Where do I begin?

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Good Morning; Son is home. He is much better than he was this time last year. Doctor has given him proper pain meds. He is actually going to the bathroom with his walker himself. In the hospital, they got him up and he took a shower. Last time, he was draining for over a week. This time he has no bandage and no draining. He was actually given 2 extra days than he had before and I think the 2 extra days stabilized him. The drive home was grueling for him - 75 miles- some of it country roads. My Dh and I are taking 6 hour shifts each to monitor him. He insists that we do not need to do this. He has it! I do not feel he "has it" at all at least just yet. We have to balance his over confidence with reality without bruising his ego. The first experience was so terrible for him especially, but for me and my spouse it was a nightmare. I am grateful that he got such a good surgeon this time. Too bad he was not given this quality the first time. But you need to move on and move forward. I pray that he continues a good recovery and the Army allows him to heal properly. I am starting back on my treadmill today. I need it for stress relief and me, just have to work it around his sleeping. Have a good day. Get some movement in soon. Thank you for your prayers!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PRAIRIECROCUS 1/9/2012 2:04AM

Your son is in my thoughts, and prayers. I hope he will get better, soon ! I hope, and pray, for you, too. Happy New Year, to you all ! Report Inappropriate Comment

MERRYMARY42 1/8/2012 8:10PM

So very happy that he is better than last time, I remember how terrible it was for all of you. I just got back from my walk, I still need 1,000 steps, but I will get that with no problem, if I have a problem, I willl get on my treadmill. but probably just the telephone, works every time for me. I agree, since I have started walking my stress level is alwyas at a minimum, knowing what you are going through, you really need it. Bless You, and take care Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 1/8/2012 6:28PM

Bless you, your son, and your DH, caring for him! Treadmills can be a godsend at times like this. Take good care of YOU while taking good care of him. I'm so glad he's doing better this year than last! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEXASCATFOOD 1/8/2012 1:01PM

Bless his heart and yours and your DH's too! I'll be praying for you all. Warm regards. Cathy Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 1/8/2012 11:05AM

I am so glad to read your update that your son is doing better with this surgery. so happy for him AND you! Take care of you while you take care of him. Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTB63 1/8/2012 10:48AM

God bless you and your family. Have a good day and I think the treadmill is a great idea.... Report Inappropriate Comment

Feeling like warrior mom ready for battle

Saturday, January 07, 2012

Good Morning; it is early - leaving for hospital soon. Not quite sure what is going on. Son is stressed - he has a fever and is sweating severely. My son is a soldier and he thinks he can handle anything on his own. He wants to leave the hospital and assumes he is today. I do not have the same feeling, but I will not be surprised if he is released any ways to us. My DH and I are going to talk to nurses and see what is going on. We are assuming we will get more answers. I have the house ready for whatever happens. He feels he will be more comfortable at home. My DH and I have experience from the last surgery, but I hope the fever goes down. That is my concern now b/c he did not have one last time. We were planning to visit today but was just waiting for an invitation. We were told not to come until he wanted us. He wanted to handle things on his own. I feel strong and am ready to be an advocate for my son. I have always been there for him but it is a delicate balance juggling his bravado and his willingness to let us help him. It is amazing when I get in this mode - warrior mom - I do not think about food. I have a mission. this is what I need to stay focused on exercise, portion control and nutritional food. Maybe I can learn to treat myself with the same warrior attitude for the battle of the scale. have a good day!! for all your support!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MERRYMARY42 1/7/2012 5:41PM

Hoping they keep him another day, fevers are never a good thing, so they need to find out the cause and treat it, Yes you just do not mess with a MOM, Prayers coming your way. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 1/7/2012 2:01PM

I hope it all works out for you and your son. You go, Warrior Mom. I will keep you all in my prayers for the best. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 1/7/2012 9:54AM

