I just returned home from my final PT session. Today was an important day for me perhaps more emotionally than anything else. The goal was to hit 120 degrees flexion in both knees. It was painfully obvious that I was not going to hit that goal in the left knee as I seemed to be stuck at 105 for several weeks. I worked especially hard this week with an extra push from Gayle, Kera, mine brither, and of course, Brent. That extra push helped because I reached the 120 degree goal in my right knee and made my left knee bend to 110 degrees. To say I'm thrilled with this would be an understatement!
Of course, I still have a good bit of work ahead of me to get to the final goal of 130 degrees. Nate feels that I will have no problems getting there with the right, but the left will be a challenge and will definitely take more time. Since rehabbing my knees has been a full time job for 8 weeks, you know that I'm concerned about how I'm going to go back to work full time and continue to work on increasing flexion.
Nate laid out a plan to spin for 10 minutes in the morning, do about 6 mini 5-minute stretching sessions during the day, and then do the full stretching/strengthening routine in the evening. While this will take a little longer, Nate feels this will be enough to get me to the goal. So, if you're looking for me while I'm at work...I'm in the stairwell doing step lunges! Nate showed me a few seated stretches I can do and one of them I could probably do in a meeting and no one would know. Unless I really pushed it until it hurt and let out a little moan. Hmmm, that might not be good! Nate also suggested replacing the strengthening exercises once or twice a week with the pool exercises I learned. Kera - I'll be giving you a call about that!
Two weeks ago, I set out 8 goals that I wanted to accomplish. While I made good progress on some, I realize that I don't have full control on the outcome of a few of those goals. I don't think that makes them unrealistic, but certainly may make it harder to accomplish. Here's my update on those 8 goals:
1. Stand for longer periods of time - Incomplete. I'm good for about 5 minutes which makes standing in line at the grocery store a bigger chore than it normally is. Nate says this is just going to take time, perhaps 3-4 months. Does this mean it's no longer a goal? No, but maybe it's something that belongs on my wish list.
2. Get to 120 degrees flexion - Partially complete. Woohoo, I reached that goal in the right knee. Getting to the goal in the left still remains a high priority. All I can do is continue to push the exercises to the point where I can't take the pain. That's all. Just hurt myself more I guess.
3. Sleep in my own bed - Complete. Yes, and it's so much better.
4. Do the steps normally - Partially complete. I have made good progress going up the stairs. The left leg flips out to the side a bit, but I can go up foot over foot. Coming down is not as good but I'm working on it. As the left knee gets more flexion going down will get better.
5. Driving - Complete. Thank goodness.
6. Eliminate Toilet riser - Incomplete. We really didn't do this at home, and while it's a bit of a struggle at other people's homes or public restrooms, I can do it. It's just not pretty.
7. Sleep through the night - Incomplete. This is another one that is not within my control. But, it definitely has gotten better since I moved back to my bed. This is another item for the wish list.
8. Eliminate pills - Incomplete. I am still taking the tramadol and for the most part am only taking tylenol at bedtime.
So, I really only completed 2 of the 8 items, two are out of my control, and I have made progress on the remaining four items. I'm happy with that.
I feel much better about my scrapbook weekend. I know I can do many of my exercises there, get the stretching in, and can sleep in a real bed. Add my scrap stuff and my friends, and it doesn't get any better than that.
My good news has put me in a good frame of mind. I hope it stays there!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thursday
Thursday is my last PT session with Nate, my Physical Terrorist. I'm nervous about the measurements. I worked hard today (thanks Gayle, I think I hit a new record with heel slides!) and my knees hurt tonight. I hope it pays off when Nate takes the meaurements.
I start work next week, and even with half days, I'm worried about how I'm going to get in two sessions not to mention 4-6 5-minute stretches. I can see it now. Being in a meeting and excusing myself to stretch my knees! Or moaning in the stairwell while doing my stair stretches. Wimpering in pain while I drag my desk chair toward the desk to bend my knees as far as they'll go. Yeah, this is goinbg to go over really big. Yes, I'm partially joshing, but I am concerned about how I'm going to do it all.
I start work next week, and even with half days, I'm worried about how I'm going to get in two sessions not to mention 4-6 5-minute stretches. I can see it now. Being in a meeting and excusing myself to stretch my knees! Or moaning in the stairwell while doing my stair stretches. Wimpering in pain while I drag my desk chair toward the desk to bend my knees as far as they'll go. Yeah, this is goinbg to go over really big. Yes, I'm partially joshing, but I am concerned about how I'm going to do it all.
Are You Kidding Me?
