The Adventure Continues

 

Well, I'm home from the hospital. They released me Thursday afternoon once they had done the surgery on my wrist to alleviate the golf ball size bulge in the artery. Instructions not to work for several days (not weeks) but no heavy lifting for several weeks. My arm is really dark blue and the lower arm is sore and a little uncomfortable. I won't post pictures, 'cause it is UGLY!!! Taking Tylenol for this discomfort. Normally, I would have a few glasses of wine, but, I cut WAY back on that a month or two ago so that is not an option.

I have been relegated to my chair and the remote control. I mean, what do you do when you are a quilter and you are not allowed to use needle and thread or your machines? I am soooooooo bored!!! Reading quilting magazines and patterns doesn't help either. That just make me want to cut and sew fabric.

Cooper and Loosey are doing a really good job of 'watching Mom'. It is as though they have agreed to take turns. One stays with me while the other goes out, but right now, both of them are in the yard keeping watch over the property.

My next door neighbors, Alice and Charles, are feeding me so well, I'll have to start exercising to reduce the pounds that will be added. Both are awesome cooks and Alice brings over a tray like you would get at a B&B with a vase holding one of her beautiful roses. This is so appreciated and enjoyed by me.

I'm trying to do a little work to get ready for May Mester Retreat in just 10 days. I can't do the physical part, but I can get all of the paperwork completed. Pat will be here a day next week and we'll get everything else together. I am looking forward to 5 days at Camp Gravatt and starting a new Judy Neimeyer quilt, Carnival Flower. I will also be getting some help to figure out where I am on Bali Wedding Star. All of the arcs are finished, but not sure were to go from here.

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to my chair. I have used the DVR for the coronation, so will start watching that. 

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

My Adventures at Prisma Heart Hospital

 

This is still a journey and instead of trying to relate this to so many of my friends on facebook, I thought I would just tell you all about it right here.

About 15 years ago I had a stent placed in the coronary artery of my heart. We found out about the need when I became extremely short of breath while climbing a hill. My numbers were fabulous so, imagine our surprise when doing a heart cath at that time to discover that this stent was necessary. So, had that done and everything went beautifully. 

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago when I became extremely short of breath when climbing stairs to the Koger Center to attend a play. It was so bad that I was afraid I wasn't going to recover without EMS, but I did and was ok in about 20 minutes. That event let me know that I did need to see my cardiologist and ASAP. I scheduled an appointment and as soon as I started describing my concerns it was a definite yes for a heart cath. 

I checked into the Heart Hospital on Monday for the procedure. The procedure went just fine. I can't remember at this time if it was 2 stents or 3 placed on the same artery as the last, but we had no problems doing that. At the end of the procedure a pressure type of bracelet was placed over the surgical entry area. By the time they got me back to the recovery area my wrist was swelling and my hand was turning blue. The attempt was made to place a second 'bracelet' beside the first one, but that didn't help. I was bleeding into the tissue in my hand, wrist and arm. They took off both 'bracelets' and of course, I started gushing. The staff in recovery held manual pressure on the surgical site for almost 2 hours before the bleeding was finally under control.  I really admire the calm professional way that they handled this emergency. The end result was a very large hematoma on the wrist that was continuing to bulge. We kept the arm elevated over night, but swelling continued until late on Tuesday. (Naturally they admitted me)

We have petted and pampered the wrist and arm since Monday afternoon. Finally on Wednesday afternoon the decision was made to call in the Vascular Team. The hematoma had gotten to big to repair itself and surgery was going to be necessary. 

So, that's where I am now. Surgery on the wrist will happen late tomorrow morning and a repair on the artery will be made. As with any surgery there are risks, but it is to risky not to do it.

As with all of these things, it could not come at a worse time. I have a major retreat in 2 weeks, my custom and my 2e2 schedule is full and I won't be allowed to use this hand/wrist/arm for 4 to 6 weeks. I explained to the surgeon what I do for a living and he knows longarmers and said I cannot use those machines for 4-6 weeks.  Soooooooooooo, here we are. 

The quilt retreat WILL HAPPEN, because I have some wonderful helpers. If there is one thing I know about quilters, it is that they adapt. I 'might' be able to sew a little but I will be able to enjoy everyone's company. And I can't think of a better place to rest and recover than in the pines at Camp Gravatt.

I have very understanding clients who will allow me to push their quilts farther out. Then once I have healed, I will work on getting all of those quilts out first. So, please continue to bring your tops in and I'll put them in the line to be done as I go. 

That's where I am right now. I will be available by messenger, email, and text over the next few days. My family and friends are being very supportive and it's fabulous to have such a big circle around me. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers as they are soooo appreciated and they work. I'll get through this and be back stronger than ever. After all...... I have a birthday coming up!!!

Thanks,

Joyce---- One Very Loose Thread