Update

Yesterday was rough. It is so hard watching somebody you love struggle with pain. Helpless because I couldn't provide relief, I sat with my mom and waited for the Pain Team to work some magic. By the time I left her pain intensity was waning and she was exhausted. 

This morning I'm heading back to the hospital. It has been decided that she will stay in-patient until her pain is manageable. I am grateful that she won't be forced to move when she is already in agony. Once her pain wanes she will transfer to a rehab facility for a few days. 

New Knee

 My mother is an overachiever.

Nearly a decade ago she underwent a double knee replacement. Apparently the experience left such an impression that she decided it was worthy of a repeat. Before the procedure, the surgeon was transparent about her uncertain plan. She laid out the scenarios but was not able to declare one path as obvious. As the hours ticked by with her in the operating room, my sister and I both knew that the easiest of those paths were dissolving. 

My mom was in the operating room for more than four hours. By the time we met for our post-surgery conference, we anticipated the surgeon's words. Although she tried to fix the implant, it was eroded and beyond repair. She ended up removing the initial implant and replacing the entire device. My heart dropped with the news. I was hoping for an easier recovery, but it seems like that was not in the cards.

We were able to see her after she was settled into her room. She was exhausted and in a lot of pain. I am going to head over in a few hours to visit but I am not expecting her to be animated. After a four hour surgery and a new knee, it is going to take awhile before she feels like herself again.

Martian Land

Timmy had a great birthday. He was showered with love throughout his school day, making him feel special and appreciated by his friends and classmates. In the evening we went for Hibachi and enjoyed ice cream cake. His presents, primarily space themed this year, were a huge hit. He is especially delighted with the 100 acres of martian land that Rob bought for him. He is quick to tell anybody who will listen that he is a martian land owner.  

While we had a great time celebrating Timmy, today my focus is shifting to my mom. She is having surgery in a few hours. My sister will be taking her to the hospital and I'll be driving to PA after Timmy is done with his morning classes. We are planning on staying with her for about a week with the flexibility of changing if necessary. 

I feel a great deal of anxiety as I am watching the clock tick down to her surgery. I recognize that a knee is not a life-threatening procedure but I worry anytime anesthesia is involved. Please send her some good thoughts or prayers if you are so inclined.  I'll post updates after the surgery.

 

 

Happy Birthday Hamlet

 Another hectic and wonky week lies ahead. Tomorrow morning I am packing up the boys and heading to PA to be there for my Mom's surgery. I plan on staying for a week but (thankfully) I am flexible and I can stay longer if she needs more assistance. My Mom and her recovery will be the focus for the next few days, but today is all about my Timmy.

My sweet Hamlet is 9 today! It is hard to believe that my tiny preemie is now a strong, weight-lifting, dirt digging, dog loving, speed chasing, thrill seeking, slightly feral 9 year old boy. He certainly keeps me on my toes with his endless energy and curiosity. His perspective and observations often leave me speechless for a retort. 

Timmy brings a smile to everybody around him. His loving spirit is contagious and he has become a sought after peer partner in his class. The giggles that echo from his room during the day remind me that he is a happy little boy who is thriving in school. After a rocky medical start, he has defied the odds.

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Little Hamlet. I love you to the moon and beyond. I am a better person because I get to be your mom.