Six times a day? Are you kidding me? Ok, on the surface, doing the full array of exercises twice a day and then tossing in 4- 6 additional mini 5-minute stretches per day doesn't sound bad. But let me tell you, it's harder than you think. Today I got up and did the full program first thing this morning. I iced and left for my chiropractor appointment at 10:30. I hit the post office, returned that darn razor to BB&B, and hit the grocery store and arrived home around 1:30. I grabbed lunch and did the first of my 5-minute torture sessions. I'll hit it again at 3, do my full afternoon program around 3:45-4:45. That means between 6 and bedtime I need to do 2-4 more mini-hits plus get a walk in. What am I, Super Woman?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sleeping In My Own Bed----Check
I know that many of my friends from the "good old days" at AMP read my blog. Several are women I see rarely, perhaps every year or so. Our lives have all taken different turns so it's not easy to get together often, but it's always a good time when I get to see one of them. Anyway, imagine my surprise when Gayle sent me an email Saturday night telling me that she was taking Monday (today) off and she would like to come over, help me through the afternoon exercises, and just catch up. Wow. Can I tell you that these were the fastest 3 hours ever. We talked about so many things: people we both know, vacations, families, and just caught up on our lives. Meanwhile, I did my exercises which always go so much better with someone here. I pushed hard, she couldn't believe I was doing so good, and the conversation made the torture go by quickly. Not only that, she's coming back tomorrow too! Many, many thanks Gayle! I can't believe you're coming back for Round 2!
I checked another goal off my list. Last night I slept in my bed upstairs. I think it was the best night of sleep I've had since the surgery. This may not seem like a big thing, but I was nervous about it. With the hospital bed I can raise the foot of the bed and sometimes it's the only thing that makes me comfortable. But, I had no problems and I strung together 3 straight hours of sleep. I am so excited.
This is my last week of PT and today I had an hour of pool therapy and an hour with Nate. The pool deal is really cool. You stand in the middle of the pool "cover" and hold on to a bar and the entire cover lowers you into the water. There are two cameras so you get a projected view of exactly what's going on under the water. The Pinnacle Health facility at the old Osteopathic hospital is really nice. Apparently they have an inpatient rehab facility there too. Anyway, the girl was very nice and she showed me many different exercises to do in the pool, then she turned on the treadmill. I want one of these - it's really something, and these pools are made in Middletown of all places. So I walked forward, sideways, and backwards on the pool treadmill. That was much more fun that walking through the Central Penn pool will be, and warmer too! The therapist gave me several sheets showing all the different exercises so I can do them on my own.
I left there and went to the Bloom Center where I do my PT. It is located right behind the hospital. Nate hurt me bad but the measurements didn't change from last week. So now I'll only be doing the strength exercises once a day. I'll be doing all the flexion exercises twice a day and then every hour or so (about 6 times a day) I will pick one of the flexion exercises and do it for about 5 minutes. Trying to give these knees some extra encouragement. I hope something works because it is discouraging to work so hard and not see progress. Nate insists it will get there. I hope the hell he's right.
I checked another goal off my list. Last night I slept in my bed upstairs. I think it was the best night of sleep I've had since the surgery. This may not seem like a big thing, but I was nervous about it. With the hospital bed I can raise the foot of the bed and sometimes it's the only thing that makes me comfortable. But, I had no problems and I strung together 3 straight hours of sleep. I am so excited.
This is my last week of PT and today I had an hour of pool therapy and an hour with Nate. The pool deal is really cool. You stand in the middle of the pool "cover" and hold on to a bar and the entire cover lowers you into the water. There are two cameras so you get a projected view of exactly what's going on under the water. The Pinnacle Health facility at the old Osteopathic hospital is really nice. Apparently they have an inpatient rehab facility there too. Anyway, the girl was very nice and she showed me many different exercises to do in the pool, then she turned on the treadmill. I want one of these - it's really something, and these pools are made in Middletown of all places. So I walked forward, sideways, and backwards on the pool treadmill. That was much more fun that walking through the Central Penn pool will be, and warmer too! The therapist gave me several sheets showing all the different exercises so I can do them on my own.
I left there and went to the Bloom Center where I do my PT. It is located right behind the hospital. Nate hurt me bad but the measurements didn't change from last week. So now I'll only be doing the strength exercises once a day. I'll be doing all the flexion exercises twice a day and then every hour or so (about 6 times a day) I will pick one of the flexion exercises and do it for about 5 minutes. Trying to give these knees some extra encouragement. I hope something works because it is discouraging to work so hard and not see progress. Nate insists it will get there. I hope the hell he's right.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
I Love Saturdays
When you work, Saturdays are the best day in the world. You can sleep in, socialize, do chores, do whatever the heck you want. When you don't work, Saturdays are the best because everyone's home and you have company. What's not to like about Saturday?
Of course, I'm sad that Andy Schleck didn't beat Alberto Contador in the time trial today, but hey, I have no control over that. Wishin' and hopin' just didn't cut it I guess. I will be sorry to see the Tour du France end because it's been on non-stop for three weeks, keeping me company every day. Just when I get a spin bike up and running right in front of the tv the darn Tour ends. Curses!
Mine brither came this morning to get me through my exercises. As always, he's so helpful and insightful. He was able to see how far I've come in the two or three weeks since he's been here. I'm going to find a mirror tonight though because he thinks my left knee is higher than my right knee. Ok, sometimes he might just be a little too observant. It was up to Brent to get me through my awful afternoon period of distemper. He hasn't seen me through my exercises for awhile either and I hope he was suitably impressed. I'm not sure if he was clapping for me or some rider in the TdF, but I'm going to assume it was for me!
