I woke to sharp pain in my right leg. The dark hospital room was silent, except for the hushed tick of the second hand on the wall clock. It was three a.m.
I had surgery to correct my broken right leg just nine hours ago. The pain from the six inch plate and eleven screws in my fibula was making it impossible to get back to sleep. I searched my bed for the push-button gizmo that would send pain medication through my IV. As I had many times that night, I pressed the button. After a few minutes, I drifted off to sleep again…
Morning came, and I was scheduled to go home around dinner time. My IV was removed, and I was given pills for the pain. I was actually happy about that. Although very effective, the IV narcotic made me really nauseated. My breakfast consisted of raspberry sherbet, scrambled eggs and ice chips. Sounds like a pretty gross combo, but it was staying down.
Late morning, the physical therapist came by to teach me how to use a knee scooter to get around. It’s basically a knee platform with handlebars and four wheels. We worked out how to transfer out of the bed on one leg, and place my knee on the platform. Then it was time to cruise the hallways of the ward.
I was doing well, but I couldn’t go far. I felt so light-headed! The physical therapist frowned a little and we headed back to my room.
“I was going to teach you how to get up the stairs of your house with crutches next. But let’s wait until you’ve had some lunch. You’ll feel stronger then.”
So again, I chomped ice, ate eggs and sherbet. Okay. Ready to go again.
But the same thing happened. I was not feeling very confident about trying crutches, but I needed to get into my house when I got home. I was able to climb the stairs in the PT room, but it took everything I had. That cast felt like it weighed a hundred pounds.
No one felt very confident, especially me. I ended up spending another night in the hospital. It was so disappointing. Why was I so weak? I texted my brother-the-doctor and told him what was going on. He immediately responded, “Are you eating and drinking enough?”
Uh….no.
How simple. Of course I should have tried to eat more and get my strength up, but I didn’t because I had been so nauseated. I’m a nurse for Pete’s sake, why didn’t I think of that? I started working hard on eating and drinking, and went home the next day.
The remedy was obvious to my brother, but not to me. Stress sure can make even simple problems impossible to solve.
Being pressed and stressed is human, but we don’t have to face it alone. Maybe the solution is simple. But under stress, and without support, we’ll never see it. What a blessing that God gives us friends and family to guide us in our need.
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
Ah, how well I remember caring for my husband’s mother. Paul could not see how fast his mom was deteriorating both physically and mentally and he was in the health profession. It is not only stress that clouds our judgement but also our emotional connection to it all. How are you doing now, Scooter? 🙂
Hi Terry! Thanks for commenting, it’s great to see you here!
You bring up a great point about emotions. They really can change perceptions. Thank goodness you were there for Paul when he really needed you. I know he’s been there for you too.
I’m usually called ‘Gimpy’ around here, but Scooter is nice too! I’m doing pretty well I think. I plan to contact you this week for a ‘tea date’. Hope the weather will cooperate, it’s pretty hairy out there right now. 🙁
So Seahawks!
Ceil
Oh dear one, this has been such a painful challenge for you. Thank you for giving us a peak into your world. And for the reminder that we need community, when we’re stressed or not, to give our lives a rich fullness and deep support that we need to go for the long haul.
Please know that I keep on praying for you. May God draw you even deeper to His tender heart as you spend this unexpected time in the waiting room.
Hi Linda! I do need community, and you are a part of it, I appreciate you so much. I know that I am doing well because of prayer.
I do think I’m learning a lot about ‘waiting’ and being patient with myself. I tend to make lists and be active, but that’s not realistic right now. Here’s hoping I learn what God wants to show me!
Love the idea of being deeper in his heart.
Sunday blessings,
Ceil
Your words tonight remind me again that we need others and especially God to get us through the next hurdle. These words here: “Being pressed and stressed is human, but we don’t have to face it alone. Maybe the solution is simple. But under stress, and without support, we’ll never see it. What a blessing that God gives us friends and family to guide us in our need.” are exactly what have carried me through the last several weeks. Stress and anxiety have ruled my life and with God’s grace and love of family and friends I have made it over the hurdle.
