I did it!!

Written Saturday, Jan 14, 2012 7:24am

Well, I stepped out of my comfortable little bubble this week. I started driving again on Tuesday and was able to drive myself to the surgeon’s office on Wednesday to have my drain removed–at 4:45PM. Nothing like the last minute of their work day. But, yes, it is finally out!!!!

Removal of drain resulted in my heading back to work on Thursday and Friday. I’m glad I did. I was exhausted by the end of each day, but the exhaustion was balanced out by the good vibes I got for being back. My students were really sweet and it was good to be back around my colleagues. With the turnover of staff that seems to be endemic of charter schools, I think people were simply relieved to have me back so that there would be some added stability. I was only out an extra 7 school days, but the Geometry teacher and a Spanish teacher had been replaced while I was gone–and we only have a teaching staff of16.

What’s kinda crazy is that I got a sliver on the heel of my left foot on December 27th–the day before surgery. Barb tried to get it out but didn’t have any luck and a nurse prior to my surgery suggested I have my surgeon remove it. Well, opportunity didn’t present itself to have it removed and I pretty much ignored the silly thing for 2 weeks–especially after my mom tried to dig it out. Well, being on my feet for much of the day on Thursday in my cute “I can do this” boots resulted in my heel being most unhappy. I wore frumpy, comfortable shoes on Friday, but realized that I needed to get the sliver removed and so went to urgent care after school. Ummm…a shot of litacane in your heel is the worst. You know it’s going to be bad when the doctor is  telling you so. An assistant actually had to hold my leg down while the doctor was giving me the shot! What is funny is that Terry was at urgent care as well for wax buildup in his ear and heard me from his room yelling in pain, knowing full well it was me.

We stopped for dinner and then at CVS to put in a script for antibiotics and to pick up Epson salts for soaking my foot. By the time we got home at 7:30PM, I was wiped out, hurting all over and not feeling very happy with life–and no longer able to have a glass of wine to mellow me out. Can we say pity party time??? It was actually the first time I’ve felt that low about all this since before surgery. However, it’s amazing what a good night of sleep–and no more pain in my heel this morning–can do about one’s perspective.

Quick Notes:
•Road work has improved many of the roads and streets throughout New Orleans since we have been down here; however, the side streets are still ridiculous. Being a car/truck passenger post-surgery has not been fun…

•Following a mastectomy with lymph node removal, you can no longer have blood pressure taken from that side. In the case of a double mastectomy, women have to have blood pressure taken at the wrist instead.

•My friend Rebecca Madura recommended I watch Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey during recuperation. I’m hooked!!!!! Can’t wait to see the next episode tomorrow night!!

Hope all is well with everyone!
JoAnn