For my women readers, did you know that they still make electric razors for women? I asked Renee this question the other night and she assured me that such a critter could be found at BB&B. Can I tell you that it's hard to shave over numb parts of your legs with a regular razor. First of all, standing up in the shower with limited mobility and trying to shave your legs is difficult. Top it off with numb leg parts and nasty still healing scars and it's just impossible. It's like my leg has a hairy mohawk right up the middle of the scar. How crazy is that! So, Brent and I stopped at BB&B during our travels and I picked up the cheapest one I could find - who knew that Panasonic made razors. I no sooner got home with the thing than Mom called and told me she found hers. Heaven only knows how old this Remington electric razor is but she said she only used it once or twice and the thing looks brand new. I have it charging now and if it works ok I guess I'll return the $40 one I bought yesterday. Hey, $40 is a new cricut cartridge! I'm always scheming.
We went over to Mom and Dad's to pick up the razor and they didn't have dinner plans so we all went to try that fairly new Thai place called Chalit's over on he Carlisle Pike. It's BYOB, always a selling point for us, and it's really nice. Very cool inside and the food was outstanding. We will definitely go back there.
It's been a great couple of days. Even though tomorrow will still have the same old exercise components to it, I'm looking forward to whatever tomorrow has in store for us.
Of course, I'm sad that Andy Schleck didn't beat Alberto Contador in the time trial today, but hey, I have no control over that. Wishin' and hopin' just didn't cut it I guess. I will be sorry to see the Tour du France end because it's been on non-stop for three weeks, keeping me company every day. Just when I get a spin bike up and running right in front of the tv the darn Tour ends. Curses!
Mine brither came this morning to get me through my exercises. As always, he's so helpful and insightful. He was able to see how far I've come in the two or three weeks since he's been here. I'm going to find a mirror tonight though because he thinks my left knee is higher than my right knee. Ok, sometimes he might just be a little too observant. It was up to Brent to get me through my awful afternoon period of distemper. He hasn't seen me through my exercises for awhile either and I hope he was suitably impressed. I'm not sure if he was clapping for me or some rider in the TdF, but I'm going to assume it was for me!
For my women readers, did you know that they still make electric razors for women? I asked Renee this question the other night and she assured me that such a critter could be found at BB&B. Can I tell you that it's hard to shave over numb parts of your legs with a regular razor. First of all, standing up in the shower with limited mobility and trying to shave your legs is difficult. Top it off with numb leg parts and nasty still healing scars and it's just impossible. It's like my leg has a hairy mohawk right up the middle of the scar. How crazy is that! So, Brent and I stopped at BB&B during our travels and I picked up the cheapest one I could find - who knew that Panasonic made razors. I no sooner got home with the thing than Mom called and told me she found hers. Heaven only knows how old this Remington electric razor is but she said she only used it once or twice and the thing looks brand new. I have it charging now and if it works ok I guess I'll return the $40 one I bought yesterday. Hey, $40 is a new cricut cartridge! I'm always scheming.
We went over to Mom and Dad's to pick up the razor and they didn't have dinner plans so we all went to try that fairly new Thai place called Chalit's over on he Carlisle Pike. It's BYOB, always a selling point for us, and it's really nice. Very cool inside and the food was outstanding. We will definitely go back there.
It's been a great couple of days. Even though tomorrow will still have the same old exercise components to it, I'm looking forward to whatever tomorrow has in store for us.
Friday, July 23, 2010
On an Even Keel
Today was a much better day. Thanks to everyone who commented on my Wednesday post - I seem to lose my perspective at times. I appreciate my family and friends for supporting me, especially when I have these little mini meltdowns.
My parents called me Wednesday afternoon and invited me to go to lunch with them today. They are so good about calling and stopping over. Several years ago they found this pizza/sub shop in Carlisle that they love. Every now and then they hop in the car and make the trip there for Italian subs. It was a treat and I really enjoyed going with them. When I came back in the house by myself, instead of being depressed because it was nearly time for the pm chore, I was excited because Kera was coming.
I really need to thank Kera for coming to my rescue during the afternoon exercises today. After my previous post, she said she would be here to help me get through them. She was wonderful. She was helpful, encouraging, and took pics so I could compare them to last week. That hour went so fast. I'm lucky to have such a great kid.
This evening neighbor Deb invited us for homemade chicken corn soup. Mmmmmm. It was yummy. Despite the heat, we went out for my 2/3 mile walk which I skipped earlier today because it was just way too hot out.
When I was so upset the other day, I called mine brither. I explained my struggle getting through the exercises twice daily and asked if he would come over at 9 a.m. to be with me and then go out for breakfast. What a guy. No hesitation whatsoever, the answer was immediately, "Yes, I'll be there." I know you're all wishing you could have a brither like mine, but you can't have him!
I spoke with my friend Kim tonight about scrapping next weekend. She was very understanding about all my concerns and basically told me that she had everything covered and I needed to get away. Why I didn't just call her before to discuss the issue like a big girl is beyond me. It would have been so much better than internalizing it all and giving myself yet one more thing to worry about. Now it's something I'm looking forward to (mostly!) and can start to pull my stuff together.