Praying for you during your recovery! Hope it goes fast! 🙂
Hi Mary! It sounds like you’ve been walking through quite a valley these past weeks. I’m so sorry! Stress takes such a toll on my mind, I can empathize with what you went through.
Thank God you had people you could turn to, and thank God you did turn to them! It’s easy to stay in our little foxholes and not even peek out. It’s great that it’s all in your rear view mirror.
Thank you for your prayers, I cherish them. I know it’s helping my attitude and my healing.
Blessings to you,
Ceil
I’m so glad God puts the right people in our path when we need them. This is a great example!
Hi Mari! You and me both! So thankful that I could get some good advice, and start moving in the right direction.
Hope you had a good Monday!
Ceil
So glad your brother is a doctor and he was able to help you “see” clearly. When we are sick and on pain meds, I’m assuming we don’t think as clearly as we might otherwise. Hugs. xx
Hi Joyful! I am very blessed to have a doctor in the family, thank goodness too my ‘fix’ was an easy one.
You make a good point about the pain meds. I probably was in a bit of a fog! In any case, it just showed me how much we need to depend on each other in tough times.
Hugs right back my friend!
Ceil
Praying Ceil for your continued healing with this leg…..I know this has to be such a trying time..period. May you feel Gods presence wrapping his loving arms around you……Blessings~~~Roxie
Hi Roxie! It has been a journey, that’s for sure! I think it’s helping me to be more patient with myself. I hope so anyway.
I do feel God’s presence with me, and I know that’s because of people who are praying for me, people like you. Thank you for being so generous with your prayer, it really is sustaining me.
Happy Monday my friend,
Ceil
I pray for your fast recovery. Yes, thanks God friends and angels that God are sending to help us in times of needs.
Hi Joy! Thank you for your prayers, I really appreciate them. I know they are helping me in these weeks of quiet recovery.
You are one of those angels that God sends in time of need. You are blessing me with your prayers.
Happy Monday!
Ceil
I hope you get better soon . It’s 1:30 AM and I haven’t slept, so I understand!
Hi Freda! So you do understand. I was up until 2 am last night because I couldn’t sleep. I just can’t do enough during the day to get tired enough. Sigh. Well, this too shall pass.
It’s great to see you again! I hope you were able to fall asleep soon after you visited here.
Monday blessings,
Ceil
Let’s see. I have heard that doctors and nurses make the worst patients. It appears like you are proving that. LOL So glad you are feeling better Ceil. And good lesson for all of us to learn.
Hi Bill! Oh dear, I guess I did prove that maxim didn’t I?
Honestly, I think anyone would have behaved the same way. When not at our best, it’s hard to make good choices or push ourselves either. I’m very thankful for my brother’s advice, and wish my nurse would have beaten him to it.
All’s well that ends well though. And it just served to prove how much we need each other.
How’s the rain there?
Ceil
A blessings friendships are, indeed. I know often I can not want to be a burden to others but God truly does give us friends because He wants us to do life together. I continue to pray for your recovery. (((hugs)))
Much love,
Beth
Hi Beth! Thank you for your good wishes and thoughts Beth.
I don’t like to be a ‘burden’ to anyone either, and it can be hard to be the receiver of good works. I guess I have to change my thoughts about that now-a-days…this really is a fruitful time for me!
Hope you don’t have too much trouble getting to work?
Ceil
Stress…it can do a number on us in a hurry…making it hard to think straight…especially when it is pain that is causing the stress. You, dear heart, have had a hard recovery. I cannot imagine carrying the weight of that cast…and using a knee scooter. I trust that your recovery is coming along nicely now.
Hi Dianna! I am out of that clunky cast now, so the boot have is much lighter. Still no weight bearing, but at least I can get in the tub all the way, and get around better.
