The healing process has started once again. The incision site is very sore and tender with a foreign object imbedded within. The swelling is nominal but she is changing color as we speak from pink to red to ?? Her spirit has also changed color, from gloomy to bright.

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SUPPLEMENT
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990602 (D2M) After more than 3 weeks of recovery I think The Patient is doing much better. There is of course the visual clues she is recovering when her color is returning and some minor clues such as a desire to go to the store. This maybe hard to believe that Carolyn had temporarily lost the desire to go shopping, but it's true. We would drive to the mall and arm in arm stop in one or perhaps two shops and then have to leave. Her mall travelling ability has to be "pumped up" to compete once again in the retail race. All kidding aside she felt an uneasy feeling of difficult to describe doom. From what we have researched on related topics this was a expected reaction and somewhat comforting she was not wigging out.

The above was last week and mostly as a method to combat cabin fever, again another clue of the onset of healing. This week indicators such as a desire to "clean the house" (with objections from me) that she is on-the-mend is starting. She must remind herself to take it easy and restrict her movement especially the left side. Raising her left arm, lifting and such has to eliminated. As a judge of her expected "warranty period" she must choke down a coated aspirin to keep blood chemistry in check for three months at least. She has not come near the half way mark on the bottle.

Next week will mark the fourth week after surgery when she is due for a Tune Up and graduate to the next step. On the 11th she will find out how this next step will be and how to handle it. Just before the weekend past we took on the challenge to begin a bit of gardening and obtain a few plants. This gloomy weather is not the best for this kind of recreation when it supposed to be a soothing activity. The chilly days are difficult for her and the rain just makes mud. But hey, good weather is due in a few days.

The site of placement is almost fully healed, almost. The device doesn't cast a shadow but it has a still uncomfortable feeling to it. I can understand this completely, I wimp out with a sliver in my finger! They say this feeling will pass as I'm sure they will say that anyway, what else can they say? Early on I mentioned she adversely reacts to the adhesive and gel on the ECG electrodes. I noticed she still has a acute case of "crop circles" on several parts of her. This has left her with a constant reminder of the Jam on Toast theory, if it will, it will happen with near 100% certainty that if dropped it will be jam side up on tile floor but jam side down on carpet. Wouldn't you know it she reacts to only the largest electrodes of course not the smaller easy to remove ones.

Sleeping is also a challenge when her movement and placement of her arm is limited. Most days she is bagged and an afternoon nap would be nice but most often forgotten.

Complete recovery as far as we can find out is unknown. The eminent Doc Bob explained it is something that will take "a bit" of time. She has had a malady for the last 30 odd years and now it is being artificially assisted. Something to adjust to in a meager few weeks or months we can only hope will pass quickly. Perhaps after a few check up's and words of assurance from the Clinic would help. Everyone is different and the chance of anatomy with each of us it hard to determine how it will play out.

The omnipresent fact that her heart is artificially assisted must be the foremost thought on her mind and although she appears fine she tackles things with trepidation. We have read and agree she should be accompanied when outside the home for several reasons. It is very early in the stages of healing and emotional steps to complete adjustment. Independent strength to push as before must be taken in smaller stages and albeit fluidly.

Last message I expressed her spirits were high and still rising. She has a renewed outlook on several aspects yet as above certain unknowns are unanswered.

One day at a time.

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To be continued...