This Months Update (by Kelsey)
20 May 2020
I just wanted to give you guys another update on how I’m doing.
I had a checkup in Waikato Hospital Hospital earlier in the month, and it all went really well. I was measured up for new compression garments, and the surgeons were all really impressed with how my grafts, donor sites and scars are healing. Based on that, at this stage, I have no foreseeable surgeries - I stay at 14 trips to the operating theatre for now!
The range of motion I have in my arms and hands is nearing full range of motion, but there is still some work to do on my knees. Given that I gave them a bit of a thrashing with my falls, they have only just managed to totally close over. Because they’ve been open for so long, and because I was so paranoid about stretching them and tearing them even more, I do not have total range of motion when bending my knees. Yet. Now that I’m all closed up, my Physio and I will be focusing on getting that bend back so I can get back to squatting in front of fires (at a safe distance) and getting down to the floor to pat my dogs without the use of a chair or box.
I’m still learning how fragile my skin is - just today I went to take some tape off my arm and pulled off a piece of skin.
Mentally, I have my days. Some days I am good and everything feels easy. And then some days, I wake up stressed and panicked for no reason - everything becomes hard, and I cry. A lot. But, I’m working on it, and trying not to call myself too many unkind names. I know my body and mind are doing their best under incredibly trying circumstances, but some days are just a lot to take on.
I’m trying to look ahead, past all of the rehab and appointments, to what I could do in the future. I haven’t got there yet, but its early days.
I can’t believe that even in the midst of a global pandemic and economic uncertainty for SO many people, you guys are still “giving a little” to put towards my recovery/future. Nothing has humbled me more, or made me realise that the world is actually full of so many good people.
I am lucky for so many reasons, and your help is making my future ever brighter.
Love,
Kelsey
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Hey there Kelsey!
Another honest update from you, love catching up with what you're up to. I bet your dogs are great, couldn't be without mine! The legs look a bit like a tattoo, and in a way it is!
Yes definitely be kind to yourself, hell you've gone through some crap times! Nothing wrong with me, but I have many days of crying for no reason!!!!
Glad we're at level two, you must be as well. Even if I don't go out shopping, at least I know I can.
Again thanks for the update, you inspire me!!
Janet
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Great to hear your update, thank you. We're here reading along and sending you positive vibes for your recovery. Seems like you've got a balanced and rational attitude regarding progress, you've got this!
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Thankyou for the update lovely Kelsey, not a day goes by and we don't think of you. Of course you should cry, and only natural you have those panic days, we all do at times, but you have gone through something we will never comprehend, so you have permission to cry and feel the way you do. Kind self talk is something to work on for sure. You are a wonderful little lady and you are admired so much for your beauty and your strength, your caring and kind ways and you are doing the best you can do in these hard times.
Happy no more surgery in the foreseeable future, I think you have done your dash with 14 trips to surgery, and here you are, on your recovery journey, we are proud of you.
We all love you and pray for your recovery each and every day, can't wait to see you again.
Love & Hugs always Auntie D & Uncle D xoxoxoxoxo
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Hi there again Kelsey,
We've been following your recovery and batting in your team. You are so brave and set an amazing example for how to deal with difficulty. It will be an ongoing journey mentally, I've seen it with my sister who survived the chch ctv collapse. She gets through it everytime though with family and close friend support. The tough times mentally have always passed for her, just thought that might help you with your journey. Thanks for sharing your story. Blessings to you and your family
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You're amazing Kelsey. Keep being kind to yourself. xx