Surgery- 2.5 weeks Post Op

"How are you doing" is a common thing I hear these days- and while I'm no where near 100%, I'm happy to say that I'm getting much closer then I was two weeks ago, shoot then I was 1 week ago.

The first week home, I pretty much looked like this:
That would be me, on our couch, with my trusty ice machine (AKA: My Best Friend EVER). I came home late Friday afternoon (after a moderately easy overnight stay at the Arizona Orthopedic Surgical Hospital). The first 24-36 hours home were the absolute worst. I didn't start on oral medications until about 30 min until I left the hospital, so for the ride home I still had some of my IV meds in my system. Those QUICKLY wore off, and around my first trip to the restroom, Aaron found me balling in tears not knowing what to do. I had no idea what else to do- so I called my doctor's office and thankfully he was on call. He explained that this was the pain we had talked about and there wasn't too much more we could do- he told me to start on IB Prophen, and he upped the amount of pain medicine I could take. For the first day and a half, I was pretty much oblivious to the pain, because I'd only be awake for about 30-45 minutes of a 4 hour period, long enough to eat a small something and take my medicine. Poor Aaron- he slept by my side and woke up every 30 minutes to alternate turning my ice machine on and off. I couldn't have imagined doing this without him.

Aaron stayed with me Friday-Monday, and Monday night my mom came down to stay with me through Tuesday. We found out on Tuesday that Aaron would have a long day ahead of him at work on Wednesday, and while he was suppose to have Thursday/Friday off there was no way I could sustain myself alone on Wednesday, nor could his Grandma help me out. We decided it'd be best for me to head up to my parents house, since my sister has a few classes a day, but I'd only be alone for a few hours at a time at most- and both my mom and dad would be close by to come if I needed them- so Miley and I headed up north with my mom in some intense rain Tuesday evening.

I opted to skip removing my bandage on Tuesday- since we got up north late, and instead we did this on Wednesday. I apologize for those of you with weak stomach's- while the photo isn't too bad, it's certainly not enjoyable.
So that's my knee- I know it barely looks like a knee given there's no definition with all the swelling- but considering there's a broken Tibia and 3 new screws- I think it looks pretty dang good!

After finally making it home (there was fear we wouldn't with the storms coming in) I started feeling better. I learned to find my way up the stairs (and back down) and can now shower almost completely independently (only needing help getting in and out).

This evening, I climbed the stairs alone while Aaron was at the grocery store. I even managed to get myself into and out of the car alone so if I have to get somewhere, I can. I can even walk short distances without my walker.

I can't start Physical Therapy for another 2 weeks, and I know that in itself will be another very rough rode- for now I'm trying to do what I can to keep some range of motion with the few exercises the doctor released me to do.

There are 3 individuals however who have enjoyed my couch-recovery time: Simba, Budders, and Miley. I have no idea what they'll do when I finally return to work:

New Years Eve!

We welcomed 2010 with Jeremy and Carolyn this year at the SHOUT! House in Westgate. We had SUCH a wonderful time. I had never been to the SHOUT! House but had heard wonderful things about it. In addition to that, one of my favorite bands ever (Rock Lobster- an 80's cover band) was also playing at Westgate.

SHOUT! House is a dueling rock and roll piano bar. It was a nice crowd- not to young, not to old. With our package we received a really nice dinner buffet as well as a champagne toast at midnight! Of course the spirits were flowing all...night...long :)


We had such a wonderful time- I can't remember the last New Years Eve that I spent out and about instead of in the comfort of someones home. I was a bit skeptical, but it ended up being a wonderful evening!

Tonight- I am an American, not Red, not Blue, but Red, White & Blue

Look- I get that Obama's 1st year has been rough, and I'm not saying I agree 100% with the man. BUT it's time that we as a society step up and take ownership for what WE'VE done. When the economy was booming and people were doing well- we weren't saving and investing in the future, we were buying cars that got 8 mpg for the status symbol of owning a "hummer".

Watching tonight's state of the union, I am ashamed. I am ashamed that while yes, Left and Right don't agree- snide comments during the Presidents speech are made and demeaning giggles occurring. We're in this together people, and if you don't like it do something about it. If you have a better idea, say it, and instead of insisting on it being your way have hearty discussions about it (for both sides). We get so angry that the left and right can't agree- when we're brewing it ourselves. Tonight I am not a democrat nor a republican, I am an American and damn it regardless of who's idea it is, let's figure out what we need to do to get back on track.

By the way- I am ashamed of you John McCain. I expect more from you. I will seriously question your re-election as a constituent of Arizona.

Merry Christmas- Only 1 month belated

This Christmas was our first year in our very first home together. I was so excited for this Christmas for so many reasons: our first Christmas together as husband & wife, Bella's first Christmas, and just the season- this year for the first time in a long time it just felt like Christmas.

We started Christmas on Christmas Eve. We had dinner with Aaron's parents, went to church as a family, and then came home to exchange gifts. Jared absolutely loved the DS we got him- score one for us! LOL

Christmas morning we didn't set any alarms and weren't in any rush. We woke up, and just got to enjoy each others company! When I came down stairs the first thing I saw was this:
My very own elliptical!! I was SO excited! Santa brought it just for me =) (at least that's what Aaron said!) Aaron wasn't too sure about his PS3:
He still (to this day) hasn't played it... maybe one day.

After opening the rest of our gifts, we relaxed a bit more, then got ready and went up to my parents house in Prescott Valley.

Mom loved her apron & Andie loved her new Coach Purse I found her in New Hampshire while there on business!
Saturday morning, mom and I got up early, and headed out shopping- we thought that Walmart would open at 5am- we were wrong. They didn't open until 6am...well 6:15 if you want to get technical, nor did anything else in Prescott Valley open until 6am- so we sat in the parking lot watching Christmas with the Kranks on my iPhone.

We had SUCH a successful shopping trip though! Aaron and I had to buy all new lights for the house this year, and well they were just so expensive that we didn't buy as many as we'd have liked to- so I purchased like 5 more boxes of those lights, plus a few more boxes of other lights we had liked but opted not to buy. I also got a few lawn items (not to many as our front yard isn't really made for lots of items with all the landscaping).

Saturday afternoon, mom and dad hosted our family Christmas party. We had such a wonderful time, and it was so special getting to see Bella for her very first Christmas.

Aaron and I headed home on Sunday morning so we could get back and unpack in time to head back to work Monday.

I have to say, this Christmas was probably one of the best ever. Only one thing could have made it better, and we're hoping for that by next Christmas ;)

I know- I have SO much to catch up on.

It's been a whirlwind month trying to get through the holidays and prepare/survive surgery.

I'll hopefully get Christmas photo's loaded here shortly- now it's not about not having enough time, it's not having enough lucid time =).

Surgery was a success- as far as we can tell, but it's been rough. I came home late Friday afternoon- and since then being at home has been a roller coaster of pain, indigestion (a nice way of saying it), and well cabin fever. I've not left the house since I stepped in Friday evening, and it's starting to get to me. It's not that I don't *want* to get out, it's just such a pain! 1) I'm on a walker- dude enoug said. 2) simple tasks like going to the restroom are difficult- I don't need the whole world seeing that my DH or my Mom has to escort me into the restroom (do you realize how much you have to bend your knee to use the restroom?!?!). 3) Ice. I ADORE my polar ice machine, and while it's "portable" I can't exactly plug it in via the car.

My aunt is having surgery today- so I'm hoping to make a grand venture to the hospital to go see her.

Aside from that- if my stomach would stop aching, that'd be awesome!