Legacy

After delaying out departure from Arkansas twice, we are now back in Iowa again.  Sometimes, it's just so hard to say good-bye!   Our time was great with our girls and families, never a dull moment when we are together.  Mike got to use his mechanical gifts a bit during our visit, and helped Lori with some of her yard work.  This is another favorite picture from our session the weekend they came up to Iowa in October.  Love our girls!

My foot continues to heal and I am now at 5 weeks post surgery #2, which means I can put 25% of weight on it now.  I'm a bit more mobile and confident than with the first one and limping around without my crutches and scooter now.  They still get sore and tired and let me know when I've been on both of them for too long.

I  cannot tell  you how much I have thought of my mother during this recovery time.  She had MS the last 20 plus years of her life and could not walk at all during most of that time.  When I would surround my chair with all my books and projects and things I needed,  it reminded me so much of her; and yet she had it SO MUCH worse.  At least I could get up and move around when I wanted to- but she did not have that choice.  I really don't know how she endured SO MANY years of her predicament so joyfully.  Dad was the saint of all in caring for her all those years and never complaining either.  What an example of "being content in all circumstances" they have left as an inheritance to me. Their situation has been a good encouragement to me, whenever I was tempted to have a pity party about my immobility these last few months.  I feel like I'm really on the home stretch now in my recovery.  Just in time to enjoy the holidays and get ready for our return to Thailand in January.  Time to decorate our little cabin with some Christmas cheer!  Happy December 1st everyone!

same song, second verse

Thank you for the calls and inquiries concerning my 2nd surgery.  I guess it's not as big of deal the second time around, which is probably why  I haven't done as much updating.  I had my one week post surgery check up this week, and the x-rays showed that all the bones are aligned as they are suppose to be so I just have to be patient and wait now for those broken bones to heal together again.  I will say I am not as cautious, because I know better what I can do and not do.  The nurse compared it to having children.  The first one you are much more cautious and unsure.  With later ones, you know what to expect and relax more. So, if you just came on my band wagon recently, you can read all about what surgery I had done, why I waited so long, and what to expect in recovery from all my posts on the right column or click here on Bunion surgery #1.

Even though I have plenty to work on here at the little cabin, I get antsy and Mike  takes me out now and then.  It doesn't take long though for my foot to start hurting and it telling me that I'd rather be home with it iced and elevated. 

During this time of recovery I have been doing a Beth Moore Bible Study on the book of James with a group of ladies from Grace Brethren Church.  Anyone who has ever done one knows that they are very time consuming, but the timing was perfect for me to enjoy this in depth study.  I spend almost an  hour on it each day and have enjoyed the book of James like never before. It has been full of both  encouragement and conviction for me.

Missing these fun grand kids already and just saw them a few weeks ago. The girls in Arkansas are asking why I'm just sitting up here in Iowa alone, when I could be sitting down there with them.  We are trying to figure out the best dates to go down and visit them again.  Arkansas is sure a lot closer to Iowa than Thailand- so hoping we can make use of this time and see them soon.

Successful Surgery #2

Quick update for my praying friends to say that bunion surgery #2 went well today and I am glad that it is over with.  I've spent much of the day sleeping off and on and readjusting to no weight on the OTHER foot now. Mike is a great nurse for me and in some ways we know better what to do the second time around. God has been  good to me  and is  my Jehovah-Rapha, God the healer!  Thank you so much for your prayers today!

8 weeks down and 1 to go

Today, I finally reached the permission date to put 100%  weight on my left foot since surgery was 8 weeks ago.  However, that means it's time for surgery #2 on my right foot, which will be one week from today.  Just when I've started feeling a bit more normal, I'll start all over again. :(

Mike is glad to be done with jury duty.  We found the articles  on his case  and you can read them in the paper here. It was  certainly complicated.

Mike has been using his free time off and on this month to help trim trees here at the conference center.  What is it about a man and a chain saw?  Mike just enjoys the hard work and getting the job done.

There are so many beautiful trees around the grounds here and a lot of  old ones that need trimming.  We've seen too many branches and limbs fall lately, so they definitely need trimmed.

We continue to communicate with our TCCC staff and hear great reports about the student conferences that are taking place during semester break this month.  They just finished the northern Thailand LTI and sent us this report from the training. The first half is footage of the travel to the conference, but if you fast forward to the second half you can watch the students and staff at the conference.  It makes us miss Thailand and the students and staff there. We're thankful for our Thai staff leading the ministry and all that God is doing in students lives.

