmmmm, you’ll get over it!” :)

Ready or not....let's get this show on the road!

Ready or not....let's get this show on the road!

Playing with the bed controls, trying to get comfortable

Playing with the bed controls, trying to get comfortable

His surgery was scheduled for 10:15 but due to a delay with the first surgery of the day he got pushed back an hour. Nice…..so much nervous tension for these things only to wait some more.  The doctor stopped by about 10:45 and talked with us…..a lively personality!  Excited to do the surgery and told Dad he didn’t anticipate any problems, after asking a lot of questions, he autographed Dad’s hip and was on his way.  Then the surgery nurse came in, asked the same questions, name, birth date, doctor…..what are we doing today?  etc etc then finally the anesthesiologist came back, more questions and after dad was sure she was old enough to be caring for him!(more of Dad being Dad!)….she gave him his some medication to help him relax, that was about 11:20….kind of like a double scotch right to the bloodstream!   He was feeling quite loopy when they took him back about 10 minutes later.

Feeling kind of strange....what am I doing here?

Feeling kind of strange....what am I doing here?

So, after making a few phone calls, checking in with my sister and my family (who I miss terribly!) you guessed it….I am spending my time on my laptop!  Thank goodness for wireless internet.  I have to hang around until after the surgery is finished so I can speak to the doctor but then I won’t be able to see my dad until he is out of recovery and up in him room.  He will be in recovery for a couple of hours so I probably won’t see him until after I pick up my sister from the airport!  She is due in about 4:40 today.

I just got called by the doctor, surgery is now over and it went well! YAY!! He is doing great and wondered if they had done anything when he woke up. He will now be in recovery for a couple of hours and I can see him once he is moved up to his room.

Well, I am famished….and in need of more coffee…and I need to make more phone calls so more on this ongoing saga later! Thanks for all your prayers!

Cheers!

Grace

29 Mar 2009 The road to hip replacement surgery….
Author: admin |  Category: Stay at home moms  | Tags: , , ,  | One Comment

Well today is the day I head over to my dad’s, my sister is arriving from Florida as well later in the evening.  My dad’s surgery is scheduled for 8:00AM on Monday, at least that’s when we have to get there!  I have been keeping a low profile and letting my older sister talk to my dad for the most part.  Partly because he is stressed out with the anticipation of surgery and partly because I just don’t want to get into it with him. (I know, that doesn’t sound very nice does it….. :( )  He was such a beast the last time we were over that I am still not “over” it!

Church was good this morning and I am planning on spending the greater portion of the day with my family then heading out in the late afternoon to my dad’s.  Of course I am not “ready” to go yet, there is still laundry to be done and the like!!  I have been “coaching” my 4 year old about taking care of Daddy and the cats, Larry and Maggie and of course our dog, Sasha while Mommy is away.  Big job for a little girl but my hope is if I give her a job she won’t get too upset that I am not there!  I haven’t been away from her ever so I am a bit anxious about it but I know she will have fun with Daddy.  I have also hinted at the possibility of a surprise for her when I get back home so she is excited about that!

We spent the day going to Home Depot and in the garden again on Saturday (that’s why you didn’t see a post from me!) We decided to do some major renovations to some garden beds and my hubby was anxious to get it done before I have to be back and forth to my dad’s. We got a huge portion of it done so that was a result!

My sister just called and her flights are all buggered so she will be flying into Salt Lake City tonight, staying over and flying to Seattle tomorrow arriving in the late afternoon (Don’t you just love it!!).  So, I guess that puts me in a solo position at least for the surgery itself.

So, once I get the little notes written and reminders done for my husband and the laundry all folded I will be heading over the mountains.  My hubby hasn’t been well the last couple of days so I am praying he is finally on the mend and will have a nice time with our little one.  I have checked the pass report and whilst there could be some snow I am praying for a good drive over.

I will keep you “posted” as events unfold!

Cheers!

Grace

10 Mar 2009 Remember How Mom Always Knew Where to Find It?
Author: admin |  Category: Day to Day Family  | Tags: , , ,  | One Comment

I remember as a kid, looking endlessly for something I needed and when I finally gave up….. it was my mom who ALWAYS knew where to find it.  I was just  amazed by this!  Anytime any one in the family was missing something she would miraculously produce said item.  I never gave this phenomenon too much thought only thinking that mom’s must have some secret that someday I will be privy to.

Well having been a mom for some time now (and yes, this applies to being a wife too!) I have long ago figured out the WHY and HOW of my mothers super power.  I don’t know about you but my  children are really good at getting things out, playing with them and then moving on to something else.  This applies to toys, clothing, toothbrushes, just about anything you can imagine.  I am forever picking up putting away those special items for them.  For my husband, he does a lot of the cooking in our family which is awesome! However when it comes to tidying up…..he is really crap at it.  He can go into the kitchen and make something for himself but do you think he puts said items away when he is finished?  Not a chance! I am always amazed how he can put a dish that needs to soak in the sink and it floats on the top of the hot soapy water!!!!  What is that all about?  And one can always tell when he has been in the bathroom as his dirty clothes never quite make it to the laundry shoot!  ( He is now training our youngest to help him with this…) Never-mind how he can lose his wallet or keys upon walking into the house…..sigh…..

So, have you guessed the origin of the SUPER Power? …yes! we know where everything is because we are usually the ones who put it away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I think it’s their way of making us feel needed…..I have told them that I feel needed already and that they don’t have to go to any extra effort to make me feel needed and wanted.

It’s an ongoing training process that I am for sure committed to and in the meantime I will remain the Super Mom (Wife!) who knows where everything is……(perhaps it’s a bit of payback for being a kid myself…….) :)

I am off to find my cape!

Grace

02 Mar 2009 More on the upcoming Hip Surgery, Scheduled for March 30th…….
Author: admin |  Category: Day to Day Family, Stay at home moms  | Tags: , , ,  | One Comment

I just talked to my dad and he has been working it all out as is the way with him.  He likes to know all the options and understand all that needs to happen before doing something and that is a good thing, he is very thorough.  The friend of his that just has surgery is coming up to 4 weeks out and has been giving my dad updates at least weekly on how it is going for him which I think has been a huge encouragement.  After checking with his insurance and Medicare he has decided to go into a rehab facility after he is released from the hospital, they will pay 100% for him to stay there for up to 20 days and we all think this is brilliant as we and I think he finally was concerned about the stairs in his house so soon after surgery, a no-brainer really!

So, the good news is… surgery is scheduled and we are hopeful of an awesome outcome. Dad is happy with all the information he has gotten and while he is quite nervous about it all he is going forward. We are now just waiting for instructions from him on when to come etc, well my sisters are anyway as they are coming from Florida and want to be here when it is most helpful for him. I will definitely be there to take dad to the hospital and stay for surgery etc as I live the closest and will be back and forth with and without my family while he is recouping in the rehab center. He is so funny, “Well, you can just drop me off at the hospital and I can get a cab to the rehab when they discharge me.” Right! I don’t think so! (I have told my daughter if I show any signs of my dad’s personality as I get older to promptly hit me over the head with a skillet or something! )

I will be keeping you up to date on the preparation and of course when we are in it I will be posting updates, dad will love that I will be taking pictures!!

Have a great day!

Grace