The UGA bounce back thread

[UGAgal]

I thought I would start a thread to journey my experience to rehab back from my brain surgery. And to vent or whine at times.

Yesterday was tough. I had to get a walker and it was just so depressing.

Today however my male "friend" sent me a text to ask if he could visit. I very politely said not yet. He knew the reason why without me saying. About an hour later flowers were delivered with a note to say I was beautiful inside and out and then in big letters were the words PLEASE.

So I invited him to visit tomorrow. I don't really won't visitors but I know he cares and is worried so I gave in. My daughter laughed at me and said I could pull my hair into a side ponytail come over which did give me a good chuckle.

So we will see how the visit goes. I am tired, drained, and still have my headaches. I had a bad one last night. I was sick as a dog that was how bad it was. I go to the doc on Tuesday so hopefully they can try a migraine med on me to help. I also still have muscle twitching. Not as bad but it is there.

I have the pic of my walker. But my iPad won't post pics here so I will load that tomorrow on regular laptop. I have never seen a walker like this before and damn thing cost $2k - can you believe that? For a WALKER!

Well what am I bitching about damn pills in hospital are $40 a piece. A pillow is like $50. Crazy how they get away with some of their fees. Yes I have insurnance but still crazy.

I haven't slept good last 2 days. Between migraines and just pain at surgery site it has been hard. I am hoping tonight will be better. I need it.

Also my babies are coming Sunday to cook me dinner and visit. Will be first time my other 3 have seen me since this began. Hopefully there are no freak outs from my 5 year old. She doesn't like scars or cuts or anything remotely gruesome looking. I may just cover up with a bandana.

Anyways, I am tired and going to take meds and watch a movie and hopefully sleep. Plus I have a 14 year old laying beside me giving me orders to rest at moment.

I hope everyone is having a some what PAIN FREE DAY!

UGA

[poocheroo]

Hurray! Get that red dress out honey!

That walker better have sweet spinners and a killer sound system for $2k! Yikes!

Go relax.

[barkingmad]

Sleep tight UGAgal, I never cease to marvel at your courage and strength. Here's wishing you a lower level of pain tomorrow. My bet is your 5 yr old will be fine; with your grit and determination she'll feed off of that. Just remember to smile and she will too, kinda a symbiotic thing like when they fall down but look at you to fing out if they're hurt. ; )

[chuckv64]

Nice to see you posting UGAgal. Hopefully every day will be a little bit better for you. And hey if it makes you feel any better your walker is worth more than my car. So at least you'll be getting around in style for a while.

[Jeremy Fisher]

@UGAgal, you go girl. And wear the bandana; baby steps w/your baby girl. K, I know 5 isn't a baby but in some ways ...

Your arms mostly working ok? Enough to give your younger kids a big hug? OMG, they are gonna be SOOOO happy to see you.

Love this thread. Great idea. You are an inspiration.

[lucyloo]

O, it's so good to see you posting again!! I am really impressed with how strong you are, and how determined. I hope the headaches subside for you soon and that you continue on the path to wellness.

[Kat0711]

@UGAgal

SO glad to see you here posting, I hope you get some rest tonight, that might make a difference with the headaches, I know when I have bad insomnia my head hurts. Did that walker come with some nice rims and a custom paint job???? for 2k it better be nice!! I totally agree with the inflated costs of anything in the hospital or rehab items... its totally crazy. Great thread idea and you know you can count on your PR family to be here for you to listen or talk or whatever you may need!!

Get some rest Girl!!

Hugs and Kisses!

Kat

[IGoeOn]

Oh yea!!! I have been out and around these last few days - I have a lot of family in town and it's the end of the month. I am thrilled that you are posting and I was so happy to read your update. Giiiiirrrrrllllll - bring that side pony-tail back. I'm sure you can rock it.

[Gman]

@UGAgal

Many thanks for giving us the strength and courage to face our own battles.
I feel quite humbled by your experience to face such a daunting challenge with a winning attitude.

My best to you,
Gman

[UGAgal]

Awww thank you all. I really miss my PR family and hate I am not on as much. But in due time right? I can't alseep as I just have this pain around the scar and my pain meds do not knock it out. And the twitching is driving me insane at times.


You guys are my rock. I know we haven't ever met but I love PR and my friends.
You guys have helLped me through so much and I try to do the same for other members. . Hugs to all.


I wish the walker was a tricked out one. But because of how it is made and how rare they use these kind, it is costly but in my book a rip off.

I joked about getting on seated push walkers by you push but can sit and rest on when needed. They did not like my joke. I can't drive at moment so no One will really see it but still makes you depressed to be treated like your 80.

