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 . . .
7 comments:
I think you're doing so great, Michelle!!! Keep going through the PT and keep taking good care of yourself. You are a champ, my friend :-)
I intend to work the program as prescribed, A! I've gotten lots of good advice from sister and SIL, who had single knee replacements last fall. My SIL is also a horsewoman so has encouraged me about getting back in the saddle.
You are amazing. I had an ortho appointment myself - today. He said my right knee definitely qualifies for a knee replacement. For now I am getting steroid shots and at a future date - a shot that provides cushioning (can’t remember the name.). I am putting off the replacement until my husband get his final test results from and EGD probably in June. The outcome will determine if he needs surgery or not. I absolutely cannot be facing surgery at the same time as my blind husband, and the ortho doc agrees. So the shots are a bandaid until the way is clear for me to be the patient. Late summer or fall. But I am so encouraged with your progress on 2 knees at the same time.
Thank you, Elaine, but I can't take all the credit. A very good surgeon and 'yes' answers to lots of prayers deserve their due. I can't imagine being in your shoes as primary caregiver. I hope the shots keep you functional!
Yay Michelle! You are doing great!
You're really doing wonderfully well! Those incisions are really coming along beautifully; did you have to wear support hose for awhile? I was so glad when I could switch to Steri-strips and even happier when even those came off.
You're doing everything right; you're doing your exercises and PT and that makes all the difference in the world. Good for you!!
Loved seeing your photos!
No support hose, Mokihana; not recommended by my surgeon or Salem Health (they stress movement, ice, and elevation). Interesting to hear about all the differences when talking to my sister and SIL; my sister DID use support hose, and didn't get all the Rx I did, for instance. The steristrips were under the bandages, no switching; the bandages came off at one week and the steristrips came off at 15 days.
Post a Comment