My New Knee: Welcome to my Geriatric Paradise

Well I survived ( barely) my first surgery( knee replacement) and my first trip to the emergency room as a patient. I have been too sick to take pictures and document things every step of the way. I feel bad I don't have pictures of all the flowers, meals, treats, gifts, etc. I got cute socks, books, tulips, daisies, candy , zillions of cards and all kinds of wonderful surprises. But they are etched in my memory. Today, February 27, 2011 , I write what I can and take a few pictures of things still up. My surgery was Feb 1st.

I could spend hours on the hospital experience and all that was wrong..... but that would just wear me out beyond measure. Let me just say, you need a patient advocate when you go to the hospital. TRUST ME...you do. The doctor was awesome......just the other people I could complain about. I did get the award for their most alert post-op patient. Back in my room shortly after surgery...... my make-up on, a diet pepsi in hand, Oprah on TV and Greg getting my computer hooked up so I was back in business. I even started answering my NOTARY phone a few hours post op. I sent Greg home to sleep as he has been up all night. My nurse couldn't believe I was running a business from my bed on my surgery day. Welcome to the world of the self-employed. It was ok as my epidural hadn't worn off yet, so I was talking rationally. But as time went on and more narcotics became involved, I was slurring my words and falling asleep mid-sentence. Good thing my business conversations are short.

This has been an unbelievable experience for me. Lots of pain involved. But the love and support from friends and family has been spectacular. I have had real nurses and faux nurses ( friends), brutal physical therapists, maids, visitors bearing gifts, snacks and treats, yummy meals, packages in the mail, FB messages, phone calls, emails, tons of cards, flowers, blueberries , expansion socks to keep from getting blood clots ( I really hate them and so does Greg who has to put them on me everyday), leg massages, geriatric contraptions and supplies, and lots of medicine (check out my pharmacy on the table) to help me get better. My room upstairs looked like a "geriatric paradise"...just like I remember my mom's and grandma's in days gone by. Thanks to all who loaned me STUFF for the short time I will need it. Corrine's cane, Nedra's walker and Billy's high potty chair ( my favorite) No one tells who you can't get down very far when you can't bend your knee.

I did fine the first week with lots of help. I was worried if I could even get up the stairs in the front of the house and then climb MT Everest to my room upstairs when I got home. But I did it. I stayed upstairs the first 3 weeks and then graduated to the family room downstairs....where I currently hang out. I love having the flat screen and apple TV to use. Jordan and Clayton were here the first weekend , along with Greg, which meant the world to me physically and emotionally. It is really nice to have family around when you are in a bad way.....and might be acting like a big baby. Of course I wasn't :) But this was much harder than I had expected.

I came home from the hospital with a new rash on my back that nobody knew what it was, for sure. Itched like crazy. Greg lathered me up with ointment everyday and it finally cleared up after 3 weeks. I had a continual charlie horse thing in my surgical leg that hurt like the dickens. Alot of massaging went on from my PT and my friends. Unfortunately, it wasn't the kind of massage you coul enjoy.

Then the kicker was the week (really 9 days) everyone thought I had a virus....lots of severe stomach pain and the BRAT diet until I wanted to throw the soup, rice and toast at Greg if he brought it to me one more time. Turns out Saturday night, after crying and doubled over in pain, the on-call doctor said get to the emergency room..."it isn't a virus". We went and 6 hours and 6 tests later, I was diagnosed with " bacterial diverticulitis". I needed antibiotics. Wow...who knew after 9 days of suffering, it wasn't a virus after all. So I am still on the meds , but better and no more stomach pain. My appetite has returned with a vengeance. My friend Debbie, brought me a chicken salad sandwich and chips for lunch the first day I was better and my appetite had returned. It was heaven..like eating gold. Who knew good food could bring you that much joy. I guess we always appreciate something more when we can't have it for awhile.

Greg has been an awesome nurse. He was exhausted the first while and was so happy for all the help we have received. It is hard working 2 jobs and then being a caregiver. And climbing the stairs several times a day. And then when you forget to bring something....it is death. Mostly he is happy when someone is here with me visiting, so I can't think up things for him to do or bring me:) He was especailly impressive that he kept all the tupperware and dishes straight from all the meals brougth in and labeled. My friend Kim returned everything for me and couldn't believe a man was capable of such a great feat. I said" are you kidding" Greg is really in to the details :) We all had a good laugh. He just has to get a little OCD in behalf of me, when I am out of commission. I knew he had it in him.....but he hides it really well:)

But I have to say, it isn't easy being the patient either. Not to mention the pain , lack of sleep, and overall lousy feeling. It is really hard being so dependent, helpless and unproductive. Especially for me.......independent and ready to go " anywhere" in 20 minutes. Patience has never been one of my virtues. I think I have done pretty good overall :) Don't ask Greg. His prespective isn't accurate :)

I hope to get a picture of my home health care nurse, Heather and my Physical Therapist Tim tomorrow. They will leave me tomorrow. It will be my last visit from them. I go to the doctor for my follow-up and will be released to out-patient therapy now. The have been awesome.

I have been out in the car a few times running errands with Greg.....just to get out of the house.

Of course, I stay sitting while he runs in and out. It is nice to have a change of scenery. I will remember that for others. Just a ride around the block, can be helpful.

I have learned alot and have had alot of time to think about things. We are humbled in our trials and I certainly have been in mine. My compassion and empathy has doubled for those who suffer, especially chronic illnesses and are dependent forever. People need alot of love and support to survive all that this life demands. Sometimes you can't change someone's situation, but your love and support can help them bear the burden a little easier. I know... it did me. I hope I never forget all the feelings and insight I have had this past month.

I am grateful for so many things.... especailly modern medicine and skilled doctors who are amazing in their abilities. I think Dr. Hull will be happy to see me tomorrow and see how well I am now doing. He told me this would involve pain but I would survive it. Of course we weren't planning on the few extra problems thrown it, just to let me know who was really in charge.

I hope I will continue to improve and one day I won't even know my fake knee is in there. Tim tells me in a year that will be true. A year seems like a really long time. Right now, there is a reminder every minute. And if I get back into my jacuzzi. I will be a really happy woman. I love that place..it is my therapy for everything. I can walk pretty good now with my cane and the stairs are now my easiest thing. I still hate my PT exercises ( sorry Tim). He aks me if I believe all the inspirational sayings I have all over my house. I say yes.....when it doesn't invovle a complete knee replacement with a bacterial infection.

Thanks to everyone who helped me in even the tinniest way. Everyone and everything made all the difference. I am a lucky girl and feel so very very blessed, indeed.

I am having recipe club with a baby shower on Tuesday. My first big activity 4 weeks post-op. I will still be sitting alot but I won't be bored.

Oh, Happy Day. Finally.

May I never need surgery again, I pray.