Exactly a Week

It's been exactly a week from this minute that we started our trip home from Gulf Breeze after Phil's surgery. I have to say, I'm very proud of him and how he's made it through the first week. I know we have many long days, weeks and even months to go through, but we've made it through the first week of post-op pain, first week physical therapy sessions and, well, really the first week of what our new "normal" will be for a while.

The first week of PT has been very promising. Bob, physical therapist extraordinaire, is VERY encouraged by Phil's progress. Mind you, Bob is working on minimal range of motion right now, but it's been exciting to see the progress Phil has made in only 3 visits. Phil has homework exercises he will be doing before returning to PT on Tuesday. We started walking short distances this week, to help build and maintain Phil's cardio health. Bob also recommended that Phil start in the gym with leg exercises, and a STATIONARY BIKE....I think I'll make him wear a helmet just in case! :-)

Thankfully Wimbledon has been on, and kept Phil occupied during the early stages of being "recliner confined". As he has begun to feel better and come off the pain meds, he has gotten antsy to get out. He has been into work with me a few days this week, for a couple of hours each day, but tires easily and heads back home to the "chair". I'll be most pleased for him when he is able to find a comfortable sleeping spot. He starts in the recliner, heads to the bed with propped up pillows for a short while, then ultimately ends back up in the recliner. Of course I'm tagging along, like a mother hen, trying to help him find ways to get the best rest he can. I know his body will heal quicker with good rest and proper nutrition. I am just as committed to helping him return to championship form, as he is to getting there.

Phil will start back to work on Monday with his weekly drill sessions with the guys. I know he's looking forward to being back on the court, even if it's not in a hitting capacity. He can impart his vast wisdom and tennis know-how from the side lines as I become his arm for the next few months. That's teamwork!