General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFINALLY. I am (more or less) back.
This surgery and the entire aftermath have been a big surprise to me.
The surgery took longer than expected.
The anesthesia froze my intestinal tract--oh boy did it.
I had trouble with aspirating stuff--a very big no-no!
My muscles atrophied from lack of exercise.
You get the picture.
I was still making progress on the other areas.
My daughter brought my laptop today and though it's old and slow, it still works!
I was transferred to a rehab center last night and my recovery is well under way.
And of course, I can now talk to all of you!
DBoon
(24,967 posts)Keep getting better!
struggle4progress
(126,109 posts)lame54
(39,716 posts)SheltieLover
(80,270 posts)Yay! So happy to see you!
likesmountains 52
(4,279 posts)róisín_dubh
(12,324 posts)And happy youre on the mend! Big hugs from England 😘
Celerity
(54,333 posts)Wounded Bear
(64,292 posts)Attilatheblond
(8,851 posts)You have brought a rainbow, sunshine, and sparkles to our day today. You are appreciated more than you can ever know.
leftstreet
(40,539 posts)badhair77
(5,178 posts)So good to hear directly from you. Best news Ive heard today. Better days are coming! Sending you healing vibes!
NNadir
(37,970 posts)We wish you a speedy recovery and a return to full health.
malaise
(295,814 posts)Take time and heal
Big big hugs
Bettie
(19,664 posts)that you are on the mend.
William Seger
(12,433 posts)Solly Mack
(96,923 posts)democrank
(12,588 posts)This place isnt the same without you. Hugs .
edbermac
(16,443 posts)Were all happy to hear youre on the mend.
City Lights
(25,796 posts)Great to hear from you. Sorry things with your surgery were worse than expected, but I'm happy you're on the mend and will be back to your old self soon!
chowder66
(12,224 posts)Trueblue Texan
(4,440 posts)So glad to hear you are on your way back to full recovery! We have missed you!
AllaN01Bear
(29,422 posts)Charlie Chapulin
(386 posts)but I wish you all the best. Godspeed in your recovery.
AZJonnie
(3,693 posts)Healing vibes heading out your way in hopes a speedy and successful recovery
2naSalit
(102,628 posts)SO glad to hear form you and that you are recovering from your ordeal.
11 Bravo
(24,308 posts)This place, quite literally, is not the same without you.
Stay well.
calimary
(89,950 posts)Just always remember: slow & steady wins the day.
Slow & steady.
DUgosh
(3,140 posts)We love you Peg
LuckyCharms
(22,591 posts)It's so good to see your name!
Day by day Peggy...you're going to feel better soon!
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Yeah, recovery is a journey; glad you're on that road now
Nevilledog
(55,071 posts)Easterncedar
(6,209 posts)Big hugs from still snowy Maine.
Danmel
(5,772 posts)Hope you feel better every day.
mobeau69
(12,364 posts)EarthAbides
(448 posts)In 2012, I had two back surgeries, a week apart, one to correct a blown disc, the other to cut away the osteomyelitis the doctor discovered that had grabbed a hold of my spine and blown my disc. Fun year! Once I was able to start getting up out of bed I had to learn how to walk all over again. It was a strange experience. I learned why those aluminum walkers with the two wheels in the front are still around. If I had had a walker with the four wheels and the brakes I am sure that walker would have been uncontrollable in my shaky state. As it was, I ended up on the floor a couple of times, when my knees gave out on me, but the old fashioned walker stopped me from what could have been a disaster.
You can do this!! Keep pushing forward! Try to accomplish something new everyday. 6 months from now you will wonder how you did it! Best of luck to you!
electric_blue68
(26,832 posts)Had tri-fractured ankle (in 2012). Did all the various exercises, and devices/equipment at a good rehab place.
JHB
(38,176 posts)Great to hear the news is generally upward, despite the hazards of getting there!
All my best for continued recovery.
AllaN01Bear
(29,422 posts)last weekend and whilst i was in hospital, a friend brought me my tablet. watched youtube videos etc. saved my sanity
irisblue
(37,446 posts)redwitch
(15,259 posts)Every day a little bit better! We love you Peggy, welcome back!
bluestarone
(22,119 posts)Hang in there! So nice to hear your words!!
FakeNoose
(41,522 posts)Sending you a Happy Dance

CrispyQ
(40,945 posts)Glad it's over & you're recovering! Be good to yourself & let people do stuff for you!
LeftInTX
(34,211 posts)But glad you are here!
