Hit the Road, Jack!

Popped the cork this morning, so it looks like I'm most likely going home this afternoon. The only other concern was physically getting around. Being in the bed for a week sounds cool, but it really isn't. Yesterday on the way to hand therapy, the guy transporting me in the wheelchair and I came to the conclusion that 2 to 3 days is about the maximum time before it starts to not be awesome. We also agreed you had to have a 40+ inch widescreen TV, big comfortable bed, someone fun to share it with, necessary amenities and entertainment…basically everything I did not have except for professional sponge bathers, maids, and a person at the other end of a button who was there to try to make you’re life easier, i.e. nurse.

That did not happen yesterday morning when one of “those people” misread my medication and double dosed me on pain meds. Plus side: no pain, state of euphoria, etc. Negative side: totally screwed up a perfectly good morning, couldn’t have other medications, numerous annoying people swarming me, anger, a little feeling of questioning the system, blood/pulse monitor clipped to my ear for 2 hours. Todd, give me a call. We’ll settle this one. Everything worked out fine with that. I think it will be a much larger issue for Duke than CP. It didn’t even hold a candle to my waking up from anesthesia, paralyzed with a breathing tube down my throat. That was awesome…and only one of several other horror stories I have under my belt after this adventure.

So, they've rigged me up with the device you see in the picture. Let me try to remember the technical names for cutting edge hand therapy components...bra hooks, fishing line, Velcro straps, and rubber bands. The advances in science are totally mind-blowing sometimes. This brace will keep my fingers from overextending and injuring the transferred tendons, and the hook, line, stretcher part will provide resistance on my fingers helping to improve both range of motion and strength. The whole rig is much lighter, creepier, and comfortable…great combination.

It has been a long two weeks. In whole, I received unbelievable treatment, care, and attention at Duke. All their people are amazing…well, almost all. Regardless, it’s a special place. I’m ready to go home and start seeing everyone. I might be a couch slug, who’s not the most fun person in the world to be around, but if you want to relax and catch up, I’ll probably be pretty easy to find for the next month or two…or not.

Hollar! I’m back baby, I’m BACK.

PS Don’t slap my back when you hug me.

(Triton Photo Updates)