You are DEFINITELY in Warrior Mom Mode. NEVER, EVER mess with a Warrior Mom! Prayers for your son AND both you and DH. Personally, I would be shocked if they let your DS come home with a fever UNLESS they are going to provide Home Health Care! A fever could be caused by so many things, but they SHOULD know what the cause is before releasing him . . . I know, I know . . . singing to the choir! They'd have a Warrior Mom by the sword if they tried to release him with a fever. Hope today is a better day. HUGS and PRAYERS Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 1/7/2012 7:44AM

Warrior mom to the front! Prayers follow your footsteps and decisions, and precede them! Thinking of you. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALOHAEV1 1/7/2012 7:40AM

Fever and sweats-not a good thing to bring home. Warrior Mom and Greg, we've got you covered with hugs and prayers. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHELE0329 1/7/2012 7:14AM

I hope everything works out for you and your family. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers...Have a great Saturday!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Getting back to basics a little at a time

Friday, January 06, 2012

Good Morning; As you all know, I have been distracted with my son. I think he is getting out of the hospital tomorrow. He has not called yet today. I have spent all day making my family room into a hospital room. I have not been doing anything formally as exercise but housekeeping and movement in the house. I have actually lost weight. Starting tomorrow, the stress level will ramp up again. I have done this before last January 2011. It is very hard to stay focused on you when some one so critical is in your care. I will try to work on eating right, movement thorough every day activities. Every thing focuses around my son. If he is still in pain like he was the first time; the stress just wears on you. This time I got to talk to the doctor and told him that the team has to work on regulating his pain meds. This was not done last time and actually he came home without some of his meds. It was a nightmare. We had to go back 2 times to get more. I am praying that this time it will be smoother for my son and us as his caretakers. have a good day. Get up and move!!
My BP and glucose is OK. I thought my BP would be very high but it is not. I have been practicing much deep breathing for stress relief.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MERRYMARY42 1/6/2012 8:21PM

I would be losing weight like crazy or gaining, with me, today, it would probably be gaining, but I am being so good, with my nutrition and my walking for the most part is not a problem. but how long I can be good, I am not sure, I do surely hope and pray that it is easier for you and your son and your entire family that last time. Hoping they will not send him home until they can and do get his meds regulated. You are in my thoughts try to get a bit of you time, it is so important for our sanity. Report Inappropriate Comment

OLLYBIRD 1/6/2012 12:39PM

Best wishes for the health of your entire family, especially in these difficult times. Report Inappropriate Comment

Update on Spinal surgery

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Good Morning; yesterday I took my son to the hospital. He had told me that he did not want me to stay at the hospital. But when we got there, I asked if I could come in for a cup of coffee and say goodbye. I got in the hospital and then he told me that I could stay if I had nothing better to do. I had planned to have my Kindle and phone charger with me just in case.
I was so thankful that I was able to get updates on my son's surgery every 2 hours. It was very exhausting. I left Greg at the hospital in much pain last night. The nurses were working on him to give him more pain meds. He says the pain is worse than it was before. Greg says he feels that someone took a ice cream scoop and scooped out his spine. I told him that they did. Nurses think he is coming home Friday. I think it is going to be a nightmare again with Greg the first week. That is the really bad week.
I spent much time talking to my DH. He reassured me that we can handle it again. It is so awful seeing your child in such pain.
I have much to do today to get the house ready and get food in the house b/4 Greg comes home. I think he will be released on Friday which I think is crazy.
DH called his mother who was a nurse. She told me to go home and let the nurses take over. They have to work with Greg and regulate his pain meds. She said that some pain is very hard to manage. Spine surgery is one of them. I truly do not understand how he can be released so soon after spinal surgery. I am retired but what about the families who are both working. How does an average military family handle caring for injured warriors? God bless them all.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PRAIRIECROCUS 1/6/2012 1:34AM

You are in my thoughts and prayers, too ! Report Inappropriate Comment

MERRYMARY42 1/5/2012 6:02PM

I do not understand either, how human suffering and pain does not count as much as the cost of the stay in the hospital, There is nothing that is as important as the health of our soldiers I sure hope this will be much easier on him than the last surgery. and I hope that there is some outside nursing that will help, such a worry and responsibility. and knowing you already went through it, does not make it any easier, Report Inappropriate Comment

