Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I don't even know where to start.

Remember my brother, the frugal water user? He's having quadruple bypass heart surgery. The need for this surgery came as a complete shock to everyone, himself included. He was told the week after we got home from our visit with him. My brother is 10 years older than me but I'd never seen him look fitter than over Christmas. Last Thursday, he called to tell us the op had been scheduled for today but I just spoke to him, and it's now been postponed to tomorrow, time still unknown. He checked in to the hospital on Sunday, sounds in good spirits, and is passing time watching cartoons. He's already over hospital food and talking about what he'll eat when he gets out. I mentioned porridge and soup and think I saw his eyes roll over the phone. I'll be flying up to Brisbane next week to keep an eye on his diet him and will be there for 2 weeks. 

Last night, in a Murphy moment, I fractured one of my toes at capoeira, training a take down. What sane 50+ year old woman does stupid stuff like that. It's surprisingly painful, making it hard to walk. I'm pissed off at the timing and hope I'll be ready to travel next week. My brother and I will no doubt make a comic pair, shuffling around the neighbourhood on our daily recuperation walks. 

A grumpy Cushion (who has just made me a delicious sardine and cucumber sandwich for lunch while I rest, ice, compress and elevate my foot) is insisting (again) that I give up trying to spar with people 20 years my junior and take up knitting instead. 

Have you ever heard such rubbish? 







49 comments:

Karen said...

Well, that's quite the surprise! Best wishes to your brother for a speedy recovery!

houndstooth said...

I CANNOT fathom you content to sit around with knitting needles! When your toe gets better, perhaps a swift kick is in order. ;)

I hope your brother's surgery goes well and he recovers quickly!

What Remains Now said...

I admire your feisty spirit. Hopefully that is a "family" thing and will see both you and your brother through. Sending best healing wishes your way. Please take your computer so you can give us updates.

Jean said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, and hope all goes well with his surgery. I've known many people who have had triple or quadruple bypass surgery and it amazes me how quickly they recover. I guess it is a very common surgery these days.
As for broken toes, I broke one just before my vacation last summer - PAINFUL! It took about 8 weeks before it was completely healed - four or five weeks wearing sandals because shoes were too painful. As for giving up your sport - I say "steel toed boots".

Will Cushion and Georgia be staying home while you go play nurse?

Matilda the Boxer said...

We'll keep our paws crossed that all goes well!

BERMTOPIA said...

Best wishes to your brother --and you -- for speedy recoveries! We can share toe recovery stories (altho I don't envy the fractures) -- I'm having two repaired surgically on Friday so will have plenty of time to spew about life with one foot propped higher than your heart.

Take care of yourself and your bro. And boldly borrowing a Strylian sign-off:

Hoo roo!

booahboo said...

I think Cushion is right for once... knitting might seem a tad boring but with your creativity, you might be able to do awesome stuffs :)

Get well soon to you bro... and i'm sure both of you will have loads of fun recuperating. Watching cartoons before an op is always good.

u sure you are 50+?

Amy said...

Oh, Typist - what a week it has been for you! I hope your brother's surgery goes well and he recovers quickly. And, I hope your toe doesn't bother you too much! I'm sorry to disagree with Cusion, but I think it's pretty cool that you spar at all. It could come in handy if that crazy guy Lon the bus finally cracks. Take care!

rottrover said...

Our paws are crossed for your brother and for your toe.

Bart, Ruby and Otto

georgia little pea said...

Thank you everyone! X

You would be right, BUNNY'S MAMA. It was entirely my fault. My old toes were just no match for the 20-something foot that they collided with.

LORI - yes, Cushion has generously suggested I take the iPad with me.

JEAN, I've been doing some reading on the QBS. The first words that popped up were "a very serious surgery". Funny, Cushion says exactly the same thing you did, that it's commonly done these days and my sister and I shouldn't think dire thoughts! If my toe takes that long to heal, I'm screwed. Yes, Georgia and Cushion will be having a holiday from me ;)

Jeez QUEEN, 2 surgically repaired? What on earth is wrong with them? No doubt you'll do a fine spew post. Good luck with it. I've got my foot higher than my heart at the moment.

