Help wanted (Score so far related)

[Jersey Girl]

Over here, it is don’t try to carry stuff in your hands while you’re wobbly walking with the cane. Occasional back on the rollator. Doing better stepping off of or up onto the step or curb with the strong leg. Neurosurgeon said don’t bother with PT right now.

Wonder why he said don't bother with PT yet? Maybe pain or balance related do you think?

Imaging and follow up appointments scheduled for 4/30. Awaiting the injection appointment which likely will not help, but if it is the next step, so be it. I’d be wonderful if it helped, but the previous one didn’t help. Maybe it is a you have to wait so many weeks between surgeries thing. I should really ask more questions. Reminding self, the Lord has led us thus far.

It's hard to know what questions to ask sometimes, isn't it? I think many of us go on hindsight and try to make sense of what happened. I'm wondering if the injections as a next step are required? It could be that you have to tick off that box before moving on to a surgical option. Don't go by me. There are times when I simply have no clue with regard to health insurance and such.

I think the Lord has led you guys miles in a very short time but you had to wait so long before things really started moving forward in terms of solutions.

I try to remind myself that when we think the Lord isn't hearing us and/or delaying a response, it's because he is working in the life of someone else we may not even be aware of but who could easily be positively impacted by being part of our own experience. Like putting pieces in place for a reason we're unaware of.

[msnobody]

I think no amount of PT will relieve pressure off of the nerve(s), so PT is pointless for now. Not sure about the rationale behind the injection (insurance, try a conservative measure first, attempt to alleviate pain while waiting on second procedure, or maybe even trying to calm the nerve(s) down for the second procedure). I’m pretty sure the neurosurgeon knows the injection isn’t a long term solution, or else he would not have ordered the MRI and CT for the same day as the follow up visit. May be to ease the pain until the procedure can be put on the surgery schedule.

This is one time, I think that we don’t need to ask a lot of questions, which is so not the typical Msnobody. The Lord has put so many things in place and slammed the door shut on the original plan— the only thing the other place was offering which was no solution to the problem. He led us to a professional with a professional approach, and for a real problem. What has come to mind is be still and know I am God, and in all things give thanks, and to trust in His timing. It’s so much better when we surrender our cares to Him. I find myself looking forward to see what He will do next.

[Jersey Girl]

I think no amount of PT will relieve pressure off of the nerve(s), so PT is pointless for now.

Not sure about the rationale behind the injection (insurance, try a conservative measure first, attempt to alleviate pain while waiting on second procedure, or maybe even trying to calm the nerve(s) down for the second procedure).

Yes, I think that's the case. They go in steps so if the "lesser" treatment doesn't work, they trade up to the next. I've seen that many times over here.

I’m pretty sure the neurosurgeon knows the injection isn’t a long term solution, or else he would not have ordered the MRI and CT for the same day as the follow up visit. May be to ease the pain until the procedure can be put on the surgery schedule.

I just hope for his sake (and yours) that it gives some temporary relief. The suffering is no joke.

This is one time, I think that we don’t need to ask a lot of questions, which is so not the typical Msnobody.

If I were a doc would not want to be on the receiving end of Msnobody at an appointment.

The Lord has put so many things in place and slammed the door shut on the original plan— the only thing the other place was offering which was no solution to the problem. He led us to a professional with a professional approach, and for a real problem. What has come to mind is be still and know I am God, and in all things give thanks, and to trust in His timing. It’s so much better when we surrender our cares to Him. I find myself looking forward to see what He will do next.

I think you're exactly right. When I've seen doors open one by one before me (or a loved one) I think it's the "go sign" from the Lord. When they shut, even when it's so hard on us, that's a case of "be patient". Hardest thing I've been in. I'm sure it's harder in this case because the suffering has continued for so long.

Feels like so many people we know are being flooded with suffering for all sorts of reasons.

Continued prayers for you and Mrnobody. He's gotta be one tough dude to make it this far and his wife is no less tougher...and persistent. <3

[Jersey Girl]

Status end of Week One

Tapering off narcotic pain meds

Ability and Self Help:

Walks with walker
Uses leg lifter
Uses grabber
Reduced time on ice machine
Gets in and out of bed with assistance but with increased movement
Take a shower with assistance
Toileting independently (sometimes needs help)
Stand in front of sink to wash up
Walker to make own coffee in kitchen
Walker to feed the cat
Walker to heat own meals
In and out of recliner independently (sometimes needs help)
Sets up own meds
Started PT
In and out of car easier than the first knee...but hard
Says please and thank you more
Can laugh
Yells at his helper when frustrated*

