June Report

Since it is Memorial Day weekend, I’ll update a bit early. Does it seem strange to any of the rest of you that Memorial Day is so early in the month this year? I still have five days left of school after this! At least I have only five days with children. I will be the summer librarian at our school for the month of June. Besides having to continue to work two days a week during my six weeks off, I’m excited about it. Always wanted to do it, this will be a good taste.

I took off a half day Thursday to go to the doctor with Scott. We knew it was not the last visit, but Lyn and Aaron were home, so we took them with us to meet Dr. Dinkins. New office, nice building, still had to wait an hour.

Dr. Dinkins is a really nice guy. Think I’ve said that. But he really disappointed Scott this visit, even though he knew in his heart that this was coming…no work in June. Therapy is going really well. Scott is walking a mile in 40 minutes. He can ride in the van. He can sit on a bar stool for supper. We’ve even gotten him into the den since Aaron and Lyn have been home to sit in his favorite chair which we’ve built up with his extra cushions. But he is not up any where near ten hours yet, let alone being able to sit for a ten hour shift – even with the breaks the guys have promised him. So, we had to be brutally honest and admit he still has a long way to go. Doc said a pro athlete with all the stuff at their disposal would be out a full year with this kind of injury to one knee. Maybe it was good that this week was the first time we’d heard that. Scott might not have pushed so hard and have come so far already.

Stairs are okay to start working on again. Right now, he can manage 2-3” steps without a problem. A normal step is 6-8”, meaning we have a way to go. I’m trying to borrow a set of physical therapy stairs from my county school system for the summer. They’re huge (size of a couch) but they would be a big asset to have for a few weeks.

Lyn’s home for the summer this year, Aaron’s off to Alabama. I’ll be home a couple of weeks in July before having to go back to work. I’m looking forward to having Scott home with me for once in the summer. Maybe he will get to start back to work when I go back.

Did you ever think someone could have to relearn how to sit after they relearned how to walk??

May Report

I’ve wanted to talk to both of my parents this week. Mother would be pleased that after 17 years of peonies trying to do something at my house, there are twice as many blooms as we’ve ever had at the same time. TWO!!! You can count all the blooms we’ve had on our eight plants on one hand. But this year, we have two at once! I feel like I’ve finally made it as a flower cultivator. Last year we had two buds but only one blossomed. I am certain we will get two blooms this year!

Daddy would be secretly pleased even though he would be fussing over the phone that I plowed our garden with the big tiller. The handles were up around my shoulders at times, but with Scott’s guidance and encouragement, I did get our garden broken up. We planted just before all the rain started. I hope our beans and okra have not washed into the woods. I’m sure most of the herbs and flowers have washed away. The deer and rabbits liked the cabbage and two of the heirloom tomato plants!

Scott went back to the doctor Last week. We had a big afternoon. First a trip to the police station to measure chair heights. Then therapy. Then the radiologist. Then the doctor’s office. There was no place for him to sit in the office. Nothing was high enough, so he had to stand while we waited (for an hour…that was rough.) But, finally they called us back. Everyone laughed and cheered when he walked in without his braces. He has not been released, but we had already figured out that wasn’t happening. He can bend to 90 degrees now on his own, but chairs and stairs are still out of reach. That requires more like 120 degrees because of the way you sit and the stress on the leading knee when climbing stairs. When he is warmed up and limber after therapy he can get to 110 degrees for a few seconds, so we are making vast improvements. We bought two PFDs (personal flotation devices) at Wal-Mart to use as chair cushions. They should raise a standard chair to about 24” which is the absolute minimum he can get to. There is a possibility that will be a permanent situation, but we are not giving up yet. The doctor isn’t making promises, but isn’t painting a black picture yet, either. We just don’t know how much flexibility his knees will ultimately wind up with. It doesn’t just depend on therapy and motivation and ignoring the pain. There is an issue of wires replacing tendons which can’t be predicted.

He walks without the braces most of the time now and his confidence is returning. He uses his canes when we are on any sort of unlevel or slightly precarious surfaces. He likes going to Lowe’s because of the big carts. We do the outside circuit a couple of times with him driving the buggy and so we get our walking in and sometimes some visiting, but always some shopping. Aaron and Lyn have former classmates working there who always chat with us and keep up with his progress. Wednesday he walked a half mile in 20 minutes. That is still a little under half speed.

