THE END! Holidays, puzzle, blog.

The Hip Joint continues without a hitch, so far anyway.

Lots of quiet time. Have been walking and driving in small doses, gradually increasing the duration.

Completing the jigsaw puzzle seems like a good time to complete this blog. The (frustrating) site didn't allow most people to add comments, which eliminated some of the fun and also the potential for branching out with other dialogs.

So this is farewell. Thank you again for your concern and support. It has meant a lot. Hope you are enjoying a blessed holiday season. Happy New Year!
xoxo

ORDINARY STUFF THESE DAYS

Rain…fireplace…watching movies…looking forward to many of these winter evenings.
The walker has been replaced by a cane and/or no assistance inside the house.
Have started to walk outdoors in small increments to build up endurance.
(Sh-h-h-h-h: here's a secret - I drove my car 3 times this week to see how the legs are working. So far, so good! But will not drive anywhere soon unless chauffeured.)
It's not lost on me that this opportunity to decompress while required to be "in the moment" is pretty rare. Abandoning 'multi-tasking' is a huge adjustment that is really just fine, for now.
Enjoying classical and holiday music when not watching movies. A nice soundtrack to the season, while treasuring friends and family whose love and support are priceless.

ADDICTED

Melissa's fault!
We have a history of spending w-a-y too many hours on these things. Lots of snow and tree branches remaining, and "they all look alike" in many ways.

Good way to slowly engage the brain, however. But when in motion, must only focus on movements and no distractions. Can't be having an accident after all these achievements!

PS: Thank you for messages, cards, and emails, since responding on this blog is pretty darn near impossible.

NEW NURSE ON DUTY

Well, no such thing as "home alone" after all.
Melissa arranged with Mrs. Fields for coverage while she was at Disneyland.
Here's the new staff member, who arrived with a package overflowing with bribes goodies to motivate me to behave.
Triple chocolate does get my attention...

HOME ALONE

We're Melissa's going to Disneyland! Washing windows lost out to the Happiest Place on Earth. Go figure.
Marcia gets to practice being unchaperoned and do things like bring in the mail all by herself. The "TO DO" list is getting more complex - woo hoo!

OMG - IRONING!!!!

Look at Melissa!!! A forgotten wardrobe just emerged from the "to do" closet.
Made me wonder about washing windows next…but suddenly she had to leave and run some errands.

FIRST OUTING

Trader Joe's, Friday afternoon. Supposed to walk as much as possible, so this fit the bill. Pushing a wheeled device, it was intuitive to grab an item and toss it in front of me. Fortunately cheese isn't breakable.

Therapists and nurses are pleased with my progress but remind me that internally there has been a lot of trauma that will take months to heal. Sort of feels like this at times.

Changing of the guard

Angel Donna is going home today, and Angel Melissa has arrived. Even though wonderful times will be shared at home, blog-worthy? probably not so much…our tea selections, etc., don't need to be posted. Visits by nurses and therapists are on the calendar, and the rest is a matter of time.
Again, sorry it has been impossible for many of you to post on this site. Thanks for your expressions of support and concern. Happy rainy day!!!

YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE.....

Today was a little bit like entering the

When I arrived to break Marcia out of Rehab this morning, she was still sitting on the side of the bed (see last night's Blog).  She said it seemed like hours since I went for scissors to remove her hospital jewelry.

So the big day was here....it was surreal since 6 days ago she hobbled in to have two hips replaced and was now going home walking better than when she arrived!

HUH????  Did all that really just happen???

(doo doo  doo doo, doo doo doo doo) Twilight Zone

 

Before leaving we made a quick trip down memory lane, stopping first at the pretty white-lighted Christmas tree in the lobby to bid it adieu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next stop, a visit to the check-in lobby Christmas tree where we stood six days prior on the way to surgery. Marcia insisted on a quick game of "Missing Marcia" - (kind of a  combination of "Where's Waldo/I Spy/Highlight/& Bev Doolittle paintings) so the Admitting Clerk and I played along, letting her blend in and out of the tree... After all, she'd been cooped up for almost a week and look what she'd been through!

Can you find her?

 
HOME SWEET HOME

Marcia then said her final farewell and walked across the sky bridge to her car.
 Being the Fashionista that she is, Marcia 'donned' a Silver Designer BMW Walker to match her ride and her YMCA "Silver Sneakers" membership card.

Then, as we neared home, the Twilight Zone feeling set in again.
We arrived home at 2-7-4-0....having just left Room 7-2-0-4!
 (doo doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo)





 

 
After a week of relative isolation, shut-down, major surgery, and some hard rehab work,
R&R (rest and retraining) is on deck.

Marcia is going to remain unplugged/unengaged for a while to put total focus on movement: therapeutic exercise & walking with planned steps that avoid instinctive no-no motions. Her phone and doorbell may be turned off to decrease startling sounds and help her focus, and she has in-home trainers coming for a couple weeks to wrap up.

Marcia will continue to have family help for another couple of weeks, and she will put out the "Time to Go Social" call when she feels like she's truly Wonder Woman sturdy and refreshed.




