Hello all

OK, so it's been about 2-and-a-half weeks since we left the hospital and oddly enough, the same amount of time since I posted, sorry. It's been an interesting patch of life. I'm not so much complaining, just trying to find a "known" point and take inventory.

So we left the hospital, and really, I was much better than the last trip. In September, when I got back I need about 3 day to recover. I'd get out of bed for a few hours, and the go back into hibernation. This trip, I had a slow day, and then I felt good to go. The exception being that I had some restrictions. I wasn't suppose to drive, lift more than 20 lbs., bend at the waist (bend at the knees for safety), that sort of thing.

Back to the story, so I've gradually been gaining strength, which equals the ability to keep up with Ella. That's important as Amanda's the one that has a job right now. It is an odd feeling however, to go from being able to flip, toss, tickle, wrestle, and rough-house with my 4-year-old, to her being able to lift more than I can. No big deal though, It's not so much a strength issue as a pressure on the incisions thing, so as they heal I'm getting my requirements reduced. I got the stitches out on the 10th. Oh man, let me tell you it's nice to wear hats again. Thanks go out to my friendly neighborhood RN.

So, here's the bad news, we go rear-ended on Saturday night. It was not cool. Nobody like getting hit, especially on the weekend, or by someone who speeds off. But, I can temper this with some good news as well. There happened to be a witness who saw the whole thing got the guy's plate and chased 'em as far as they could. They came back to find us, sat at the Hardee's we were parked at until the Cop arrived(about an hour and 15 minutes.) As of yet, we have not heard from from the Police, Insurance, or Surgeon, but it is the first business day after it happened.

BTW, a friend of mine recently posted a quote by "John Lenon"
"Life is what happens while your making other plans." Seems appropriate, huh.


So there you go, People often ask, "What's goin' on man" or "Is there anything new in you life" and I've been responding with, "not really, we're just in one of those seasons where your in a holding pattern." We'll Looks like that's over. We seem to be pretty busy between the go-ing's on of life and Christmas and all of that. As we've had to depend on friends and family for... lots. It seems like Christmas is simpler. You relize in a more concrete form (not just from a pulpit) that family really is all you have. People say "At least you have you heath" I will argue that a group people that value and support is more valuable. I've heard my mother say, more than once, the gift of your time is the most valuable one. Of course... she's my mother.

So that's where we are, what we're doing, how we're using our time. You know the drill, pray please. Also, Have a merry Christmas.
I'll let you know when I get some detail on stuff.

Tony

Comming home...

I'm unhooked,showered, and getting ready to go. I should be released from my deluxe accommodations here at the EMU in room 3 soon and then we'll be headed home.

The Electrodes came out yesterday. It was less than efficient, and no time lines were kept, but that's not really news. We started 2 hrs. late. I spent 5 Hours in recovery (instead of 60-90 min.) most of this is because the nurses have such a hard time getting a hold of Dr.'s to get orders. The important thing is that it all went well and I got back to the room with out complications.

That brings us to today. After speaking with the Gonzalez (Surg), he's got a more positive outlook for things to come. The details are a bit much to explain here, but I am much relieved. Anyway, I as I've said so often, on behalf of Amanda, Ella and myself, Thank you for your prayers.

Updates & timelines

Like I said yesterday, I had a sizzle test in the morning at 9a. That all went fine they didn't mess with me too much. They did 3 electrode groups instead of 2. When they were done, he showed me the gruops he tested and the ones he didn't. He tested 7of 10 overall. At that point I asked "why not just do them all now, so there's no chance they'll ask for more." And he assures me we have all the info we need.

So after the Physicians confrence, they roll all the equipment back into my room. Wouldn't you know it, they need more data. To be fair some of it was just changing frequency in the same spot. None the less... irritating.

So, in theroy, I'm suppose to have the electrodes pulled tomorrow morning. However, they won't give us a time. Just... morning. then an over-night stay gets us to Thursday.

We're trying to get home in time to see Ella's Christmas Program @ Pre-school, Thursday-night.

I hope to see you all soon,
Tony