In general, I've just been in a much better frame of mind today. I can't give myself credit for pulling myself out of the hole I dug though. Thanks to everyone for helping me and supporting me and most of all for putting up with my craziness.
My parents called me Wednesday afternoon and invited me to go to lunch with them today. They are so good about calling and stopping over. Several years ago they found this pizza/sub shop in Carlisle that they love. Every now and then they hop in the car and make the trip there for Italian subs. It was a treat and I really enjoyed going with them. When I came back in the house by myself, instead of being depressed because it was nearly time for the pm chore, I was excited because Kera was coming.
I really need to thank Kera for coming to my rescue during the afternoon exercises today. After my previous post, she said she would be here to help me get through them. She was wonderful. She was helpful, encouraging, and took pics so I could compare them to last week. That hour went so fast. I'm lucky to have such a great kid.
This evening neighbor Deb invited us for homemade chicken corn soup. Mmmmmm. It was yummy. Despite the heat, we went out for my 2/3 mile walk which I skipped earlier today because it was just way too hot out.
When I was so upset the other day, I called mine brither. I explained my struggle getting through the exercises twice daily and asked if he would come over at 9 a.m. to be with me and then go out for breakfast. What a guy. No hesitation whatsoever, the answer was immediately, "Yes, I'll be there." I know you're all wishing you could have a brither like mine, but you can't have him!
I spoke with my friend Kim tonight about scrapping next weekend. She was very understanding about all my concerns and basically told me that she had everything covered and I needed to get away. Why I didn't just call her before to discuss the issue like a big girl is beyond me. It would have been so much better than internalizing it all and giving myself yet one more thing to worry about. Now it's something I'm looking forward to (mostly!) and can start to pull my stuff together.
In general, I've just been in a much better frame of mind today. I can't give myself credit for pulling myself out of the hole I dug though. Thanks to everyone for helping me and supporting me and most of all for putting up with my craziness.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Mini Meltdown
Yesterday I had a small meltdown. I don't know why. It was a good day. I did my morning exercises, took my first shower by myself (Brent was not happy), drove to the Nail Stop to have my birthday pedi with Kera and Gwen. Gwen was so darn cute. They have scaled down pedi chairs decorated for kids and little personal DVD players so the kids can watch their favorite Disney movie. It was great. But, when I got in the car my chest felt like there was a huge weight pressing down on me. Got home and started afternoon exercises and just started sobbing for no reason I could really discern.
I suspect it's a combination of things. Too much time on my own where all I do is dwell on things. Not taking it day by day, but reverting to my usual habit of projecting forward. First, going thru the exercises myself day in and day out gets old. I've mentioned before that it's helpful when others are around. They offer support, urging me to go further, and also offer a diversion :) I'm concerned about next week being my final week of PT. Monday I will do 30 minutes of water therapy and 30 with Nate. Thursday will be my last day. I've had concerns about the end all along but tried to just live in the moment and take it as it comes. But it's coming fast now. I believe my right knee will hit the 120 degree mark - today it measured at 118 degrees flexion. The chances of my left knee hitting 120 are practically nil as it still only meausred 105 degrees flexion today. So, can I keep that forward progress by myself? When I start working (another area of concern), and am only exercising once a day, can I keep progressing? How will I know when it hits 120 degrees? On top of that, the overall goal is 130, and how will I know when I reach that on my own? I know that on my own I can't take it to the same pain level Nate achieves when he bends it. I know running into my friend at PT (see previous post) had something to do with my meltdown too. Questions, questions, more nerve wracking questions.
Nate assures me that it will be fine; that he wouldn't let PT end if he didn't believe that. We're still replicating as many of the exercises at home as we can. The bike has been a problem, but Kera is going to loan me her spin bike. Brent and Chris will get that set up tonight. Too bad the TdF is almost over - I could be riding with Andy Shleck! Hopefully I'll get some good water exercises and will be able to start those at the gym.
I have a few things going on today that should take my mind off things. My friend Chrissy is coming to visit at lunch today. Renee is picking me up and taking me to Book Club tonight. The book is an Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life. It's different - I'm about 1/2 way thru the book. The ladies in my book club have been awesome. In addition to the books and the fantastic Dream Dinners (what a lifesaver they have been), many of them sent cards and emailed me throughout this ordeal and they were very uplifting and encouraging. I'm anxious to see them in person and thank them for their support.
I am supposed to scrapbook next weekend with friends. It's a whole weekend thing which I usually look forward to and really enjoy. I don't know. Can I sleep in a real bed (since it's a goal of mine I should get busy on trying), will I still be able to do my exercises twice a day at someone else's home, how long can I sit to scrap without propping my legs up, etc. I don't want to be a bother to my friends who will just want to scrap, scrap, scrap, and not deal with my junk. Big decisions. While I want to go, I don't want to be a PITA to my friends either. It would be good to get out and away, but......you can see why I drive myself nuts!