Healing:

Incision still looks great.
Swelling increased with PT
Changing positions to alleviate swelling
Bruising appeared, still dispersing

*Helper is getting a prize at the end of the assignment

(I'm this close to making this match a developmental assessment)

[Jersey Girl]

Helper report:

No Easter dinner.
Gave candy gift bags to 2 visiting family members.
Starting to make one:one replies.
Feeling more organized.
Unload dishwasher.
Run Laundry.
Cleaning up until mid-day or before bedtime.
Taking breaks. Get off feet.
Less digital media, more prayer and meditation---just sittin'
Not answering Facebook or other messages unless it's immediate family.
Took 4 days to start weaving a potholder. It's almost done!
Still waiting longer for showers than I want to.
Getting more sleep.
House plants are threatening to call 911.

Muscles started talking back to me about 2 days ago. Legs, arms, abs, from lifting and moving a guy who has 100+ pounds on me.

I prepped some quick and easy self care things to do in advance. New potholder loops, card making kit, new devotional type book. Cannot say how many times I passed it all by and thought "What on earth was I thinking?" Today I was able to weave one potholder that took me 2 days to even get pattern created and looped on. Going to take it off the loom here in a few minutes. Yellow and gray. Sounds weird but it's actually pretty.

Advice: Go ahead and put things in order and prepped as much as you can. Just know that it's all going to explode by Day 2. It wasn't until today (actual Day 8) before I managed to start running laundry and cleaning things up.

[Jersey Girl]

His brain isn't fully operational yet. Not providing details.

Did you record it so that you can both watch and have a good laugh about it next week?
: )

Are you joking? It could be taken into evidence by investigators.

[msnobody]

Status end of Week One

Tapering off narcotic pain meds

Ability and Self Help:

Walks with walker
Uses leg lifter
Uese grabber
Reduced time on ice machine
Gets in and out of bed with assistance but with increased movement
Take a shower with assistance
Toileting independently (sometimes needs help)
Stand in front of sink to wash up
Walker to make own coffee in kitchen
Walker to feed the cat
Walker to heat own meals
In and out of recliner independently (sometimes needs help)
Sets up own meds
Started PT
In and out of car easier than the first knee...but hard
Says please and thank you more
Can laugh
Yells at his helper when frustrated*

Healing:

Incision still looks great.
Swelling increased with PT
Changing positions to alleviate swelling
Bruising appeared, still dispersing

*Helper is getting a prize at the end of the assignment

(I'm thisclose to making this match a developmental assessment)

Sounds like he is right on track

[Jersey Girl]

Revising Helper Advice:

If you're the only helper...

1. Expect to work 16+ hour days with few breaks or daily showers
2. Expect heavy work assisting
3. Meal preparation for 10 days if possible, microwave ready
4. Put your clothing outfits together in advance, for 10 days if you can
5. Gather up patient outfits (Sweats, easy on/off shorts, pajama pants, t shirts, socks)
6. Bathroom size trash bin (with liner) in every room in use
7. Roll of paper towels near the trash bins
8. Wipes near the trash bins
9. Whenever approaching patient- wear running shoes and bring phone
10. Use Alexa or phones as meds alarm
11. Stock up audiobooks in advance
12. Television available
13. Bedside table that's easily moved (folding side table)
14. Extra bed pillows, throw pillows, post op pillows for repositioning
15.
16.

*Incomplete, will continue soon

[Jersey Girl]

Status end of Week One

Tapering off narcotic pain meds

Ability and Self Help:

Walks with walker
Uses leg lifter
Uses grabber
Reduced time on ice machine
Gets in and out of bed with assistance but with increased movement
Take a shower with assistance
Toileting independently (sometimes needs help)
Stand in front of sink to wash up
Walker to make own coffee in kitchen
Walker to feed the cat
Walker to heat own meals
In and out of recliner independently (sometimes needs help)
Sets up own meds
Started PT
In and out of car easier than the first knee...but hard
Says please and thank you more
Can laugh
Yells at his helper when frustrated*

Healing:

Incision still looks great.
Swelling increased with PT
Changing positions to alleviate swelling
Bruising appeared, still dispersing

*Helper is getting a prize at the end of the assignment

(I'm this close to making this match a developmental assessment)

Sounds like he is right on track

Do you think so?? Thanks for the feedback! Today, Saturday...he's turned another corner. So the cycle is...PT, recovery day, 3rd day is another new level of recovery. Getting a harder muscle workout than I would have ever done on my own, that is for sure.

[Jersey Girl]

Therapy.

Butter yellow & Silver. Not trimmed up yet.