Stress! That can be as heavy as the cast, right? I am learning a bit about patience and my limits at this point. I have to be able to forgive myself for being tired, and to just rest. It’s not easy sometimes.
The scooter is a God-send. I love it!
I still want your chocolate pie….
Ceil
Oh Ceil, what an ordeal! Hope that healing is quick and uncomplicated for you.
Lately my family has been facing some tough decisions about care for my mother. It’s an excruciating process, trying to weigh options and do the right thing. I am very grateful for the counsel and support of family. Without them, and the Lord, I’d be even more overwhelmed than I am!
May the *right thing* become very apparent to us.
Hi Sharon! It’s so good to see you again! I had no idea you were having such a tough time lately with your Mom. It’s so hard to make ‘grown-up’ decisions for parents. They are supposed to be the grown-ups! I’m so glad you have family that are ready and willing to help you.
I hope the right things come to you all too. Knowing you, you are in prayer about it, and I know that Jesus is listening to you. May he open your heart to know his grace and wisdom.
Peace to you and yours,
Ceil
Hi Ceil! I know that many times in my stress I can’t see a solution for all the difficulties. It is when I “talk it out” with my husband that it comes clear what I should do. Then I’m wondering, “why didn’t I think of this on my own?” So thankful for those God puts in our lives! YOU included! 🙂
Hi Monica! Sounds like you and I have the same experiences! I know my husband has been my ‘go to’ guy on plenty of occasions too. We are certainly lucky to have such great men in our lives.
Thank you for your comment about being thankful for me. That means a lot! We are very blessed to have met each other in the blogging world. I hope we will travel this year together in friendship and faith.
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
Ceil: That was a very good lesson you passed on to us. We, sometimes, think we are doing right by not eating or drinking but we seem to need those vitamins and minerals to help build us up. No, I am not a nurse, just an old lady who has seen a lot in her lifetime. 🙂
Hi Cecelia! I sure learned that the hard way. And you know, it’s not just the medical people who have the market on knowing good sense. We old ladies need to stick together! We have wisdom too.
Thank you for your visit today. Have a good night,
Ceil
I’m sure glad you’re past that stage, Ceil. I hope the pain is more under control and your leg is healing. This post reminds me how sometimes I lag and feel dreary, but some food and drink from God’s Word can give me strength again. Praying you may have strength for each day through this slow process of healing.
Hi Trudy! Thank you for your concern, I am doing pretty well. In about three weeks I get another xray, and hopefully I can start PT. That will be a long road too…
Well, that’s what our lives are, living out the ups and downs. I like your comparing food and drink to prayer and the Lord’s word. You are so right about the refreshment we can all get there!
Have a peaceful night my friend,
Ceil
((HUGS)) Wishing you a quick recovery. Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Hi Debby! Thank you for that powerful hug! And I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I know it’s keeping me on the right track.
Maybe I’ll be out to see a movie or two in a month or so? That would be great 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
I am praying for your speedy and full recovery, Ceil. I hope your leg is not too painful.
May God bless you and your family always.
Hi Victor! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I am doing pretty well. I’m faithful with my exercises, and keeping my leg as quiet as possible. I am one boring gal!!
I’m sure it will all pay off in a few months, when I am back walking again. The Lord wants me to learn patience I think. I know your prayers are helping!
Blessings to you and yours too my friend,
Ceil
Hi Ceil…I think that when it’s us in the situation, our common sense sometimes is not always as good as maybe some of the others around us. Pain and stress can certainly play with our brain, can’t it? I think that’s why someone inventented the word “duh”…lol! I have certainly used it enough times and I didn’t have pain OR stress to blame 🙂
Hi Debby! I do think pain, stress, and as one commenter mentioned, pain medications certainly all played a part. I was so embarrassed when my brother asked about something as basic as eating and drinking. What a ‘duh’ moment that was!
I know I’ve leaned on many friends and family in hard times. We are both so blessed to have people to rely on when we just can’t see.
