It's just super frustrating, because we didn't know what we didn't know. When the OT at the hospital asked if I was able to help Tim out of bed, I assumed she meant "be there to steady him while he moves his body out of bed under his own power," which I definitely can do. But when "help him out of bed" means "physically roll his entire body over and then move his entire body from horizontal to vertical as if he were paralyzed and cannot move on his own at all," well, I am simply unable to do that, and I have to question how many spouses *can* do that, especially day after day after day.

Although, again falling in the category of "we didn't know what we didn't know," when Tim was released from the hospital, we assumed -- based on his activity level and abilities demonstrated while in the hospital -- that he was able to roll over in bed and move his body out of bed under his own power. Because he did do it while he was there. I don't know what's making it impossible for him to do it now that he's at home. I think part of it is that he's afraid he's going to move (twist/bend) in such a way that it will fuck up all the new hardware in his back. And that is of course a major concern after this type of surgery. But the answer can't be "your wife will move you." Because I am in a lot of pain right now. If *I* end up in the hospital, I definitely can't help Tim.

Hoping that situation with Tim is resolved easily.

David, you're amazing. Now I'm picturing you in slo-mo running while Chariots of Fire plays in the background. Heroic film shot. Nope, not quite ready for levity. In any case, I'm glad you got there in time.

Afterwards I was talking about it in the kitchen with Emmett and Angela (my SiL) and we were laughing about how it made a perfect Grunge era concept album with such hits as "I'm Running Through The Haight With Morphine" and "They Won't Give Me My Bag Of Drugs."

Potential Album title: "Visiting Hours Are Over."

This is so much harder than his recovery after his heart surgery. We were very much under-prepared for the reality of what he would be able to do in the immediate post-discharge period.

Oh no, Steph. I hope you can get help into the house, or Tim into a rehab place, whichever feels right.

This is so much harder than his recovery after his heart surgery. We were very much under-prepared for the reality of what he would be able to do in the immediate post-discharge period.

I'm sorry it's such a struggle, Tep. Wish I could loan you Emmett who's good at hefting people.

Ugh, Steph, that sucks. And it's so stressful on top of the surgery and recovery itself.

What my Dad uses is called a “sit to stand” (some of his aides call it a sprite). Sounds like Tim might need more help than that would provide in the short term.

Oh, Tep, that sucks. My dad and I both hurt ourselves moving our mom. I hope you get the help you need quickly.

I'm so sorry you weren't prepared well for this, Tep. That's awful when you thought you knew what to expect but that was not at all right.

Afterwards I was talking about it in the kitchen with Emmett and Angela (my SiL) and we were laughing about how it made a perfect Grunge era concept album with such hits as "I'm Running Through The Haight With Morphine" and "They Won't Give Me My Bag Of Drugs."

Potential Album title: "Visiting Hours Are Over."

'***LOVE***

Just check that Spaceman 3 didn't already use those titles, I guess

A short stint at rehab would probably give Tim and you the knowledge of how to accomplish the physical tasks. It might only take a visit from a PT person. They are amazing with tips and tricks.

Potential Album title: "Visiting Hours Are Over."

Indeed.

Heated floors are indeed amazing. DH wanted them through the whole first floor, but considering that I really am only here in the summer, the bathroom is enough.