The hardest part of this? Not having the strength to do anything much or take care of my kids. I know it is temporary but still hard to have my babies not me at home.

My 12 year old is going to stay with me next week too. The 7 and 5 year old will go back with grandma after their visit.

More to tomorrow........

[teresita]

@UGAgal You are an amazing woman beyond any words. I am sending you hugs and wishes for a speedy recovery. Before you know it, you'll be kicking a$$ again. Wish your headaches would subside, can you use an ice pack? My dad never took pain meds and swore by ice packs to ease his headaches. Personally, I like to just take a pill and hope it works. Now get some rest before your daughter catches you awake

[Mlmk]

Well how nice is that?the male friend is still interested and wants to be there. Good sign? Right? You are so strong!

Now let's talk hair. I had surgery and 100 staples and did the ponytail pullover in college. Now I have an almost shaved head. Maybe 1 inch long in the long spots. It is sexy so I am told. So think about it. Hard to get the bald side caught up with long side. I did it but long bad in between stage. I love Short short hair. I get alot of attention. Guys love it girls do too. Just an option when u r well enuf to deal with mundane stuff. Not now! I'm not sure if I have ur email address. I'll send u a pic of me with 1 inch hair, I look like u, fit, but not so pretty lol. That's ok tho! Keep fighting the good fight lady. You are incredible. @UGAgal

[Nickel]

All right @UGAgal. That is indeed some kick ass bounce-back. Great to see that you are getting back on your feet.

[DulyNoted]

Great to read that you are on the mend. Best wishes for a steady and full recovery and let's look at this upcoming Independence Day as the start of you fully regaining yours.

[msaok]

@UGAgal You may have uncovered a silver lining to brain surgery. Visiting with your "friend" while at your "worst" will tell ya more about him than you could ever hope to learn all dolled up and goo-eyed over candlelit dinners. Although my guess is your "worst" is better than most folks on their best day.
As for the walker.... it won't make you look as old as falling would.
And after brain surgery falling is NOT AN OPTION. (not a good one anyway)
The trick is not to ditch the walker the minute you think you can get away with it. Wait til your PT gives you the green light. That extra caution will be well worth it in the end.
My son was 17 when he had his first brain surgery, and he did not have his driver's license yet. He joked that this wasn't what he had in mind when he thought of his first set of wheels. As soon as he felt strong enough, he started taking chances and learned quickly that was a trade for me hovering. A walker looked pretty good compared to that! (Your kids will probably be the hoverers in your case) But from your posts, it sounds as if you are recovering exceptionally well. Bravo!

[billyboy1965]

I'm glad to hear from you. Your spirits seem great and that's all that matters. Keep the positive attitude.

[crucibelle]

@UGAgal - Sounds like you are doing well... That is so sweet that your 14 yr old is taking care of you. As someone above said, it's a really good sign that your friend wants to come see you (IMO). When you have a face as beautiful as yours, it doesn't really matter what your hair looks like, anyway. I hope you are able to get some good sleep soon! Looking forward to your updates.

[Shayna]

I hope you have a lovely visit with your friend -- maybe you'll get more flowers or other gifties! I am sure he is just so eager to see you again.

[UGAgal]

Saturday's visit with my friend was nice. Lasted about 30 minutes and he could see I was tired. As he left he actually gave me a peck on my scar. Made me cry after he left.

My kids came to visit yesterday and my 5 year old handled things very well. My son on the other hand did not. Which was surprising. He was a little grossed out by the cut around my ear. I explained to him that in no time I will be back to old mom with some short hair.

My 14 yr old and 12 yr old are here with me now. My parents filled my frigdge with meals and I have had a couple of other folks stop by with food.

I am still very tired and still have headache pain. I go to doc tomorrow so we will see how it goes. Also hard to sleep unless only back with head propped up. Oh man is that even hard for a stomach and side sleeper.

Today I felt frustrated. I felt anger and I felt useless. I guess because I am not use to having folks do things for me and I feel like this big burden has been placed on my kids and I guess today I felt that wasn't fair to them. I don't know just one of those days where I felt this bad funk all day.

But I spent the evening watching tv with the girls and resting and I feel better. I just told them to think about being kids and enjoying their summer instead of taking care of mom. I can get someone else to do that. They refused so I gave up the fight on that one. I just don't won't them to regret me for them having a lousy summer I guess.

I am about to head to bed just wanted to do post and vent a minute. I hope everyone is doing well and trying to stay pain free!

[naughtysmurf]

Sounds like you have raised good kids @UGAgal. Hang in there,girl. xoxo