The best part is listening to Dr. Dinkins and Scott negotiating when he will go back to work. Scott asked with broken heart, “I can’t go back to work yet, can I?” Dinkins’ response was, “No, I’ll see you in a month.” Scott’s instant reply was, “No, I’ll see you in three weeks.” The therapist and the doctor both have remarked that Scott is extremely motivated. They only see him when he is behaving. They’d be scandalized to see the stunts he pulls when they aren’t looking. You should have seen the smile Scott had when he was told he could lift up to 30 pounds now instead of being limited to a gallon of milk. Now I’ll have to keep him out of Tractor Supply. He’ll be carrying dog food and fertilizer bags on the sly.

Scott Gets Better Every Day

We had a big day today. Before Scott is usually out of bed, we were in the physical therapist’s office. He had a good evaluation – due to his hard work he was ahead of where the therapist expected him to be and he was worked pretty hard for the first visit. Normal walking speed is about 2-3 miles per hour. Scott was walking at .7 mph at one point! Almost half speed! Granted, it was only for a few seconds, but that was a momentous few seconds.

Later in the day, we went in for x-rays and a doctor’s visit. The x-ray coordinator noticed we came without our usual entourage of ambulance drivers and the gurney. He walked in under his own power – albeit with braces and walker!

After the x-rays, it was upstairs for a visit with Dr. Dinkins. I like that man more all the time. He took lots of time with both of us today. I have been concerned that Scott has been discouraged and slipping closer to depression and mentioned it – OK, well, I stressed out about it – and Dr. D told me he empathized with Scott because of his own experience with hospitalization for 30 days. He told me to hang in there – Scott is just missing the battle of work. The two of them finally convinced me it is a man thing (I refrained from calling it testosterone poisoning) and I felt better.

Scott showed off before we left by walking out of the room without the walker and the doctor told him to get rid of the walker and move up to canes! So, first stop was CVS to buy a couple of black canes with pistol grips – no old men making good twisted ones on every corner around here- and away we went.

To celebrate a day where Scott said he experienced every emotion he’s ever known and our good news from the two main caregivers in his life right now, we went to Applebee’s to celebrate by eating out for the first time in over three months. We chose there simply because they have high stools and he could actually sit down to eat.

By the time we got home he was beyond tired. It is now 9:30 and he is out like a light. I’m pretty tired tonight, too. I’m looking forward to having the day off tomorrow. Weatherman promises storms. It will be a good time for me to do our taxes. Lyn’s and Aaron’s will take 15 minutes total and ours will take just a couple of hours. I don’t know why I put it off every year to the last minute. At least this year I had a bit of an excuse.

No more news unless you are interested in my knitting and felting projects…no? Well, then this will have to do till the next installment of “Scott Gets Better Every Day.” Thanks for all your support and prayers. We’ve needed every one of them!

April 2

No pic. Can't figure out how to get it from phone to blogger.
Yesterday, April 1, 2009. Scott’s first foray into the wilds of Hickman County since January 14. He was shirtless because we thought the trip would be to the end of the driveway and back. Instead, he was feeling adventurous, so we rode about 10 miles - through the countryside and down the highway a bit (Hwy 7 and Brown Hollow for those in the know) for him to begin getting used to motion again. The ramp that made getting out possible was built by Gary, Kita, and me last weekend. I just had to finish the last part yesterday to get him from ramp to ground. He’s been outside three times now and it has been a big lift each time.

He will be released from home health tomorrow and we will start outpatient rehab as soon as we can get an appointment with Lyn’s hero, Steve. He has been able to sit on a stool and in the car (that took a bit of maneuvering, believe me!) Every day brings something new he is able to do or just does despite everything. He’s managed to put his braces on by himself several times now, though it is still easier with two people.

Pain is still an issue, but not nearly like it was, except occasionally at night. It is getting harder to convince him to take any of his medication, so I know he is on his way back to being himself.

I figure by the end of May he will be walking without the walker or without the braces – maybe without either! He can’t wait till he’s back on the track putting in his three miles a day. Guess I’ll have to go with him. Ick. I love him, but I hate to exercise.

Scott says he feels like he’s been hibernating in a cave all winter. He’s experiencing a sort of time warp, going to sleep when it was snowy and 11 degrees and waking to redbuds and 60s!

Day 64

Day 64 and trying not to count!

Most of you don’t know that Aaron had a minor accident back in October when he, a passenger, and a four wheeler got into a discussion that the four wheeler won. Passenger was fine – had the sense and agility to jump to safety before impact. Just to be on the safe side, Aaron went to the ER and had x-rays done. He was fine. No problems. Other than he doesn’t carry his insurance card on him, which meant that today, I was still dealing with insurance companies and billing centers. It didn’t help that in November he had a much more serious argument with an antique door – no safety glass – and once again Aaron lost. Still no insurance card, but mom rode to the hospital in the ambulance with him and since we live out past Egypt, I had plenty of time to find his insurance information before they got here. Ya know what? Didn’t make any difference. I have had to make the same number of phone calls about that accident today as the first one! Today was insurance day.

