I realise I’ve been missing in action for a few months. Where did Nanette go? Well, in my last post I talked about going back to have more surgery to relieve the pain and tension I feel in my body and flap that limits and prevents me from living my normal life. I had the surgery but there were some complications post operatively and….. I’m still in hospital. It’s been a challenging time with lots of bumps along the way. I was quite flat for a while but I’m feeling much better now.
I’m not going to give you a blow by blow description of the past 4 months but a quick overview of some of the challenges I’ve faced includes a week long post op stint in ICU following a very long and complicated surgery. It was difficult for the doctors to wake me, as my blood pressure kept crashing. My poor brain was so addled with drugs I thought I was in a parallel universe. Everyone looked weird – sort of robot like. Not a time I like to dwell on. That was just the beginning.

I developed a bowel obstruction and that’s what keeps me here today. There has to be more surgery somewhere down the track to correct that obstruction. However, that can’t be done for about 6 months or until the bowel inflammation has settled. Really, it’s just a matter of time. But then, my poor old heart said, “That’s enough” and went into atrial fibrillation. I was quickly transferred to the cardiac ward and spent about a month there while they stabilised things. I’ve had drains put in for all kinds of reasons (Doug says I have more drains than the Brisbane City Council) but ……I’m still here!
Initially, when I came back to the ward where I’d spent time recovering from my first surgery, I was delighted to recognise many of the nurses who were still here. They are a great group who are willing to have a laugh, show great compassion and help out with anything I need. Here we are having a beauty day. This lovely nurse helped me into the shower where I had a long soak…. It had been a while since I’d had a good shower and washed my hair. Then she blow-dried my hair. We had a lot of laughs and I felt like a million dollars.

My job was to start getting out of bed and mobilising as quickly as possible. Surgical complications meant that I now had a numb and somewhat swollen right leg. I couldn’t move out of the bed without assistance from the nurses. That darn leg was not really responsive when I tried to walk either. Lots of physio exercises were given to me and I was back to walking with a large rollater and then later, a wheelie walker. I’m so used to being independent and living life at a good pace….. Even though I’m usually positive and able to manage challenging situations, I had to have a long think and a chat with myself about expectations and managing my feelings.
I resolved to stay cheerful and positive. This was just another challenging period of life and I was going to meet it head on.
The doctors were confident that if I did the walking and exercises I would regain full or almost full use of my leg again. This initial period was hard work. I was trying to walk as much as possible but not always succeeding. The exercises aggravated the pain I still experienced in my flap. Then this was interrupted with that trip to the coronary unit.
It’s always interesting to me to recognise (belatedly) that I was so much more unwell than I realise at the time. I slept a lot…..when I had visitors, when I was alone, when Doug was with me and like a log at night. They say sleep is healing time… well, once again; I had a lot of healing to do.
I’m now feeling strong and generally well in myself. I regularly do laps around the ward (wearing out the carpet) and go for walks outside to the courtyard with my IV pole and array of pumps and infusions. I’m trying to do the exercises as much as I can and am seeing really good results with my leg. Thank goodness!
So what does someone who is in hospital for 6 months do to pass the time? When I wasn’t so well, the best I could do was watch some TV (and go to sleep while watching). Now, I have my guitar with me, some cross stitch to do, books to read and my laptop to write on. What a choice. I also love to watch cooking programs. The staff all laugh at me… someone who cannot eat watching cooking programs. I have intravenous parenteral nutrition providing all my nutrition needs, as I’m unable to have anything but clear fluids until this obstruction is resolved.
The TV I had didn’t receive all the free to air programs and the Nurse Manager of the ward organised me a new TV so I could watch my favourite programs. I was very grateful and felt a bit spoilt. I also have a room with a fabulous view of the river. It all sounds pretty good doesn’t it? I don’t spend time thinking about how much time has passed or how much time to go, but rather I mentally try to stay in the day and keep my focus on that.

There were some special holidays during this period. We had Christmas Day and New Years Day. Here’s a pic of my room all decorated out for Christmas. I had lots of comments on how festive it looked. I had my family to thank for that. Doug and Emily and her husband all pitched in and helped to put up the tinsel and little decorations. We decided that they would all come into the hospital on Christmas day for a picnic lunch. Emily put together some Christmas meats and made some salads and we had the best time together. For me, Christmas is all about family.
On New Years Eve I went down to the lounge area of the ward where we could see the fireworks display a bit further down the river. Quite amazing. I didn’t see the New Year in but I’m looking forward to it being a good year.
And so, time passes and I continue to be the “patient” patient.
Nanette xx
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Lovely that you are progressing well and still keeping positive. My apologies for not being around as we have been doing a fair bit of childcare over the holidays ( all back to normal next week!)
The Rose family all have birthdays this coming week esp Christine 70 and Geoff 98. We’ll be at the Gold Coast for that.
We’re selling our home in Wynnum and every week we clear out more stuff…….
I’ve been doing a lot of reading and look forward to discussing with you – unfortunately most are elibrary books so I can’t pass on. I’ll have a look in my boxes of books ( if I can find them!)
Good to hear from you – keep up the healing and look forward to catching up soon
Ellie
Oh wow. What a time. I am glad to have an update from you but what an update. How much patience and fortitude you have. I am in awe, but also understand “we do what we have to” under the circumstances. Thank you for sharing…and gosh, let’s hope that next time it’s better news for your body. You are amazing…thank you again for blogging about it Nanette!
thanks for your supportive comments Denyse. You’re right, we do what we have to do.
Nanette xx
Great to see that you are feeling well enough to share on your post again. What are journey so far and an inspiring one at that.
Thanks Jean. I’m looking forward to the end of this bit. xx
Xxx as always your an inspiration Mum
Thank you darling xxx
Great to read you’re back in to your blog Nanette!!! Especially love the cooking show mention. 💛
Thnx Kathryn – haha how would I survive without my cooking shows xx Nanette
Good to hear you are going ok keep up the good work think of you quite often.💕💕Cherie
Thanks Cherie
Nanette xx
It has been a while since I read your last blog and am sorry there has been so much trauma for you. It is truly amazing how much resilience we can tap into during challenging times. Still, in all, I find your attitude refreshing and inspiring. I have a friend who has also had a very challenging year. May I share your blog with her. For me the difference between you is that you choose to be positive in the moment. It is a choice even though there must be wallowing moments. Thank you for sharing your story
Warmest regards
Carol
Thanks Carol and of course please feel free to share.
Nanette xx
Thank you Nanette for continuing to share your cancer journey. Your positivity is amazing. I hope your recovery continues to improve each day in order for you to tackle your next surgery for the obstruction. You are an amazing, beautiful and inspiring lady. Take care. xx
Thank you Tammy. Nanette xx
You truly are amazing Nanette & an inspiration in how to live life positively, regardless of circumstances. I wish you all the best in your continuing recovery.
Kindest Regards, Fiona McCarthy xx
Thanks for your kind comments Fiona….. one day at a time. Nanette xx
It was so lovely talking with you today my dear Nan. Xxxx
You too Heather xx