Rubik's Cube
Kids, I don’t know if you’ll ever own a Rubik’s Cube but I’m certain you’ll always be able to find one if you want to take a look. The Rubik’s Cube was a puzzle from my childhood that you had to solve by twisting a cube this way and that to try to get patterns of colors to line up. At times lately I feel like I’m trying to solve that puzzle as I twist my arms, legs, and torso to find a way to stand up from my bed without hurting my back.
I’m a week out from my surgery now. A surgeon removed from my back enough skin and tumor and muscle to leave a hole about an inch deep and about three inches in diameter. That wound hurts when I use the muscles that were involved or when I twist or stretch my back in a way that puts pressure on the wound. As you can imagine, trying to go from lying flat to standing up without using your arms or back is impossible. To keep the pain to a minimum I end up moving from position to position to try to navigate the trip up with a minimum of discomfort.
I thought about the Rubik’s Cube analogy as I was trying to get out of Cora’s bed tonight after laying down with her to help her sleep. Roll from my side to my back. Ow! Roll onto my side again and push my torso upward with my left arm. Ow! but not as bad. Then twist my hips so my butt’s flat on the bed. Okay. Then use my abs to raise my whole torso up to sitting position.
I’ve been doing this all week and by now I’ve worked out most of the moves I need.