I tried Tylenol PM last night. Getting to sleep has never been a problem, it's staying asleep that's the issue. I'm awake about 1, take tylenol at 2 and then I'm awake every hour on the hour. My knees ache, I need to change positions and it hurts, I'm moving the body pillow from one side to the other, whatever, it all wakes me up. Last night I slept from 11-1:30. Took pills at 2:15, was awake at 3 and then slept until 5. Was awake every hour after that. So, I did manage to get two 2-hour stretches of good sleep. How do insomniacs do it? I can't imagine going thru each day without enough sleep. I'm cranky in the morning after 8 hours, I can't figue out how work's going to go without getting a good night's rest.
As my Mom says, better days are coming.
I suspect it's a combination of things. Too much time on my own where all I do is dwell on things. Not taking it day by day, but reverting to my usual habit of projecting forward. First, going thru the exercises myself day in and day out gets old. I've mentioned before that it's helpful when others are around. They offer support, urging me to go further, and also offer a diversion :) I'm concerned about next week being my final week of PT. Monday I will do 30 minutes of water therapy and 30 with Nate. Thursday will be my last day. I've had concerns about the end all along but tried to just live in the moment and take it as it comes. But it's coming fast now. I believe my right knee will hit the 120 degree mark - today it measured at 118 degrees flexion. The chances of my left knee hitting 120 are practically nil as it still only meausred 105 degrees flexion today. So, can I keep that forward progress by myself? When I start working (another area of concern), and am only exercising once a day, can I keep progressing? How will I know when it hits 120 degrees? On top of that, the overall goal is 130, and how will I know when I reach that on my own? I know that on my own I can't take it to the same pain level Nate achieves when he bends it. I know running into my friend at PT (see previous post) had something to do with my meltdown too. Questions, questions, more nerve wracking questions.
Nate assures me that it will be fine; that he wouldn't let PT end if he didn't believe that. We're still replicating as many of the exercises at home as we can. The bike has been a problem, but Kera is going to loan me her spin bike. Brent and Chris will get that set up tonight. Too bad the TdF is almost over - I could be riding with Andy Shleck! Hopefully I'll get some good water exercises and will be able to start those at the gym.
I have a few things going on today that should take my mind off things. My friend Chrissy is coming to visit at lunch today. Renee is picking me up and taking me to Book Club tonight. The book is an Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life. It's different - I'm about 1/2 way thru the book. The ladies in my book club have been awesome. In addition to the books and the fantastic Dream Dinners (what a lifesaver they have been), many of them sent cards and emailed me throughout this ordeal and they were very uplifting and encouraging. I'm anxious to see them in person and thank them for their support.
I am supposed to scrapbook next weekend with friends. It's a whole weekend thing which I usually look forward to and really enjoy. I don't know. Can I sleep in a real bed (since it's a goal of mine I should get busy on trying), will I still be able to do my exercises twice a day at someone else's home, how long can I sit to scrap without propping my legs up, etc. I don't want to be a bother to my friends who will just want to scrap, scrap, scrap, and not deal with my junk. Big decisions. While I want to go, I don't want to be a PITA to my friends either. It would be good to get out and away, but......you can see why I drive myself nuts!
I tried Tylenol PM last night. Getting to sleep has never been a problem, it's staying asleep that's the issue. I'm awake about 1, take tylenol at 2 and then I'm awake every hour on the hour. My knees ache, I need to change positions and it hurts, I'm moving the body pillow from one side to the other, whatever, it all wakes me up. Last night I slept from 11-1:30. Took pills at 2:15, was awake at 3 and then slept until 5. Was awake every hour after that. So, I did manage to get two 2-hour stretches of good sleep. How do insomniacs do it? I can't imagine going thru each day without enough sleep. I'm cranky in the morning after 8 hours, I can't figue out how work's going to go without getting a good night's rest.
As my Mom says, better days are coming.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Attacking My 2 Week Goals
Began my next to the last week of therapy this week and started to address some of the goals I listed on a previous post.
1. Standing for any length of time. I spoke with Nate about this today. Apparently this is just going to take time...a lot of time...like 3-4 months. I asked if there was anything I could do to help this along but there doesn't appear to be any exercise or anything to do but wait. And we all know my strong point is patience.
2. Increase flexion to 120 degrees in both knees. Today I hit 115 in the right and 105 in the left. The good news is that Nate is confident we'll hit 120 in the right but not so sure now about the left. Looks like it will take longer for the left.
3. Sleep in my own bed. Last night was just a clone of the last six weeks. I sleep until about 1, take tylenol around 2, and then am awake just about every hour on the hour. Playing with the body pillow, playing with the bottom of the bed, just totally frustrated. Maybe this will be next week.
5. Drive the car. Yes! I'm driving locally and took myself to therapy this morning. No interstate stuff yet, but expect that will come soon as I gain more confidence. Note to Brent: This does not mean that I am free to run all your errands now.
Today at rehab I ran into an acquaintance I haven't seen for several years. She's a nurse and is probably 10 years older than I am. Two weeks ago she had one knee replaced and she is already at 115 degrees flexion. WTH? I have worked my a$$ off for six weeks to get to 115 degrees in only one leg and she already has that much in only two weeks. Yes I know. She only had one knee done. She used a CPM machine. Every person and every knee is different. Yeah, I know. But seriously, WTH?