Deuxcents
(26,795 posts)Grim Chieftain
(1,700 posts)Please take care and be gentle with yourself.
madinmaryland
(65,727 posts)Pucks mom
(118 posts)You were missed. Heal well CP
H2O Man
(79,010 posts)to see you back!
oasis
(53,646 posts)Mad_Dem_X
(10,191 posts)Hope you continue to make progress!
twodogsbarking
(18,693 posts)Lifeafter70
(965 posts)Sending more warmth and healing vibes
CurtEastPoint
(20,010 posts)dem4decades
(14,038 posts)Raine
(31,174 posts)So glad to see you posting again, we missed you!
applegrove
(132,092 posts)Ford_Prefect
(8,603 posts)😀
FalloutShelter
(14,442 posts)So happy to hear from you and get a personal update. Thinking of you in rehab. Have a speedy recovery.❤️🩹
mercuryblues
(16,398 posts)I was going to send my kid to the hospital, yelling CALIFORNIAPEGGY!! until you answered.
StarryNite
(12,105 posts)Welcome back! You were missed!
Vinca
(53,946 posts)Leghorn21
(14,085 posts)Isnt it crazy how quickly our muscles can atrophy?! But a little workout here and stretch there will get you back in shape
toot sweet!!
WHOO HOO!!!!!
Diamond_Dog
(40,506 posts)Wow, what an ordeal you had! Ugh! Finally, its all behind you and youre strong enough to go to Rehab.
As you can tell . Youve had lots of good karma sent to you from everyone here at DU!
I hope your recovery is as speedy as possible! It was so good to read your message! Take care
LetMyPeopleVote
(179,495 posts)Grumpy Old Guy
(4,317 posts)We were all worried about you.
ms liberty
(11,225 posts)quaint
(5,054 posts)Wishing you an easy, quick recovery. You were missed!
🌷💛🌹
JoseBalow
(9,451 posts)I'm glad you're doing better!
George McGovern
(11,945 posts)orleans
(36,893 posts)soon you'll be kickin your heels up again. (just wear some nice supportive shoes!)
glad you're doing okay. take it easy, go slow & hang in there.
and thanks to your daughter for bringing the laptop.
WiVoter
(1,613 posts)Just remember to take care of you and know that we all love you lots! ❤️❤️❤️
George McGovern
(11,945 posts)IbogaProject
(5,872 posts)Glad to hear you are out in rhab now. Hopefully you don't need 100 days inpatient as that is the medicare allowance per year, if I recall correctly.
surfered
(13,355 posts)mountain grammy
(29,009 posts)I cannot express how happy I am to see you here.. Welcome back dear Calfornia Peggy.. We missed you
underpants
(196,391 posts)KatyaR
(3,639 posts)We've been checking every day, we can't do it without you!
lamp_shade
(15,469 posts)spooky3
(38,589 posts)BumRushDaShow
(169,385 posts)A big welcome back from your DU friends Dear Peggy and don't rush and overdue things. We have a ton of luvin' being sent your way!!!
BlueSpot
(1,299 posts)All my best for a full and speedy recovery.
JustinBulletin
(112 posts)mgardener
(2,349 posts)Glad you are OK
AverageOldGuy
(3,795 posts)You likely have figured this out . . . or knew it already, however, here it is again: Therapy is NOT one-and-done. The therapist(s) is/are teaching you activities or exercises for life. When you go home, don't say "Damn!! I'm glad I'm home and don't have to do those exercises any longer." Learn those exercises and do them as the therapists taught you.
When you are all done and go home, get yourself immediately into a routine -- do those exercises daily, plan you reps and sets, and DO THEM until you get like me and are so old and decrepit you can barely move -- then keep on doing them!!!
electric_blue68
(26,832 posts)I did do my rehab exercises about 96% - 97% of the time.
Glad I stuck w it; worked out well. One in particular you'd never guessed I had had a pretty bad accident.
livetohike
(24,266 posts)enough to post. Wishing you a quick recovery
.
cate94
(3,101 posts)You were missed.
Dyedinthewoolliberal
(16,205 posts)electric_blue68
(26,832 posts)Such a scary experience; besides the overall, the aspiration issue! And no fun on the GI track!
May you never ever have the (any!) "big C" again!
[something I chant for the people in my life who have gone through some version of it]
May you have an excellent rehab staff!
A bit of my experience (spaced down in case too intimidating/triggering to read at this moment).
.
.
.
.
I can relate to the muscle issue as I had a tri-fractured ankle, and was in rehab.
All kinds of increasing weights/reps on my ankles. Increasing weighted bars for my shoulders, arms, hands. A mini 2 step for stairs.
Ok- you know how a bicycle the pedals are opposite each other in position? They had a roational wheel device that sat on a table. The wheel was in bicycle position as you would sit on it perpendicular with handles sticking outward sort of like pedals for your hands to grip; and "pedal".
Finally a "bicycle" with handgrips that went somewhat forward, and backward while you also peddled at the same time. They'd add resistance, and length of use over time.
And having had my surgery under anesthesia (originally was slated for local) -I'm guessing they started you off with some version of the device you blow into to check lung strength.
