One week

It's so good to be home.

The hospital was hard; there's no way to sugercoat it. I may expand on that later. The trip was neither horrific nor easy, but Mom and I got through it. I've been trying to catch up on sleep and energy in the past couple of days. I'm not as tired as I thought I might be, but the surgery and drugs are taking a toll on me.

I'm taking 20 mg of oxycontin twice a day and about one 5 mg oxycodone tablet and 25 mg of hydroxyzine four times a day. Pain is tolerable and hurts the most when: sitting, getting in and out of the cpm machine, blowing my nose and laughing.

The laughing part has been the hardest. Mom and Jamie experienced something so funny at the hospital that they: 1) ended up in the bathroom as to not wet themselves 2) took pictures of this so-called funny incident and 3) kept the joke from me because they knew I wouldn't be able to handle it. I'm still waiting to hear the story, but it probably will take another week or so.

The swelling and bruising in my leg has gotten much better though my incision is still hard for me to look at. I feel like Frankenstein. My clothes are way tighter than I expected; besides my leg, my stomach seems to be retaining water or something. I'm a bloated Frankenstein.

I'm mobile on crutches, though I'm really, really slow. Like, really. I think my progress was slowed starting in the hospital because of that stinking epidural that worked better in my good leg than the bad one. I have some ground to make up, so I'm trying to do my exercises diligently. I'm supposed to lie on my stomach twice a day for a half hour to help my back muscles, but I haven't tried that one yet. I hope Mom will help me with that tomorrow. I have no idea how I'm going to accomplish that!

I still haven't made the time to call/e-mail most of my friends and Hip Sisters to let them know how I've been, but I hope to get around to that this weekend. Your encouragement has been invaluable; thank you so much!

P.S. Hi Tatum! I hope you're doing good and I miss you too!

Comments

VB Guru said…
Cass,

I know you'll get through this. If you ever feel bad - Just think if the song "Mr. Jones and Lee" Now don't laugh cause it may hurt.
That is going to be one nasty scar, but a beautiful one on you..it would look horrible on me. I know you would like to get back on your feet fast, but take the time to make sure you are 110% good to go. I wouldn't want to kick your "Butt" - and I know you won't be able to run away from me.

Thinking of you and your progress always...

Love,

Lee Moua
Anonymous said…
Cassie,
Ad passed on your blog page to me...I am sorry you have to go through all of this, but I am proud of you for doing it! It will be worth it in the end! Thinking of you & wishing you all the luck with your recovery!
Jo Ann :-)
Unknown said…
Cass,

I'm so sorry I haven't been better about checking your blog to stay updated...Now that I've caught up from the last few days, I'm realizing I'm a terrible friend for not being more caught up! Things sound so tough and I'm so sorry I'm not there to help you. I was totally depressed myself today and missed you terribly. Selfishly I wish you were here to make ME laugh. I miss you and wish there was more that I could do. I'm so proud of you and all the fear and pain you've overcome since the surgery, you are truly an amazing woman! I love you and miss you tons!

Tam
MY PAO STORY said…
Cassie,
Glad you are home and doing well! The incision looks great - right on the bikini line so it won't show! You'll be amazed at how fast your recovery will be.
Beth :)
Manda K said…
My first thought was ... "Now she really looks like a Barbie doll!"

Sorry if that makes you laugh :)

I know you aren't anywhere near this point yet, but when your incision heals up and the stitches are all disolved, use vitamin E oil on that thing. Works like a charm to help the scar heal up nice and pale.

Love you babe!

Manda

P.S. The remaining members of Club 1300 (Joe, Matt, Erin, Betty Grace and Laurie) pass on their love and hugs
Brenna Wolfe said…
Thank you for your blog Cass, I'm Brenna and about to undergo a RPAO on July 1st. I'm terrified but reading your post makes me feel better and lets me know what to expect. i've started my own blog and hope that I keep other spirits up like you have done mine.
Brenna

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