The road to recovery. A tough journey, full of the unknown.
Ok, that's about as philosophical as I get. :) Really, though, Rick's recovery is as complicated as I ever want something to be in life. At two weeks post-procedure, he's doing well. Not wonderful, but good. His stitches are starting to dissolve, he's on to soft-texture foods (cooked eggs, dumplings, chunky soups) and drinking LOTS of water. His eating is laboured, as every bite must be macerated very well, and swallowing is quite painful yet. Small portions are key at this stage. He's also weaning himself off his pain medication in preparation for return to work (modified duties) on Monday. Lots of rest still to recover. A few setbacks yet, but still a lot of forward progress.
Food is very important to our family, probably more than most. Rick prides himself in creating unique, delicious, bountiful meals. He varies texture, color and balances all components.
Now, though, his main vessel for nourishment is soup. And more soup. Family and friends have been WONDERFUL with offerings of soup varieties and support. You really learn to look around you and realize and appreciate what you have.
Rick is sick of soup. He wants texture. Oh, he's getting the nourishment he needs, but wants crunchy, chewy, crisp foods. He wants to eat what he wants, in the quantity he wants to. Since the surgery and reduction of food for a week plus, he has lost almost 30lbs in the 2 weeks post-surgery. Despite the surgery, he looks great.
Sleep quality is yet to be determined. There's still a lot of swelling, and his body is still getting used to the new expanded airway and lask of tonsils and uvula. He'll have a sleep study done in a few months, but I am very optimistic that the surgery will be successful and his apnea improved or gone altogether.
We'll see- but I've really enjoyed having Rick home for the past week and a half and spending time together! :)
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