1. Standing for any length of time. I spoke with Nate about this today. Apparently this is just going to take time...a lot of time...like 3-4 months. I asked if there was anything I could do to help this along but there doesn't appear to be any exercise or anything to do but wait. And we all know my strong point is patience.
2. Increase flexion to 120 degrees in both knees. Today I hit 115 in the right and 105 in the left. The good news is that Nate is confident we'll hit 120 in the right but not so sure now about the left. Looks like it will take longer for the left.
3. Sleep in my own bed. Last night was just a clone of the last six weeks. I sleep until about 1, take tylenol around 2, and then am awake just about every hour on the hour. Playing with the body pillow, playing with the bottom of the bed, just totally frustrated. Maybe this will be next week.
5. Drive the car. Yes! I'm driving locally and took myself to therapy this morning. No interstate stuff yet, but expect that will come soon as I gain more confidence. Note to Brent: This does not mean that I am free to run all your errands now.
Today at rehab I ran into an acquaintance I haven't seen for several years. She's a nurse and is probably 10 years older than I am. Two weeks ago she had one knee replaced and she is already at 115 degrees flexion. WTH? I have worked my a$$ off for six weeks to get to 115 degrees in only one leg and she already has that much in only two weeks. Yes I know. She only had one knee done. She used a CPM machine. Every person and every knee is different. Yeah, I know. But seriously, WTH?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Finding Me
I guess that sounds strange, but I need to find me again. Not the recuperating, needy, worried me, but the spur of the moment, let's pick up and go me. I know this will take time, but I see little moments of the old me trying to get out. I haven't really wanted to go to many places or do many things. But tonight Brent and I had a date and it was wonderful. By date standards it probably wasn't much, but it was everything to me. We went to (welcome to) Moe's for a quick dinner and then to the movies. We wanted to see the new Leonardo DiCaprio movie, but felt that 2.5 hours might be a bit long to sit. So, we went to see the Sorcerer's Apprentice and it was everything I wanted/needed. Predictable, action, silly, fun summer movie that ran just under 2 hours. It was a great night. Now if it just continues and I can get a good night's sleep, it would be absolutely perfect!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
At Six Weeks
Thursday marked the 6 week mark since my surgery. If I view my progress since the beginning, it's pretty incredible; viewed from five weeks out, not so much. What I'm trying to say is that progress definitely comes in baby steps so small that sometimes you don't realize that you've improved. At six weeks, with only 2 more weeks of physical therapy 2 days a week:
1. I walk unaided on normal surfaces. Gone is the walker and the cane only comes out if I'm going to be walking in the grass or some other uneven surface.
2. I walk as good or better than I did before the surgery. Is there room for improvement? Thank heavens, yes, room for great improvement. The incisions are still stiff due to scarring and continue to need to be stretched each day. The knees don't quite bend quite enoughto look natural, but they're getting there. The good news is that I apparently stand more upright and that's a good thing.
3. Can go up and down the stairs. Ok, it's not pretty, it's uneven, and I need to hold onto the rails for dear life, I can do it.
3. After stretching the heck out of them, I have 110 degrees flexion on the right and 100 on the left. The goal is 125-130. Nate, my Physical Terrorist, tells me that he's hoping we can hit 120 in the next two weeks. Then it's up to me to continue exercising and stretching them to death to get them to 130. Of course, how I'll know I've hit that goal without Nate to measure them is a mystery.
4. I get through my exercises by myself twice a day. This is a strain. Ok, it hurts and who wants to continue to do something twice each day that just plain hurts. Wait. We know the answer to that and clearly that's not me! I'm definitely not singing "it hurts so good." LOL! Getting through the morning is much easier than the afternoon. I try to stay motivated but it's hard.
5. I no longer need a babysitter. Yes, this past week or two I finally pulled on my big girl panties and can actually spend the whole day by myself. Of course, this is because I'm now physically able to take care of myself. I can say that I'm still so lucky that my friends call and continue to stop in. Believe me it makes for long days if you're stuck by yourself constantly. I appreciate you all for popping in and taking my mind off it all!
6. Both knees finally made full revolutions on the bike. The goal for next week is to make 10 revolutions with my left leg this week.
7. I walk at least 1/2 mile, but usually at least a mile a day. This lets me work on walking and walking on the normal types of surfaces and ups and downs.
8. Finally stood up in the shower. The bench is still there for the time being, just in case. I can't wait for that to be done.
9. I finally stopped crying everytime I do the stair exercise at home. Maybe we won't have to buy kleenex this week!
So, as you can see, I have made pretty good progress in 6 weeks. Of course, there's always so much more to be done. I tend to do better if I have goals, so here are my goals for the next two weeks:
1. Work on increasing the amount of time I can just stand. Not walk, just stand still. I can walk for quite awhile, but just standing still is another story. I need to talk to Nate about how to accomplish this.
2. Hit 120 degrees flexion. That's the goal Nate set and that's the motivation that will keep me revv'd up to do my exercises as hard as I can for the next 2 weeks.
