Staples Out and Getting Organised Again!

Today (29.09.17) I had 26  staples removed from my leg.... I was so apprehensive about this it was unreal. I thought I would prepare myself with a relaxation tape. I have listened to this one many times before and I love the steam train that arrives at a busy platform just for me whilst everyone else is in the daily hustle and bustle of going to work......

I informed the nurse that I am really anxious about having the staples removed. She asks why and I explained it's because I have never had them before and I was the same the first time I ever had stitches removed but for some strange reason this was a new all high level of anxiety. I asked for a sick bowl as although I felt sick and I knew I probably wouldn't be but I didn't want to risk the embarrassment of being sick everywhere.

I was asked how many staples I had in my leg.... I have no idea what lies beneath the dressing so it was going to be a surprise for both her and myself. As soon as the dressing was  removed I was busy counting the staples... I had watched the Youtube videos about clips being removed and was informed that you needed to count the clips to ensure they were all removed... 26 and oh no I could see some staples that were really close together and one that looked deep buried within my leg..

****************************WARNING********************************************
*************Look away if you don't want to see the staples in my leg or my hairy leg**********

26 Staples to be removed!

So she explains what she was going to do... yup I know.. I have watched three YouTube videos to make sure that she knew what she was doing... Deep down I knew she did but I guess I needed reassurance for myself that she did. Deep breath Louise... come on you have got this... the first one wasn't too bad although I could see a bit of blood! The clippers had to go under the staple to cut it and then wiggle them out. Most of them didn't hurt but the closer she got to the one that says ouch..... it was becoming quite tender and then OMFG that hurt. Tears silently appeared and as she went to touch it, I screamed. It was way too painful. Thoughts running through my head... I can live with one staple in my body... if it means you don't have to touch it. The nurse was great and very caring. I shall start taking some out from the top to let it settle a bit but I won't start until you are ready... Bad move.... am I ever going to be ready? Do I just want to wait forever and my time run out and hope that the next patient will be seen? Nope... I am ready just get on with it, the quicker they are out I can get home and relax... So much for the relaxation tape... mind you I was more relaxed than when I started it was just every now and again some of them were really painful. The one that was buried (marked by the ouch sign above) was the most painful. It felt as though she was literally digging that bugger out of my knee to get underneath it to get it out. Obviously, I know she wasn't but this was how I felt at the time. Re-assurance was given I am so sorry that I have to do this but we are over half-way. We maybe but this isn't helping as I know I still have the ones that are so close together and these can be tricky.

Last one... hurrah thanks Carole you did a great job... I am so sorry I screamed on that awful one. Yeah that's them all out.... well I hope they are she said... Please don't tell me that now I am going to have to inspect it more closely to double check... Did you not count them as they were coming out.. the Youtube video said count them before, as you take them out and also what is in the pot! She offers me the opportunity to take them home... er no thanks as if I count them and one is missing I am not sure how I would handle it... Plus what am I going to do with them? Put them in a little pot and rattle them around and show everyone at the dinner table? No thanks you are OK you can throw them away. 

I have further dressings that need to be taken off... I hope these are just steristrips as I have three more dressings!! Wahooooo they are... result. One site has a bit of bruising.... that was from where they took the stem cells from and the others were nothing to write home about...

So new dressings are applied and I have to book an appointment for the end of next week. I am given advice if I have any concerns about the dressings and the sites and what to do if this and that happens. She gave re-assurance and informed me this was highly unlikely to happen but I needed to know just incase. 

It was quite draining but I had hope to meet a friend for a coffee as he too has recently undergone major surgery. Like me, he cannot drive so good old mum picks us both up and drops us off at the coffee shop. Here we exchanged tales about our recent surgery and that we were not going to rush back to work too soon and do everything we needed to do. It was so nice to see Chris and I just love his positive outlook on life. 

After coffee/lunch I was going to Canterbury with my mum to return my wheelchair but I was so tired from the adrenaline that had been oozing around my body since last night, I had tired myself out. So a little afternoon nap was had... and boy oh boy did I need it as tonight I was going out for 'Supervision' with the girls!!

I had such a wonderful night with Ashmore, Liz T and Fi it was unreal. You can tell they are mums as they fussed around me in a nice way.. Can I do this? OMG are you OK? What do you need me to do? Nothing I am good thanks but if you could move that chair back a bit that would be great.... In other words, back off and don't touch my leg as if you move it wrong I will be sick! It's strange as I am sure they are more than capable of helping me but I don't want anyone touching it. I have my leg up on the chair placed next to me for the starter. I am holding my leg and Fi is obviously concerned that I am holding it... I give her reassurance to say.. it is OK.. it doesn't hurt... I am just hiding my hairy legs! OMG... worst mistake ever as Fi says oh you can't see them... liar lair pants are on fire and then she proceeds to stroke my leg and says oh look it's like a cat.... yeah cheers for that Fi! 

I move my leg under the table for the main meal as I am supposed to have it down but didn't want to struggle and not enjoy the meal... WOW.... my leg is bending with a lot more ease now that the staples are out.. plus we are laughing and chatting I forget about the leg for a bit and manage to bend it a little bit more so it makes sitting at the table more comfortable. 

It's always lovely to go out with these guys as no matter how great or bad your day has been you always know that you are in for a good night. Tonight was amazing lots of laughter and no tears. Double celebrations for people getting new jobs. I couldn't be prouder of these amazing ladies who have become such wonderful friends over the years. Thanks guys for being you.... 

Oh and Liz has taken on the role of organising our Christmas Party this year... so out comes the menu and Bob's your Uncle we have decided our meals.... We need to have another catch up before then as there is a lot of planning that goes into nights out... sometimes you have pre-planning meetings for the planning meeting.. we laugh loads about previous adventures and sleeping arrangements or lack of them for some due to the hustle and bustle of the use of the bathroom! Our Liverpool adventure and the need to plan new adventures in 2018.

I have also been busy planning my food for next week as I am starting the Food For Fitness 30 Day Challenge on Monday.... I so cannot wait so my shopping will arrive over the weekend so that I am all good to start.

Goodnight as one now needs sleep after such a busy day.