Great to see you here 🙂
Hope you had a happy Monday,
Ceil
Thanks for stopping by and giving me a little visit on my blog. Made my day! I have really enjoyed reading some of your writing on your blog. God Bless you! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hi Cindy! It was a pleasure to meet you today, and I’m so happy you stopped by! I look forward to getting to know you better.
Hope you had a great Monday 🙂
Ceil
Good reminder that others often see the obvious that we miss. Guess that is why God gave us family and community. Bless you for asking, then listening to the advice. praying for continual healing – you definitely are getting some blog material from this experience. LOL
Hi Jean! I’m so glad I mentioned the situation to my brother, and that he was available to give me the advice I needed. Talk about a ‘God thing’!!
Let me tell you, if there is a more boring life going on now, I don’t know what it is. But somehow, God is showing me his loving hand in all of this broken leg mess. I am learning to clarify my thoughts and also to be patient with myself. It’s a lot to learn, but I’m up for it.
Thanks for visiting!
Ceil
Ugh! So sorry, Ceil. That does not sound fun! But you’re very right. It’s amazing how much easier things are to see from the outside looking in. And, yes, thank goodness for people who can speak in to our lives when we need it. Hope you’re feeling better!
Hi Crystal! I am feeling better, thank you! I rarely take a pain pill, and can keep up with my exercises. Now I have to do them with two pound weights around my ankles, so let’s see what happens there!
Thank you for visiting at such a busy time for you. Blessings on the book launch 🙂
Ceil
Gosh! Sounds awful, Ceil! I pray that you are mending nicely at home. Prayers for a safe recovery!
Hi Patty! Please do keep praying, because I know they are helping me heal. I have about three weeks more until a new xray. Hopefully, I’ll be able to start PT then. I hear that’s a tough road too, but I can’t wait to stand on two legs!
Thank you for your visit today, it’s so nice to see you! Hope you all had a wonderful Monday 🙂
Ceil
I am sorry you have been in so much pain. You are on my prayer list. I hope you are able to get some rest too. And even in your condition, you are teaching us wonderful lessons! Love and hugs to you Ceil!
Mary
Hi Mary! Your prayer list is right where I want to be. Thank you! I am really not in any discomfort now, just minor aches, rubbing irritations. I hear PT is going to be an eye opener though. I hope to start that in a few weeks.
Thank you for your kind words about the insights I’m getting from my situation. That’s one good thing anyway!
I’m so glad to see you here 🙂
Ceil
Wow, quite often it is just that simple solution, isn’t it? Glad it got straightened out and you are on the mend now! 🙂
Hi Karen! Thank you for visiting on your blog-break!
It’s a great thing to have people who can lead when I’m not thinking clearly. And I am thankful for you too, you always have such great tips and blogs to read.
I am on the mend. I hope to start PT in a few weeks!
Have a restful break,
Ceil
It’s funny how outside perspective can help us see. We can see the things we hide from ourselves. We can see the things we just may not be thinking of. I believe this is why scripture talks so much about accountability and community.
I hope you’re healing well!
Hi Loren! What a great point about accountability too. It is puzzling to see how we are perceived sometimes. It’s good to have loyal friends and honest family members to give us the feedback we need to let us see ourselves, as well as help with problems we might have.
You always have such a great take on subjects Loren. Thank you for your added insight!
Happy Wednesday,
Ceil
Thinking of you, friend and sending you warm rays of sunshine and big hugs. Hoping you are feeling much better and on the road to 100% recovery.
Hi Kim! What a lovely note 🙂
You are in my prayers and thoughts too. We have to recover together so we can get back to business! Take it easy my friend. We’ll get there soon enough.
I feel better every day. Thank you for the sunshine, that I could use!
Ceil
Hello, Ceil! I hope the pain is gone now and that you are ready for the PT. God blessed you with so many people who let you feel His love everyday. I will continue to pray for your healing and recovery.
