Posted by
William D. Dannenmaier on Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:10:08 PM
Sheila has come home. Sleeping at the moment, but I’m glad she didn’t forsake me completely. She hid out in the hospital for two weeks, having two knee replacements. These were accomplished at BaptistHospital. I’ve forgotten who recommended the surgeon, but she – and I – were reassured at a meeting the surgeon had with signed on customers the week before the surgery. One of the attendees was another surgeon.
I didn’t see her the week she was in Baptist, but at the end of the week she was transferred to HorizonHospital in Dickson. I was welcome, according to the nurses, provided I was there no later than seven in the morning. It seems they began their rehabilitation work at eight. Actually, about the last day she was there, I was able to observe some of the “rehab.” They had her make toast, cook bacon and scramble a dozen eggs. Then Sheila, the nurses and the rehab experts sat down to breakfast. Having already had my own breakfast of gruel and two pieces of toast, I didn’t join them. I just envied them. Before she left, Sheila taught me how to make that breakfast. I learned, despite the complications. First, put the bread in the toaster, then get out the butter and utensils. Next, a bowl from the cabinet, open a pack of instant oatmeal and pour it in the bowl. Lastly, put a half a cup of water in the microwave and punch the “one.” If all works properly, when the bell goes off meaning the water is hot, you can add it to the oatmeal and the toast will pop up. This morning I started my fourth week of that breakfast.
Actually, I brought Sheila home following a week in rehabilitation. Now, she simply returns three mornings a week. She also works out at home, using a walker to support herself. Her improvement has been amazing. Yesterday she was able to walk about ten steps without the aid of the walker and this morning she put together, with Andrew’s help, a pot roast for lunch. (I’m looking forward to that – real food not gruel or frozen dinners!)
When not exercising, She has spent most of her time sitting in one of the two chairs she is capable of using or lying down. She is still in considerable pain, but as I told the nurses at the hospital, she should be used to that. She has been married to me for over thirty years.
We owe a great debt of thanks to two of our neighbors, unfortunately one, Bob Connor, died last year, so he can’t hear us. One of the two chairs Sheila is capable of using was given to us by Bob. It is one of the electric thinks that raises up and down. When it is “up” it tilts forward helping her stand up, when down it becomes a recliner.
The other is our friend Joyce Melton. She had hip surgery last year and loaned us all of her equipment. The two walkers Sheila has (one for indoors, the other for outdoors), the grabbing tool for helping Sheila pick up small items that she can’t reach (she still can’t bend enough when standing or sitting to reach the floor, which makes getting socks in position difficult), and the special toilet seat all come from Joyce. I told Sheila that as soon as I can I’m going to have to barbecue some pork steaks and ribs, which Joyce loves, and have over for a feast. If I don’t, she’s likely to abandon our friendship and take back her expensive equipment!
Now you are up to date. Sheila is doing nicely in rehab and I am still suffering. As soon as possible, we have been really tired, I shall return to writing my blogs. Then all of you can suffer.