Bit by bit, and keep us posted when you feel up to it.
Niagara
(11,809 posts)I'm continuing to send you healing and positive vibes!
Kid Berwyn
(24,299 posts)Best news ever, too.
Now get feeling yourself
and well.
Nittersing
(8,366 posts)I wonder how many other DUers yelled out "CP's back!!!!" when they saw your post.
So glad to see you here.
Not glad about all the.... stuff!
IcyPeas
(25,443 posts)joanbarnes
(2,118 posts)Miles Archer
(23,099 posts)Having been on the medical treadmill myself for the last two years, I am familiar with progress sometimes being one step forward, two steps back.
One day at a time my friend. You have the kind of positive attitude that will get you through this. We're all rooting for you!
GentryDixon
(3,147 posts)You've been through a great deal. I wish you well in your rehab.
hlthe2b
(113,844 posts)just such a post. So, welcome back. One day at a time, though California Peggy, but I think you will progress quickly now that you are transferring to rehab.
and more
So pleased to hear from you and know you are on the mend!
canetoad
(20,749 posts)It's not the same here without your glowing presence.
Scrivener7
(59,450 posts)like a very hard time, in rehab and healing.
Take very good care of yourself. You can do this.
KitFox
(559 posts)to know you are into the rehab phase. Sending love, hugs, and healing energy that you get stronger every day! 😊🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Biophilic
(6,539 posts)Keep the recovery going.
Turbineguy
(40,040 posts)Hope22
(4,723 posts)Im so happy you are on the mend! Love, hugs and healing energy to you!💗🙏🏼🥰
bamagal62
(4,495 posts)OMGWTF
(5,130 posts)snacker
(3,659 posts)We missed you! Sending hugs and some of those famous DU healing vibes your way.
senseandsensibility
(24,905 posts)Hoping that your recovery continues and you're out of rehab soon and resting at home. It sounds like it's been rough. Let's hope the worst is over.
Hugs from all your buddies here.
highplainsdem
(61,948 posts)Exp
(937 posts)awesomerwb1
(5,094 posts)LiberalArkie
(19,772 posts)I start mineral oil a few days before I have surgery. I learned my lesson in my 20's.
It has always seemed strange that the doctors don't mention it.
Javaman
(65,685 posts)70sEraVet
(5,465 posts)Hope rehab does you well, and you'll soon be back home.
proud patriot
(102,483 posts): patriot:
LoisB
(12,978 posts)MerryBlooms
(12,242 posts)Swede
(39,406 posts)Its wonderful to hear from you so soon.
Walleye
(44,720 posts)HAB911
(10,438 posts)Botany
(77,267 posts)TBF
(36,589 posts)so glad you are doing better! here's to a smooth recovery!!
Passages
(4,097 posts)Ars Longa
(518 posts)I guess my, (and all of our) appeals to the Universal Energy (God?) were heard!!
I hope you keep improving!!
virgdem
(2,318 posts)recuperation is in full swing. Take good care and get all the rest that you need.🩷
yardwork
(69,333 posts)SergeStorms
(20,539 posts)Alice Kramden
(2,947 posts)samplegirl
(13,966 posts)I've been praying for you. Now it's working on your strength again. You can do it!
Sending you big big hug!
TexLaProgressive
(12,729 posts)now I never think old and slow when I think of you. But having been there during recovery it's best to go slow. Be nice to the therapists.
PCIntern
(28,341 posts)Welcome back!!!
godsentme
(226 posts)Wishing you everything good! 🤗💙
MustLoveBeagles
(16,248 posts)I'm sorry to hear there were complications but am glad you're on the mend.
Eko
(9,986 posts)Hug to you.
Eko.
Tree Lady
(13,265 posts)Those rehab centers are supposed to be pretty good. I was offered to go to one after hip surgery but my hubby took care of me.
Keep healing!
a kennedy
(35,924 posts)🙏🏻
spanone
(141,535 posts)fierywoman
(8,587 posts)JohnnyLib2
(11,333 posts)For you and for all the rest of us. Best wishes from KY.
Moostache
(11,169 posts)Wishing you a swift and full recovery, take care of yourself!
dlilafae
(437 posts)welcome back to us. We missed your contribution to the group. Keep getting stronger, and feel better now. ❤️💙❤️ 😊💐
Dunc
(275 posts)hamsterjill
(17,562 posts)Glad to see that you're back and that your recovery is under way. All the very best to you for the best and speediest improvement!
Buddyzbuddy
(2,553 posts)I hope it's quick and painless.
Except for the well wishes, ignor the political stuff, it won't help you heal.
Be well, CP.
marble falls
(71,872 posts)Bread and Circuses
(2,008 posts)Horse with no Name
(34,238 posts)Hope the mending doesnt take too long!