In wrapping up, it has been a pleasure documenting Marcia's adventure and meeting many of you in person and online...you are all lovely!


Fabulously Talented but Unemployed
Blogger for Hire

 

As you may recall from a previous blog post here, as of tomorrow I will no longer be blogging for Ms. Hanford because she fired me because I can't figure out why some people can comment on her blog and others can't I have decided to take some time off from blogging and attending to Marcia's every whim  to spend quality time with my family.


OH, AND AS FOR THE PUPPY, BABY GRACE,
she still has no relevance to this blog but she DID grow a LOT in the last 6 days!!!

Unemployed Blogger's Dog waiting for food.
Get cozy.

THANKS FOR FOLLOWING!

Love, thanks and gratitude,

Marcia and Donna

 



INDEPENDENCE DAY

Today was
"Independence Day"

for Marcia.

Aptly named here as the day before you go home from Rehab, the therapists make sure you are able to play house perform your daily activities independently!  Marcia passed with flying colors!

 

Marcia got up and ate, showered, got dressed, and made several farewell laps around "The Hip Joint".

 

 

Later, continuing to replicate her typical day, she met her Sensai at her Dojo for a workout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch she entertained the trainers in the gym one last time with her impressive performance of Shaq doing the stair climb.

 

Since then, Marcia has been packed, ready and waiting on the edge of her seat to go home...

I haven't had the heart yet to tell her it's not until TOMORROW....

 

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, it's only a

daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay    aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa waaaaaaaaaay!

SEEN ENTERING REHAB...

After another all-too-familiar low speed chase on the Glendale Freeway, Marcia Hanford was successfully apprehended and transferred to a local Rehab center yesterday. 

Shown here being helped into the unmarked BMW convertible police car bearing an uncanny resemblance to Marcia's vehicle, Ms. Hanford was transported to Glendale Adventist Rehab Center where she was spotted being pommelled by TMZ junior intern reporters calling for comment about her recent "Miracle Healing" ala Antonio Banderas.



Allegedly overheard yelling "It's OVER! We're through!" referring to the short-lived fling with Griffin's ex, Hanford was quickly smuggled in through a back entrance to avoid the paparazzi.

 

Today: In Rehab Marcia had two physical therapy sessions and one occupational session. All of her Therapists were impressed with her quick progress and, according to Marcia, it is due to several factors including learning from friends, advance preparations, probably some good fortune and a great surgeon thrown into the mix.
 
The facility here has training rooms set up like home. Marcia practiced getting in and out of a tub, walking up and down stairs, sitting on surfaces at varying heights, stepping up onto a curb outside, and getting in and out of her car on the passenger side. She also did leg lifts, knee bends, marching, toe raises, minor squats and of course, walking. Her pace, speed and endurance have increased yet again today.
 
Marcia is on the minimum pain medication and has it pretty well under control. The more she walks the less stiff she is. She had such a productive day, that they put ice packs on her hips while she rests this evening (kind of like after a good work out). Marcia will have three sessions tomorrow again, and is planning to go home Sunday. She will want to settle in for a period of time before thinking about adding anything to her day. So far, she isn't reading, talking on the phone, using a computer, or doing anything beyond these blogged-about adventures. Her body/mind are saying that enough is enough at this point so she's listening.
 
THIS JUST IN:
    It appears that readers (friends and family alike) have been unimpressed with Marcia's sister's blogging talents. A spokesperson for Ms. Hanford announced this evening that, due to low viewer interest, readership, ratings, lack of comments, and overall poor taste, effective Tuesday morning her sister will return to Arizona and will no longer blog for "Marcia's Network". No replacement has been named.
 
Puppy Grace could not be reached for comment but was apparently also unimpressed with the blog. (Ms. Hanford plans to model Grace's behavior for an undetermined amount of time upon returning home).

TURKEY DAY TRIFECTA

#1. Happy Holiday! So much to be thankful for today...thankful indeed for everything and for Marcia's amazing and continued progress...each day has been a huge jump in mobility, speed, endurance and strength. We can actually say now that Marcia has 'been around the block', so to speak, walking all over the place and with ease and at a relaxed pace. I've been video taping her walking each day and when compared side-by-side, it's impressive!

#2. Happy Feasting! Check out this Chez Hospital Thanksgiving dinner Marcia was served!

 

Perhaps a smaller spoon
considering the
generous portion
of cranberries?

And then #3 (which could ONLY happen in L.A.):

Antonio Banderas arrived and I've never seen Marcia rally as fast as she did! Together they carried her walker up 14 steps to the roof and threw it off! "I'm HEALED!" Marcia cried, and he took her in his arms and said, "Marcia, Marcia, Oh, Marcia...Melanie never meant anything to me!", and with that they...

 

Tune in tomorrow for our next episode

"Cuckoo's Nest Here We Come!"

 

(Maybe L.A. is getting to me....??)

 

 

 

UNTETHERED TODAY...