AANGEL3 1/5/2012 3:41PM

You'll in my thoughts and prayers! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALPHASENIOR 1/5/2012 3:06PM

The whole ordeal is overwhelming, isn't it? Your son is such a hero; and now he has to go through so much pain and such a long recuperation. I'm so sorry for all o you. Please stay strong. Be yourself. Your husband obviously can't handle difficult things. You, on the other hand, know that you have to be strong and you come through like a champ. Every ordeal needs someone like you to be the person who keeps his/her head. We are all helping you with prayers and good thoughts. Please hang in there and help your son in every way he needs. And rise above the difficult times. Report Inappropriate Comment

VRCATON 1/5/2012 1:29PM

You can only do the best that you can do. Just being home will probably make things better for him. Saying prayers for all y'all ... hugs all around. Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 1/5/2012 12:29PM

Oh my, prayers being said. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALOHAEV1 1/5/2012 11:49AM

Barb said it, while you can't fix your son's pain please take care of yourself. We had all hoped that this time the pain level would not be as high. AND that they would put common sense ahead of anything else and not do a drive by surgery. That is just beyond crazy, pain level aside that was a major proceedure involving his back. Are they not aware of the problems from his first surgery? Hugs to all of you. Keep us posted meanwhile we will pray for some comfort for Greg. Report Inappropriate Comment

MZZCHIEF 1/5/2012 11:21AM

Hey Nj! So sorry about your son's surgery. Mom is had spinal stenosis surgery, they had to put in a few pins as well. She's 85 (and covered by Medicare) so she was in the actual hospital itself for ten days, followed by 3 weeks in a nursing home where they do physical and occupational therapy from 10:30 - 3:00 with an hour for lunch in between. Granted there's a big diff between Mom and your son, but releasing him when he's still in pain within less than a week of his surgery does sound premature. Hopefully there will be nurses to come in and tend him at home and offer physical /occupational therapy. hugs and luck with this... : ) Mzzchief Report Inappropriate Comment

DR1939 1/5/2012 10:07AM

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LAURELSPARK 1/5/2012 8:48AM

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers..... Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 1/5/2012 7:21AM

Hugs for your pain, and I do mean yours... we take on the pain of our children, and it's hard because there are some things that a mom can't fix. Average military family? Is there such a thing? Having got to know many of the November 5th family in the aftermath of Fort Hood I saw family members taking time off or even leaving jobs to care for their wounded soldiers... it disrupts life incredibly, yet life goes on, and these amazing family members pull through somehow. As you are doing! My thanks for your service above and beyond. And my prayers for your strength and your son's comfort. - Barb Report Inappropriate Comment

IILAAD65 1/5/2012 6:30AM

What happened to his back? And did you have to modify your home a bit the first round? I can't imagine even trying to walk after such a surgery... But you are strong! I know you can do it. Mother's have such patience when it comes to their children. He tried to be strong alone but in the end, he needed you without really asking. You're family is in my prayers! Beth Report Inappropriate Comment

Thank you for the support

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Good Morning; I feel the prayers coming. The support has been amazing. Thank you!!
My son left this morning for pre-surgery tests. He is going to get his paperwork for a medical leave out of the way also. Just recently he found out that the process was changed. His buddy had to wait for hours after surgery to get his paperwork approved. My son is going to get it done today if possible. After knowing what my experience has been with the Army through my son, I admire our service personnel so much. We expect so much of our military especially those so young. They need us as their advocates. Say prayers not only for my son but for the many others that need our prayers, too. some of these brave people have no one at their sides. have a good day! I was up at 4 am to see my son off. I think I am going to take a nap. You are special!! Remember movement is needed for a healthy body.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MERRYMARY42 1/3/2012 11:43PM

Hope all is going well, I got on late again today, everything is hectic, but I should be able to control it better that I am, prayers coming your way Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 1/3/2012 10:55AM

Sending good vibes your way . . . for you AND your son. Prayers, of course. Report Inappropriate Comment