Rhiannon12866
(255,147 posts)I sure hope that those powerful DU vibes that we were all sending did the trick! Please, just take care of yourself, follow doctor's orders and wishing you a safe recovery!
blogslug
(39,161 posts)Yay!
vapor2
(4,467 posts)sinkingfeeling
(57,788 posts)Hiawatha Pete
(2,082 posts)Glad to have you back!
Best wishes, Pete
SunSeeker
(58,250 posts)Aussie105
(7,897 posts)Take it easy, going to take a while.
Rehab, then home, no rush.
Don't rush trying to get back into your normal routine once home.
Got some in-home help lined up?
Worth a thought.
Wild blueberry
(8,286 posts)We are so happy to hear from you.
Please take it slow and easy, all your energy into healing.
We'll be here. We love you. Hugs
FuzzyRabbit
(2,215 posts)Good to hear from you.
skylucy
(4,024 posts)Heal well!
Hey Joe
(604 posts)NH Ethylene
(31,339 posts)Mira
(22,684 posts)So good all the way around. Good you lived to be back and to recover and report. Good you kept the spirit and allowed the vibes of love and well wishes to reach you. All of this could be oh so different. And all of this could be instantly different it you yourself were not so damned GOOD.
We love you, we appreciate you, and we need you.
I have followed your travails and your challenges, and I have done so with my own private types of prayers.
raging moderate
(4,622 posts)We hope every day will be better for you!
LudwigPastorius
(14,685 posts)Glad you are on the road back to Wellville.
mokeyz
(111 posts)May your recovery be quick💙💛
evolves
(5,835 posts)Glad you are on the road to recovery!
relayerbob
(7,422 posts)Itll get better!
IA8IT
(6,415 posts)markodochartaigh
(5,529 posts)It's great to see that you are on the mend!
barbtries
(31,301 posts)but don't stay up too late! Concentrate on recovery, please.
Plain to see you've been through hell. Hope it's all much smoother sailing from here on out, and that your surgery was 100% successful.
peggysue2
(12,529 posts)So good to read your words.
ornotna
(11,463 posts)Figarosmom
(11,861 posts)Fla Dem
(27,618 posts)ChazInAz
(3,017 posts)littlemissmartypants
(33,355 posts)Don't worry about us. We will be here for you in any way we can and will support your recovery with the love and enthusiasm that you deserve.
Be sure to do your independent exercises assigned by your rehabilitation team, extra if you can. Those exercises are the key to your robust recovery.
We love you so much. You are a role model for us all in numerous ways. Thank you so much.
Stay encouraged.
❤️pants
ShazamIam
(3,116 posts)Ellipsis
(9,454 posts)Of this I have no doubt.
One would think you are truly a fortunate to have so many folks around you... but it's just your karma girl.
So much energy from people here that support you helps. Heal well.
NewLarry
(152 posts)We missed you.
Mblaze
(1,015 posts)Ocelot II
(130,439 posts)Festivito
(13,879 posts)58Sunliner
(6,321 posts)hatrack
(64,832 posts)Always good to know that someone who has been here almost as long as I have (yeesh) is still on DU. Hope healing proceeds apace!
HeartsCanHope
(1,667 posts)Sending you healing vibes, love and light.
Can't wait until you are back posting your gorgeous photos!
summer_in_TX
(4,159 posts)Keep on keeping on!
Kaleva
(40,346 posts)Laurelin
(891 posts)I'm sending you all sorts of positive thoughts. You were missed!
EuterpeThelo
(331 posts)Glad you came through it OK. You were missed!
peacebuzzard
(5,868 posts)glad you are recovering; best wishes for a speedy return to normal....
AllyCat
(18,814 posts)Keep on keeping on!
Alephy
(158 posts)niyad
(132,223 posts)recovery and healing.
hugggggggggs
area51
(12,680 posts)KPN
(17,363 posts)recovery. Welcome back CaPeg.
Warpy
(114,590 posts)Rehab will be next on the agenda and then you will be on the mend and can tell us all about it. Or not.
I'm just glad you're back.
Trueblue1968
(19,238 posts)blm
(114,648 posts)🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼
BlueWaveNeverEnd
(14,145 posts)3catwoman3
(29,354 posts)Our collective sigh of relief may have cause a wind gust heading for California.
Bayard
(29,590 posts)Very glad to hear from you. Hang in there.
Randomthought
(1,057 posts)kysrsoze
(6,442 posts)Figarosmom
(11,861 posts)FM123
(10,372 posts)Sending you hugs, lots of them.
Lionel Mandrake
(4,209 posts)stillspkg
(190 posts)Be strengthened by the love and support of your sojourner/warriors.
DFW
(60,152 posts)The longest journey starts with a single step.
You have just taken yours.
pnwmom
(110,255 posts)Wishing you all the best in your recovery!