Yes I am sure ANNY!

AMY, I haven't seen that guy on the bus since, thank goodness. Maybe his mother smacked some manners into him!

verobirdie said...

My best wishes to your brother. I'm sure he will be fine.
I'm not sure you would be safe with knittind needles, they have points. I also have an image of you jumping rope with circular needles :-)

Anyway, you and you brother, do take care, and heal quickly.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Oh dear, oh me, oh my. Which to address first.......
Lots and lots of positive thoughts your brother's way. (He will recuperate very fast, so you will go home and not use so much of his water.) All good wishes for a very speedy and good recovery.
Now, is a fracture and a break the same thing?? Anyhow, I broke my little toe once and like Jean couldn't wear shoes for weeks and weeks and the only relief was elevating the foot to stop the throbbing. But if you are flying you are going to need some kind of footwear to protect your poor old toe on the plane and at the airport! All those people shoving and standing on your feet etc. Perhaps your foot will go into a pair of those Crocs? and maybe they would give some protection.
Well, be thinking of brother tomorrow and an update on his progess and yours would be welcome dear Typist.

H and Flo said...

Ooooo. I trust all goes well with the surgery and that your nursing skills are better than (dare I say it) your kicking skills. Sorry. ;s

I have said it before and I'll say it again. I've yet to hurt myself lying on the couch. So there.

H.
BTW, I HAVE broken toes before (nothing to do with lying on the couch), the little one and the one next to the big one (would that be an 'index' toe??)! They hurt like hell and I complained like baby. They also took AGES to heal... no point work in those ballet shoes for a while. :( Toes are VERY underappreciated.

H and Flo said...

Ooh ooh. Just thought of something else. Maybe you could knit yourself some steel capped boots?

georgia little pea said...

VERO, ROSE and H, thank you for the laugh, ladies! Much appreciated. I particularly hope Cushion takes note of your knitting needles comment, Vero :) A capoeira friend who broke her toe 3 years ago says it felt much better after a week. That's the good news. The bad is that it apparently still hurts after 3 years. It's not a protruding broken bone, Rose, thank goodness! I would have fainted. I'm VERY surprised how much it hurts, H! Seriously, more than a fractured rib, torn quadriceps, hyperextended finger, egg on the skull and split eye, all of which I've enjoyed courtesy of capoeira. Not as bad as torn knee ligaments and meniscus though ;)

H and Flo said...

OMG! I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't be laughing but I can't help it... what a long list of injuries. I totally understand why Cushion complains about you going to do Cape Capor Cap... to do that thing that you do. Maybe flower arranging in the future? Or cake decorating?

georgia little pea said...

Shhh H!!! I seriously considered not publishing your comment. Cushion is going to say I told you so for sure. Anyway, haven't you heard that too much cake and icing is BAD for your health? ;)

Tootsie said...

This is a lot of rubbish all at once! It never rains but it pours. Sounds like that happens in Australia, too.

1. The Cushion is wrong. One must keep sparring with young folks and with the Cushion and with everyone. Above all, one must keep doing (as someone else writes) "that thing you do." A toe? Well, heck. It will heal. (Though I understand it hurts like the dickens.)

2. Heal Toe!

3. Please convey our very best regards to your brother, the Frugal Water User. Our thoughts are with you all. We're so glad you can travel there to be with him.

xox
Renee & Tootsie

Anonymous said...

Lots of healing love to your bro, hospitals and being in them are more than a bit rubbish. Hope your foot heals soon! xxx

Unknown said...

Best wishes to your brother, and that he gets back to good health soon. Also hope your foot gets better too! I'm always banging into things so I know how easy it can happen.
Knitting? Kidding?

June said...

