Saturday evening

Today Mike and I decided to take a little trip back to the Bogen klinic (hospital).  My swelling continues to worsen and was making us a both a little nervous.  The doctors insisted we call if we had any questions once we left.  The doctor that examined me was a different doctor from those I've seen.  He did know my history and one of my nurses was with him as well.  He was a bit concerned that I could have an emboli in my left leg.  BRIAN- there were absolutely no clinical findings and I am past their "critical" time period for this hazard.  However, he felt there was significant swelling and worth an ultrasound of my vessels.  He also wanted to do a CT of my belly as I had significant swelling on the one side there as well.  Fortunately, the nurse contacted one my surgeons and asked the doctor on call to speak with her.  She told him that this leg has been my weaker leg since day one and that I have shown signs of more weakness since before surgery.  She also stated that the worse my swelling was, the weaker that leg became.  She also told him that I was a nurse and well aware of different symptoms and when to seek help.  Also, that being a self paying American- he should not run exams to "rule out" what there are no clinical findings of.  He came back into my room and explained all of this to me.  I kind of smiled when I found out who he talked to bacause it was one of my favorite doctors.  She told him to explain who the surgery effects the lymphatic system which in turn is what drains your tissues.  She encouraged me to continue going to the PT sessions where they massage my feet and legs to encourage the drainage- which Mike is apparently no longer to do as he is not trained.  He is still allowed to massage my feet though!  The new doctor wanted to increase my pain med and ibuprofen and encouraged me to walk more.  My previous surgeon rented me a wheelcahir to take with me to sit when tired and the seats tend to be easier on your back than a dining chair.  It also helps me up/down  hill as that is one task that is very hard for me at this point in time.  We have decided to follow our surgeon's advice, continue to take it easy and enjoy germany.  When it swells too much, lie down and take a nap.  I am not going to increase my pain meds as I am a walking zombie now.  Mike said it makes him nervous when I walk alone as I am unsteady on my feet, plus my surgeon felt I was on enough.  I have PRN if needed.  I think I will increase my ibuprofen though.  On another note- our computer sucks in this hotel.  We have a really hard time with the internet so please apoligize the lack of communication.  Only four more days till we come home.  I bought Abby a traditional bavarian dress in honor of our German heritiage and the 200th year celebration of Oktoberfest.  Kaleb and Ryan are getting beer!  (not sure yet)  Tomorrow marks our 12th wedding anniversary.  Hopefully I can suck the swelling into my dress and slip my heels on with my tan colored TED hose for 1 picture before needing to change.  Mike promised to try on a pair of leather pants tomorrow- can't wait!!!!!