Well, hello! I am pleased (and relieved) to report, my left-hand surgery successfully went ahead last Wednesday. I am trying very hard to slowly type the blog with my right-hand and one left index finger today (please bear with me with any typo mistakes or such). It was touch and go for about an hour (eek!), when one of the theatre nurses saw a small scratch on my lower left forearm and commented my surgery may not be able to go ahead, without it being discussed with my specialist first! My brain instantly went into stress mode and I agreed for the theatre nurse to take a photo of my left arm, to show the senior nurse manager. About thirty minutes later (after I was changed into the theatre gear and my admission all complete), the senior nurse came back into the waiting room and said, “Phew, you are very luck today! The Dr is okay with your arm and your surgery can go ahead!” I put my hands to my chest and let out a sigh of relief and thanked the professional nurse manager. Two other nurses (including the lovely admitting nurse) came in to see me, both smiled and we chatted about my scratch and impending surgery. I thanked the kind staff and was taken down into the holding bay area about an hour later.
Later that afternoon (a few small delays), my surgery took place and I was later taken post-operatively to Recovery to wake up. I was then wheeled to the Day Surgery unit, where Husband (my rock) was able to come back in to see me and help me back home later that evening. My left arm was still quite numb and had a large, padded dressing and bandage over it (just like my right hand approximately eight weeks ago); I was able to have a supportive sling for my arm in order to safely go home in the car. I ended up sleeping through some of the drive back to our hometown area (such a deep sleep with the anaesthetic). We were all relieved that my surgery went ahead and I was now home to fully recover. I wanted to take this moment to thank all of the kind and professional staff who cared for me, including the Anaesthetist, Assistant and my Orthospecialist (thanks heaps) for his expert professionalism.
As the block (anaesthetic) wore off my hand the following morning, I began to experience quite a lot of post-op pain. I was able to take some pain relief and elevate my hand, which reduced the pain somewhat. It was a tricky few days, not being able to do much for myself (a struggle to even pull up the underpants!), which did mentally bring me down. We had booked our family trip away before the surgery date and thought it would be alright to still go away (may not have been the best decision in hindsight). So, the kids and Husband all pitched in to help pack up our things to head down the coast on Friday (thanks family), two days after my surgery! It was tricky travelling down in the car, but we made it work (plus having the good pain relief), Husband drove carefully too (thanks Love). Widy was able to join us for the trip away, who also drove some of the way there and back (great experience for her- thanks love!); it was wonderful to spend some quality time together before life gets even busier for all.
Overall, the girls and Mister C enjoyed their time away, with some beach fun, pool time, go carting, Jumping Pillow, Putt-Putt golfing and exploring our new surroundings at delightful Bateman’s Bay. Our bungalow was fantastic, the amenities and service were also wonderful (will definitely stay there again). Sadly, I wasn’t able to do very much and this played on my mind. I will admit, I had a bit of a melt down on Saturday morning, when I did experience a lot of pain, not only to my hand, but the ongoing right side of my body and neck; how was I to get into my swimmers, let alone go swimming? Husband had kindly purchased a plastic arm cover from the chemist (for showering and the pool), but I was quite embarrassed at the thought of wearing the bulky and long plastic cover. Cheeky Husband said I looked like, ‘Bubble Boy’ (Seinfeld!) except only my arm was in the ‘Bubble’. In the end, it did prove too difficult to get into the pool safely (with my other ongoing injuries). I was later able to just sit on the pool edge and at least soak up some much-needed sunshine and watch the family have some fun, while walk down to the glorious beach a few times too.
We all know life can throw us a few tough patches in between some good ones; I am so grateful for my family and for their ongoing love and understanding. Without their support, I am sure these difficult times would be made far worse. I certainly appreciate both of my hands more so now, especially my left and dominant hand! I also wanted to thank my dear sister and her family, for the lovely surprise bunch of beautiful flowers and glass vase that arrived on our doorstep the day of my surgery (love you all). I am forever grateful for the kind wishes and support from our extended family and friends. I know that I will somehow get through this rough journey at present- time will always help… I am sure if you are also experiencing a rough time in life at present, you too can get through it. We just need to continue to breathe deeply and take one day at a time.
Here’s another Word From Mister C to lift our spirits; without children the world would certainly be a quiet, dull place…
Mister C was super excited in the morning to go away on our family trip to the coast. Mister C was the only one who didn’t find out where we were staying- as a bit of a surprise. In the car on our way, Mister C moaned and said, “Dad, I really want to know where we are staying. I heard you say B-B to Mummy yesterday. I bet it’s Bateman’s Bay!” Dad smiled and looked over to me, then replied, “Oh, well, my son. It’s pretty close. You’re so clever!” Mister C called out, “Yay! I knew it! I don’t mind where we are going really, as long as there is sand and the ocean- I’ll be very happy!” Dad nodded and replied “Yes, my son. There’ll be lots and lots of sand and ocean there, right outside our doorstep – hopefully!” Mister C sat up in the back seat and replied, “Wow, Dad. Will the ocean come rolling straight up into our Bungalow and up into our beds then?” All laughed… 🌊
A Word From Mister C…
I received word that one of our book events had been approved for us to attend at Mister C’s old primary school, as a part of the ‘Book Week’ celebrations (last year). Mister C heard some of my phone conversation with the librarian from the school. Mister C jumped up saying, “Are we going to read our books at my old school, Mummy?” Smiling, I replied, “Yes, my son, it’s all organised. Our event is going to be bigger than previously at the library last time! You’ll have to hide that little bit of shyness, as you will be up with me at the front of the hall in front of lots more students and teachers. You’ll also be able to see some of your old friends- that will be lots of fun!” Mister C grinned and nodded, “Yes, Mummy. I‘ll be more outgoing, especially in front of my old friends. Wow! We are scratching the surface of being a little famous now!” Both laughed… 📚🔖
Stay tuned…
We sincerely appreciate our readers understanding with my hand surgery and our blog this week. I wrote last blog I would try hard to have another blog written for you all this fortnight and I have done so (be it a bit rough). Hopefully in the next coming weeks my hand will begin to heal and the pain may ease as well. I may even be able to undertake more life activities (and even hold a cup of tea in my left hand) prior to my surgery (or even better!). Also, don’t forget, Me and Mister C will be holding our fun bookstall at the wonderful Lilac City Festival in our fab town on Saturday 30th September (Goulburn- Belmore Park). The festival runs over three days (Friday to Sunday). We are hoping for some great weather (no wind please!); so remember to put the date on your calendar and pop down to say hi and support local businesses and artisan groups like us… Hug and care to all, Me and Mister C 🌺🌻
