The hardest part of recovery for my second craniotomy has been the complete lack of consistent progress. This current process has been a case of two steps forward, and one step back and someone keeps changing the dance step. The last time, my recovery looked like an ascending linear line. This time, there appears to be "no method to the madness".
A variety of symptoms present (dizziness, swelling of feet, ankle and face, severe tingling and numbness in my extremities, a foot drag, inability to swing my legs when getting in a car, my knees feel as if they are being crushed, a spinning sensation) and then the symptoms disappear. Some return, others don't. The intensity of the symptom varies.
While knowing that each of these side effects were expected, I can not deny I find this disconcerting. Since I am a goal oriented person, it is difficult to focus on 'winning' when the finish line keeps getting moved around. Not knowing how long I can expect this to last has elevated the need to be able to envision my recovery to a whole new level.
Fortunately for me, I have been sent an abundance of the most encouraging cards to assist me in this regard. I NEEDED TO PULL OUT ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL THIS AFTERNOON AS THE SIDE EFFECTS WERE PARTICULARLY ROUGH. This is from Joe Del Regno (one of Melissa's friends in Rhode Island). Here is what he told me:
A variety of symptoms present (dizziness, swelling of feet, ankle and face, severe tingling and numbness in my extremities, a foot drag, inability to swing my legs when getting in a car, my knees feel as if they are being crushed, a spinning sensation) and then the symptoms disappear. Some return, others don't. The intensity of the symptom varies.
While knowing that each of these side effects were expected, I can not deny I find this disconcerting. Since I am a goal oriented person, it is difficult to focus on 'winning' when the finish line keeps getting moved around. Not knowing how long I can expect this to last has elevated the need to be able to envision my recovery to a whole new level.
Fortunately for me, I have been sent an abundance of the most encouraging cards to assist me in this regard. I NEEDED TO PULL OUT ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL THIS AFTERNOON AS THE SIDE EFFECTS WERE PARTICULARLY ROUGH. This is from Joe Del Regno (one of Melissa's friends in Rhode Island). Here is what he told me:
"Wanted to share an inspiring story. A master Japanese swordsman was filmed in super slow motion slicing a bullet in half fired from a gun 50 feet away. 100% documented. A reporter described it as 'miraculous'. The master paused and replied: "The miraculous happens when you dare to exceed your imagination."
The 2nd greatest power on earth is the gift of our imagination and our freedom to do with it as we choose, and as we dare. The greatest power is love, and I know you are blessed with an abundance. With so much power behind you, dare to believe in miracles, and you will have them. Imagine your health, and you will have it. Take comfort in the love around you, and you will have the strength to accomplish anything you dare to imagine. Here's to imagination, here's to daring, and here's to you."
Thanks for the inspiration Joe.
Perfectly said and certainly words to live by. Ruth
ReplyDeletePeggy - I just learned of your ordeal today and read your entire blog. You're one tough cookie (as we all know)! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAngela