29 February 2012

surgery success, husband home, weekend away & bull ants

Greetings all,
What a whirlwind fortnight.
  Thank you for the beautiful comments & kind messages wishing me the best for my bilateral endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression surgery. 
 Well guess what, handsome soldier came home for his Rest Out Of Country Leave.  Remember last mid-war-leave . . . we met in Italy, travelled to Germany, Croatia & Greece, ahhh . . . this time he came home & i went to hospital.  Hmmm . . . rest, recreation & romance??  Oh to finally kiss those lips after 5 months was deliriously butterflies-in-the-tummy good for my soul.  Scoring a surgery date during the 10 days he was home was pure luck.  Ladies, when I say my husband is awesome, I'm talking . . . while I was convalescing, I left him without a single note, instruction or list to keep 4 children in school, sports & sane.  All homework was completed, cooking class containers remembered, happy children in the correct uniforms at the right schools on time (dress & bearings is his speciality).  He even had 7.30a.m. high school fitness classes & a brunch with the ladies to deal with – yes, he could totally replace me as a housewife. 
  A great way to recoup post-surgery is to escape for a weekend away.  My husband’s best mate perfectly timed his wife to deliver twins during war leave too, so we headed to Wagga Wagga to meet our new baby girls.  I organise with lists in my head, so being put in the passenger seat & trusting handsome soldier to pack everything for a family road trip . . . I just went with it & typical, he didn’t forget a thing.  Note: this included towels, bedding, wound dressings & rubber gloves so I could shower.  I actually drove the last 200km home, to prove I would be capable on my own, so handsome soldier could return to war.  I found 5th gear a bit tricky (twist & jerk of my numb left thumb) but now I’m fine, albeit exhausted & he’s back in Afghanistan, damn my independence!!    
  So I’m nursing wrists with light dressings, sleeping with my hands above my head & will see the hand specialist next week for the final Ok.  I don’t feel strong but my husband challenged me to some arm wrestles & assures me I do have strength in my wrists.  I’ll just do light duties around the house, basic cooking, slowly regain a gym & dog walking routine, sliding back to reality & blogging.  Still enjoying being a princess & pointing at chores which need to be done.
My view of Black Mountain from the Equinox Centre (no, not for horses) at dawn.
Naturally there were, um, experiences - like strangers looking at me like i've tried to slash my wrists; falling alseep before the general anaesthetic started; & . . . if you’re going to have both hands operated on, someone has to shower, dry & dress you afterwards - you have to be very comfortable with your body.  I was triumphant in the wiping-my-own-bottom department immediately after surgery, much to everyone’s relief!!  Putting a bra on is still my biggest challenge, twist, lift, hook, with my arms behind my back . . . too complicated, so I am wearing Lorna Jane crop tops, with a bulky scarf to disguise any excess jiggle.  Round door knobs & opening bottles are my nemesis, but in hospital I mastered twisting the top off a bottle of orange juice with my teeth – bottle jammed down my cleavage.  I really wanted the juice Ok & didn't want to annoy the nurses after dropping the television controls 3 times already that evening!! 
 
I’ve not required any pain relief at all (even though I had to suffer days of Prime Minister leadership spill on television, what a BORING time to be bed bound & awake!!)  Then, because dumb things happen to me too . . . I was bitten on the foot by a bull ant, JESUS that hurt.  I hopped around like a crazy person until the children applied ice to my throbbing, swollen foot, the pain was excruciating & still itchy days later. 
I know the operation has been a huge success already, I’m thrilled & yay, only 3 months until my husband is back in Australia.  Thanks again for the love, here’s to good hand health & HAPPY 29th of February folks, love Posie

52 comments:

Karla {Ironmum Karla} said...

Awesome news all round! So glad all the stars aligned for you and made the op somewhat easier.

All the best with the recovery and savior your hubby, it must be wonderful having him around and I can hear you smiling in your words.xx

Jan Maree said...

So glad for the update! and also glad to hear that things have gone well with the surgery. Sorry to hear about that bull ant! Hope the rest of the recovery is a little bit smoother. Thinking of you. xx

pamkennison said...

I'm so pleased to hear your surgery was a success, wont be long and you will be back and busy as normal. Glad to hear your soldier boy was home while this happened but sad to hear is back in country :( but also happy to hear not for much longer. Get well soon :) Hugs

MultipleMum said...

So glad th hear the surgery was a success! What a relief. You are as brave as that soldier of yours x

Sarah B said...

Oh I am so glad it went well and that your husband could come home for a while. I was surprised that both hands were done at once but you are coping do well! X

seabreezequilts said...

Now make sure you don't do too much... I did far to much after the big H and suffered for it. Glad it looks like your surgery has been a great success and you have had some time with hubby. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and future crafting.

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

So, so pleased all went well with the surgery and that handsome soldier was there to give lots of TLC.
Be a good girl and don't do anything you shouldn't be doing!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

YAY...Congratulations Jenny...I'm sitting up here in bed and can't wipe the smile off my face...Fantastic news gal...Speedy recovery to you...love Dzintra xoxoxo

Leah said...

Excellent news!

Anonymous said...

Wow, so happy for you, reading that has made my week, was wondering how you were? Big Hugs, the next 3mths will fly by....xx

yardage girl said...

Brilliant news all round ~ glad you're on the mend and you had time with your man. Nic x

Felicity said...

How ironic that a bull ant bite scores a bigger ouch than your surgery! You're such a wonder woman.

