Just in case there is anyone out there who still stops by to read, I thought I should stop by and say hi. It has been a long time since there has been anything of interest to read here.
But I like to keep in touch.
The focus of my life is now making a metal and plastic hinged replacement object work and feel like the original low-tech calcium model. It is definitely a long-term project with many issues of cost overruns, energy shortages, and many unforseen complications. Two and a half weeks into the project now, and slow progress is being made.
I don’t do very well with slow progress. I like immediate feedback and positive results.
As of a week ago, I am off all pain meds with the exception of extra-stregth Tylenol. I have found that I cannot tolerate any narcotic or non-narcotic prescription pain meds. By not tolerating, I mean that in about 2 weeks I have lost 20 pounds. I know that in the long run, I have that much to spare, but I have never felt so sick and miserable in my life. The knee itself has been no problem—-there has actually been about the same level of pain as I had before surgery—-it’s the digestion issue that has been crippling.
Things look brighter now. This past weekend I started to eat real food, and feel much stronger. There have been setbacks. Several times I have felt as though I would pass out, and the only solution for that (which I know through experience) is to get on the floor. Then someone has to help me get off the floor. Not a pretty sight, nor an easy task. I am not the sort of woman who can be swept up in the arms of her rescuer.
Merle deserves a gold medal for bravery and exceptional courage in the face of scary and strange circumstances. He could never have appreciated the full meaning of what would be required of him when mindlessly repeating “in sickness and in health” so many years ago. Between his work, me, my appointments, laundry, yard work, dogi care, groceries and all of the miscellaneousities of life, it is a wonder he still comes home at night. And he is still pleasant to me.
I don’t care if spellcheck doesn’t like it, I think “miscellaneousities” is a perfectly good word.
We will have been married 33 years later this month. The goal with this surgery is to ensure that we can enjoy the next 30 years together. I want to take a walk with my husband. I want to do some hiking in the mountains I love. I hope to be able to keep up with my grandchildren. I am looking forward to dancing at my daughter’s wedding next August.
The new knee for a new me.
That’s the goal.
I’m working on it.
Just My Life 
If nothing else, Grasshopper, this will teach you patience with yourself. Don’t forget to tell Merle how much you appreciate his efforts. We husbands don’t need much other than a good word once in a while. The Cooker has to go through something similar in a few weeks and I will gain a new appreciation of how much she does.
By: Jon on October 1, 2012
at 9:46 am
Thanks, Jon. You’re right- husbands don’t get enough credit for some of the things that they do. There is no Hallmark card for “Thanks for picking me up off the bathroom floor when I nearly fainted”, and no romantic scenes in movies of a guy trying to get the laundry done in order to be sure we all have clean underwear each day. Merle is one of the good guys! Good luck to Cooker and you. Keep us posted on how things go.
By: chlost on October 1, 2012
at 11:30 am
My husband had knee replacement a year ago and this summer he did the Seattle to Portland bike ride. He said the key is to push through the pain and do the exercises religiously. You have a limited time to do this, before the knee refuses to bend forevermore, so you have to be tough with yourself and do whatever your physical therapist tells you to do. The reward is worth it. Go for it!
By: Nancy W on October 1, 2012
at 6:17 pm
I honestly could not imagine ever doing a bike race, but it is wonderful to hear that such a possibility is there for me. I have been doing the exercises, and that is what seems to be coming slowly. I know…..I will keep at it. Thanks for the encouragement and congratulations to your husband.
By: chlost on October 2, 2012
at 5:59 am
I was away for the weekend, but still here. I am told that with any joint replacement, the initial adjustment is very hard but eventually it will be well worth it. Recovery from any surgery can be a bear, but replacing a weight-bearing joint has it’s own peculiar difficulties. Hope you heal well and quickly!
By: Secret Agent Woman on October 1, 2012
at 9:02 pm
It is wonderful to feel that I am finally past the “initial” recovery. Now I am anxious to get going toward the rest. Thanks for the support.
By: chlost on October 2, 2012
at 6:00 am
I’m glad you’re seeing things moving in the right direction, though slowly. I also like immediate results and tend to get discouraged when that doesn’t happen (if I go hiking once, I should be able to fit into my pants again.)
I hope you continue to get better, and that your husband keeps coming home 😆
By: jannatwrites on October 1, 2012
at 9:15 pm
You understand my brain….why wouldn’t the pants be looser after a long hike? Thanks for the support.
By: chlost on October 2, 2012
at 6:01 am
I’m with you, I think miscellaneousities is a fantastic word! I need to start using it!
It sounds as if you are finally on the upswing of getting better… and I’m very happy to hear that.
If Merle keeps coming home, take him out to dinner when you’re finally all better. 🙂
By: John on October 2, 2012
at 12:19 am
Okay, we agree….we will begin the dissemination of the new word. Maybe it will catch on.
I know that you have intimate knowledge of dealing with health issues of another person in your life. I send my respect and awe at your ability to do so on a daily basis with no particular “recovery” in the future.
By: chlost on October 2, 2012
at 6:04 am
When my mom was in her late 80″s, she considered knee surgery. But we decided that at her age (and after some of the horror stories we heard – and not sure she would be able to go through it all) that she would get cortisone injections instead. They helped (sometimes). She lived to be 94. But I also know that for some people it can give you a whole new lease on life. This is what I hope will happen for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
By: Rian on October 2, 2012
at 7:36 am
This recovery process makes me truly respect the people who have this surgery and are twenty years older than me. I can’t imagine doing that.
By: chlost on October 4, 2012
at 8:02 pm
Oh, sweetheart. I don’t have a comparable life experience so as to lend empathy, but you certainly have all my sympathy. This sounds about twelve degrees beyond SUCK.
One day at a time? One hour at a time? Maybe one minute at a time. I hope food continues to heal, and I thank the stars for your marriage.
By: Jocelyn on October 4, 2012
at 12:26 am
Thank you so much! Your caring comes through wonderfully in this comment. I appreciate your thoughts.
By: chlost on October 4, 2012
at 8:03 pm