Scott started off with a regular hospital bed, too short. New extensions, bed won’t work properly – new bed. Bariatric, since he’s tall. Insurance company thought we had two beds. That was a four call problem which still isn’t resolved, but it is no longer my problem! The medical equipment people will take care of the rest of the claim. Nice folks. I have to say, of the thirteen (may have been fifteen - I forgot to write down how many times I talked to White River Hospital) phone calls today to insurance companies, hospitals and billing companies, all were very nice and pleasant! It wasn’t a totally traumatizing experience at all!

The new braces have arrived. They had to be fit professionally. We had to do that part twice – but it was here at home. They are heavy and bulky, but they do allow him to walk a few steps unassisted. I’m beginning to be concerned about the pain he is still in. We knew his pain level would go up once he was released to start some therapy, but he’s back to the levels where he was just out of the hospital. Real therapy doesn’t even start until next week or the week after!

We are now in the process of getting ramps out of the house. If you’ve not visited here before, we have steps everywhere. There is not a way out that you are not confronted with at least three steps. Friends are researching aluminum ramps as a temporary fix. I think after this is all over we’ll probably put something in a bit more permanent for our later years.

I am going to try to go back to work full time next week. I am going to feel guilty no matter what I do, but I feel I at least need to try. This is the last nine weeks and I almost missed last nine weeks. In many ways it doesn’t seem like it has been that long, at least to me. I am sure it is more of an eternity to Scott.

Lyn, Aaron, Gene and Beckie came to visit last week. Aaron went to New Orleans after leaving here. He was not impressed. Lyn, Beckie and I had fun shoe shopping and going to pick up braces and our latest vehicle. We bought my dad’s van from the estate. We are fairly sure Scott will be able to get into it and reasonably sure he’ll be able to drive it eventually.

Just some pointers we’ve learned if you are ever in similar circumstances to ours.

1. Water chestnut cans under the back legs of a futon make it more comfortable for folks over 50 and under 5’5”.
2. Clorox wipes used on the hands several times a day will cause dryness. Use baby washcloths or wipes instead.
3. Corn bags heated for 3 minutes and applied to aching joints cause instant sleep when hydrocodone, aspirin, valium, and darvon have all failed for hours.
4. There may be 200 channels, but nothing is on TV on Wednesday night.
5. A loose leaf binder with page protectors lets you put the bill on the left side and the EOB on the right side to see who’s been paid and who’s still whining.
6. Get a big binder.
7. You don’t need to go to town nearly as often as you think you do.
8. The closest store will not have what you desperately need – so just go to the one all the way in town to begin with.
9. Twin sized T-shirt sheets fit hospital beds perfectly.
10. Flannel top sheets are comforting and warm without being heavy.
11. Cats will turn over glasses of water at 2:30 am on a regular basis. Both sets of sheets will get wet when this happens.
12. Hair dryers will overheat before sheets are dry.
13. When #’s 11 and 12 happen, there is a justifiable use for bottled water.
14. Friends and family visiting are better than presents at Christmas.

We’re glad you all keep up with us. Thanks for all the encouragement!

Cable Box Complaints

I am a bit miffed. If Scott were not bedridden I would pull the Comcast box out of the house. These people put two poles in our yard to provide service for others, strung cable wires we have to dodge while mowing, were not going to run cable to our house from the poles THEY PUT IN OUR YARD because it was too farrr, and then charge US to get their service, and when it gets here it is unwatchable. Not just fuzzy. You cannot follow a conversation, much less plot lines. Most any channel above the fifties is interrupted by seconds of blank screen or up to several minutes of constant pixelation. ANYTHING local is digitized and interrupted. The On Demand service only works occasionally. I've called three times today and have only spoken to a native English speaker once. Her grammar wasn't perfect, but at least she was adept enough to schedule a tech to come three days from now. In the past if we had pulled the cable box we would have gotten two local channels with watchable clarity. Now, since our antenna is gone and antenna service is a thing of the past, we are over a barrel if we want to watch TV. If Scott could make it to the den and could watch from his movie library I wouldn't be overly frustrated, because I can watch my two shows after the fact via Bell South on the computer. But since he is tied to one room, he is tied to that TV by default and has no access to his DVD library. I just HOPE the tech is on time and semi-literate Saturday, else my Southern Belle persona may turn to the Joan Crawford-pitbull side and leave marks.

