Bill5107 home and pain free!

[Bill5107]

Whoot!
I got home shortly after noon Monday, which makes this my second and longest overnight stay in the hospital. I really didn't want to go, but boy I was glad to be there. I didn't feel like pain was directly controlled appropriately, but in the end I got what I needed and by the time it was time to go home I was definitely ready.

On Friday I hall-walked a mile figuring I needed to stress things a little if I really thought getting out made sense. I did the 1 mile walk twice on Saturday then 3 times on Sunday.

I did learn a lot on this trip. First one is that if I am in for pain, PCA all the way baby! lol well, unless there are different drugs involved perhaps. What I was on never directly addressed the direct pain that put me in the hospital. I didn't really get respectable relief until I got the steroids going and possibly radiation helped after a few days too. Then the pain started to relent.

I also hate to admit it, but the almost week of forced bedrest really did do me wonders too. I was resting a lot at home before, but it's a whole different class of resting in the big house, isn't it? I really was fine going with the flow for the first 4 days. I slept when I could. I did avoid napping a couple times to enjoy visitors, but I knew that was a win/loose in many ways, unfortunately.

I will share that at least I can demonstrate improvement on each day. The first day in I had my first radiation treatment, which is always longer than subsequent ones..they took care of my shoulder and back, but not my hip, I couldn't tolerate it.

Even though the radiation center is literally across the street, they have to send an ambulance to take you. Two people with a stretcher show up and wheel you over by way of an ambulance ride. I made fun on the first trip out telling them I saw the stick-drive electric scooters that I figured I should be able to use. It was funny that at the end of that visit I literally do not recall the trip back, I was in so much pain. They bodily moved me from the radiation table into my bed. I do remember my nurse mumbling something about getting me max I possibly could get for pain and making extra calls for me. . . After a while things normalized and I was back to my normal high pain lol.

Each day after that was better and better. The nurses and staff who saw me getting better each day at least were happy to see it. I know my last 2 day nurses were a bit confused why I had red slippers and fall hazzard signs all over along with the shots and legging and such for non-ambulatory patients scoring low on whatever the scale is they use to assess fall-hazzard and blood-blot risks. These nurses were the ones I kept passing 14 times in a row in the hallways on my walks lol. I had to explain my first day for them to understand.

Over all it was a huge nuisance, but really the right thing for me. I hate the re-entry to life part though. . . before this I was feeling pretty good and thought I was getting ready for a somewhat active summer jumping around in the water playing water polo (gently) and at least staying evening and overnight to visit with the kids before driving home to be ready for next day's radiation.

Well, seems I'm restricted now..no driving (for now or ever now, unsure), no swimming let alone any jostling...apparently I'm actually more fagile than I have any idea about. . ., so no other physical things like biking/climbing etc... Also no overnight stays...I think I could talk them into that one, as my hammock is quite comfortable, but honestly, I don't think it buys me anything. If it does, I'll re-ask.

Anyway, I've been faced with a bunch of "don't"s. I am ok with that so long as I can still find the things I can do. There is plenty, just takes getting re-adjusted. I'm feeling pretty good now so I hope to be able to spend a few hours a day at camp at least. Well, it's a real long haul to camp, so perhaps not every day. I do want to stay involved as I will be scoutmaster for some time longer it seems. I do wonder as time goes on just when I need to pull the plug. Of course I don't want to, I love the role. I want to do it properly though too. . . I want to be sure we do that before it becomes an issue. I try to be super honest with my kids, but the truth also is that I don't want the truth to get too hard before parting from the role.

wish me luck tomorrow. I might try to start some telecommuting tomorrow. Thought I might tonight, but I guess that is not going to happen after all ;-p

'night everyone

[SkiFletch]

Pain free is good Bill. Don't push yourself too hard man, lets keep it that way

[Cj51]

Welcome Home! Wow, that was quite the experience. I'm glad that the radiation helped and that the pain is under control.
Take it easy, and stay well!
Cj

[simon031003]

So glad your home. I have been anxiously waiting for an update. Glad your pain is under control. Take it easy and try to enjoy soaking up all the views you get by watching the magic around you. Always thinking of you and your lovely family.

