MY NEW BEST FRIENDS IN THIS NEW WORLD

As you may know or are just finding out, I am recovering from back surgery which took place on December 3. I will not bore you with the organ recital, but it involved two different five-day stays in the hospital—the first at Scripps Green, the Cadillac of hospitals, and the second at Scripps Memorial, just half a star below Green, but with great food choices.

After that, it was two weeks in rehab. The staff was great and they got me on my feet. The brown food is another story. One time I just did a curb-side order at Ralph’s and had a friend pick it up so at least I had hummus and chips and some bananas and other fresh fruit to munch on. I came home with full-time care for two days, then part-time for three weeks.

Home Health Care arrived. The occupational therapist came the first time and said, “Next time I come, I’ll discharge you.”

Nurses inspected my incision on two separate occasions and determined they were healing just fine.

The first time the physical therapist, Haley, saw my four-wheel walker and she said, “You don’t need that.”

“I agree,” I answered. “It’s a pain in the neck,” and I relegated it to a corner of my bedroom. FYI, I did take it to see the Van Gogh exhibit at the Del Mar Fair Grounds and was I happy to have a built-in seat. It’s now one of my new best friends.

After six weeks Haley said, “You know, Janice, you have to be homebound to get Home Health Care, so I’m discharging you.”

I’d been driving since the fourth week out of surgery, first locally, and more recently I ventured further away, primarily to visit my friend, Chuck, who is in rehab in Escondido. I have a book on discs and the time passes. Traffic, it seems, is still light, although I haven’t gone out during rush hour.

I’m going for physical therapy twice a week to a facility right next door to my house. The major problem is that the exercises take so damned long, and I am still slow to get dressed. Putting on socks and tights is still a challenge. I acquired a “Sock Aid” which is my other new best friend. As you can see from the photo, I’m putting on my RBG socks which match my RBG bag, as I prepare to go out for my daily walk.

I’m still no BLT—NOT bacon, lettuce, and tomato—just no bending, lifting (not more than fifteen pounds), and twisting. Other than walking more slowly, and needing frequent breaks, I am managing just fine, thank you.

On another note, in this new world, I immediately sent for my home Covid test kits when they became available. They arrived last week. Now they sit in my ‘extra medicine’ drawer waiting for an occasion to be used. Most places I go, such as Chuck’s rehab center, they administer the rapid test right there, so no need to waste one of my four precious acquisitions unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

I have just gotten back to writing. I had a drought for four months and now you get this blog. I’m working with a developmental editor on my memoir. She has boosted my confidence with her wonderful and constructive comments. It’s a pleasure to work with her.

Hopefully, I’ll post again soon. Meanwhile, feel free to call, e-mail, visit, or make a date with me, since as usual, I love going out.

Stay safe my friends and family.

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