Success! Yesterday we got a new computer, after having the same one for well over 6 years and working with the same old programs, this has been----let's say "challenging". I've had a few other words for it, but if I can make this post and add photos, I'll be thrilled. So to get you all up to date on the happenings around here, first of all, as I'd said in a previous post, Dec. 17 was the day for the hip replacement surgery, but the powers that be had other plans for me! My leg was swollen up about 1 and 1/2 times the size of the other one & hurt like hell, but we all thought I had strained it in getting the house ready for recuperation. As a precaution they quick did a sonogram to rule out a blood clot, but instead of ruling it out, they found one. A good sized one at that, starts behind my knee, branches off into 2 pieces (so it looks like an upside down "y") and ends about mid calf. Needless to say, both surgery & all treatments at the pain management clinic have been called off for about 6 months or until the clot dissolves. They say I was very lucky they found it and I suppose they're right, but it sure threw a kink in the plans. After spending a night in the hospital, they sent me home with a pile of syringes filled with a blood thinner that I got to inject into my belly twice a day, with the last shot being Christmas morning, making it the best gift yet to be done with that! Now I'm still taking a different blood thinner and have blood work done every few days until they get it thin enough for their liking.
Until further notice from the doctor, I can't do anything that will increase my heart rate which would pump the blood a little harder & faster, which in turn could potentially dislodge the clot or break a chunk of it off. So I've been keeping a pretty low profile, doing a little walking, and sitting with that leg elevated. I'm already bored with that, so am hoping that those limits are short lived. The swelling is almost all gone now & it doesn't hurt nearly as much, so something must be working right. But the main thing is that they found it, I should be ok now, and will just have to have some patience, knowing that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel-and I don't mean that big bright white one! With all this going on, Christmas was low key, but good. The kids did the cooking & clean up (well done, by the way!) and the gift exchanging was good. This year we decided (truth be told, I told them) that all gifts had to handmade, purchased hand made, or something made in the USA (no plastic allowed) from a small independently owned businesses. There was a tad bit of skepticism, but everyone got in the spirit of it, and truy enjoyed it, knowing that we helped make a small difference in the economy for those that support themelves. And it will be repeated next year. I quess that's about it for now, except for truly thanking those who kept in touch and kept assuring me that everything would be ok when I was scared to death abut that blood clot, sending lots of white healing light and keeping my spirits up-it won't be forgotten! I hope you all had a great Christmas and were able to spend some time with family & friends. And now-on to the New Year!!
Hey sweetie!
First, thanks for you sweet post on the blog....but, most of all...so, GLAD to hear that you have finally slowed down and taking care of yourself! :) (hummm..look whos talking)
Keep me up to date as to how you are doing and when they decided to do surgery! Until then, keep resting and maybe get a chance to make some more of that BEAUTIFUL art that you do!
Have a beautiful week my loving friend...and will talk soon!
xo...deb
Posted by: deb | December 29, 2008 at 05:13 PM
geez it has been one FULL year for you! I hope the new year brings you much healing light. Glad you are okay!!!
it is so awesome that you and your family only bought handmade gifts for Christmas... we tried that one year, but no body stuck to it 100%... harder with little kids when everything in the store is made far far far from home. maybe next year we will try harder.
take care sue!
looking forward to seeing your art this month.
xo
Posted by: misty | January 02, 2009 at 09:02 AM
oh my, sue...I am so sorry to hear about that clot, but thank goodness it was found and that you are taking care of yourself to get that thing dissolved pronto. Hope you can keep those legs nice and still and those hands busy making your beautiful art and jewelry thru these long winter nights. I send you and Gary extra warm wishes for a healthy and healing 2009 with tons of happiness and creativity mixed in. xox
Posted by: Linda Warlyn | January 03, 2009 at 03:07 PM