.

.
Borrego Springs, CA

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Stymied the physical therapist today

I don’t think that I’ve mentioned that since I got out of the hospital, the weather in this neck of the woods has been outstanding… sunny days with highs near 80.  Unbelievable!  I’ve been plugging away at my exercises and trying to increase my walking distance with the walker each day, but I was still getting antsy.  I’m not used to just sitting around.  Yesterday was the day that broke the camel’s back.  We had to sit all day waiting for a call from the home nursing service so I could get my bandages changed and set up the physical therapy sessions I needed.  I appreciate the fact that these folks will come to the rig to do what is necessary, but the beautiful day was really calling to me.  I’d been cooped up too long!

Finally, around 6:00, the nurse showed up to change my dressing, and to admit me to the home nursing service.  That dressing change was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.  The dressing over the incision had been on for a week and I can only explain it as a big sheet of pigskin type material covering up the gauze and such below.  It was like I had a football on my hip.  She told me to stand up and drop my drawers so she could begin removing the ‘pig skin’.  As she ripped it off, I thought I might go through the roof.  It was an indescribable combination of pain from my skin going with it and a most deep tickling sensation.  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  It was crazy. 

The nurse told me before she left, that the physical therapist would call me sometime today to set up my three times/week appointments.  There was no way I was going to sit out another day waiting for a phone call.  So, Kurt and I headed for the refuge this morning.  I wanted him to experience the boat tour of the swamp from the east entrance.  Being a volunteer, I got to go for free, but we purchased a ticket for the noon tour.
IMG_1541

We had about an hour and a half to kill before the tour began, so we did the Swamp Island Drive.  Because of the warm temps the last five days, Kurt was able to see a bunch of alligators along the way.  That had been something he wanted to see, so it worked out well.  I was able to get a nice shot of this Savannah sparrow.  It was perched on one of the charred tree remains from last year’s great fire.
IMG_1464
Just as we were about to board the boat, I got a call from the therapist about her coming out to put me through my paces.  I told her I was about to get on a boat for a tour of the swamp, and her response was, “You’re doing what???”.  Ha Ha lady!  I’ll talk to you when I return…
IMG_1466
The tour goes down the Suwannee Canal for several miles, and then turns into the Chesser Prairie.  Not the kind of prairie you’d find in Kansas, Dorothy.
IMG_1460 (2)
                                   
                                Kurt said he enjoyed the tour.  He was getting as antsy as I was.
IMG_1551

I continued to work on my quest to get a good kingfisher picture.  It’s a personal challenge I have to capture this skittish bird.  As you can tell, I’m still on that quest.
IMG_1556
It was warm enough this afternoon, that the basking alligators had their mouths open to lower their body temps.  Eventually I met with the physical therapist, and she worked me through my exercises after being a bit surprised that I had been out and about on a boat tour.  I’ve got a plan, lady, and it doesn’t include just vegetating in bed.

I’ve been extremely lucky that my recovery has been moving along quickly without the use of pain medications.  I haven’t felt I needed them since I came home.  I have them available, and will use them if I need to.  Tomorrow, the bandage nurse will be back, and I’ll keep doing my exercises.  My goal is to walk the four mile trail on the refuge before I leave here.  I can envision the prize…

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

44 comments:

  1. You're one heck of a lady, Judy! I'm impressed. Keep up the good work and good luck with the therapist . . . if they can catch you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good for you!!! If you feel like moving...do it...You are the best judge of what your body is ready to do....I have a feeling you will zoom through this recovery....You are that determined to get back on track....Kudos....Keep it up...It's all in the mental recovery, I do believe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good for you!! Would love to have seen that therapists face as you told her what you were doing. glad everything is going so well for you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's great Judy! There's no doubt in my mind you will do that 4 mile trail as planned!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Can't you just imagine the therapist as she tells her coworkers about trying to set up your appointment. Oh what I would give to see that!! Everyone who travels solo worries about the possibilities of medical needs coming up. What ever will we do? You are showing them... You are doing great!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are just something else! Just be careful and not overdo. But if you are moving and not in pain, that's got to be a good thing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You're amazing. At this rate you'll be running laps in no time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good job Judy, keep one step ahead of the therapist and all they will see is the end.

    ReplyDelete
  9. standing ovation! outstanding....

