I had one last follow up appointment at Dr. Campbell's office with Dr. Babu on Monday morning. Everything was as expected so I would be able to fly. They explained that it was safe for me to fly but not advised so soon after surgery. To continue with recovery though, I needed to be at home and needed to fly to get home. That's basically why I was cleared to fly.
Stacey hooked Mom up with knowledge of airport wheelchair transport and got us bulkhead seats on the planes. As soon as our bags were checked I was tossed in a wheelchair and we were flying through the airport. All I could do was squeeze that stuffed dog as tightly as possible against my throbbing chest as we raced along. Periodically he would lean down and mutter, "you k?" to which I would respond with a positive nod. That guy was serious about his job and didn't waste any time! We didn't wait in line anywhere, not even at security ~ he just pushed us right on through! All three of us were very relieved to see our gate. We were able to take a little break before the plane began loading.
Even though Mom was pushing oxycontin and percocet down me like tic tacs the plane ride was still pretty rough. During take-off and landing it truly felt like the force was ripping my heart from my chest. By the time we loaded the second flight to go from Atlanta to Lexington, I was so exhausted that I couldn't grip the stuffed dog anymore. I just wanted to be done, to be home.
Melodie picked us up from the airport in Lexington. It was so good to see her! Jackson was at the house waiting for us. He was so calm and careful with me. When I went to bed, I was laying on my side with my hands clasped together out from my chest. Jackson gently crawled up on the bed and held my hands between his two paws and went to sleep. I think my pup missed me. :)
