Foot surgery makes life awkward
By LOU GREENHAW
Contributing writer
I am trying on a new role. Instead of being the caregiver, I am the care getter! I had surgery on both of my feet on January 9. I am rolling around at home in a wheel chair with my legs extended outward and that is extremely awkward.
Bunion surgery takes about six weeks for a recovery. I had two bunions and two bunionettes removed. As long as I was going to have to be off my feet for two weeks and then keep my feet up as much as possible for four more weeks, I decided to do it all at once instead of one foot at a time.
I feel pretty helpless at times. At least I can walk a little with my special guaranteed ugly shoes, but the problem is keeping my balance. I didn't know the ball of the foot and the toes were so critical in standing still. I have lost my balance once and slide off the side of the bed once and found landing on my full feet was very painful.
So my husband and son have brought me food, something to read, adjusted pillows, hauled my wheel chair, changed the television channel and all the other things that needed to be done. The pharmacy student, Joe, who is staying here has taken out trash, warmed up lunch, fetched and toted. My church friends, work friends and other friends have brought in food. I've received flowers, balloons, presents and cards. My pastor and his wife visited. From all this fuss, I've concluded that I am more comfortable in the caregiver role!. It is hard to see everyone doing for me, and I feel so helpless. Maybe this is a lesson for me when I'm dealing with others who need help but think they can do things on their own.
The food has been excellent. I had thought I would just plan to throw something in the crock-pot everyday to have dinner ready for my family, Joe, and myself. Only once have I done that, and I tried a new recipe that was very easy. I was only on my feet about five minutes. I peeled the potatoes and onions while in the wheel chair. I could balance myself while assembling it by holding on to the cabinets.
I added a green salad, some steamed broccoli, and we ate pie from the previous night's food delivery and it was pretty tasty. I think I will survive if I don't go crazy staying home. I brought lots of work home but find it hard to work in one position for too long. One thing I do enjoy is my afternoon nap. Maybe those Italians have it right with the two-hour lunch hour that includes a nap.
HAM AND POTATO CROCKPOT SCALLOP
8 slices ham
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 large onion, sliced
Black pepper to taste
1 cup corn
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Layer ham, potatoes and onion in crock-pot. Sprinkle with pepper. Add corn. Combine soup, cheese and Worcestershire. Pour over corn. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are done.