    ReplyDelete
  10. You can't keep a good bird lady down! Maybe the therapist can learn from you and add boat tours for people recovering from hip surgery. :c)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Judy, it's great to hear you're progressing so quickly. And make the therapist come looking for you. Hey! Out here!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh Judy, how wonderful to hear that you are rebounding so well. I'm so proud of you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. You have a lofty goal, but I know you are determined to accomplish it!!! More power to you! Wishing you a fast healing time!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. WOW! I, too, think the therapist's face would have been priceless! You never cease to amaze, and have such fun doing it, too. Kurt seems to be enjoying the outing; after all that driving, it's nice he's getting to enjoy nature in the bargain. Keep it up, Judy.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Just be careful and not overdo it which I did today and my chest incision is a little sore.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That's great that you're doing so well. Don't worry, your body will let you know if you're doing too much, then you can just dial it back a little and rest for a day. Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I nearly went through the roof when I read about the nurse pulling the bandage off. I could feel the hurt! You are really doing well if you haven't needed pain meds - except maybe you should take one before the bandage nurse gets there. It sounds like you are really coming along, and I'm glad for you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Glad to hear the gators showed up for Kurt. 4 miles is a big goal. Tell that one to the PT and see her look. Maybe ask her if she wants to come along! HA!! Heck, I want to come if you'll be the tour guide.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Judy, I think you are cut from the same cloth as my friend Cindy's husband. He got a questionaire from the hospital about 6 months after his, asking if he walked with a cane, used a wheelchair, etc. She sent it back with a note that said he couldn't fill it out for them, because he was in Washington state, climbing a mountain.... Good for you, ma'am!
    Margie

    ReplyDelete
  20. one day at a time there Judy! don't over do it..but it sure sounds like you are creating your own form of physical therapy!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Its great to have a goal and with your determination I think you will do it!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You are one amazing woman, Judy ... nothing keeps you down for long. Glad that you're having nice weather to recuperate ... it will make getting out and doing your walks that much nicer.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Too bad about your camel, breaking it's back and all, but sure is good to hear that you are doing so well, Judy. They just can't keep you down, can they! Good for you! Sure happy to see you making such great progress. Your nurse should be very happy, indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Good for you getting out and enjoying the day! You've got better things to do than sit around waiting for a phone call. It's great that you've set a goal. You can do it!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I was going to say "You Go Girl" but it sounds and looks as if you already are!!! I too would loved to have seen look on the PT's face when you told her where you were.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Man, you are 1 tough cookie. I've been reading your blog for awhile now and popped over to see how the surgery went. So happy to read that you are already stirring up a little trouble with the physical therapist. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. 4 miles? At the rate you are going it might be 8! So happy to hear all is going so well for you.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your doing great. I knew you wouldn't let any grass grow under your feet. Keep up the good work and you will be walking that trail

    ReplyDelete
  29. It's good to hear you're doing so well in your recovery.

    That Kingfisher shot is pretty darn good, especially for those little devils!

    Be aware a strong cold front is coming our way next week. I doubt you'll be able to get outside much.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Happy to hear your recovery is going well. Keep doing those exercises and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!

    ReplyDelete
  31. What an uplifting post. It makes me so happy to know you are recovering so well. The best news is no use of pain meds. We will keep praying for your speedy and complete recovery. Enjoy your nice weather. Very cold here in south Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  32. So good to hear that you're out and about... AND... already taking those great photos again!

    ReplyDelete
  33. It is mind over matter isn't it Judy? ...you are such an inspiration !!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Amazing! You went on a boat tour? No wonder the therapist was shocked. You are going to be doing a sprint around that trail before you have to leave. Well done. I feel your pain(almost) about that bandage being ripped off - talk about Nurse Ratchet!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. My husband had a long, slow recovery. I wonder if it was just him saying that!

    Probably not. You're the exception, I think.

    ReplyDelete
  36. You are just too funny. Wish I could have seen the therapist's face when she heard you were getting on a boat. Maybe you need to take that pain pill before they take off the next dressing.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Love, Love, Love that you are doing so well. . .way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Judy,

    I apologize for commenting here, but I didn't see an email link. You take beautiful photos - could I send you a pack of RVFraimz - peel & stick reusable photo frames - for you to display some of these beautiful photos? Just send me an email at val@rvfraimz.com with an address to mail some samples.

    Sounds like you are recovering nicely and still have a lot of sightseeing to do!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wonderful! I waved as we drove past on our way down to the Tampa Rv show. The birds have missed you.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am so happy that you are doing well.
    ALl the best.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh my, that was one crazy trip! It’s a good thing that nothing happened to you in your condition. I bet your physical therapist was going crazy the whole time you were having fun. How are your sessions going? I hope that your travels won’t interfere with your recovery.

    Regards,
    Sienna Christie

    ReplyDelete