HOME AT LAST :D

 HAPPY MONDAY NIGHT
2222HRS


It is hard for me to believe that, I have had my surgery, Monday February 6th 2012,
0900 on the dot :D  they were right on time.  When I woke up I was in my room,  
My sweetheart, Eric was there, with Vena and Tyler.  It was good to see them.  
   I have to laugh,  My toes to cramp and my it feels like needles going into my heel just 
like it did before the surgery.  I have tingling in a foot that is no longer there.  :D  I have 
met others who have phantom pain they do not find it humorous,  but I do.  I have to laugh
how in the world do you feel pain something that is no longer there?  I have not been able to
convince my brain, I no longer have a lower leg.  :D  I am thankful he was able to do what is known as  a  RBKA -----   RIGHT LEG-- BELOW THE KNEE AMPUTATION------------
     On the second day,  of my hospital stay,  I began to transfer to the bedside chair,  using my left leg
I pushed and with my arms I pulled my body up to the top of the bed because I always seem to slide down somehow.   The thing I found the hardest ......... I am on 20 mg of lasix  ( water pill )  :D
I am also on full liquid diet.   not clear liquid......
  breakfast consisted of.......
grits ( which i do not care for) 
apple juice
orange juice
ice cream
pudding


lunch :D 
pureed cream of chicken soup  ( tasted really good)
ice tea
hot tea
juice
pudding
ice cream


dinner  :
pureed cream of celery soup  ( it was really good )
ice tea
hot tea
juice
pudding 
ice cream :D 

this continued Monday through Wednesday  
yeahhhhhhhhhhh  finally a real food diet. Actually the other wasnt bad at all. The flavors were really good and it reminded me when i got my tonsils out  :D ice creams, puddings  etc.......   
the downside is .........with all of this liquid.......  I had a very hard time tyring to get to the bedside chair without wetting all over everything,  lasix and liquid diets do not mix  :D 
Every time I moved I wet to bed,  Oh believe me I still went to the bedside chair and had plenty 
there but wow........ it was hard.  lol and to me :D quite funny.   
   The second day,  the therapist came in, got me out of bed,  and with nerve damage in both arms
one leg working and minus one leg,  The got me up on a walker to walk down the hall,  Can you believe this???????   how does a person with one leg, never damage in both arms use a walker to walk down the hall?   I highly suggested the belt and they did use,  I felt much safer and I headed down the hall.  I was at the end of the hallway and about 10 rooms up through the doors was the nurses station. I didnt do too bad..... I didnt make it to the nurses station but close.  Now the hard part  
lol  I have to get back.  I made it and I was so happy to see my bed.   :D yeahhhhhhhhhhh......
   From that day on I continued to progress.  I walked a little farther down the hall than the day before,  :D  not much but a little.   I must say that my Nurses, CNA's,  ect........  took wonderful care of me.  There were alot of student nurses there,  that week.  they were also amazing and were quite fascinated by me.  lol  Cant imagine anyone being fascinated by me .......  I have always tried to keep a 
good attitude and no it is not always easy.  I have to admit,....... LAUGHTER is the best medicine.
    When you are smiling and joking,  it makes those around you feel better, more at ease with you and 
your day will be better and so will theirs.  
Because of my attitude,  the cna's,  didnt mind me calling them because I had accidents, or when I wanted to take a bird bath.  My first Cna  would not smile and the first thing I thought was........
hmmmmmmmm   I am going to make her my friend :D   I ignored her non smiles, stern ways,  I laughed, joked , always requested  never demanded,  I always thanked her.  These are things I always do ....... I did  not change or try to be somebody I wasnt,  It was not long and she smiled and was very kind to me.  All to often the Aids are not appreciated,  people demand from them most of the time more than they can give,  the pay is low and those who think they are better than the aids are like 
the Bullies at school.  You are not above them,  you need them.  Dont kid yourself. Try going to the hospital and do everything yourself,  the waitress,  you look down on........  if it were not for him or her, you would not have anyone to bring you a meal.........
   I am going to change the subject now and here are some photos of me when I was in the hospital
the first photo was taken about 2 hours after waking up from surgery.  the second one is of my amputated wrapped leg.  The third photo is my leg being held by AnnaMarie my nurse,  when she was changing my bandages,  one of the student nurses took this photo.  
  I am very tired tonight, praying you have a blessed Tuesday.  Hopefully my Therapist will be here in the morning. My nurse Linda came Sunday.......  she was with me for three hours working on papers, correcting things,  teaching me how to change my bandages,  teaching me to take care of my leg.  