I can walk!

This week marked 5 weeks since my surgery and I can now put 25%  weight on that foot.  I hadn't been to the doctor for three weeks because of my trip to Arkansas.  I was curious and had questions  for the follow up appointment.

The news was good and bad:
The GOOD- It was comforting to know that my recovery and healing is going well.  I have had so much swelling that I still cannot put on any shoes, which I was concerned about.   I found out that the swelling is normal and the peak time of swelling is actually now at weeks 4 and 5 because I am starting to put weight on my foot again.  I got just a little admonition to keep it elevated more, use more cold ice packs, and massage the foot more.  I was encouraged to find the biggest shoe that I could in order to start wearing it more. I guess it was just a matter of my mind, because yesterday I decided to start walking without crutches or my scooter (for short distances) and it is a WONDERFUL feeling to walk again (even if it is a limp). I can walk again!  Yay!
The BAD- They already started the paper work for my next surgery, October 25.  There were appointments to set, papers to sign, and just too much talk about what to expect with surgery #2. Again on the right foot, they said I have waited a bit too long causing the surgery to be more extensive than normal bunions.  He warned me that he may have to cut the bone in three places, but won't know until he gets it opened up.  Maybe it's not really such bad news.  I guess I feel like I'm still trying to just feel normal again and not ready to talk yet about going through it  all over again.

I know this may be a bit of overload info about my recovery- but it brings me back to the whole reason that I am here in the USA. I want to be a good patient, so the healing goes well.  If the next surgery goes as well as this one, I will be very happy!

If I had to pick any time of year to  enjoy Iowa- it would be now.  The leaves all around us are turning such beautiful colors and the weather is ideal to me. Not too cold, not too hot- just right!

I am so thankful for this quiet, cozy, little cabin and the simple life during this time.

10%

Thursday was a big day.  It was one month since the left foot surgery and now I get to put 10% of weight on my foot.  I'm still not sure how to measure that 10%- but I know my foot can now rest on the ground which is a good feeling. I'm not wearing the big boot anymore, but a smaller one.  My scooter is still my faithful companion.  It makes the hopping around so much easier and faster!

Being down here in Arkansas with all four girls has been a bit difficult because they and the grand-kids lead active lives and I'm limited on keeping up with all of them.  And yet, I am so thankful to get this time with them. We have enjoyed more intentional time with each of them.  We've tried to get time alone with each one and their spouses and catch up on their lives.  Being that they are all in a future time of transition and seeking God for decisions concerning work, we are so glad that we can be here with them to listen to their hearts and know how to more effectively pray for them  All four girls have hearts to serve God with their lives, and we are so thankful for the way we see them seeking Him to direct them in future decisions.

I an uncovering my foot more often now and have the big revealing to follow.  Don't get too grossed out! It is still swollen a lot and gets purple-ish if it is not elevated.

My next goal is to get shoes to fit on the foot again.  Haven't found any yet! Sorry to cause any nausea for some of you today! Healing is taking place!

The Flamingo

This is exactly how I have felt these past three weeks.  Always standing on one foot!  In one more week, (four weeks after surgery) I get to start putting 10% of my weight on my foot.  I'm not quite sure how this 10% thing will work, but I know that I am really looking forward to that promotion in my recovery!

Jen had to get back to work so on Wednesday she loaded this ole Mama into the back seat of her car and drove us 8 hours down to Arkansas so I could recover with my family until Mike gets back.

 
It is so nice to have all four girls living in Fayetteville together so that I can go to one destination and visit all of them. 

Since everyone else is at work during the day, I'm staying with Marisa.  I'm definitely not much help to her, but at least I can read books, and play 'sit still' games with my grand kids.

They all are pretty fascinated by this interesting new Grandma.  At first I was a bit scary, but now Nathan LOVES my scooter.

In fact, they all think it is really cool and want a turn on it.  

Even the crutches are interesting and everyone wants a try with them. I have lots of little helpers here, and everyone is taking real good care of Nina.  I love the compassion, empathy and tenderness that children have towards someone disabled like me.

 

Memorabilia's

The tubs in storage have been labelled "Keepsakes to Sort".  They've been waiting for my attention for many years.  It has been one of my favorite activities during my recovery.

When we first packed our possessions to leave behind here in the USA (in 1978) as we left to go to Asia, we packed everything in barrels.  Why in 50 gallon barrels?  I'm not really sure, to be honest, but that was what missionaries always stored their things in.  Better use of space? Better than cardboard boxes?  After about 20 years of digging though those barrels, they were replaced with plastic storage tubs.  Then when dad and mom died, the "Keepsakes to Sort" increased.

