I'm happy to report that Ben has made it through the surgery. We were up before 5 this morning and we finally made it home around 1:30 pm. The actual surgery was between 7:45 and 10:45, during which I drove from Burbank to Pasadena so I could get groceries, walk the dog, and attend the weekly training at my practicum site. Oh, and write a paper that was due today.
Welcome to my coping mechanisms: denial and distraction.
Seriously, though, Ben's doing really well. The worst bit so far is his sleepiness. Which really, is neither "worst" or "bit" - he' slept most of the day and who wouldn't want that?! His pain is being thoroughly managed through a pain pump implanted in his shoulder that gives him a constant supply of morphine. Then he has this nifty electric cooler/water system that constantly circulates cold water through a compress strapped around his shoulder. He'll use these two gadgets for the next few days until he goes back to see his doctor on Monday, at which time the pain pump will be removed and ... well, I don't know what else.
I'm not going to lie - I've been a bit nervous about this whole "surgery and out of commission for six weeks" plan. Here's the thing - I'm a pretty independent person. And I proudly and stubbornly held onto that identity when I got married...which wasn't the best move on my part. (I.E. Having an attitude of, "Back off, bucko, I can handle this on my own," isn't too conducive for a relationship.) So, I've been learning to rely on Ben more, much to my chagrin. Because look how that's worked out for me: now I panic at the thought of not having his help in our day to day lives. You mean I have to walk Mia every morning when she wakes up at 6:30?! And I have to unload all the groceries by myself?! And when I have 30 papers to grade and 2 of my own to write tonight before my prayer group comes over, I also have to sweep the house and put away the dishes? Wow. Life all of a sudden got much more overwhelming.
But at least he's okay and this isn't a forever plan. And that's a good thing. Because I am SO not cut out to be a nurse.
4 comments:
Good grief! Did he get shot multiple times, or what?! That is quite the extensive surgery. He must have put his arm in a blender at one time.
Yes, independence is not as fun as I thought either. Having dan gone for two or three weeks at a time certainly puts its kinks in my life. Namely, understanding all the dang electronics in this houes! :)
I guess I missed something, what happened? I DO hope recovery is speedy and thorough... And that everything comes together for you and Mia, too! Love ya!
Sorry...I should have explained things better. Half my family freaked out when I sent them all an e-mail to let them know Ben was okay after surgery - most of them didn't know about the surgery to begin with. He had a rotator cuff and slap leasion tear, along with some clavical issue. Old sports injury that we're just now getting taken care of because we now have the blessing of insurance.
I love that he looks a little drunksies in this picture
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