The rehab center was bright and pretty, with a courtyard outside on every floor with beautiful succulent plants, all in bloom. I walked the halls multiple times a day. The staff was very caring, although sometimes took 20 minutes to answer my call button. I would walk in the hall to get some assistance at times. Once I communicated, they were loving and attentive. They really liked me because I was the only patient under 80, and the only one not in diapers! Therefore, my bathroom, shared with 3 other patients in my room, was exceptionally clean.
I tried to explain to the kitchen staff that I was only permitted to eat nonfat Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, green vegetables, fish, eggs, or meat. Broths were okay as well. This was part of the anti-inflammatory diet given to me by the perioperative nurse before surgery. I had been instructed to eat this way for 6 weeks following surgery as a way to increase healing and to reduce pain and inflammation. They kept sending up cakes, muffins, cereals, sandwiches, and pasta! One day my card specifically said, "No gluten, no dairy, no fruit or dried fruit." A chicken quesadilla and fruit cup was sent up, along with a red, white, and blue cupcake for Memorial Day, plus a glass of milk. Well, maybe I should host a nutrition education workshop there when I heal up!
On Memorial Day, my leg kept swelling up something fierce, and the thigh was hot, and bright red, twice the size of my right leg. I was whimpering again, and at 11 pm, the nursing staff counseled my doctors at the hospital. I was brought by ambulance back to the hospital, to the emergency room. They thought I had cellulitis, which is a skin infection which can happen after surgery. A course of strong antibiotics was put into the IV immediately and I was admitted again. I prayed that I would get the exact same room and ward, because I already was familiar with the staff on that ward. My prayers were answered, and I was whisked back into room 6.
The next day, the surgeon looked at my leg and concluded that I didn't have cellulitis. I had just done too much walking in the halls of the rehab center and was increasing inflammation. Once again, the pain was levels 8-10. They could not let me leave until I was off the IV medications and I stayed a few more days.
After 9 days I was finally released to go home. I had an option to go back to the rehab center, but I would rather recuperate and practice walking with family and my cats. Plus, healing at home has been proven to be a faster recovery time in many studies. My journey continues. I am less able on this leg than after the first leg surgery, but I am learning that I cannot have expectations. I can only do my best. My mother always said to me, "We make plans, and God laughs." So true, so true.
Do you have a healing story to share? I want to hear from you.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis
I tried to explain to the kitchen staff that I was only permitted to eat nonfat Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, green vegetables, fish, eggs, or meat. Broths were okay as well. This was part of the anti-inflammatory diet given to me by the perioperative nurse before surgery. I had been instructed to eat this way for 6 weeks following surgery as a way to increase healing and to reduce pain and inflammation. They kept sending up cakes, muffins, cereals, sandwiches, and pasta! One day my card specifically said, "No gluten, no dairy, no fruit or dried fruit." A chicken quesadilla and fruit cup was sent up, along with a red, white, and blue cupcake for Memorial Day, plus a glass of milk. Well, maybe I should host a nutrition education workshop there when I heal up!
On Memorial Day, my leg kept swelling up something fierce, and the thigh was hot, and bright red, twice the size of my right leg. I was whimpering again, and at 11 pm, the nursing staff counseled my doctors at the hospital. I was brought by ambulance back to the hospital, to the emergency room. They thought I had cellulitis, which is a skin infection which can happen after surgery. A course of strong antibiotics was put into the IV immediately and I was admitted again. I prayed that I would get the exact same room and ward, because I already was familiar with the staff on that ward. My prayers were answered, and I was whisked back into room 6.
The next day, the surgeon looked at my leg and concluded that I didn't have cellulitis. I had just done too much walking in the halls of the rehab center and was increasing inflammation. Once again, the pain was levels 8-10. They could not let me leave until I was off the IV medications and I stayed a few more days.
After 9 days I was finally released to go home. I had an option to go back to the rehab center, but I would rather recuperate and practice walking with family and my cats. Plus, healing at home has been proven to be a faster recovery time in many studies. My journey continues. I am less able on this leg than after the first leg surgery, but I am learning that I cannot have expectations. I can only do my best. My mother always said to me, "We make plans, and God laughs." So true, so true.
Do you have a healing story to share? I want to hear from you.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis
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