December 3, we headed for our hotel in Mississauga in order to be close at hand for
Chris's pre-op at
Trillium Queensway Hospital. We ate dinner at Ikea and picked
up a live Christmas tree, knowing it would be fine in the cold car for five days.
Sherway Gardens Mall is across from the hospital so in the morning of Decemeber 4,
we had a good power walk and let a little Christmas spirit trickle in as we viewed the
lights and decorations and heard the familiar carols. Chris's pre-op was completed by
noon so we headed off for a movie and dinner out.
Up at the crack of dawn on December 5, we were off to
Trillium Mississauga Hospital
where Chris was admitted and slipped in to his trendy pale blue (backless) gown and
matching slippers. Then we joined the other rows of stretchers where surgery patients
had their vitals checked by Nurses, consults with Anesthetists and met their Surgeons
who were fully garbed in their operating gear. The room gradually emptied as the
gurneys were wheeled away to various surgery rooms. When I gave Chris his 'Good
Luck Kiss' he was wearing an expression that was 1/3 excitement, 1/3 fear and 1/3 hopeful.
I went off shopping and then read my book in the waiting room where the nervousness of
the visitors was palpable. Finally, it was time to see Chris and learn that everything had
gone to plan except that he could not move his left leg. (WHAT???!!!) Doctors and
Nurses tried their best to convince us that nerve issues are common with spinal surgery
and not to worry! By early evening Chris was taken up to his double room by the Porters
and put in the competent hands of various staff: Nurses, Nurse Assistants, Ward Doctor,
Physiotherapists, Urologist, Dietician, Patient Services Assistants who deliver and pick up
food trays and Clinical Assistants who take care of ward housekeeping. And then there
was the cheerleader: ME!
I was extremely lucky to have my good friends Vida and Eugene welcome me into their
beautiful home where I had my own room to take stock of my days, read and crash out.
Some mornings we breakfasted together and also shared a few fun dinners. A stay that
was supposed to be a few nights turned into weeks and I really do not know how I would
have survived without the moral support and comfort of my "home away from home"
This doorknob gave me a friendly hello every time I closed my bedroom door!
As it turned out, Chris's leg needed a lot of attention and he did physio and retrained
his leg to walk by cruising the 'hallway circuit' using a high walker. Stretching and
strengthening was done through exercises a few times a day. His frustration was to
be expected but he had great determination to set things right again. The prediction
of a four day stay after surgery was extended to two weeks. Luckily he was moved
to a new wing of the hospital on day four, a spacious, private space with huge windows.
That move really lifted our spirits. I popped home for a couple of days and pried the
Christmas tree out of the car and on to the deck for storage. I cut its strings and the
branches reached out and I was relieved to see that there were plenty of needles still
on them. It was great to be home but did not feel quite right knowing that Chris was
far away in hospital. The worst thing, was coming in to the house and not being
greeted by a certain tail wag and nosy-nuzzle! We miss you soooo much Dixie!
Room with a view!
Chris and I had some visitors come to hospital. Thank you Dina and Mark, Jane, Mike
and Jen for a distraction, your encouragement and support. Thanks to family and
friends who sent comforting emails and texts. I visited a couple of malls and watched
starry-eyed children pay a visit to Santa. The hospital was close to
Spring Creek
Cemetery where a number of close family members lie at rest. I was able to visit
them and say hello one silent sunny afternoon. I felt such a deep love saying
Merry Christmas to Mom and Dad during their favourite holiday season and telling
them about Flora, a sister for Finn.
The
Advent of Christmas was in full swing in Australia. We had hoped to be there
this year but hopefully next!
One afternoon a few days before we were scheduled to go home, a local Church Choir
brought some hope and cheer to the hospital halls. All hospitals rely on volunteers for
many functions and they are special folks for giving their time to others! Chris and I
practiced walking and doing stairs with the physiotherapist before his Decemeber 20
"release".
When we finally arrived home, Chris and I were both overcome with emotion.
We both felt tired enough to sleep for a week. I managed to get the tree up.
Amazing ornaments, Christmas gift from Dina and Mark.
It was fun to wrap presents this year with the materials and space in the studio.
It is so lovely to hang favourite ornaments that have been packed away for a few years.
We had two fun, short visits with friends before the 25th. One thing I loved this year,
was receiving Christmas cards. Our annual winter travels left us without a mailing
address so cards were few. It was such an important family tradition with Dad,
Mark and I making our own cards for years. I actually put 46 cards into a scrapbook
this year. (it disappeared after Christmas, likely into the garbage) Alas! As always,
getting out into nature makes me
joyous
to the world. I had a peaceful hike in our
woods December 24. It helped me sort out the turmoil with Chris, now being free of
a condition that both his Neurologist and Surgeon warned could lead to paralysis but
still experiencing pain from the issues in his lower spine. There would be a lot of work
ahead to get his leg working properly and a number of weeks to heal his system from
anesthetic and the trauma of major surgery. We can do it together!
Christmas Day and week were quiet and relaxing. We enjoyed our Face-timing
and Messaging was great seeing and hearing about the "good old traditions".
Cousin Genevieve, Finn and Flora on a Beach Holiday
