Day 14 Post-Op: The Torso Tube, The Grabbers, and Crossing the Two-Week Threshold at Porter
Monday and Tuesday were the most exhausting physical low points of this entire recovery.
My torso had become a solid cylinder with zero shape, compressed to the point where every breath was pressing against my sore ribs. I am now calling it my torso tube. I have been desperate for things to get moving for days on end, and the discomfort had peaked out at this point. Matt and I have been running on absolute fumes. The exhaustion has taken a toll. Caretaking around the clock is a test of endurance. Matt has been working hard. At the same time, being trapped in this chair and limited to everything I am able to do has been wearing me down.
The only small piece of levity and reclaimed independence came from our new household decor: a bunch of grabbers stationed in every single room. Propped beside the chair, resting against the nightstand, and hooked to the kitchen counter, those plastic reacher claws have become my personal triumph over the strict “no bending, lifting, or twisting” rule. Everything I manage to pick up off the floor feels like an accomplishment!
Then, late Tuesday night there was a huge shift and I was able to sleep through the night! Both Matt and I woke up “refreshed,” which is all relative, but still it was a hopeful way to start the day.
Wednesday morning was our first official post-op appointment back at Porter Hospital with my nurse practitioner, Freddie. She walked into the room with such positive energy and a huge smile across her face. It immediately made me feel the same lightness. Freddie is so beautiful, and Matt and I both agree that she looks like somebody famous. Anyway, her smile lit up her face and her first question was, “how are you?” I couldn’t help but to respond, “pretty good actually! You guys must time your post-ops perfectly, because I think I just turned a corner last night! Because, I’m not going to lie, the last couple of weeks have been pretty rough!” We talked about everything going on and she reassured me that my recovery is right on target.
And then, she excitedly said, “well, do you want to see the before and after?” “The images of my back? I replied, “Yes, I am so excited!” Indeed, she had my before and after, side by side images of my back from the front and side. And, even though I saw these in the hospital with Dr. Allison, my jaw was still on the floor. Freddie was proud to show and tell Dr. Allison and the team’s handiwork. And it was impressive. She highlighted my very straight spine, my improved posture and even gave props to the person who stitched up my tattoo back to perfect alignment, across my spine. I was duly impressed and the overall mood of the appointment carried both of us through the day!
That afternoon, still feeling energized, Matt and I made our way to the grocery store, my first outing outside of the hospital. It actually felt good to walk through the store, slowly, and with the support of the cart. We picked up some things for smoothies and other things on the list. My friend Kelly recommended a specific protein powder that arrived on our doorstep that day. I just had to get frozen greens and fruit, oatmilk, yogurt and other things to have some variety. We made it through the store and home with no hiccups. But we lost all motivation to figure out dinner when we returned home. We are so very thankful for the food that has been delivered to us that makes it so much easier. So, that wrapped up a great day 14 report. I feel the bright light that came with a very positive post op report that matched how much better I was feeling.
