With surgery looming on April 9 I've entered countdown mode, starting to check off things that must be done before I'm laid up for awhile. I need to start a written list so I don't forget the various house and barn staples I need to stock up on, the medical devices I need to procure, tax payments that must be paid ahead of time, etc. I need to confer with the two friends and a neighbor who have volunteered to stay with me for the first week while Rick and Brian are at work to create a schedule. And 'just in case,' I need to fill out an advance directive and write down some specific instructions for Rick regarding the dispersal of my sheep, horses, and fiber tools.
Tuesday I went to Salem Health's joint replacement class. Most of what the nurse and physical therapist covered is in the book I was given at the appointment with my orthopedic surgeon, but going over it again and getting to ask questions was worthwhile. One of the friends who has volunteered to stay with me attended as my 'coach.' My sister has also been passing on pearls of wisdom from her own knee replacement experience and those of people she knows. I think I'll be as prepared as it is possible to be without having gone through any prior surgery and recovery.
A BIGGY to check off before surgery is getting my flock of 15 Shetlands sheared, and thanks to the help of a fellow Shetland breeder, we're over halfway there. We can only do one or two a day; even with both of us working together, one on each side, each sheep still takes 2-3 hours. I am SO thankful for her help; doing them all myself before surgery would have been impossible. She has also agreed to give my flock a home should anything happen to me, relieving me of any concerns about their future welfare.
Unfortunately, shearing yearling Bernice yesterday confirmed a growing suspicion. When her half-brother Bud escaped briefly last winter and responded to her flirtation in spite of his broken shoulder, she got pregnant. I didn't record the date and the signs are subtle at this point; I don't see her lambing by April 9. The disastrous results of lambing season three years ago that started when I was in Texas helping my parents still haunts me; now I'm in more knots over little Bernice's situation than I am over my surgery. Hopefully I can at least get my guys to help me clean the sheep fold in order to set up the lambing jug in the corner so it's ready when needed.
IG/Facebook and assorted blog post-specific photos follow (IG posts have words in quotes).
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| "Apparently a dual-purpose Nylabone." |
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| "Interesting dayscape and nightscape from yesterday" (two photos) |
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| "Morning cuddles." |
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| "Good morning!" |
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| "The first of my yearlings was sheared yesterday–such SOFT, fine, crimpy fleece!" |
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| "I don't share many photos of Chuckie because he's usually too close for a good photo." |
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| "More grey yearling gorgeousness (I have three) and, unfortunately, an unplanned little bun in one of the ovens." (three photos) |
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| Bernice from the side. |
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| My four-legged flock and herd. Enjoying them while I can.💕 |
Oh, and happy Spring Equinox! (Yes, it is raining.)
That's it for now from . . .
7 comments:
Seems like you have all the “bases” captured that need attention and/or preparation. So many living creatures depend on you. The odds are all in your favor (age, health) and it is a surgery that they have perfected over decades. You will do fine.
That's what I hope and pray for, Elaine! I AM trying to practice the adage, "Hope for the best; prepare for the worst." The possible 'worst' of the compromise/destruction of Medicare is why I am having surgery this year....
Preparation for a big event comes with it's own stressors. But it sounds like you have excellent support, and that's priceless.
Are you not going to rehab for at least a few days after surgery? I would think they would insist on that in order to get you going with stuff like PT and walking with a walker, etc. as you start to heal. I'm glad you have everything in order (you are reminding me of me pre-cancer surgery where I was writing everything down and setting up my house and kitchen so I could navigate without hurting myself. I know you will do well :-) Sorry about Bernice - that's a surprise you didn't need right now, but hopefully all will go well and smoothly there. That's some awesome crimp you got!!! :-)
I am thankful for the support I have, Leigh.
Yes, A, PT is supposed to start right away. But my surgery is on Wednesday and I will spend one night, possibly two, in hospital, so the first day I can schedule is the following Monday. Then it's twice a week for 6-8 weeks, at least.
Here's hoping the surgery goes well and you recover seamlessly. I've had both knees done (separately) and had no difficulties. I followed the protocols from my doctor, did my exercises daily starting the day after surgery, and never looked back. I did not have physical therapy outside my home. It was an online protocol from my doctor. I would recommend icing on a very regular schedule. Mine was almost 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off during waking hours. And certainly after being up and about or doing exercises. I was up walking around the house the day after surgery and continued. Walker for 3 or 4 days for stability and then to cane, with walker at night if I had to get up. Good luck, dear girl.
Let me jump in again, my surgeries were day surgeries. I walked out of the surgery center using a walker about 4 hours after I walked in. Loaded into the vehicle and headed home. Please, please do whatever physical therapy/exercise are prescribed. Otherwise a stiff knee results with limited use. My brother found that out the hard way.
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