   Night , Sweet Dreams and have a wonderful day :D  

Count Down One Day :D

  Hi   Everyone  :D
 WOW !!!!!   I have been so busy, I have not kept up with this.  The best way to start this is to 
say  that I am so excited, not scared, not nervous,  not anxious,  truly excited.  :D   
I know my pain will never go away or get better, but  with the amputation I know eventually the pain will go away and my life will be much better.   
    Friday January 27th,   I called my surgeons office to see if I could come in and  ask him some questions.  They are wonderful I was told to be there the the next day about 11am.  Good, now I can
get some answers.  
   Joanie got on the phone and told me she had a job for me to do, of course I said SURE  :D 
whatever she needed I would be happy to do it.  Wow, was in for a shock,  my insurance still had not approved my surgery and we were less than a week  away.  I felt the stress building and I am thinking  
I DO NOT NEED THIS AT ALL  :D
  I called,  I was informed it is scheduled for the  16th of February,  PANIC TIME...........
 called the Dr office,  Joanie had written 2/6,   my insurance company entered 2 /16,  shoot 
so I called them back, spoke with Marcus,  bless his heart he went above and beyond as far as I am concerned.  I advised him of what was going on, immediately he took over,  began to work on fixing this. Yes,  ..... he put me on hold several times, but if this was going to fix it .... HALLELUJAH,  I would wait as long as I needed.   Marcus got is all straightened out, transferred me over to the  Dept that recieves the Dr's fax's.  She read everything back to me and now finally I was cleared, all was green light to go ahead with the surgery.  I couldnt understand why I was not asked to come in and get the 
.................   EGK, CHEST EXRAY, &  BLOOD WORK   .......  Once I found out it was set for the 16th instead of the 6th, I knew why.  As soon as this was cleared I recieved a call and everything was set for me to come into  the hospital  February 2nd,  11am, I got my blood work done, the ekg, and my chest exray.   If you have any problems during surgeries,  ALWAYS let your Dr know and speak with the........ ANESTHESIOLOGIST.........  be sure to let them  know what is going on.  From my first surgery when I was only 4 years old.  I always woke up sick and vomiting with dry heaves, and I was always accused of eating or drinking.  They did not believe me. In  2000  they gave me a medication, that kept me from getting so ill.  I still have slight nausea but nothing compared to what it use to be. 
    My anesthesiologist assured me, he understood and would make sure I will be taken care of. 
The other thing I let him and my surgeon know is ...... I had to have  C-5 & C-6 replaced in my neck with  CADAVAR BONE & METAL PLATE. .....  now when I am asleep, or even awake  for what ever reason  C-4   falls down and lays on C-5.   this cuts my airway off and even water will sit in my throat.  
  After speaking with these two Dr.s I am absolutely ready,  no fears, I am not nervous, anxious, 
no doubt in my mind what I need to do and I am looking forward to this surgery. To a longer 
healthier more substantial life.   I am truly blessed.  God has his hand on me and given me wonderful friends and families.  I give God all the Glory..... :D 


  Thursday I February 2nd 2012  I went to my apptointment to meet with my surgeon, one last time.
I had questions that were simple but I didnt know the answer and the unknown, sometimes makes us nervous.  :D   First thing I told him ...... HI DR. SOLIMAN  :D  I haven't changed my mind , I just 
have some simple questions.  ........      


1.)   aprox how long will I be in the hospital ? .................  his answer :  2 to 3 days 
WOW  that was not the answer I expected but was quite pleased.  
2.)  Aprox how long will I be in rehab?  ............   his answer :D   3 to 4 weeks, they will not allow me to go home until they are comfortable with my walking and I am comfortable with my walking.  
3.)    How long before I am able to get my permanent leg ?   ........... his answer  8 to 12 weeks.  


