Happy Sunday From Vail Rehab!
After a days worth of MRI's, x-rays, and exams on Tuesday, the outcome for surgery and recovery was looking grim. With talk of bone work, more micro-fractures, meniscus repairs, and so on, my heart was heavy and my journey back to Africa was beginning to feel more and more unattainable. On Tuesday evening, I went on my pre-op scavenger hunt... Blood work, pharmacy, paperwork, no food or liquids after 11, and the list went on.
Reporting for surgery bright and early on Wednesday morning, I felt hope in my heart and couldn't seem to wipe the smile off my face... Big shocker :) My incredible, rock star dad strolled into the surgery center by my side at the pleasant hour of 6 am. We laughed, joked, and looked at each other with uncertainty of what a couple hours from that moment may look like.
Pre-surgery with the most RAD DAD of ALL TIME
He gave me a huge hug and kiss on the cheek and sent me off with all his love and prayers. As I took off all my belongings, put on my less-than-stellar gown, pulled up my compression socks, removed my favorite bracelets from Africa, plucked out my nose ring, and snuggled into my bed, I immediately befriended everyone I crossed paths with. I got to know the nurses, the anesthesiologist, the doctors, and everyone in between. As everyone glanced at my chart, I received a lot of, "Wow, this isn't your first rodeo". I would smile and laugh in reply. My surgeon, Dr. Steadman, was the last to stop by. As he sat at my bedside, he spoke of Africa. My heart could not hide its joy, making its way to a joy-filled smile that would not leave my face.
"When are we getting you back to Africa?" he asked me in a matter-of-fact tone.
"As soon as I can, Dr. Steadman" I replied through an unashamed grin.
"What does the terrain look like there? A lot of hills and rough roads?"
"Haha, yes that sounds about right"
"Alright let's get these knees ready to go back to Africa"
Hahaha o my gosh! I can't properly describe the joy and peace that flooded over me in that moment... Minutes before surgery, I did not have a care in the world. I had a doctor who had my best interest at heart and was willing to do everything in his power to get me back to the dirt roads that my soul aches for. As my wonderful anesthesiologist loaded my IV with what he called a "nice margarita", the nurses asked me where I would be traveling to today. You'll never guess my reply... Africa. As my body loosened its grip on reality, I melted away into dreams unknown.
Waking up from surgery is always minimal fun. You feel like you are being woken up from the best sleep of your life. There at my side, again, were my nurses and anesthesiologist asking me how I felt and what my pain level was. Somewhere in the background I could hear my dad telling them, "She has an extremely high pain tolerance, be aware"... Hahaha somewhere in my not-all-there state, I was laughing. Seeing as my pain level was higher than they liked, the anesthesiologist prepared the much-dreaded nerve block that made its way into my hip. I winced as I felt the needle and medicine make its way down my leg. My throat ached from the breathing tube that labored for me while I was under during surgery. My nose was raw from the oxygen that was rushing through tubes into my nostrils. My knee pulsed with pain in an indescribable way as the range of motion machine slowly moved it up and down. As everyone in the room kept talking to me, I felt an undying need to go back to sleep... So I did.
Party On, Garth
With an entire day filled with going in and out of snoozin', I came-to long enough to meet with Dr. Steadman. I was nervous to hear the outcome, but eager to start recovery. Judging by the smile on his face, I was pumped to hear the results. There was quite a bit of damage and a lot he ended up having to remove, however; he told me it's always better to remove things than to put them in. He was very optimistic and encouraging and hopeful... All the things that I love! He's hoping for a full recovery on the left side in 3 months where he can then assess the right side and make a surgery and recovery game plan for that one. REJOICE! I could not believe my ears! I've never had a surgery go this swimmingly! I wake up EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. telling myself, "COME ON, GOD IS SO GOOD!"
My week following has been filled with twice-a-day therapy sessions, nap times, 8 hours in the range of motion machine, icing, elevating, laughing with my family, going on small walks, and rejoicing! The pain in my hand from my IV has slowly disappeared, the bruise and stiffness in my hip from the nerve block has faded and loosened up, and my iodine-coated skin has slowly washed off with each shower I have been able to take.
Some amazing siblings to pass the time with - missing you, Linz!
As I write to each of you from the cozy quarters of my hotel bed, I want you to take away hope from this. Take away an undying sense of hope in the Lord and how much He cares for each of us, individually, as His children. If it were not for trials, we would never grow. We would never be able to fully marvel at Him in all His glory and riches. We would never get the chance to be made new, restored, and refined. God needed me to be under these circumstances so that He can draw me closer to Him and awake my soul even more. Choose hope day in and day out. Choose to pray with expectancy. Choose to receive the good and the not-so-good with open hands and a heart full of love. God is able to do immeasurably more than we can even begin to fathom.
I love you guys so much! I pray that this finds you well and filled with joy :)
soooooooo much love&grace,
britt :)
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