3. Sleep in my own bed. I still have the hospital bed downstairs which I sleep on. My nights still pretty much suck and I'm up taking tylenol at least once in the middle of the night. I play with the body pillow, switching sides, I play with raising and lowering the foot of the bed all trying to get comfortable. If it weren't for that feature, I would have moved upstairs to bed before now. I would kill for a good night's sleep.
4. Go up and down stairs normally. Going up I can actually alternate legs...okay, coming in from an angle, but I can do it. Going down is pretty much step by step. Need to practice more I guess.
5. I will drive. Yes. I. Will. I need to get some independence back! I'm hoping to take the car to a parking lot this weekend and see what I can do.
6. No toilet riser - Is this TMI?
7. Sleep thru the night. While I listed this as a goal, it's more like a wish, a prayer. Please, please let me get through the night withot pain. Please.
8. No more pills. At this point I take 2 tramadahl a day and generally tylenol twice a day (3 if my ouchy time becomes hurty time). I'm hoping that I won't need this stuff much longer. It's all just so bad for you. I'm praying that at 8 weeks I won't need it anymore.
I think I have my work cut out for me in the next two weeks but at least I have some direction. Please keep those calls and visits coming - they are truly what gets me through. Thanks all!
1. I walk unaided on normal surfaces. Gone is the walker and the cane only comes out if I'm going to be walking in the grass or some other uneven surface.
2. I walk as good or better than I did before the surgery. Is there room for improvement? Thank heavens, yes, room for great improvement. The incisions are still stiff due to scarring and continue to need to be stretched each day. The knees don't quite bend quite enoughto look natural, but they're getting there. The good news is that I apparently stand more upright and that's a good thing.
3. Can go up and down the stairs. Ok, it's not pretty, it's uneven, and I need to hold onto the rails for dear life, I can do it.
3. After stretching the heck out of them, I have 110 degrees flexion on the right and 100 on the left. The goal is 125-130. Nate, my Physical Terrorist, tells me that he's hoping we can hit 120 in the next two weeks. Then it's up to me to continue exercising and stretching them to death to get them to 130. Of course, how I'll know I've hit that goal without Nate to measure them is a mystery.
4. I get through my exercises by myself twice a day. This is a strain. Ok, it hurts and who wants to continue to do something twice each day that just plain hurts. Wait. We know the answer to that and clearly that's not me! I'm definitely not singing "it hurts so good." LOL! Getting through the morning is much easier than the afternoon. I try to stay motivated but it's hard.
5. I no longer need a babysitter. Yes, this past week or two I finally pulled on my big girl panties and can actually spend the whole day by myself. Of course, this is because I'm now physically able to take care of myself. I can say that I'm still so lucky that my friends call and continue to stop in. Believe me it makes for long days if you're stuck by yourself constantly. I appreciate you all for popping in and taking my mind off it all!
6. Both knees finally made full revolutions on the bike. The goal for next week is to make 10 revolutions with my left leg this week.
7. I walk at least 1/2 mile, but usually at least a mile a day. This lets me work on walking and walking on the normal types of surfaces and ups and downs.
8. Finally stood up in the shower. The bench is still there for the time being, just in case. I can't wait for that to be done.
9. I finally stopped crying everytime I do the stair exercise at home. Maybe we won't have to buy kleenex this week!
So, as you can see, I have made pretty good progress in 6 weeks. Of course, there's always so much more to be done. I tend to do better if I have goals, so here are my goals for the next two weeks:
1. Work on increasing the amount of time I can just stand. Not walk, just stand still. I can walk for quite awhile, but just standing still is another story. I need to talk to Nate about how to accomplish this.
2. Hit 120 degrees flexion. That's the goal Nate set and that's the motivation that will keep me revv'd up to do my exercises as hard as I can for the next 2 weeks.
3. Sleep in my own bed. I still have the hospital bed downstairs which I sleep on. My nights still pretty much suck and I'm up taking tylenol at least once in the middle of the night. I play with the body pillow, switching sides, I play with raising and lowering the foot of the bed all trying to get comfortable. If it weren't for that feature, I would have moved upstairs to bed before now. I would kill for a good night's sleep.
4. Go up and down stairs normally. Going up I can actually alternate legs...okay, coming in from an angle, but I can do it. Going down is pretty much step by step. Need to practice more I guess.
5. I will drive. Yes. I. Will. I need to get some independence back! I'm hoping to take the car to a parking lot this weekend and see what I can do.
6. No toilet riser - Is this TMI?
7. Sleep thru the night. While I listed this as a goal, it's more like a wish, a prayer. Please, please let me get through the night withot pain. Please.
8. No more pills. At this point I take 2 tramadahl a day and generally tylenol twice a day (3 if my ouchy time becomes hurty time). I'm hoping that I won't need this stuff much longer. It's all just so bad for you. I'm praying that at 8 weeks I won't need it anymore.
