On the Mend, Headed To the Beach

Apparently I heal faster than expected. I was released from the hospital on Friday, July 20, after a 4 day stay. I got off the lines (morphine, antibiotics, Ringer's, and catheter) after 2 days, then was fitted with a more comfortable cast on the 20th. Of course I had 3 drain lines in me - one in my arm, two in my side for the back incision - as well as a plethora of pills, everything from antibiotics to pain meds to laxatives. I was still wearing a hospital gown, but at least a shred of my dignity returned as I donned short pants for the first time since the operation! I'll post pictures later as my brother emails them to me.

I've been resting and recovering at my Mom's place, a very comfortable abode. Lots of family and friends come to visit, and my drains are cared for expertly by a variety of nurses, siblings, and friends from my Mom's condo. They've made trips to my favorite markets to buy me vegetarian fare (I've been especially feasting on lots of salad and fruit and soy protein), and one friend (Paula G) made me special meals - ratatouille inspired by the movie of the same name, and tofu & eggplant curry over green rice. I could get too used to this type of treatment!

It's been two weeks now since the surgery. Last week two of the three drainage tubes were removed, and my cast was redone to give me a better fit. This week (tomorrow) most likely the last drainage tube will come out. I've also been given clearance to go to Cape May this August, so I won't miss the family trip after all! I can do a fair number of things - bathing, dressing, feeding, and the like -so I'll see what mischief I can get into in NJ's Victorian vacation mecca. I will have my camera and tripod, so maybe I can still capture the nieces and nephew at their best on the beach.

All told, the doctors were right when they said I'd feel like a human being in two weeks. I was able to go to my house yesterday, to prepare for Cape May, and spend 3+ hours packing camera gear, setting up the laptop for photography (adding Photoshop and such), getting clothes and my beach chair, and other assorted sundries (like which bottle of wine to take). We'll see how much faster mending occurs at the Jersey shore. Until then, enjoy the heat of August and pray for rain for the crops.