If my husband ever made me a cucumber AND SARDINE sandwich, THAT would be a blog post in itself. Fish of any description is rarely permitted into this house. Sad, because I love sardines.
Sorry about your toe. It's amazing how one broken toe can throw off your whole life, isn't it?

Taryn said...

OUCH! I broke a toe last year, and it hurts! Hopefully yours will heal quickly.

Best wishes to your brother for a speedy recovery.

georgia little pea said...

Thank you everyone, for all your good healing wishes! X

TOOTS, it pours a lot here. I often wish life could be a little less exciting, or maybe dramatic might be a better word.

No fish JUNE?! Poor thing. That's one of the best and healthiest things to eat, especially at our advanced age :)

Anonymous said...

Ouch! I hope your toe is better! Did it turn colors? Ouch! Good vibes to your brother! I'd leave a comment but I'm on my laptop and that prevents me from leaving a comment.
I think should continue w/capoiera! Good for you! Working out is very good for 50+ year old women. Maybe get a foot guard?
Sweating is good. I go to V Barre class and sweat buckets! Probably even my toe n ails! Ha!
Sardines and cucumber sandwich? Hmmmm...sardines on toast with mustard is good.
Here is a sardine recipe...maybe the Cushion will make it for you while you rest your toe. I don't love the lemon zest and I use only about 1 table spoon of bread crumbs since why have double cars but....cooking is like jazz...all about the improv.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/dining/31mini.html?_r=0

Big hugs to GLP
OG

Rose ~ from Oz said...

So, T which toe?? and can you get a shoe on?
These are important details ! ;)

Patrice and Higgins said...

Yikes! I hope you and your brother have a super speedy recovery!!!!

~Higgins

Cowspotdog said...

Lots of positive thoughts and vibes heading your way for a successful surgery and time for the toe to recover. Seems like these things always happen at once doesn't it.

georgia little pea said...

Yes ROSE, I wore my ugg boots today (when on my feet). The cushioning seems to help with the pain. Fourth toe, right foot :) Just did an arnica rub. Ouch. Why aren't you asleep in your beautiful new bedroom yet? I'm off to bed now. Nighty night x

Sherri / 2Rescues said...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your brother, and for your toe. I don't think you could give up capiera (sorry for totally butchering the spelling). I agree with all those before me...You just don't seem like the knitting type. Maybe Cushion could take up knitting and make you some nicely padded socks to wear after combat class. :)

Sherri / 2Rescues said...

OH- something I forgot. Duck tape. Do you have that down there? My son (a very accident prone now twentysomething) swears by it. He fell down the stairs in his townhome, tore the skin BETWEEN his toes, and then cleaned it up and wrapped his toes up with duck tape. It healed, no dr required, but he did get a firm scolding from his mother about the importance of proper wound care. Lol.

LetterstoAndrew said...

I'm sure you're worried. My mom had 5 bypasses back in 1990. Three years ago she had valve replacement surgery. It's terrifying, but I'm sure your brother is in good hands and will be fine. Will send good thoughts your way!

Peggy Frezon said...

Sending prayers for your brother's surgery. Since he's quite fit he should come through it very well. And healing for your poor toe. I do think knitting might be a nice idea! Thanks for the birthday wishes for Kelly!

sonia a. mascaro said...

Minha querida amiga, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's surgery and I hope all goes well with him and he recovers very soon!
I'm sorry to hear that you fractured one of your toes at capoeira! I can imagine your pain! I hope you will heal soon.
I always admire your cheerful and lively spirit and good humour. It's a good example for sure.
You knitting? For now, no way! Maybe on yours 90 years old. Lol!
Muitos abraços.

Pamela said...

Wishing lots of good healing to your brother and wisdom to his surgeons.

Glad you're able to spend his recuperation with him even if you're limping.

As for knitting--you do know knitting needles make awesome weapons, right? I think you're less deadly in capoeira.

Anonymous said...

Rubbish! Tell him it's either sparring or skydiving.

Great good wishes to your brother.

