Spring Break 2010-Part 18

So I totally left out one of the major dramatic events that took place during the time frame of the last post.

...After my bed collapsed and I was in a heap on the floor, The King's nurse came in and said that the doctor had ordered an ultrasound first thing in the morning to look for a suspected blood clot in his leg.

I totally freaked.

(I have to tell you, I think I might have an irrational fear of blood clots.  They are so INVISIBLE.  I have to rotate my ankles every 15 minutes when riding in the car.  I'm not even kidding.)

The King had been "wearing" compression devices on his legs.  And by "wearing", I mean taking them off as soon as the nurse would leave the room. 

I had just accepted the air bubble in his head and now I was processing the blood clot.

I asked the nurse if she thought it was routine and she said, "No.  They only do them when there is a suspected blood clot".

So.  That was a major part of my previously mentioned breakdown.

The next day was much calmer.  

By the time I made it back to the hospital, Dr. K had already been in and told The King he would be able to go home the next day.

HALLELUJAH.

But really?  

Did they realize that he had major brain surgery less than 48 hours ago?

He had also already gone back for the blood clot ultrasound.  It was negative.

I so appreciated that it was ordered.  It was a potential worry that we could scratch off of the list.

The King was really antsy that day.  He was able to get up and walk down the hall. He was up and down out of his bed.  

He was really ready to get outta there.

Most all of our family and friends had returned home and it was a peaceful day.

I went back to the room early that night to pack our things and prepare to head home.

We were away from home for 17 days.

The King called early on Sunday and said that he'd already seen the doctor and was ready to go.

Soon we were in the car and on our way.  We were about 3 hours from home.

He felt a little "fuzzy" in the car (his words) because his equilibrium was a bit off.

I have never been so thankful to arrive home.  Some sweet friends met us there with a wonderful pot roast & all the veggies. Yum!

It was totally weird to see The King's truck sitting in our driveway.  It was still loaded with all of our ski gear.  That evening, the Carneys and I unloaded it all.  I was surprised at how emotional I became when unloading The King's snowboard, helmet & ski clothes.  

We often commented how thankful we were to be unloading his gear with him sitting in the living room.  

We came so close to coming home without him.

He had a lot of restrictions for the first 8 weeks.  No lifting, working, bending, climbing stairs, driving or participating in any activities that might elevate one's heart rate...

We were so blessed by our church family.  For the entire month of April and part of May, we were spoiled with wonderful meals.  Our youth group picked up rocks in our yard and weeded our flower beds.  Another family mowed our yard every week. My sweet nurse friend came over to remove his staples.  We had lots of visitors.  Many of The King's friends dropped by and brought lunch.  Errands were run.  The Princess was picked up from school.  

I will never be able to adequately thank our friends for all that they did for us.  All I know to do is pay it forward.

He has had his 8 week check up and is doing great.  His only restrictions are no heavy lifting or straining through the end of August and no contact sports for a year.

(He's counting the days until he can return to the mountain to snowboard.)

His head looks amazing.  I'll post a picture soon.  His skull has not closed completely, so when he wakes up in the morning he looks like a beluga whale.  After an hour or two, the fluid drains and he is back to "normal".

We have completely enjoyed his recovery time.  It has been beyond wonderful to spend so much time together. I think we all have a new appreciation of just being.

If you'll let me get away with another post about all this, I'd like to summarize the lessons that we have learned from this journey.  I want to document it so that I don't forget.  So.  One more time...

To be continued...

Comments

[RLR]

Of course we don't mind one more post! Thanks again for sharing your story with us!

[Lene]

What an amazing journey you have been on. I look forward to more...

[Headless Mom]

It's such a beautiful story. I'd love to hear more.

Although, if it were my husband? I may have killed him after 8 weeks. He's not a very good patient.

[Steff]

I am glad as I am sure you are that there is a story to be continued. Still praying for you all.
Steff

[Fuschia]

The lessons learned are, after all, the point, aren't they?

[Melanie Harrington]

I continue to be thrilled by how God worked mightily on behalf of your family. I can't wait to hear what all God has taught you through this.

[Nicole @ Here's The Diehl]

what an amazing story...so glad you've shared it and that the king is recovering so well!

[Jenna]

Would love another post!

[Helene]

Hi Q! Thanks for sharing this story with us, what an ordeal. I'll check back for pics, and could you also give us an update on La P, if you have any? Does she know what happened?

[jean]

You keep coming back and posting as much as you want or as little as you want. I check in every day. I keep you and your family in my prayers every day.