I'd like to not be negative and only talk about the pain I'm in, so I will list the good, interesting and a little bit random things first.
1. I'm learning to type fairly quickly with one hand and for longer periods of time before both hands hurt (the left obviously always more than the right).
2. I get to take naps when ever I want and I'm encouraged to do so! (I like this one A LOT!)
3. I have learned to sleep while wearing a huge shoe. I know shoes in the bed... eeewwww! BUT, I'm a mover in my sleep and just one bump of my toe and I'm sick to my stomach for minutes at a time, so big shoe/boot in the bed it is! (note: I will NOT sleep under the covers - I just can't do it)
4. While going to the store I get to ride in the electric cart. I get to be out and about, but not have to walk... sign me up!
5. I'd just like to refer to number 2 again... super nice!
6. I've learned to make peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches with one hand AND I figured out how to carry a bowl of cereal with milk AND a glass of water or juice to the table... I'm a genius if you ask me!
7. I have a lot of caring and loving friends and family who have helped me and shown support. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Now, for the negative part. I'm still in pain :( I switched from vicodin because it only lessened the pain for 2-3 hours, but my head was crazy for the full 6 hours. I was crying and freaking out over the smallest things. I wasn't able to communicate why I was freaking out and then became more frustrated. I was switched to motrin and it's much better head wise and about the same pain level wise, but does lasts longer - this makes me happy!
I have limited use of my fingers now, mostly pinching my thumb and index finger together without putting too much pressure, (which helps so I can pull my pants up myself and no longer need help using the restroom). I have the success a 3 year old feels when they don't need someone to help them. I still need a lot of help, but I can do something myself! I just have to remember to ask for help when I can't quite do it myself and to stop when it hurts. I have to constantly remind myself the pain is not a measure of how much I can handle (which isn't much), but a warning to stop or slow down.
I'm also finding bruises all over my body (I'm still trying to figure out the quarter size bruise on my stomach... it's a lone bruise... did I fall on a quarter???). My legs and arms are the worst. I notice the one on my left elbow when I prop my arm on the table in restaurants (my dad isn't much for cooking so he takes me out). The tricep on my right arm is still sore, but doing better as time goes on. In fact all my muscles are sore, but getting better. I'm hoping as I start to feel better I can stretch and get my muscles going and hopefully this will help with the tiredness I feel most of the time.
I try not to focus on the fact I can't do things like work in the church office, nursery, and lead the small group (I feel really bad about these things!) and just realize it will all be okay and it's not a bad thing to ask others to help or just say I can't make it.
I'm not doing anything besides going to school this week (big prayers for this one, three hour classes three times!). Hopefully next week I can go to church and hopefully Bible study(s). I'm just taking it one day and a week at a time.
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