Day 3. More baby steps...walking down one hall but still haven't turned the corner yet (literally). Marcia was totally disconnected today from all machines, tubes, wires, lights, alarms, pain pumps....so she is UNTETHERED from anything that can impede her path! She worked really hard today doing her exercises, standing, marching, getting up and down, walking, and definitely starting to build up more strength and endurance after such a big surgery. She is ready to transfer to the Rehab wing tomorrow where they will focus on increased movement and strength, plus work specifically on the day-to-day tasks required for her homecoming (date TBD). She's really a trooper and spends time every hour on something, despite the soreness and pain. It is very befitting that tomorrow is Thanksgiving - we are thankful that she is on the road to recovery, and also for you - her family and friends - for all the love and support throughout this process. Happy Thanksgiving.  

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES!

*Photo Magic by Russ

It may be one small step for man, but many steps down the hall for Marcia today as she continued her trek towards mobility and independence. Her day started early with her surgeon making rounds at 4am!!!! She is getting used to her new body parts and is
exercising in bed, standing, marching in place, walking and making steady progress! She is managing pain medicine while functioning, reporting soreness on the front of her thighs and not 'pain'! Isn't that amazing?
The key learning today from her medical team of doctors, nurses, and physical & occupational therapists is that she can do whatever she's comfortable doing, and it's all up to her regarding what she wants to do and when. It was a successful day and she continued to enjoy a sunny, million dollar view while peeking at what her sister was blogging....(nosey).
-Signing off for Day 2!

MOBILE!

OKAY MARCIA - HYDRATE AND HIT THE ROAD!!
DON'T MAKE ME CALL YOUR NURSE...

 

We are so thankful for a successful surgery & outcome today, for the skillful hands of Dr. Merritt and his team, and for Marcia's fantastic progress. She is SO glad the surgery is over, and will turn her focus now to full recovery and mobility! Marcia got out of bed and walked down the hall and back today, and has had no pain, as promised (still full of some pretty good pain killers). Tomorrow - more walking. -Signing off for today.

GREAT JOB!
"Whoa Speedy!...You're making all the other patients look bad!!!"

TWO NEW HIPS IN TWO HOURS....PRAYERS ANSWERED...ALL DONE!

By 10:15am this morning Marcia rolled into her room with two brand new hips and started milking it is already on the mend!

She will be up and walking this afternoon. All signs point to RAPID RECOVERY! Marcia has now read her blog, your comments and your e-mails, and is eating a gourmet lunch of hospital food. All prayers have been answered and thank you for those!

SHE'S OUT OF SURGERY! EVERYTHING WENT GREAT!!!

 Dr. Merritt just came and told me she's all done! Everything went great and she's headed to recovery! I am heading up to her room to await her arrival in about an hour. Dr. said she'll be a little loopy (what's new....LOL) due to the medication. Will update after she's in her room.

Thank you Russ Noble for Marcia's Alternate Blog Name and Logo!!! Love it!

The Big Day has Arrived! Marcia is in Surgery!

All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front........Hips???
Marcia arrived at the hospital at 6am this morning, ready for her early Christmas presents...2 new hips! Her surgeon, Dr. Merritt, is wonderful and spent much of the time before surgery explaining to me where the Galleria is so that I could go shopping! Marcia is expected to be done, through recovery and to her room by noon.  Thanks for following along -and thank you to those of you who stopped by yesterday and have continued to e-mail and offer to help in any way! Feel free to comment on the blog. I will let you know when she's in her room!

From Marcia's sister Barbara:
We are praying for a trouble-free surgery and a speedy & pain-free recovery.  Keep the info coming. Love ya Marcia OXOXOXOXOXO

From Marcia's Sister-in-law Melissa (who will be Marcia's rehab care provider!):
"Soon she'll be dashing through the....well, not snow, but...."

We're holding up in prayer all who are even remotely connected to The Marcia Project. The Candy stripers and the gift shop lady should have a wonderful day, as well!!!! Love you!

This time tomorrow...

Good Sunday Morning! I'm Marcia's sister visiting from Arizona, and this is my family's new dog Grace. You may ask "What does Grace have to do with Marcia's hip replacement that will be in full swing at this time tomorrow?"

Absolutely nothing.  But everybody loves a puppy!

I'll be updating "Marcia's Network" blog so that those of you who are near and dear to her can follow along. Over the next 24 hours we will share her transformation from "hobbling to hopping" as we document her daily adventures. Tomorrow she will officially replace Lindsay Wagner as the Bionic Woman. Unlike Lindsay, who just played one on TV, Marcia will be the real deal... card-carrying double hip replacement phenom! 

A few days following surgery - being the independent sort and amazingly amusing writer that she is -  I'm certain Marcia will fire me from this job and take over the updates. In the meantime, I will keep you updated.

Perhaps you are one of Marcia's wonderful caring friends, or one of our loving family members who wants check in from time to time to see how she is doing. Perhaps you or someone you know has had or is going to have hip surgery and you want to skip ahead to see how it goes. Either way, over the next few days  you can count on me to only post when there's something significant or interesting to report...things like the arrival of a new 10 week old puppy....now how can you not post that???