Hoping that each day finds your wrists stronger and more able and you're able to savour the love & attention you so deserve.

Big hugs,
xx

TexWisGirl said...

hallelujah!!! great news to hear all the way around!

CHD said...

You'll be a new woman with new hands in no time. Glad the surgery went well. Especially glad you had your husband there to look after you. Cx

mel @ loved handmade said...

SO pleased to hear your surgery went well! You crack me up, its always nice to have a giggle reading at your place, albeit at your expense SORRY! Wishing you a super speedy recovery xxxx

Kylie said...

Thinking of you - glad that the planets alligned for you and handsome soldier was home for you. Oh and new babies:) Ouch to the Bull Ant. See you in a few weeks.

BOB & MABEL said...

You are an absolute trooper and that hubby of yours sounds like a gem. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

Bron said...

You brave and tough soul.....take it easy and look after yourself. xx

Jenny from Ohjoh said...

Excellent to hear!!
Well done and hope the road to complete recovery is short and smooth!

Lisa - Sweet Little Pretties said...

So glad your operation went well!
All the best with your recovery

Mum on the Run said...

Wonderful, wonderful - that the surgery was a success and that you married such a capable, caring man!!
I hope your recovery goes smoothly from here in - and you don't overdo it!
As usual, your perspective is just inspiring.
:-) xxxx

Tas said...

Yay for successful surgery. You? Independent? Oh, surprise me!

I wish I had pain relief to get through the weekend politics...

Libby said...

Great to hear you're on the mend (ha ha got a pun in!!!)

The Provincial Homemaker said...

Glad you are ok - and have your hands back. Hopefully you get the all clear next week.

Wonderful that it coincided with your husbands ROCL - I had been thinking of you and how you would have to arrange care for your kids when you had your surgery.

In terms of the bra - my Mum had back issues a few years ago and couldn't do up her bra - she found doing it up with the clips at the front and then rotating it much easier - just a thought.

Margie said...

Posie, so glad it's over, was a success, and you got to kiss your handsome soldier! Speedy recovery to you!

Christy said...

Glad to hear all this. Rest up and three months will surely fly by!

KH said...

Just catching up here - great to hear that the surgery was successful, and how wonderful that your soldier boy could be home for you during recovery.

Beautiful House said...

Wow what a week, so glad it all went well, wishing you a very speedy recovery.x

cheryl @ nefotlak. said...

so glad that things went well. now heal well dearest Posie!! C xxxxx

The Moerks said...

So glad you are on the mend and it all went well. When I got bitten by a bull ant we were in the bush, hubby rubbed a piece of crushed bracken on the bite and it helped take away the sting(he thinks he is Bear Grylls)

Tania McCartney said...

Loved the 'kiss those lips' part the most! xx

melissa said...

So glad it all went well and you had your handsome soldier to look after you, at least for a few days. Sneak as much rest as you can over the next few weeks. xx

Marian Hazel said...

So glad it all went well, and that your husband was home too! Goodluck with those tricky bras but I'm sure you'll be better than ever soon!

Beck said...

Oudh!!! xo

Tiff said...

Oh sweetie, wishing you a speedy recovery! You have the best attitude I am sure you will recover quickly because you have the right mindset! X

Special 'K' said...

Wonderful news. Hope you get to enjoy being together for as long as you can. Sending you love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

Jane said...

Oh Jennie. I'm so relieved to read all this (apart from the pesky bull-ant). You are extraordinary, my friend - don't ever forget that! J x

Lois said...

I'm so pleased you managed to get the surgery done while your hubby was home. a shame you couldn't have had a more romantic destination than the hospital to visit!!
wishing you a very speedy & successful recovery.

Lois said...

ps...i've been bitten on the bum by a bullant before...so know your pain!! LOL

Anonymous said...

You were in Wagga and didn't come for a cuppa? I am very disappointed in you Posie, but I guess I can forgive you this time :)

Teresa said...

I've been away from blogland and returned to see such great news - your hand surgery success and visit from brave husband - it's like going to the bathroom while at a resturant and returning to find your dinner waiting for you - except a million times better!

Yay for you! I'm so glad to hear that the surgery went well. Wow what a husband and yay for only 3 months to go! You know, you really are an incredible family.xox

Amy said...

So glad it all went well and that Mr Posie was able to be home to help out. Yay to only having 3 more months to go until he is back in the country!

Amanda said...

Glad all went well with your op and lovely that your husband could come home for his break while you were in hospital x

Salley said...

I am so glad the Handsome Soldier got home for the dramas.

Sophie Slim said...

OMG YAY! Congratulations!! Such excellent news! You sure are a fighter, just like your hubby!

Well done you, I'm so pleased it was a success! :)

xxx

NessaKnits said...

God love that gorgeous husband of yours for coming home with all his TLC. Hope your hands are mending well and you will be back to old tricks shortly!

Sally said...

Oh this is so fabulous. I am so glad that the surgery has gone well. YAY!!!

♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys said...

Good news Posie. Hope you are back on deck fully as soon as you feel ready :)

Stacey said...

SO pleased to hear it all went well! I look forward to many crafty related adventures to follow. I bet your brain is overflowing with ideas that you've been dying to make real!

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Thanks again everyone, my surgeon is very happy with my progress & i have tiny scars to prove he fixed me!! Love Posie

Anonymous said...

I love you stories and i hope you can keep them coming. Honestly it really is hard to find an interesting blog nowadays.

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