To Stacey: Weekly Check-in at 3 Weeks

March 31, 2004

Hi Stacey. It's my weekly check-in to see how you're doing. We're

both at three weeks now.

I went back to work Monday (I run my own company so taking off more

time was not an option) and find it takes me a while to get going in

the am and I fade around 3. But 5 hours or so is better than nothing.

Swelling wise, I'm down to 20 percent. My doc gave me a cool way to

notice it (though noone else seems to) which is that the lines on

the side of your face (where a mustache would be on a guy) aren't

visible. The swelling will be down when those are gone. I swell more

when I sit up too long. So driving more than 15-20 minutes is

pushing it for me. At work I slouch and lean which makes it easier.

Food wise, I can chew lightly although I haven't yet. Last night I

went out to an Uno's and just had a greasy appetizer of finger food

to shred and swallow -- cheese sticks, buffalo wings, onion rings,

chicken fingers and fries. So I basically doubled my cholesterol and

took an hour and a half to eat a child's portion but it was a fun

treat (and mess). Whipped yogurts are still the easiest to get down.

That and a million ways to make potatos --my pancakes are pretty

edible!

Sleeping, I've gone back to my side. The doc okayed it and if it

keeps the swelling a little longer but lets me sleep I'll live with

it.

Numbness is still there. I was the one posting the phantom drooling

message earlier in the week. It makes it hard to tell when

something is hot or cold so I do a subtle finger check! I do find

paper cups work better than glass because I can grip them so I carry

one with me or ask for a child's cup.

The bands are still on near the front for another two weeks at

least. Then I can see my ortho to see what latest tortures he has in

mind for me!

The biggest frustration for me is lack of energy. I get so knocked

out and it's driving me nuts. I know it's my body healing but heck,

I've never been the most patient one.

So hang in there and let me know what's going on on your side of the

pond.

Your surgery buddy,

Fran

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