Hi Lea! I really have very little pain. Just discomfort from my boot rubbing on the incision line. Ugh!
Thank you so much for your prayers. I know it’s what will keep me going. I hope to start PT in a few weeks. I have another xray in two weeks to see if I’m healing on schedule. Then the fun starts! I hear PT is not a walk in the park, as they say.
I appreciate your kind words Lea. Thank you for stopping by to lift my spirits 🙂
Ceil
Wow..that was a nasty break…I pray it is healing well. It is traumatic to the whole system when injured that seriously. Therapy will get you up and going in time to get out and enjoy the Spring time.
Hi Dee! I think you are very right about the ‘whole system’ thought. How are you doing? Didn’t you say your broke your leg too? You have been on my mind…
Yes, I agree it is a good time to be mostly housebound. At least I’m not missing good weather! We have lots of snow and cold now. I’ll just sip tea and wait for Spring to come along 🙂
Prayers and blessings,
Ceil
It’s funny how we can neglect doing basic self-care when stressed out!
I hope you are healing quickly!
Hi Jerralea! How nice to see you here!
I didn’t think about it in quite that way, but you’re right. Eating and drinking are basics in self-care. Where was my head??? But that’s when God sends his angels and his angelic people to help me. Phew! Where would I be without them?
Hope you’re having a great day 🙂
Ceil
Greetings Ceil, I’m so glad you came by from Nancy’s because now I’ve found you! It seems we have much in common-especially our likes in music. Must be the same era! I was so interested to read this because I am having a hysterectomy on Monday-it’s been 33 yrs since my last c-section and I’m a baby when it comes to pain. I’ve also heard we can tell the nurses if we get nauseated-can you imagine how bad that would be with an abdominal incision.
I am also going to remember to eat before I take pain meds at home-especially at night. I’m hoping to get off of them as quickly as possible, but also don’t want to let the pain get to me. Thanks for visiting-I’m going to follow you and look forward to getting to know you!
Blessings, Noreen
Hi Noreen! Thank you for coming by for a visit!
I will keep you in my prayers for your surgery on Monday. Oh yes, be sure to tell the nurses what you are going through. How long will you be hospitalized?
Sounds like you have a great attitude about pain management. And it’s a good idea to have food in your stomach when you take them. Don’t forget to eat! It will help you get your strength back.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you better 🙂
Ceil
Ceil, You asked how long I will be hospitalized for -2/3 days; then home to our nest where I can sleep and relax. Praying for you this morning.
Thank you for letting me know! I’ll be thinking and praying for you. I know you’ll feel more comfortable at home, sleeping in your own bed.
Blessings!
Ceil
Oh Ceil!! I still can’t use those crutches to go up or down stairs!!! I sit on every stair I approach and hoist myself up or down, feeling like a child- a weak pathetic invalid.
But I am wise enough in my own right, to know that risking MORE injury or pain to an already worn and weak and rehabilitated leg is dangerous if not stupid. So I sit. I could eat an entire buffet of food, and I would still not use those crutches up or down the stairs!
I’m so sorry you have had to go through so much, my friend. Did you finally use them? BRAVO if you have the courage and strength to do that!!
Hi Chris! I have the crutches under my bed. My sister keeps telling me I should use them, but I’m scared to death of them. Yep…that’s me too. I scoot up the stairs on my rear end. My husband helps to haul me up the last stair as I jump to my walker. (We must make quite a picture!)
It’s good to know my limits. I think I’ll err on the side of safety for now.
Blessings to you my sister!
Ceil
Hi Ceil
Stress can wreck such havoc , I know, I have been there many times.
Thank God for your brother and his good advice .
I keep you in my good thoughts and prayers.
Hi Margie! I think you know a lot about stress, that’s for sure! I am still learning about what a number it can do on clear thinking. It does muddy up those waters but good.
Thank you for your continued good thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate them!
Blessings,
Ceil