Let's start with these two...
On the top let me introduce thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthoses, (TLSO)
Thankfully TLSO, or also known as clam shell was only around for two weeks. She was supportive yet very unforgiving.
She did have a sweet little block M on her.
I truly was ready to be done with my turtle impersonation so when the thoracic surgeons said I could stop she came off that evening.
There are moments when I still feel weak but that is due to a weak core not the lack of TLSO.
Below..KCI wound vac. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a therapeutic technique using a vacuum dressing to promote healing in acute or chronic wounds and enhance healing of second and third degree burns. I am the acute wound patient.
Warning, should you Google pictures of wound vacs be prepared for some gory images.
My trusty wound vac has been with me since June 5. An abscess was diagnosed on June 3 and built up over time from the initial hit on the pavement and the added pressure from the TLSO. After 700+ cc's of blood and ick were removed during surgery I was packed with eight rolls of dressing until the 5th when KCI arrived.
He goes with me everywhere.
Everywhere. In a fashionless black purse.
I'm fairly conscious of his tubing that runs from the purse to the dressing on my bum. I attempt to cover him as much as possible with long tunics.
His little motor likes to hum...or basically make a little fart noise... at the most inopportune time. Like in the lull of a conversation with friends.
He will remain with me until the wound on my backside has healed/filled in to certain measurements or no new growth is occurring.
At that time a skin graft will be required. No worries, I'm sure a blog post will follow that event.
My support team from there?
Always, my love.
Terry provides humor, picks up what I can't reach with my new found monkey toes, lifts what is too heavy for my back, plants flowers to brighten my daily view, and sends updated pictures of my bum to my remote nurse practitioner in Oregon.
Then there is Silver, my remote NP.
She advises and encourages at all hours of the day.
Makes sure I know which supplements to take to support my healing body.
She reminds me that I have proven myself to have Wonder Woman status.
Peanut. She calls. She texts. She goes with me to doctor appointments. She goes with me for peanut butter ice cream. Can't ask for more.
My home visiting nurse can't be overlooked. Chris.
He arrives three times a week to change my wound vac dressing.
He's gentle with removing the dressing as he knows it causes me anxiety.
We casually chat about places around town, events happening, wildlife in our yards.
It's simple and easy.
The former coworker who has sent me a meme/joke everyday since May 19. Every. Day.
There comes a point after an accident where you feel like others have forgotten you are still limited in your interactions and abilities. I get that. The days when I when I felt like I was forgotten those silly punny meme brightened my day.
Then...all those who have sent meals, helped with laundry or the yard, sent texts or FB message to check on me.
Some days I think it's only been two months since the accident. What more could I expect?
And some days I think it's only been two months since the accident. Time flies.
There is still much further to go.
But I think I have a solid team.
