80% Normal, 100% Frustrated

I’M HOME!!!!!!!

They finally released me from inpatient rehab on Monday afternoon! Since then, it’s been a whole lot of figuring out what I can and cannot do for myself. (Spoiler alert: the list of “cannot’s” is still waaayyyy longer than the “can’s.”)

I’ve also been testing how much I can try to do on my own without giving Brian a full-blown panic attack. 😂 Turns out, I have a whole new appreciation for the little things we all do without thinking every day… and an even deeper appreciation for Brian being way more patient than I am. Although, to be fair, my lack of patience might be what’s testing his the most.

I’d say I’m about 80% back to normal. I’ve got a fancy walker that I need to use most of the time, which has been… interesting… navigating around the dogs and cats. Eli (the kitten) has decided it doubles as his personal chariot and hops on any chance he gets. Sophie doesn’t mind—unless Eli is riding with me. And Silas couldn’t care less… unless it’s blocking him from getting to me.

I’m now signed up for outpatient rehab three days a week for both physical and occupational therapy. Brian is off this week helping me get settled back in, and my mom and sister will be coming later this week to take over “babysitting duties” when he goes back to work.

The goal is a full recovery—but only time will tell. I was told that PT patients with the most frustration tend to be the most successful… so I’ve definitely got that going for me. 😅

It’s a strange feeling—wanting to get up and do the most basic, mundane things (laundry, letting the dogs out, making a snack)… and then realizing you can’t actually do them on your own. I’ve never been good at waiting or asking for help. I’ve always been a “figure it out as you go” kind of girl… which makes this, hands down, one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever dealt with.

My next follow-up with my surgeon isn’t until May 6th. Until then, that means no driving and very little unsupervised time at home… which I’m sure will only add to the frustration.

I know some of you already have appointments booked for early May—just know that until I’m fully cleared and able to drive myself, I won’t be back at work yet. When I do return, my schedule will likely look a little different. I’m not exactly sure what that will be just yet, but I promise I’ll be reaching out to everyone individually to make any needed adjustments.

Thank you so much to everyone who has called, texted, sent cards, and brought gifts—I genuinely appreciate all the love and support more than you know. 💛

Now… back to testing my limits and doing everything I can to speed up this very rude recovery process.