Recovery in the fast lane

I've been twiddling about with this post for days now. Lots to report on, but the words won't flow. Time to git 'er done!

Since my last post, I've gone from semi-invalid to nearly independent. I stopped taking oxy without a hiccup, jettisoned the walker and haven't touched the cane, negotiated the stairs to the bonus room and basement, showered, walked down to the barn and back, gotten in and out of my car just to see if I could, had my first (of two) post-op appointment and my second PT appointment. Everyone says I'm doing great, and I feel like I am as well. I was warned that the first two and a half weeks would be difficult and braced myself, but really, it wasn't that bad. I went to church today with Rick and only needed assistance getting out of his big truck; I can climb in unassisted. I'd start driving myself except that the PA strongly advised I wait until four weeks post-surgery, so I will. By then, I might just be ready to take Poppy to agility class!

one week post-op, bandages on

one week post-op, bandages off

15 days post-op, steri-strips off

I am still in recovery. After doing my PT homework, standing or sitting with my knees bent at 90° for any length of time, elevating and icing my knees is a must. Handling sheep or horses is a ways off and I can't carry much. I walk like Frankenstein's monster and several areas of my body are quite sore in response to all the changes. But when I think of what went into creating those incisions, I'm truly in awe that I am functioning as well as I am right now. Having bilateral knee replacements was definitely the best choice for me.

From my trip to the barn:

Little Bernice is still incubating

the rest of the ewes are enjoying the upper pasture

Much of spring came and went before I got so mobile. I observed what I could from and close to the house.

lilacs

my 'Easter' cactus

my poor pot-bound fig has set some fruit!

And then there's my faithful, patient companion:

That's it for now from . . .

Settling into 'recovery routine'

I've been home for nine days now, and my recovery has settled into a 'comfortable' rhythm (which I'm sure is subject to change). Time for a comprehensive update!

care packages from my SIL and sister before surgery

taken on the way out the door for surgery; petals are falling now

My time in hospital was trying. In my determination to do all that was needed* before being laid up, I didn't drink enough water the day before surgery, and the morning of I was restricted to 16 oz. of Gatorade.😝 Being dehydrated made it very difficult (for the nurses) and painful (for me) to get an IV started. When I got out of surgery I was so cold (my temp was 96°), and so thirsty. Apparently I overcompensated; my sodium level dropped to well below normal resulting in frequent blood draws to monitor it. On top of that, the day after surgery I could keep nothing down, and was also anemic. All that left my discharge on Friday in doubt, but in the end I was given an iron transfusion and released that evening.  Ah, home sweet home!

my cousin brought this sweet bouquet to me in hospital

fiery lilies from our church family

sunrise from my bed

volunteer #1

volunteer #2

Since then I've been well cared for by my husband, son, and two friends (when the guys are at work). Starting tomorrow I won't have 24/7 help and I'm ready for that. I've been managing my medications from the git-go with the help of a schedule I printed out and alarms on my iPhone; I've been going to the restroom unassisted for a week now; need no assistance for the various exercises prescribed (five sessions on the PortableConnect and three sets of PT exercises per day); and feel ready to tackle a solo shower. We're still being provided with delicious food by our church family, too; what a blessing.

On the list of what I can't do yet:

•  Wipe the dogs' feet if needed after they've gone outside

•  Laundry (the washing machine is downstairs)

•  Barn chores 

•  Drive

using the Romtech Portable Connect

My first PT appointment wasn't until last Thursday evening, a week and a day after surgery. Not ideal, but I started using the in-home therapy device my surgeon prescribed the day I got home as well as hobbling about the house with my walker. The PT was pleased with my range of motion, but of course proceeded to 'torture' me with exercises, some of which are quite uncomfortable. Still, I didn't experience the predicted increase in pain and swelling the first week post-surgery and feel like I am making good progress.

*On the list of needful things done before surgery:

•  Prepare some food in advance

•  Clean house

•  Wash sheets and towels

•  Gather some boredom busters to have at hand

so far, I've only spun more of the black roving

•  Set up a lambing 'jug' and companion quarters

Haunted by the memory of the disastrous start of lambing three years ago while I was away in TX, the last item on that list was a top priority. I took photos for Rick and Brian of the pregnant yearling and the two sheep who would make the best companions, divided the middle barn stall into side-by-side quarters, and added straw, hay, and water buckets.

yes, those are tool boxes sharing the stall; I told you stuff is everywhere!

Looking out our windows at the views and ewes has been one of the nicest things about being home. While doing that Tuesday, I noticed Bernice exhibiting some symptoms of being in very early labor. Instantly overwhelmed by my helplessness and knowing my 'Tuesday friend' wouldn't be able to manage the situation, I called the friend who helped me shear. She had her hands full dealing with an unexpected lamb herself, so I called Rick. Thankfully he and his field assistant were available and drove out. A bit of a sheep rodeo ensued, but eventually the three were moved into the barn and the rest turned back out on pasture. Of course nothing has happened since, but better too early than too late, right?

the expectant one

lady in waiting #1

lady in waiting #2

pregnant Bernice in front

Chuckie lolling on the deck

Rick tilling up the middle pasture before reseeding it

another 'nicest thing' – having my pupper close again

That's it for now from . . .

POF

Someone requested it, so here it is. Doing well, I’m told. Thanks for the prayers!

Surprise! A quick 'farm' post

I have 'breaking news' from Sunday–we actually got some garden prep done! When Rick said rather reluctantly that maybe he should till up the garden before the rain started in earnest Sunday morning, I dropped everything to rescue the remaining beets and pull up all the tomato cages and watering lines. There was also a good stand of volunteer kale on one side that I asked him to leave. He ended up mowing first and then tilling. All four sides still need to be whacked back but I'm excited because this is an early start for us. I worried that with my surgery, a garden may not happen this year, like the year I was in TX so much with my folks. And folks, I think we will really need a garden this year.

And look at my beet harvest! That back bucket is five gallons, the front one smaller. I gave my MIL a 3# bag and made a double batch of beet salad (which keeps well). I still need to pick and freeze a bunch of the kale, a volunteer from at least two years ago that keeps on giving. Once frozen, kale is easy to crumble and add to various dishes for added color and nutrition. I also have parsley that overwintered in my 'herb' barrel on the opposite side of the house.

Speaking of food, the girls are producing well; one day last week our nine hens laid 10 eggs. Actually, eight of our hens laid 10 eggs in one day, since whoever lays a beige egg hasn't been laying in awhile (it's probably Puff, who has been broody). I've heard of hens occasionally laying two eggs within a 24-hour period, but don't think I've seen it happen here before. My neighbors who buy eggs from me are appreciative, as were church members at potluck last weekend, because I took deviled eggs. Shoot, that's  like serving caviar now, isn't it?

the overachievers (probably the three in front; they are the youngest)

one day's haul

Puff, still broody 

Here are a few more tidbits from my photo file that I didn't include in the last post.

Chuckie, ever ready for love

evening clouds from horseback

Tahiti, my favorite – and last to bloom – daffodil

yesterday morning

Finally, this morning's comic relief from Puff:

Thank you all for your comments, prayers and encouragement. You are wind beneath my wings!

That's really it until after surgery from . . .