   It was so comforting just to know those simple answers.  When I walked out of there I felt this huge weight lift off of my shoulders.  Its amazing how something so simple can make us feel so good.  
Now the next thing to do.   I recieve updated letters about twice a week from HANGAR PROSTHETICS,  this latest letter showed a nine year old boy who lost his leg, they told him he could have anything he wanted on his leg.......  now he proudly sports his favorite team on his left leg
 NEW YORK GIANTS LOGO  :D.   I thought ..how cool is that, if I have the same option,  I decided to honor my son who passed away suddenly March 8th 2010.  He worked with the Marion County Sheriffs Dept.  I have enclosed the photo I want on my new leg :D  This is one of my favorites. He is in a uniform for a job he loved, and yet shows his playful side. Shane loved life.  

  with this I am going to close, It is..... 0427......, I guess I need some sleep.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

    IT is so hard to believe that 2011 is over and 2012 is now here.  When you look back what are your favorite moments?  your worst moments?   Did you fix an extra special meal or did you smoke out the kitchen :D    
  January starts a new year, a clean slate, last year is wiped away, a new year is beginning, I want 2012 to be different.  March 2010 My beautiful son passed away suddenly at the age of 24 one month away from his 25th birthday.  December of 2010 one of my best friends passed away suddenly, her heart failed her.  May of 2011 a high school friend died of cancer,  my best friend of 30 years found out she had cancer, she is one of many friends who are fighting this disease.  
   I am having surgery February 6th 2012, I am thankful for this. If I was not able to have this surgery, within 6 months I would not be able to walk at all.  
  As the time gets closer for my surgery.  I cannot help but be nervous, even though this is at my 
request.  I find myself getting a little snippy sometimes and that is not me.  I am an easy going happy person, the biggest percentage of the time.  
  I have found a place near my home that makes PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS....
they are the company that made WINTER THE DOLPHINS TALE,   so she could swim and 
have normal motion for a dolphin.  She has been an inspiration to so many,  young and old alike.
   I have also began reading about NATIONAL CHALLENGED ATHLETE FOUNDATION.
An aquaitance of mine runs marathons for this foundation.  He us to run for many foundations until he met CODY MCASLAND, who at the time was six years old at the time and double amputee.  :D 
He won Tommys heart. He has children and this little energetic, smiling face would not let him walk away from this foundation  :D  
    When I am walking again, and doing well, I want to become involved with this foundation.  


http://www.challengedathletes.org/site/c.4nJHJQPqEiKUE/b.6466441/k.C44D/Florida.htm




  if you have not checked out this site, please do so. :D  it is an amazing.  
Life is what we make it.  I want a clean slate, a new start, a new journey,  I want Gods blessings upon my life,  I am so thankful he has saved me, kept me, protected me.  He has kept his angels around our home,  I cannot tell you how many times,  he has healed my body, my mind and my soul.  
    Praying you have a blessed 2012 and it continually gets better as time goes on.  
Sending lots of  prayers, hugs, and wishing all of you a wonderful safe NEW YEAR  :D

PREPARING for my Amputation

  Good Morning and Happy Weekend,  :D 
I have been really busy trying to get things in order before my surgery and also before 
my cousin comes from up north to help me, While I am recuperatig.  I am so thankful 
for her kindness.   :D  
    My Surgeons office called yesterday to let me know that it is now scheduled. 
My new beginning will happen ..........FEBRUARY 6th 2012.........
every time I have a surgery,  I have alot of emotions that run through my head  :D and 
when I am on the table that morning waiting to be taken to surgery  : 0  all i can think 
of is ........... OK I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND,  HELP ME GET DOWN AND I WILL 
JUST GO HOME.............  in my head I am saying this really loud.   LOL but as I said.......
it is only in my thoughts.  
  This time was different when I recieved the phone call.  Yes I had all the previous thoughts
but somehow this time they were so much more intense.  I was scared, happy, nervous, excited,  ready for the surgery, wanting to cancel the sugery.  I know I will go through with it,  this Amputation is at my request and only after my Drs.  saw my XRAYS,   then they completely agreed with me and all of my DR's make the same statement,  ......  ( I don't know how you have lasted as long as you have, and done as well as you are doing ) .  I was always very active, athletic, on the go,  until my body said
 ........ NO MORE........  it just could not take anymore.  
   Christmas is coming up soon,  the Holidays are here, soon 2012 will be here,  and all of us will 
have a clean slate to have the chance to make a new beginning and start over. Our mistakes, hurts, pains,  will always be a part of our lives,  but only we can make it better with having a proper attitude.  
   HAVE A Blessed Day 
Candy

