August 30, 2026
We all know healing doesn't follow a linear, positive direction. The majority of people seem to heal in a two steps forward - one back. Now in Momma's case, she seems to be following a one step forward and two back healing process.
They moved Momma's follow-up appointment up a week from a three weeks to a two weeks after surgery appointment. As it turns out, that was a good move. When the bandage was removed, they discovered a good sized rash developing. And Momma thought itching was a sign of healing. Ha ha! So Dad was once again on his way to the pharmacy to pick up Momma's latest prescription. ONE pill - 10 cents. His thoughts were, "Is this a mistake? One pill?" Yep, one anti fungal pill was all it took to assist in the fading of the rash.
Two days after clearing all the meds off the counter, the spasms began once again, thankfully at a much lower level than previously, but strong enough to wake Momma from a sound sleep. Once again Dad was heading back to the pharmacy, this time to pick up a batch of anti-inflammatory pills to quiet the spasms and let the healing continue. Momma has the doctor's phone number on speed dial. HELP! And he came through as the last couple of days have been much more positive and spasm free. Just when Momma feels she has turned the corner, the path careens off course sharply but thankfully, she has been able to get back on course with the assistance of her doctor.
The home PT tech has been an encouraging cheerleader....and she LOVES dogs...ME!! At the first session, Momma wasn't able to do much of anything suggested without a high level of pain, if at all. By the second session, there was noticeable improvement which the tech was thrilled with, while Momma's thoughts were, there is a long road a head for sure. Keep it in perspective Momma. It's only been two weeks. And you have been deteriorating since the beginning of February when you and the cane became inseparable. Plus think about all that muscle stretching and displacement during surgery to allow the new hip to be put into place.
They told Momma walking is one of the best things for hip replacement therapy so I lead the way around the house, keeping an eye out over my shoulder, while Momma follows along with her walker ... or her cane on a good day.
Dad has been assisting Aunt Pam with a couple of projects in his workshop. Mostly refinishing projects that are easier to tackle if you take the item apart and then conquer the jigsaw puzzle of putting the refinished pieces back together. Those projects are much more to his liking than the housework that Momma isn't up to taking on yet.
I can't say I'm pleased with all these storms lately. I'm quaking in my fur coat! Dad decided to purchase the 'Mitigator' offered by the electric company to assist with protecting the larger appliances when power surges occur. Two days after installation, it was put to its first test when a real close thunder and lightening storm got everyone's attention.
Then the electrician arrived to install a new main entrance box as the old box wasn't allowing the main to be shut off. The electrician added an additional power surge protector which should assist in protection of electronics and smaller appliances. It's a good thing that Dad has a strong heart as it was quite a shock to his system when he found out what the price would be for the new main entrance box installation. But it wasn't something Dad was equipped to do himself so he paid the $5,000 bill with the realization that times have changed and everything is more expensive as he is discovering when he makes a grocery run. Momma has been sheltering him from the rising costs from yesteryear. Reality has set in for sure. Momma has him focusing on the amount of savings line from on sale items purchased to ease the shock. I'm not sure that's really working though.
Okay Momma, it's time for another trip around the house. We need to keep working on recovery and getting you ready to resume wound therapy in the hyperbaric chamber after Labor Day.
I'm Chloe
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