Anonymous said...

I broke my toe a few years ago and was quite upset to find that all medical science could do for it was to charge me for an x-ray and send me home with instructions for ice and elevation.

Paws crossed for your brother's speedy recovery.

georgia little pea said...

Thank you everyone! Your good wishes are much appreciated X

SHERRI, I love the way you and your son think!

JODI, that was the most comforting, most encouraging thing anyone could have said. Thank you x

Unfortunately PAMELA, I am only deadly to myself in capoeira ;)

RICE sucks JAN!

Ruby said...

Oh, I hopes your brother gets better soon! Wow, that sure does suck. I will keep my paws crossed for him and you to stop bangin' youself up!! BOL
Have a safe trip, and maybe some bubble wrap for your feets might be in order! heehhee
Kisses,
Ruby

Kristine said...

How frightening! I hope your brother's surgery goes well and he has an easy recovery, if that is possible. I also hope your toe doesn't cause you too much pain. No way would he have said such a thing if you were in your normal condition!

I will be thinking of you.

GizmoGeodog said...

Gosh I'm sorry to hear about your brother...When my Dad was 86 he had a triple...Within a week he was home and walking around the neighborhood...I know your brother will be fine...As for you toe, isn't it amazing that something so small can hurt so much and take so long to heal? Props to you for continuing to train beyond the time that others think is sensible...Who gives a fig for what's sensible?

Barb said...

No knitting for you! The toe will take awhile to heal, but I've even skied with one broken. Just tape it to the one next to it after the swelling goes down a bit. I'll be thinking of your brother. Heart issues aren't only physical but also psychological - good you will be there for him during the early recuperation.

2 Punk Dogs said...

That is such rubbish! Last summer I broke my toe on the edge of the tray that holds the dogs' food and water dishes. I was just walking around the house barefoot, at least you were doing something cool!

Hope your brother's surgery goes well and you're both feeling better soon!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Gosh hope its even better this evening. If you can get uggies on then that's a good sign! I AM going to try for an early night in my pretty bedroom tonight. I get so annoyed when I can't sleep!
I lugged 100kgs of bags of potting mix into pots today so I should sleep! Shouldn't I??? :)

Sherri / 2Rescues said...

Thinking of you and your brother. Hope the surgery goes well and quickly.

Sage said...

Geez, I go away for a week and look what happens. Ouch!! Maybe some steel toe-protectors are in order (do they make such a thing?)

I hope your brother's surgery went ok and he has a speedy recovery. Keep us posted...we're thinking about you.

3 doxies said...

OMD, I can't believes Mr. Frugal has to has surgery. So strange how things happen to those you would nevers imagine. I am so sorry. Let him knows I will be thinkin; if him (not dat he would really care).
And da toe...puuuuulease don't take up knittin'. My mum and you is a lot alike (unfortunately) she still thinks she can lifet weight like when her was in her 20s...but hers can't cuz she get injured.

Puddles

Kirsten (peacefuldog) said...

Oh my gosh, I hadn't known! My dad went through a quadruple bypass and is doing really well now; I am impressed with his spirit and vitality. I am certain your bro will be the same.

Knitting needles are not for you, my friend! Can you just do a peaceful, nonconfrontational form of capoeira? :)

Leslie said...

Sorry to hear about your brother. It is a terribly frightening event no matter how many people tell you it's "routine" these days.

Jan had quadruple bypass in 2007. I have never been so scared in all my life. But he was really committed to his rehab program and is doing really wel now. Encourage your brother to take advantage of whatever rehab opportunities they offer. It is worh the effort.

(PS - hope your toes are healing.)

chandra said...

Just read the "Quick Update" but for some reason I couldn't see the "post comment" option so I came back to this scary news post ... I'm so glad to know the surgery went well. And I'm very sorry to hear about your toe. But I have to admit it add to the recuperation time you two are going to be spending together. How wonderful that he has you ... broken toe and all!

hugs,
-c at ddy.