Saturday, November 24, 2012

Day 98- Surgery # 21

Day 24: I am thankful for strength. Even when it seems like I can't make it, somehow I do.
Today I had what I hope to be the final surgery for this journey in my life. My leg was amputated this morning and hurts beyond belief tonight. It's all wrapped up so I can't see it. I keep thinking my ankle or toes hurt. I guess that's what "phantom pain" is all about. They have me in an immobilizer for a few days which makes pottying a bit of a challenge. I also have a drain that will come out tomorrow. We have talked about going home a couple of times; we might actually get to do it! Trying not to get too excited.

The surgery went well. The artery that would have been used for the other surgery (another muscle flap) was hard to find and very small. My ortho seems to think the muscle flap wouldn't have worked which puts me in the same situation I'm in currently, just a week or so from now. I know I made the right decision, but it's nice to have reassurance.

This morning, before surgery, my nurses looked up a list of ways to say "goodbye" in different languages. They wrote a few of them on my foot. It was really sweet of them. Next I got in my parade float (my bed) and told everyone goodbye while using my pageant wave. It was a rough, but great way to start out my day.

I had a bunch of visitors again today and one nurse called me to check on me. I enjoyed the company, but was a little overwhelmed. My ortho extended my brace today! That's always exciting because I'm one step closer to bare arms. My parents were fantastic today, as usual. They helped tremendously.

I am so thankful for my family and friends. I'm glad I can inspire others by telling my story. This journey is not near over, but I'm glad I can walk it (get it?) with those who love me the most.

I'm sorry it's so short, but I am fighting sleep to write this much. I love you all and will be praying for y'all.

And that's life...

2 comments:

  1. I am so proud of you, honey. You can do this. You are an amazing woman and a HUGE inspiration. You are loved beyond belief and we've called out all our prayer warriors to lift you and your family up in prayer. Breathe for a moment and then jump right back into it...twice as strong. I am so blessed to know you and your family. I'm standing by with goodies, prayers, or totally inappropriate humor at a moment's notice. I'm just a text away. I love you!

    ReplyDelete