Hello Everyone!!!
It has been two weeks since I have posted a message and I'm finally feeling good enough to sit at the computer and write. My sister has been so great to keep you updated while I was in the hospital and recovering at home. I posted a picture to the left that my dad took while I was recovering in the ICU, the day after surgery. I was still hooked up to several lines, but must have been feeling pretty good at the time of the picture. I had already gone on my first walk earlier that morning...
I will say that recovering from abdominal surgery is no picnic, especially because I had some problems last weekend, but I am feeling much better now. As of this weekend, I am pretty much back to my normal diet, though I am trying to avoid things that are difficult to digest. Last week, it was very hard to find any position that was comfortable, but now I am much more comfortable sitting. My sleeping is improving to a couple of hours at a time. Walking feels great!! My legs feel strong and my abdominal discomfort is minimal, though I do fatigue fairly quickly when I walk (especially in this heat). This weekend I was able to venture out of the house a little more. I will say that coughing, sneezing, laughing and bumpy car rides are no fun. Squeezing a pillow seems to help keep the pain in check. I was happy to go off the heavy duty pain meds last Thursday and to transition to OTC meds (advil and tylenol).
My incision is pretty impressive. It seems to be healing really well. Instead of stitches or staples, the surgeon used glue to close it up, which I think will significantly reduce the scarring. I think that's pretty cool...
I can tell that I'm feeling better, because I am starting to get bored at home. I'm still limited as to what I can do, so it's sometimes hard to stay entertained. I had a lot of help last week from Christian, Janna, my mom, Christian's sister Sandra and stepmom Silvia. They were so wonderful to come and take care of me. As I am feeling better this week, I am definitely up for visitors...Just let me know...
Love,
Erica
Monday, September 10, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Team Run for Erica (minus Omar)
Omar getting ready to run
Mary, Chandra and Liz finish their 6 miles
Star and Christian run for the crowd
Tony and Jaime waving to the crowd
Team Run for Erica after the marathon (minus Jenny and Jaime)
Erica's Tree @ Upton Hill
Look how Erica's tree is growing and blooming!
Upton Hill Memorial to Erica
Erica's crepe myrtle tree by the batting cages at Upton Hill Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Plaque dedicating tree in Erica's memory
Plaque dedicating the tree in Erica's memory
A week before admission to Hospice
What a beautiful smile!
March 26: Liz, Star, Chandra, Erica and Kelly
March 26: Star, Chandra and Erica
March 12-13: Erica and Christian...check out those smiles!
With Uncle David
Dad, Mom, Erica, Megan, Heather, Chase and Uncle Bill
4 comments:
Erica
Wow!!! You have had a speedy and very impressive recovery. Keep it up, you are amazing. Laughing, coughing, sneezing, etc. can hold for a week or two, as long as you are recovering. Can't wait to see you and check out the glued incision:)
Erica -
Thanks for the update!! Your energy continues to amaze me. Here's to a continued speedy recovery, cooler weather, and a good belly laugh sans pain! I hope to visit soon!
Love you!
Tracy
Erica, you truly are a rock star, an amazing girl, and an inspiration to us all! You go girl!!! I am sooooo glad that you have come through this leg of your journey so well. So many people are praying for you, and I believe that God will continue to heal you. Hang in there! Just watch stupid talk shows all day long and enjoy it while you can. :) Now that school has started, I'm more limited as to when I can come and visit. If I can come this weekend, I'll coordinate with you, otherwise, maybe in a couple weeks. Until then, rest up, keep recovering, and keep up the positive attitude! You are amazing!
love ya,
Kim D.
Hi Erica,
Great to see you back online so soon. It is really wonderful that you have been able to recover so quickly. Thankfully the weather has started to cool off just in time for your walks around the neighborhood. So proud of everything you have been able to withstand in such a short period of time and I continue to pray for you...
Christina
Post a Comment