Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Back to work

Well, my surgeon gave me the green light to "resume normal activities" so I'll be back to work on Monday. I'll take the rest of this week to get an update from my inside rep to find out where I need to be plugged in to accounts. They did an ultrasound of my kidneys and new pouch and just a mild concern with the left kidney but nothing to lose sleep over. Follow up next month for another Renal Ultrasound... April 1st, no foolin. While I feel better every day, my stamina is still lacking so I'll have to pace myself and not overdue it out of the gate. My personality is geared to dive in and go all out without a governor....so we'll see. On a very fun note, my mom is a HUGE Duke basketball fan so we picked up some cool souvenirs to send her...she's going to love the Coach K bobble head doll :)

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Walking like a maniac

Okay so Mother Nature is finally cooperating so I've been able to get out and walk. Monday - 4.2 miles Tuesday - 10 miles Oh yeah baby, working my way back into shape. The next 3 days are supposed to be in the low 70's so expect me to get in some good milage totals. So with walking 10 miles today you might think I burned some calories..well I did, BUT, I still gained 1 pound. Woo Hoo, I'm up to 168lbs. (Last time I weighed this much, I can't remember) Getting back to work is just around the corner, I'm hoping for a full release as of Feb. 28th. Until next time, keep those sneakers rolling ;)

Saturday, February 15, 2014

It's getting closer...

Boy yet his has been a longer recovery than I ever expected and by far the longest one of my life. BUT, I'm starting to gradually start to get my energy back although quite a way to go yet but I'll take progress nonetheless. Next Dr. appointment is on February 25th and depending oh what my wound looks like, if it's completely healed or still has to close yet. (Right now it still has about 2" to go yet) Getting my muscles back in shape will take a few months, especially the stomach muscles which they cut through at about 7-8 inches long. My goal to return to work is 2017....just kidding. I hope to get the "all clear" for either March 3rd or 10th. On a side note, the massive snowstorm we got was a pretty god one. But it's pretty much melted now and we're supposed to be in the 70's next week. Go figure. Until next time.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Do I dare.....

Complain? Not sure but here goes...even though my appetite is growing and I'm eating what seems like all day long, I can't gain a pound! I know I've lost a bunch of muscle mass so it's going to take time. But geez, I've lost 2 lbs in the last week. One day I'll look back on this and laugh and regret complaining. Here's to more ice cream and cookies! Woo Hoo!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Happiest day since surgery

As most of you know I've been tethered to a Wound Vacuum to help my large incision close quicker. It's about the size of a loaf of bread...the kind from Macaroni Grill lets say. So since surgery, I've been doing the sponge bath routine and just dying to take a real shower. Well, the nurse taught me how to detach from Hoover (I had to name my vacuum) and cover up my wound using tape and Saran Wrap. Right now as I type this I can tell you, my body is saying "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh". What a feeling! I bet the rest of the family will be glad to know I've cleaned up in the shower :) Boy, the regular things we take for granted, huh? That's my highlight for the day....how will you create your own highlight? Enjoy

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Cold/hot....running a fever

Had to go to the emergency room last night after freezing around 4pm (then covering up w/ blankets) and then pulling a 102 temperature around 8pm. Turns out I have a urinary trac infection. So they gave me an antibiotic and scripts for two more antibiotics to start today. Well this morning around 3am, I was freezing again and woke up at 5:30 with a temperature of 103. More Tylenol and Motrin and it broke the fever which is down to 100.5. Just waiting on feedback from my Surgeon on what my next steps should be. Hope this isn't a setback. Another update soon.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Finding what I lost

Ah yes, I lost 19 pounds in 18 days due to the surgery going from 185 down to 166. Guess what, I've found 3 of those lbs already. The appetite is coming back, it's not 100% yet but I'm working on it. In fact, for the Super Bowl, I plan on having as much food as my stomach will hold. Chicken wings, chili, queso and chips....can't wait. Maybe I'll start early and practice up today during some key college BB match ups. Wisconsin vs Ohio State and Duke vs Syracuse. Make it a great Saturday peeps!