Debbi Bifulco Update

[Sammict]

Hi Debbi

I was just checking to see how it went today. I hope all is well.

Sam

[Debbi]

Hi again-

Leaky Debbi here ...  We made the 2 hour trip into NYC in the pouring rain this morning and were met promptly by Dr. Roland (who is a hero in my book).  He deduced that I was leaking some fluids and possibly some of the fat (damn, I knew that fat should've stayed in my belly where it belonged!)  Anyway, NOT a CSF leak, which was the good news!

He cleaned it all up and them put some stiches back in, along with another glorious pressure bandage.     So, I think this means I get an extra entry in the bonnet contest?  I am to keep the bonnet on until Sunday, then off it comes - and back to NYU next Friday to get this batch of stitches out.  Meantime, I am on a course of antibiotics to stave off infection.

The incision site is pretty painful now (enough to drag out the percoset again for the night, I think).  Guess all that tinkering around aggravated it.  However, as bumps in the road to recovery go, this isn't that bad, isn it?  Still consider myself one lucky gal.

Doc told me to take it very easy for the next couple of days, then resume "normal" activity.  So, I took that to heart and spent the afternoon napping in bed. 

But, do you want to hear the BEST news???  He said that he is already seeing signs of improvement in my face - small, but definite!  I was so thrilled to hear this that I actually managed to close my bad eye (yes, I was going for a wink, but didn't quite work out!)  I was feeling giddy when we left.  So much so, in fact, that I wrapped a scarf around my bonnet and insisted that Willie take me to a diner for a quick meal.  I am sure I looked like some kind of festive escapee from an institution - wild scarf, staring eye (that occasionally closes) and lopsided smirk - accompanied by my gallant knight Willie!

So, that's my story for today.  I am goign to try to insert a picture of my new bonnet below.  My face looks pretty grim here, but I was so tired when I got home that nothing was working well - and I know you guys won't judge me! 

Debbi - fashion plate of NJ.

http://s280.photobucket.com/albums/kk167/debifulco/?action=view&current=516SecondRoundofStiches1.jpg

[wendysig]

Hi Debbi -

Love the new bonnet!  I'm sorry for what you've gone through in the past 12 or so hours, but am so relieved for your sake that it's not as major as you thought it might be, as I am sure you  are too.  I think you look great!!  I'm glad to hear you're going to be taking it a little easier for the next few days.  Before you know it you'll be back to your old self (from a couple of days ago anyway)

Wendy.

[lori67]

Debbi -

Glad all is okay.  I'd say your bonnet is more of a headband - very sporty!  Maybe if you carry a tennis racquet around with you, people will just think you played a hard game!

Take it easy now!!  Doctors orders!
Lori

[cindyj]

Yes, I agree w/ Lori, that it's more like a headband and really does look quite sporty!  Hope you feel better tomorrow and can now continue w/ your recovery.  You've really done so well...

Cindy

[sgerrard]

Debbi,

I agree that the headband is quite fetching. What I really like about the picture, though, is that there is an oh so subtle hint - you have to look carefully to catch it - of a glimmer of amusement in the eyes. You're smiling about this! 

Drop it down a gear, and carry on with the fine recovery. Just a little bump along the way.

Steve

[leapyrtwins]

Debbi -

I have to admit I'm somewhat jealous.  I had 2 "bonnets" also, but I had to have both AN surgery and BAHA surgery in order to get them 

Glad to hear you didn't have a CSF leak and that the doc was able to fix you right up.  The news about the improvements in your face is outstanding!

Lay low for a few days and nap.

Take care of yourself,

Jan

[Kaybo]

Debbi~

Just because I specialize in "bumps along the way" in no way means that you should too!!!!  So glad it wasn't a CSF leak!!  Answered prayers right there!

K

[leapyrtwins]

Just because I specialize in "bumps along the way" in no way means that you should too!!!! 

And here I thought I was the specialist in bumps along the way  - not on my AN journey, but life in general

Jan

[Mama R]

Glad to hear you are back on track and yes it is just a small bump ...not quite like the one on your head. Sporty
yes, but I think it deserves a row of feathers. Yes, 'Head Chief' for brave & courageous recovery ! (Not to mention
going to the diner!

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Debbi:

I'm so pleased with the news that (a) you didn't have a CSF leak (and that your incision was easily repaired) and, (b) the doctor noted some signs of improvement in your face.  As you're barely a week past surgery, this is fantastic news!  I can understand why you were giddy.  l would have been, too.  You earned a diner outing.  BTW: The bonnet looks fine and so do you, Debbi. 

Now, please try to take it easy (or do a good imitation of taking it easy) so you can heal properly.   Oh, and Tell Willie he's been nominated for 'AN Spouse of the Year'.  Willie is a great example of how to support a spouse who has undergone AN surgery. 

Jim

[kimberly]

Hi Debbi -

Sorry that you had to go through a scare like that. You seem to handle things with such humor and patience though.  You are a brave lady!   I'm happy to see you are back home and that it wasn't a leakage issue.  WHEW! 

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Kimberly

[Kaybo]

Kimberly~
How are YOU feeling?

K

[Sammict]

Debbi


I'm sorry for everything you went through but I'm glad to hear your doing well. Get plenty of rest.

Sam

[kimberly]

Hey Kaybo -

I'm feeling pretty good, thank you   Working on trying to slowly get back into things!  How are you?

Kimberly