Jabba

the Hutt.

That's who Kevin says my inflated neck and shoulders belong to...

Time, place, and manner distortions from Friday through most of Sunday...

Woke up this morning looking and feeling like Jabba the Doughboy. It sounds and feels like there's a sheet of bubble-wrap just under the surface of my skin, and others can hear and feel it. "Weird" was one nurse's description...that's a good starting place.

This morning's muscle soreness was actually comforting. I don't know that I'd have gotten out as much as I did yesterday without the provocation of my invaluable in-laws, Olive, Katie, and Colleen; I can't thank them enough. I know we'll be enjoying healthful treats and new garden plants for some time.

Monday morning, the weekend's surgery-grog had taken serious hold. While my respect for the physical rehab component of this 'new job' was nagging at me, my dopey reclining body was clearly in charge.

Monday was one of those 'Why We Live In Iowa' weather days; yardening was the perfect bait. In addition to the fresh air, the mile that I managed to register on the odometer, and the upper body workout, we have new pampas grasses, hydrangias, and another Rose of Sharon.

Five loops of da Lane is a mile. This morning I managed two miles; took me all morning to walk the two miles -- sure am grateful to have had all morning to do it.

Dr. H and MD *laughs at that acronymic representation* provided us with some comfort -- both food and counsel -- and care this morning. Mom is already looking forward to the chicken soup. *grins*

This afternoon's massage was very different. I had no major muscle complaints short of the muscles that had been cut into, so we worked on the snap-crackle-popping edema encasing my upper body. Warm compresses were effective as were the two massage techniques I learned -- would that I remembered the names. The swelling and related wierdnesses are diminishing.

Can't tell you how fortunate I am to have Complementary and Alternative Medical resources in our family. I wish we'd had prior education about this edema, given that no one seems surprised to hear about it *shrugs*

I am looking at various relaxation and stress reduction activities, exploring new dietary possibilities, and working to increase the level of physical rehab I can do daily. I firmly believe that my recoveries have been significantly improved because we did Pulmonary Rehab prior to the surgeries, and I've been continuing with exercises and cardio workout ever since. Add to that the benefit of massage in increasing muscular flexibility and wellness in general and...enough, already!

DonnaMarie, with regard to the sniffing rubbing alcohol to diminish nausea: it certainly worked for a while. However, with time, the smell actually provoked vomiting. I think that some bizarre substances made their way to my stomach and needed to be ejected as opposed to processed? It felt good to puke! The smell of alcohol certainly suppressed the nausea initially, though.

Rod, thanks for taking time when you did.

Kevin and I meet with Dr. C tomorrow. We'll let you know what we learn.

Meantime, hug yourselves for me?