After I recovered from sepsis, I did not want to return to the rehab facility. I felt traumatized by what had transpired there. All I wanted was my family. I had been alone through the worst time of my life, and I couldn't deal with being alone anymore. It didn't occur to me how much work it would be for them, or that it would disrupt their lives for more than a month. I just needed my family.
I was finally discharged into my parents' care, but we had to stay in a nearby hotel in case I needed immediate hospital care. I did have a three day re-admission, but nothing serious. My crisis days were over. Thank God!
During that time, I needed to go to a nearby lab in the mornings for bloodwork. It was still very difficult for me to stand or walk. One day I hurried to get out of the car at the lab and into a wheel chair. When I got off balance I fell onto the driveway. Neither I nor my mother could get me up. The lab called an ambulance. They used a sheet under my arms and picked me up. Once up, I was okay. I learned that I couldn't afford to hurry or get off balance. At that time, I was still quite heavy and swollen. My parents weren't able to pick me up if I fell. I had to be more careful.
My days were filled with visits from nurses and physical therapists and small tasks. Even the smallest task was a huge triumph. We take for granted the ease with which we do the simplest things (like showering or walking). When you're healthy, you don't notice the energy you exert to do these things. I was taxed to my limit to accomplish the simplest things, but grateful for every triumph.
I struggled to eat, and my parents did everything they could to find food that was appealing to me. I'm a little embarassed when I look back at how fussy of an eater I was during that time. But most of what I did eat came back up. My father was so patient, and would simply clean it up. He really surprised me with his nursing skills. I knew Mom could be a wonderful nurse, but I had never seen that side of Dad. He changed my bandages, kept my medications straight, and cleaned up after me. Mom fussed at me to do my physical therapy, cooked and took me for labs. I was so blessed to have such a wonderful care team.
On the weekends, my parents took a break and went home. My husband came and stayed with me. I looked forward to our weekends together. I really missed him. He liked to take me out exploring. The haircut he got while we were there is legendary! We've laughed about it since. We went to Lake Erie one Saturday. I think that was a turning point for me. I started feeling like I was living again.