[fritts44]

Yeah! So glad the pain is under control. I'm sorry you can't do so many things you enjoy, as that must be frustrating, but nothing us worse than pain! Hope you stay pain-free!

Lee F

[janklo]

Pain free AND a great attitude = winning combination!

[so-scared]

So glad to hear that your pain is now under control!!

[Laurettas]

So happy for you, Bill. Your posts are always a high point on here so thanks so much for taking the time to do that for us. Enjoy each day and the time with your family. I am sure you will come up with great ways to entertain everyone!

[Phuong]

BillyBoy, you almost had me at home, but definitely got me at PAIN FREE. So glad that they were able to get that crazy pain under control. Please don't push yourself too hard. When in doubt, just be safe and relax. Glad to see you feeling well enough to post.

xoxo,
Phuong

[NWgirl]

Wishing you luck and lots of prayers Bill.

[Gaelen]

Bill, having just lived through my own most (to date) excruciating trip to interventional rad Monday, PLEASE just freakin' ask, the fat is, there may be a liveable solution out there you just haven't thought of. You don't need to break yourself further! And please don't try to out think your docs on pain meds and which activities will be too much!

I hate to admit it, but the almost week of forced bedrest really did do me wonders too. I was resting a lot at home before, but it's a whole different class of resting in the big house, isn't it? I really was fine going with the flow for the first 4 days. I slept when I could. I did avoid napping a couple times to enjoy visitors, but I knew that was a win/loose in many ways, unfortunately.
...Well, seems I'm restricted now..no driving (for now or ever now, unsure), no swimming let alone any jostling...apparently I'm actually more fagile than I have any idea about. . ., so no other physical things like biking/climbing etc... Also no overnight stays...I think I could talk them into that one, as my hammock is quite comfortable, but honestly, I don't think it buys me anything. If it does, I'll re-ask.
...Anyway, I've been faced with a bunch of "don't"s. I am ok with that so long as I can still find the things I can do. There is plenty, just takes getting re-adjusted. I'm feeling pretty good now so I hope to be able to spend a few hours a day at camp at least. Well, it's a real long haul to camp, so perhaps not every day. I do want to stay involved as I will be scoutmaster for some time longer it seems. I do wonder as time goes on just when I need to pull the plug. Of course I don't want to, I love the role. I want to do it properly though too. . . I want to be sure we do that before it becomes an issue. I try to be super honest with my kids, but the truth also is that I don't want the truth to get too hard before parting from the role.

Girl scout leaders teach planning. Improvisation. Common sense. They put up obstacles and teach/encourage their scouts to think things through...sitting still. Ain't nothin' wrong with THAT skill set, may not be as much "bully yourself down the mountain" as "hands-on problem-solving" but the problem solving practice could get the a job some day!

I know you'll make the right choices, Bill. Strong thoughts .

[CheeseHead]

Whoot indeed!

Glad the pain is better and it seems you're facing the unfortunate restrictions of reaility with your usual good humour... and well (as far as I can tell from sitting here behind this keyboard).

Keep on trucking, 5107!

Cheers,
Cheese

[michelle c]

Pleased to hear that your home, Bill and pain free.

Hoping you'll be able to find new things to do to keep you busy. Maybe you could write, I think that you do a wonderful job at telling a good yarn. You have a way with words and a terrific sense of humor.

Best wishes,

Michelle

[Mona]

Good to hear from you Bill. Glad that you got help you needed and you are pain free now. Take care of yourself please.

[BrownBagger]

Great report, Bill. I really appreciate you letting us know what's going on in your life, and it's great to hear that your pain is under control and your attitude has, if anything improved, which I guess makes sense in the absence of chronic pain. As Gaelen says, don't try to push yourself too much. Make it as easy for yourself as you can, my friend.