This has been the first block of time that I've had to start that sorting.  It has been so so fun!  My mom was a great saver.  She saved all my old birthday cards, letters, photos galore, and scrapbooks.  My plan was to do a lot of tossing, but since I've waited so long-- this stuff is cool "Vintage" stuff now!  I'm not doing too much throwing so far! Here's a few of my favorite finds:

My mother was great at filling out our baby books.  I actually had three.  I love reading all about my family's adjustment to me, their love for me, what a great baby I was, and what life was like back then.  Any of you mama's who feel like giving up on the "Baby Books", I encourage you to keep at it.  I have appreciated my mom's efforts so much.  Notice the blanket with my named embroidered on it, handmade by my great grandma (I think)

My parents did not allow me to have "Barbie" dolls.  They were too shapely and worldly.  But Tammy was acceptable!  Did anyone else have one?  She was definitely one of my favorite childhood treasures, with all her store bought and homemade outfits.

Being an Iowa farm-girl,  4-H was a big part of my life.  I learned a lot through our local club and have great memories of entering my sewing, baking, and decorating projects at the county fair.

Cheerleading was a huge part of my Jr High and High school years.  I have pages in old scrapbooks devoted to those memories, too.

I didn't know Mike in high school, but evidently he was a track star!  He has an album full of newspaper articles from their wins at  meets.  He ran the mile at the State meet!

The doctor said two more weeks of staying off the foot.  Although, I'm getting better at going out by hopping and  scooting,  I think I still have time to sort through more tubs of treasures as I sit and wait for healing to take place.

So why did I wait so long?

I've had these bunions on my feet for at least 20 years! So why did I wait so long to get them taken off?  Well.......

1) I live most of my life in the tropics where it is most common to wear flip-flops and sandals everyday.  As long as I wear those sandals with no pressure on my feet, they really do not bother me.  It is only when we are in the USA and I have to wear real shoes, that my feet hurt from the tightness of the shoes.

2) Who has time in their schedule to take off 12 weeks for non weight bearing on their foot?  It would be extremely difficult for a mother of four active children.  I  knew it would be best to wait till the girls were older.  Once they were out of the house, it was still difficult to find a time "to be still".  I really preferred to have it done in my own home in Thailand- but as I mentioned before after having all our births and medical work done in Thailand, we just did not feel comfortable with this one being done there. Each trip to the USA these past 10 years has been either for putting daughters in college, weddings, funerals, or something else that involved much attention.

This fall was the first time that we felt was a time to consider it.  The doc said it would have been easier sooner- but the time was right now.

I've started venturing out a bit more this past week.  I've found though that between lugging around that big black boot on my left foot and using crutches or hopping or scooting; that after just a few hours, I come home pretty tired.  I'm still spending a lot of time sitting in a recliner.  I miss the "remote control friendly culture" of Thailand.  It is common there and in our home we have remotes to control some of the air conditioner temps, fans, TV and even some lights.  I think my nurse, Mike would like me to have some of the remotes here too- for his sake! :) 

So anyway- sorry for these boring updates.  Oh how I miss being able to add pictures to my posts to make them more interesting.  I'd love to share some of the fun Iowa images that I'm enjoying-- but standing on one foot and balancing with crutches has not allowed me much photo taking! Tomorrow is my two week post surgery check-up and hoping Doc tells me that I can take off and start running again!  Ha ha- no chance! I'm trying my best to be a good patient and stay off my foot so that it can heal! Two weeks down- two weeks to go!

Help, I'm going CrAzY!

and yet wait... I am really loving this time.  My feelings go back and forth daily about this time of recovery.  Anyone who knows me very well, remembers that I am a "project" girl.  Always working on something.  Knowing that I would have to stay off my feet off and on throughout this fall of recovery, I planned all kinds of projects that could be done while sitting.  Beside me is a stack of books, my computer,  and things to do.  I was actually looking forward to some down time.  But after a lifestyle of going, going, going... it is hard to switch gears so abruptly. After day #3, I told Mike that I was already getting stir-crazy.  He laughed and said,"3 days down, 27 to go".  Ugh!

I think it's just a matter of getting use to the quiet.  The next day, I sat looking out our window and felt so at peace and so thankful for this time.  It is so quiet up here, the weather has been beautiful, and I don't think I've ever ever had uninterrupted time like this.  It is wonderful to have time to read and get caught up on some things that I have wanted to do. I sound schizo, don't I? Love it- Loathe it!