candysdelights: CANDYS ROASTED GARLIC POTATO SOUP

candysdelights: CANDYS ROASTED GARLIC POTATO SOUP: A FRIEND of mine , posted a potato soup recipe, mine was similiar, she asked me to post mine and I kept forgetting :D I use to cook for a...

November 9th 2011

    Today I saw my surgeon,  When he walked in the first thing he asked was,.........
 " Well have you decided what you would like to do?  "    I smiled,  I knew he was
making sure that this is what I truly wanted.  I very adamently said  with a smile
"  Dr.  Soliman,  I definetly want this and more than that I need this , it is getting much
worse adn much harder to to walk.  "  
   That was the start of this Journey.  he was going to set it up for two week later.  I know my
eyes widened as I said ........  NO ,  I do not want this during the Holidays.  My cousin
Carol is coming to stay with me the end of January.  Sometimes not living close to family is hard
not only missing them but this surgery will be my right leg :D  that means NO DRIVING ......
at least not for awhile.   If you have not read my story  ........ GOD WILL SEE ME THROUGH IT......
please take time to read it.   It is God who will get me through this.  He is my strength,  my rock,
he has blessed me with  wonderful family and friends,  and my cousin Carol is definetly
a God send if I need her for one hour or one year,  she is willing to stay with Eric and I to help us.
   One of the nice things about Carol coming down. When Eric is off or when he takes his week off,
her cousin ,  my former sister in law,  also named Candy  has an extra room and Carol is able to stay with her and her family which will ger her away from our house and she can have a nice break.
      I am so thankful and blessed,  to have so many good people in my life.
Our neighbors Jeff and Laura are wonderful.  They called me to let me know that they will do what they can to get off if I need help with going somewhere.  
     Yes  this Journey is just the beginning,  it will be long, it will not be easy.  I have always believed
the attitude in which we do things .......is a major factor in our healing process ,  because if we go into
things with bad attitude,  we do not have peace of mind.  It doesnt come easy and some people are
not willing to work on their attitude because it is not easy and it is uncomfortable to them.
    TAKE THE PATH LESS TRAVELED AND REAP THE REWARDS OF  PEACE OF MIND
Have a wonderful day and thank you for visiting my site and reading about my life.
Sincerly  Candy

SAW MY SURGEON TODAY NOV 9TH 2011

   Hello and Good Morning,
 Eric and I went to see my surgeon Wednesday November 9th 2011.   He asked me if I decided
if I wanted above the knee or below the knee.  I told him I would like below the knee, but he 
knew more about it than I  do and what ever he thought would be best.  
   We decided  below the knee and if there were difficulties, with the healing due to blood flow
He would have to go above the knee.  I did find out that above the knee,  it takes about 
eight months to one year to learn to walk.  I guess it is more difficult  because of the joint not 
being there.  
    I told Eric I felt so safe with him.  He asked me why and I told him, going through everything
I have been through,  he has also went through it with me and now this.  It makes me feel safe
to know someone who loves me will be there while I am having the surgery,  while I am healing,  
and also after it is all over and I am walking.   :D  
   Of course with this being my right foot that means that,  I will not be able to drive for awhile.  
This bothers me more than the amputation.  I realize that there is a reason for everything,
and everytime I have ever been through anything.........  It has made me stronger.  I do not like
what I have been through,  like i posted before.......GOD WILL SEE ME THROUGH............
   Praying whoever reads this has a Blessed day and safe one
hugs
Candy