Week 5 (SDH+5 weeks, PAO+~4 weeks): status

Progress continues, though usually not dramatic.

Last week I finally figured out what a 60˚ hip angle translates to on the knee CPM machine, and I hit that target, so I'm done with the CPM machine as well. Which is good, since it costs $25/day.


Two nights ago I slept in our own bed for the first time since surgery, and slept as well as in the hospital bed (which is to say about five hours), so today we returned the hospital bed. It's so nice not to have to sleep on the opposite side of the room from Krista! I'm now also able to turn onto my non-operated side, which is a very nice after a month in one position on my back. It's also better for my heels, since it takes all the pressure off them.

Today I worked a full day (telecommuting), the first since surgery. But that was sitting in the hospital bed; I'm not sure I'll make it all day yet on any of our chairs or couches.

I'm learning how to do more myself, such as getting into the shower, into bed, into the van. The main thing I need help with is changing my heel dressing.

Speaking of my heels, the left heel is fine now, but the right is slower to heal. We took off the dead skin part of the blister/sore and though it's ugly it seems to be healing better now. Krista cleans it at least daily and tapes gauze over it.

The crutches are taking their toll, making my hands a bit numb. Maybe I'm not using the proper technique.

I'm eagerly looking forward to my first follow-up appointment in three weeks. I'm guessing Dr Mayo will want me to wait longer before starting to walk on it.

All in all, it's going very well. We are very grateful to God for taking such good care of us!