Visitors have helped a lot.  We have had someone stop by everyday so far and it has been great to just sit and catch up without being rushed.  We have been well fed, too!  The kindness of family and friends in this area is a blessing to us.  Please y'all keep on comin' by!  Probably good to call first, we'd appreciate that- but since we can't come to you, you can come to us!

Yesterday was the one week post surgery check-up and I got a good report that my obedience is paying off with a good healing.  Orders are:  one more week of keeping it elevated 85% of the time, keep it dry, and  no weight on the foot.

 

This little knee scooter has become my best friend.  I go NO WHERE without her and she makes getting around real easy.  Thanks to an old high school friend for lending me hers. Mine doesn't have a basket, but I'm thinking that is a nice accessory that I need to check in to. Thanks for your prayers!

Bunions: 101

I've had a lot of questions asked me about my bunion!  So for those of you still wondering, here is a little lesson from me:  We'll call it " Bunions 101"!

A bunion  is a bump of bone caused by the great toe deviating or bending toward the lesser toes.

Bunions are caused by different causes but in my case it is  genetic. 

Most bunion corrections require a procedure to narrow and straighten the bunion joint. The heart of this procedure involves a bone cut shaped like a 'Z" configuration.

Bunion surgery recovery is largely dependent on how well you follow doctor’s orders. The less weight on the foot, the better and faster you will heal.

This illustration may help explain it best:

Guess, it may be obvious that I'm home-bound spending quite a bit of time reading on Google!  Just trying to be a good patient until the Dr. tells me that I can get up and around again!

I've been tempted to nap during the day as I get sleepy, but have not allowed myself naps so that I can sleep good at night.  I know myself pretty well in that the more I sleep during the day- the less I will sleep at night time.  I value a good nights sleep too much too forfeit it with a nap! Thanks for your continued prayers... Feeling blessed and thankful!

72 hours post surgery- Day #4

It's amazing!  Still no pain!  No, I think it's God's blessing on me! All the anesthesia has worn off by now and I have had zero level of pain! I am so so so thankful!

I will say though that the no weight bearing for a month may turn in to more of a challenge than I thought.  I have lists of projects to work on and a stack of books beside my chair but I am already starting to feel a bit antsy!  I think my style likes a bit more variety than sitting in one small area! Nurse Mike has been great!

Biggest challenge of today was figuring out how to take a shower in our tiny shower stall and not get my foot wet.  Through much planning and  plotting, I succeeded and feel so much better.

Visitors have helped and we have enough food here to last us till it snows!  I had stocked us up the day before surgery and wonderful friends Ron, Vivian, and Diane brought us a weeks worth from the gang at GBC! Here's to a month of sitting, eating, reading, snacking, and growing! Feeling thankful!

It's Gone

Surgery went great today...in my opinion anyway, because I slept through it.  Dr. Cervetti discovered once he got in there that he did not have to do as much cutting as he thought he may have to.  Instead of cutting the bone in three different places, he cut it just once, shaved it and put in the two pins.  I am so thankful and my recovery will be much easier.

This is the last picture that I  of took of my beautiful hereditary bunions.  The one on the left is no more, but I have not see the new foot yet.

This has been my view today and for the next several weeks.  Elevation of it above my nose level and ice packs are orders for these first few days.  So far there has been no pain.  I think the surgery meds have not worn off yet.  Getting the sedation drugs out of my system has been the task today.  I was very loopy and sleepy most of the day.

I know many were praying and that is why I wanted to get this update posted.  God is good and answered your prayers. I was at peace knowing my Podiatrist is a Christian, along with my anesthesiologist, Dr. Grady (who is my cousins son), and then I had two nurses who were very interested in doing some medical missions work someday soon.  I'll be more prepared for surgery/party #2, after going through this today!

I know the recovery is a long road ahead of me.  No weight on the foot for one month (at least) is going to keep me quite home bound and limited in activities.  After our full and crazy schedules, I am looking forward to this down time and so is Mike. More updates to come- thanks so much for your prayers.  

It's Time!!!!

Tomorrow is surgery day!  It's 11pm right now and we check in at 5:30am for my 7:00am surgery on my left foot.  Still have limited Internet here- but wanted to get this note out to ask for prayers.  Hope to be back home by noon, and will update whenever I get around to it! Thanks for your prayers!