Saturday, April 28, 2012

Another short update on knee progress

One of my RVing & blogger friends, Horizon Seeker, Vickie, sent me this card.  If it's too blurry it is a flamingo bending over and it says "I hope your knee feels better soon."  I got just a laugh out of it when I opened it.  I showed it to Jonathan and he had a puzzled look on his face.  Had to explain the symbolism of the flamingo.  Thanks Vickie, that was such an appropriate card.

According to the Doc whom I went to see on the 17th April, I'm doing great.  I'm w/out walker and don't even need a cane.  Physical Therapy is HORRIBLE!  But I'm doing three days a week at the PT center and then doing the same exercises at home.  My ROM is 111 and my goal is 120.  I got my staples removed which gave some relief.  I am having difficulty sleeping, just getting comfortable I guess but it would be nice to have just one uninterrupted night of sleep.

Best thing is that I can go to TN after May 17.  Now all I have to do is get a way but I may be able to drive by then so a lot can happen in a month.  Yippee, home sweet home.

Later...

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Post Sugery Update

My knee replacement surgery was April 10.  The replacement center is terrific and they have their act together.  My scheduled surgery time was 7:00 a.m. and just at that right time I was being wheeled away.  Prep was easy, I got a little sick to my stomach in getting the IV inserted which was unusual for me.  They gave me an epidural block in my left leg so I wouldn't be in such pain when I work from regular anesthesia.

I stayed three days in the hospital and had therapy the very day of surgery.  The staff at the hospital was terrific and the food wasn't bad either.

I had 36 staples and the incision was 6" long and I think he made it pretty straight so it should heal nicely.  I go to the Dr. on Thursday and get those removed so it should be easier to move.  My therapists said my ROM is at 107 and we are shooting for 120 so not far to go.  And I can practice walking around the house without my walker.

So I'm doing really doing well but don't have specifics when I'll be back to TN.  Jonathan and Taylor are looking after me very well.

Later...

Friday, April 6, 2012

Total Left Knee Replacement

It's amazing how quickly things can change, on a dime I think is the saying. Anyway, Tuesday, April 10 I will be going in for left knee total replacement in Brunswick GA. I've had a few problems with my knee for about the last couple of years and now I'm having surgery. When they talked surgery at first I thought they were talking about arthroscopic surgery, not replacement for heaven's sake!  I was going back to TN and had an appointment in Knoxville on April 9 but I didn't make it that far.


I had to have someone tear down the rig, hook-up the car before I could leave Citrus Ridge to come to Jonathan's. I was going to head back to TN via a friend in N FL and via, Sarah's in Huntsville. Nah, my son had different ideas. Unless I could present him with an acceptable (to him) plan, I would be staying here for surgery & recovery! Talking about role reversal! I'm lucky to have him & I know it. So I'm here in Kinglsand GA and will be here until I can drive the rig back to TN. Doc says a 3 month recovery but I figure I'll stay here for about a month and will return to TN for the remainder of PT. But we will see. I've had may "plans" change so much lately and the phrase "plans in jello" certainly rings true for me.

Anyway, remember me and my family in your prayers. Pray that I'll be nice to those who are willing to put up with my arze for oh those many weeks. Pray that we don't kill each other. Pray that we still love ea other after this is over. Pray that God guides the Doctors during the surgery & after.

My 15 yo DGD, Taylor,  told me last night that she would take over my coaching as far as PT was concerned and that I couldn't cheat! Huh, wonder what gave her the idea that I would do that????

There is so much for me to do in TN at the Lodge in Crossville, I keep thinking of those things and just write them down.  My neighbor in Crossville, Linda, has already raked leaves and mowed the yard there.  She said she didn't want me to come back to something like that.


I had a class sponsored by the hospital this week.  It answered questions about the surgery, knee replacement center and PT.  I know that my pain that I know now will be gone but I also know that I have different pain I will be experiencing after surgery.  I dread the PT but I also know that w/out it I won't get on the road quicker and be able to resume my lifestyle that I love.

I'm so grateful to have wonderful friends and family.

Later...