"Phillipians 4:13": Settling in !!

Ok, the blog has been black for a day but that is because we were developing a routine. Today's blog will be a combined effort of me, Amelia's dad and Elaine, Amelia's mother. Which will probably mean I will write and Elaine will edit. : - )
I have been fortunate to be able to work from home so that allows me to assist Amelia and Elaine whenever needed.
Amelia is progressing well. It is hard to believe that we are still less that 6 days from the surgery. She is spending more and more time out of bed. Sitting in the rec room, walking around. She even walked down to the mailbox to get the mail, assisted by her friend Josh. It is about a block away. I could not watch. She has developed some "puffiness" in her lower back below the incision. The nurse says this is from blood/fluid collecting. Not unusual, should absorb but we will be keeping an eye on it. Amelia had her first shower at home....was a process taking a shower sitting on a stool in the bath tub. Don't want water directly on the incision. Her pain on her left shoulder has diminished. Her body/muscles are adjusting to new alignment.
We are also monitoring what appears to be thrush in her mouth as a result of the medication.....bummer.... does not feel good, inhibits taste buds etc.....we are trying some home remedies, including introducing the ole good bacteria....hopefully, that knocks it down otherwise we would most likely be loading her up in the vehicle to make a trip to the GP for a prescription. Whatever happened to Dr. home visits. Lastly, and I am sure Amelia would not be happy that I am updating you on this but in the spirit of full disclosure, she remains ..how should we say...backed-up...the body functions are not all firing properly..... poor thing, we have tried many options with limited success....this has limited her appetite and made her nauseous. This morning she was throwing-up....try throwing up when you are standing -up without bending your back...it was quite the scene...Elaine standing behind her, with her arms wrapped around her holding a pillow to Amelia's chest(a technique Elaine remembers reading in a book about the surgery).... I was holding a bowl under Amelia's chin when she could not do so...her eyes watering as she was throwing up multiple times but it made her feel better. So we are progressing to Dulcolax and Mineral Oil this morning. Please continue to keep her in your prayers that all the above resolve itself without further complications and that an infection does not develop.

Hey, it's Elaine. We are hanging in there. Yesterday, Amelia was nearly in tears. As I write that, I realize how amazing it is that she has not been in tears before now. If I were in her shoes, it wouldn't be a pretty picture. Anyway, we are working on adjusting her medication schedule, so she and I will be able to get a better sleep schedule. Tough to go to bed, wake 1 1/2 hour later, then every 3 hours for the rest of the night, sometimes being up for 1/2 hour for bathroom trips, etc. She did not last the 3 hour stretch a few times because of pain in her hip when laying on her side. She cannot move herself in bed, but needs assistance. So every time she has her meds, we get her in a new position....she has quite a nest, built with many pillows, when we are through. She and I keep our cell phones nearby, so I have received a few texts in the middle of the night and daytime too.Tomorrow, 7 days from surgery, is the day we remove her last bandage covering her incision. Pray that goes well. I spoke with the surgical nurse yesterday. They are vey helpful and avilable around the clock by phone. They really emphasize doing everything you can to prevent infection, so each day is clean sheets and 6 clean pillowcases, and clean nightshirt. Thank goodness Pat has been able to be here to help, I am stretched thin . Keep us all in your prayers.

Below we have a few new pictures.