Insert around January 20

Since some of you haven't heard, a little background...My dad, Donald Nelson, went into the hospital the day after Christmas and died on January 6. We buried him on January 9. It was a beautiful service, very simple like he would have wanted, and we were surrounded by friends and family. I was prepared, even if not ready.

This next part is long. Skip to the bottom paragraph for the Reader's Digest version!

Wednesday morning, after Daddy's funeral Friday and the kids had gone back to school in Arkansas, Scott and I were trying to get back into the work routine. He leaves at 3:30 in the morning, I sleep in until 5:30. Like she does every morning, the dog barked a few times when Scott left and I rolled over and went back to sleep. Almost immediately, the phone rang. It was Scott telling me to come outside. That isn't that unusual, but he did sound cold. I believe it was eleven degrees at the time. I grabbed my robe and slippers and headed outside to see whatever it was to see. What I found, was Scott in a heap at the bottom of our back steps, lying on the brick walk, phone in hand. He had stepped off the top step and gone to the bottom and could not move. By the time I ran in to get blankets and pillows, he had called the ambulance and work to say he didn't think he'd be in that day! Amazing.

Eleven hours in the ER, traditional x-rays, 1 1/2 hour MRIs, and a CT scan (which required a field trip across town via ambulance to another hospital) later, he was admitted to the hospital. This was after the doctor got so tickled at his Sherpa hat that she almost couldn't do the exam. This was also after they put him in knee immobilizers and tried to get him to stand to release him. That didn't work, which actually was what told them what all the tests didn't show. His quadraceps were completely detached from both knee caps. (That would actually show up later in surgery. More about that later.)

Neither Scott's usual orthopedist nor the one the hospital has practicing there could fit him in to surgery until Friday, so we spent the rest of Wednesday and Thursday and Friday until noon looking at the walls and eachother. Honestly, I did go to school on Thursday for most of the day. I had to get stuff ready for my second graders. He had company and lots of drugs, so he made it. I had intestinal distress due to stress.

Come Friday morning, we went from thinking his surgeries were at 4:00 to 10:00, and then 2:00. So, they came to get him at noon. Four hours later the doctor told me both surgeries had gone well, but that his injuries were much more severe than he originally thought. He removed lots of clotted blood and clumps of stuff that forms when you swell somewhere due to injury and said had that been the only thing he did, Scott would have felt better. But, since the damage was so complete, he was able to basically use God's parts and pattern and sew his muscles back to his knee caps with a miracle substance known as fiber wire. I must admit, as a former computer teacher, I thought he said fire wire. Thought I was going to get to plug Scott in somewhere in the system! According to Dr. Stacy Dinkins, local healer and self proclaimed "dumb bone guy," this fiber wire is stronger than rope, will not disolve and will support the muscles and knees the rest of Scott's life. The fact that the damage was complete actually made the repairs better.

He enjoyed being asleep under anesthesia a bit more than he should have so they had to wake him up with more drugs and some oxygen. When he finally got back to me, he was in a good mood, remembered asking the nurses if they would pray and then he remembered waking up. He had two femoral nerve blocks which lasted into Saturday. That was a blessing. The pain was different, but it was still severe. We were both flabergasted when his favorite nurse turned Nazi and made him stand up. She was sweet about it the next day and he was able to walk about 20 steps. Monday, he managed about forty feet. No walking Tuesday. We had to get ready to go home.

Arranging for home health, hospital beds and wheelchairs, checking out of the hospital, and ambulance rides with Frick the flirt and a one-armed Frack should not be attempted by the weak of heart. Home health was a breeze. Hospital bed is too short. Checking out of the hospital was a breeze. Frick and Frack were not only separate pieces of work for different reasons, they couldn't get him in the house. Did I mention it was snowing and 27 degrees and Scott had on a tee shirt and his drawers besides the immobilizers? (Oh, and the funny Sherpa hat.) Thank goodness for exceptional neighbors who are able to provide a fourth and fifth arm. (You thought I was kidding that the other guy only had one arm, didn't you?) Know what's funny? They knew how big Scott is before they got there.

He has to keep his knees perfectly straight for a month. Then, we will see if he gets a slight bend for another month. Then, we start rehab.

So now it is nearly nine pm and he is doped to the gills and we will make it till tomorrow. We are both glad to be home. It has been a long six days.

READER'S DIGEST VERSION

Scott had a really bad fall early Wednesday morning. Detached both knee caps. He wore a funny hat to the ER. Put him back together on Friday. Came home from hospital Tuesday. Eight weeks in a hospital bed. We are both pooped, but he gets drugs.