When I told Fabgrandpa a little over a month ago that I was not feeling good and that I needed him to take me to the emergency room in Flagstaff, I had no idea that the hospital stay would turn into over a month!
I still don’t really know what happened, other than I had developed a small intestine blockage that in turn developed a severe infection, the end result was at least three surgeries, and I am now living with a colostomy. Is this the way I pictured my life? No. But when I think about the alternative, I’m quite happy to still be here among the living.
The hospital stay was difficult. While we do have lots of friends and many many family members, we don’t know anyone in Flagstaff. Fabgrandpa was having to go home and go to work (one of us has to be working, after all), then drive the 200 miles to Flagstaff Medical Center on his days off to come look in on me and catch up with the doctors and nurses charged with my care. This also involved him getting a motel room in town so he would have a place to stay. This has been a very very expensive ordeal for us both.
I was discharged yesterday and we made the drive home. My daughter, Becca, who lives in Canada, is here to help for me for a couple of weeks. I am very weak, and need help with the smallest things. It was really hard to get myself into the truck to come home! That step up onto the running board was a major obstacle. And those three steps up into the RV? like a mountain range. I am hoping we can get the physical therapy going on and that I can regain my strength quickly.
Alison says
June 13, 2012 at 9:57 amI am glad you are back home Karen! And that you are a live. I’ve missed you and I hope that you are back to your former self soon!
Connie Dean says
June 13, 2012 at 10:10 amKaren I have been very worried about you, all my prayers and well wishes are still out to you.I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this but very very happy for your return,I know it is going to take time for the healing but you are a STRONG WOMAN and your faith will see you through as it has thus far,with all my love,Connie
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
June 13, 2012 at 10:02 amI’m so glad you are back home, I hope you begin to regain your strength soon and I’m glad your daughter is out to help you for a bit.
{hugs}
Lindsay says
June 13, 2012 at 10:04 amI’m so glad to see you’re back home! We’ve been worried about you, lady! My prayers are still with you and Fabgrandpa as you adjust to your new way of life!
Krissy T says
June 13, 2012 at 10:07 amI”m certainly glad to hear you are back home. Take it easy but do as much as you can… wishing you a speedy recovery.
Donna B. McNicol [@donnabmcnicol] says
June 13, 2012 at 10:16 amSOOOO, glad you are home and on the mend. You are right, it’s much better than the alternative. The physical therapy will be long but will help your strength. Stu is almost 3 months out from his double knee replacement and still working on his recovery (although he’s doing really well). Luv ya!!
Elizabeth says
June 13, 2012 at 10:22 amSo glad you are getting better and stronger everyday!!! Still sending lots of love and prayers your way. Take care of yourself! Don’t try to overdo it. 🙂
Lorie Shewbridge says
June 13, 2012 at 10:41 amI am happy you are home and that your daughter gets to spend time with you.
You still have my thoughts and prayers for your recovery.
I think you look beautiful with your going home game face. :-]
Lisa Johnston says
June 13, 2012 at 10:42 amHugs Karen!!! I hope you’re back to feeling better soon. Soooo sorry you had to go through all of this! We all love you and have missed you!!!! <3<3<3<3<3
Henrietta says
June 13, 2012 at 10:54 amSO glad that you are out of the hospital and home! Thinking of you and hoping that your recovery and therapy goes well and you are feeling better soon!
Emily says
June 13, 2012 at 10:59 amI am so glad you are back home and that Becca is there to take care of you. I wish I could be! I love you! <3
Lisa @ Grandma's Briefs says
June 13, 2012 at 11:06 amGlad you’re home. Best wishes for full recovery.
Dawn Fine says
June 13, 2012 at 11:07 amWow~ What an ordeal! I am so happy you are ok now! Take care and take baby steps. You have a great attitude!
Beth Larrabee says
June 13, 2012 at 11:14 amSo glad you are home! I hope you heal quickly! Let us know if you need anything!
Linda says
June 13, 2012 at 11:40 amMy Seester,
I am SO glad that you are back home and that you have Jim & Becca right there with you and ALL of your Canyon family as well. That is a beautiful picture of you cause you are beautiful to me and SUCH a fighter…..need admiration level for you <3
Love you My Seester 🙂
Rachel says
June 13, 2012 at 11:47 amSo glad you are home. The internets have been a boring place without you! <3
Sandra says
June 13, 2012 at 2:10 pmGlad to hear that you’re home and that your daughter was able to come and help out. You’ve just had major surgery so give yourself some time to heal and get your strength back. My husband had the exact same thing happen to him when he was 34 but they reversed his colostomy 6 months after the surgery. Keep your positive attitude. It goes a long way to healing!
Dee says
June 13, 2012 at 2:11 pmWith all you’ve been through it’s so good to see that smiling face. I’m not in the area but if there’s anything I can do long distance such as a voice and ear to talk to over the phone just let me know
Nicole says
June 13, 2012 at 2:16 pmMy husband got his ostomy when he was 27, there is a great online presence of people with ostomies or Osto-mates. 🙂
Gaelyn says
June 13, 2012 at 2:55 pmI’m ready to see your “at home” game face. Big Hugs! See you soon.
Natalie says
June 13, 2012 at 3:11 pmI’m glad you are home safe. Hope you feel better soon!!
Judy Bell says
June 13, 2012 at 5:45 pmBest wishes for a speedy recovery. It is wonderful that Becca was able to come help you. Just rest.
Jenna @ For The Love of Baby! says
June 13, 2012 at 8:09 pmI am so glad you are home! Been thinking about you constantly and I pray you get your strength back fast!!!!
marilyn register says
June 14, 2012 at 1:45 amSo so glad you are home now. A blessing having your daughter there to help. Take it easy and take baby steps getting back on your feet. You have all our prayers and support in being there for you!!!!! Your online friends will continue to pray and your recovery will be a steady process till you are well again. Just don’t push yourself.
Andrew Kardon says
June 14, 2012 at 3:44 pmWow! Sounds like you went through quite an ordeal! Glad to hear you’re finally back home. Rest up and get pampered now!
Connie says
June 14, 2012 at 3:57 pmSO glad you are home! Thanks for the update too.
Michael Erps says
June 14, 2012 at 5:14 pmglad you are back home, take it easy and don’t make another trip to the hospital. Heal fast, and prayers still going out to you.
Kat says
June 15, 2012 at 9:38 pmWhat a scary ordeal!!! I am so so glad you are back home and out of the hospital. I’m sure they took great care of you, but that fresh air and the comforts of home will do you good!