I think I have my work cut out for me in the next two weeks but at least I have some direction. Please keep those calls and visits coming - they are truly what gets me through. Thanks all!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
No Revolution Comes Without Pain
Finally. I finally made a revolution on the bike with my left leg! Two to be exact. One pedaling forward and one pedaling backward. For some reason, pedaling forward has been more difficult. Anyway, I've been very very close for some time but just couldn't make it over the hump. Today I was as close as ever but the left knee just hurts. I remarked to Loren (my driver du jour) that I thought because it hurt I was afraid to force it to a complete revolution. Nate the Physical Terrorist was there near the end of my 10 minutes on the bike and suddenly, voila, I did it. And, not only did I manage to complete the circle backwards but then switched and did it forward. Nate says the goal for next week is 10 revolutions (5 each way). I'll be all over Brent now to get a bike set up for me.
Speaking of Brent, today is his birthday. Unfortunately I'm not in a good position to do much so my family will be going out to Giotti's tonight to celebrate. I'm good for an hour or so but not generally much after that, so we'll see how it goes. Brent is big on celebrating his birthday - the celebration usually goes for 5-7 days if he's left to run amok. Unfortunately this year he'll have to suck it up and celebrate only one day like the rest of us! Happy Birthday Brently.
Speaking of Brent, today is his birthday. Unfortunately I'm not in a good position to do much so my family will be going out to Giotti's tonight to celebrate. I'm good for an hour or so but not generally much after that, so we'll see how it goes. Brent is big on celebrating his birthday - the celebration usually goes for 5-7 days if he's left to run amok. Unfortunately this year he'll have to suck it up and celebrate only one day like the rest of us! Happy Birthday Brently.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Rainy Days
We certainly need all this rain. The leaves on my trees have been turning yellow and falling off the poor trees. But I've gotta say that it does make for long depressing days. Dropping my PT days from 3 to 2 just added one more day that I have to force myself to be self-motivated. It's hard enough without the rain making the day dreary and making my outdoor walks impossible. Not that I would melt if I chose to walk in the rain, but I can't chance a fall. On a lighter note though, I think I have a lunch time visitor coming and I believe Renee and Kendall are coming at dinner time. Huh. See, I do have some things to be excited about. Now, I think I'll go put the Tour on and attack Round 1 of my exercises.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
This Weather
I know we need the rain of the past few days, but it's making my morning and afternoon walks difficult. Yesterday Kera and Gwen took me to PT and I was lazy, deciding not to walk until afternoon. That was a mistake. As the sky darkened and I watched the leaves begin blowing I knew we were in for a nasty thunderstorm. Today I got through my morning exercises, had a snack of some really luscious strawberries, took a little nap, had lunch, and now am wondering if I should chance a walk. It looked pretty threatening earlier this morning and I just don't want to get caught out in a downpour. I think I'm going to chance it. Nate says he thinks I can eliminate the cane in environments I'm familiar with, so I think I'll just take a chance on the weather and just take my crackberry for a walk.
Monday, July 12, 2010
A Good Weekend and the Tour
Wow, what a weekend. A little much needed rain in the morning made my plants very happy. We enjoyed a beautiful evening and dinner on the patio by the pool with Paul and Diane. Aaah, this is what summer is all about. I'd almost forgotten.
Sunday was the same ol' same ol' when it came to exercises. I wish I could say they were getting easier or less painful. You have to keep in mind that although I have good flexion numbers, the measurements are taken after I've stretched everything myself and then Nate the Physical Terrorist has bent me up like a pretzel. Then he takes the measurements. I guess that over time, with continued daily exercises my knees will actually truly have this flexion and hopefully without pain. Patience. I'm trying to acquire some.
Dinner with Loren and Deb topped off the weekend. Again, it was just a fantastic summer evening. We all did my little walk to the pond and then enjoyed the Tour until my knees screamed to go home.
Speaking of the Tour, I don't think Lance had this much bad luck in all his previous Tours combined. What a shame. Sometimes I think he should have stayed retired from pro cycling, but I have to admit that watching the race is more exciting with him in the peloton. Looks like he'll be working for Levi now. Exciting days ahead.
Sunday was the same ol' same ol' when it came to exercises. I wish I could say they were getting easier or less painful. You have to keep in mind that although I have good flexion numbers, the measurements are taken after I've stretched everything myself and then Nate the Physical Terrorist has bent me up like a pretzel. Then he takes the measurements. I guess that over time, with continued daily exercises my knees will actually truly have this flexion and hopefully without pain. Patience. I'm trying to acquire some.
Dinner with Loren and Deb topped off the weekend. Again, it was just a fantastic summer evening. We all did my little walk to the pond and then enjoyed the Tour until my knees screamed to go home.
Speaking of the Tour, I don't think Lance had this much bad luck in all his previous Tours combined. What a shame. Sometimes I think he should have stayed retired from pro cycling, but I have to admit that watching the race is more exciting with him in the peloton. Looks like he'll be working for Levi now. Exciting days ahead.
Friday, July 9, 2010
A Successful Week
I hit new highs today at PT. Right leg made 110 degrees and the left made 100. I wasn't expecting to make much progress this week, so it was a very welcome surprise. I am still unable to get that stubborn left knee to make a full revolution on the bike. Sooooo close and yet so far. With 100 degrees flexion though it shouldn't be long. Nate performed a different stretches (read "torture") in addition to the 2 he's already doing. For this one I'm laying on my stomach and he bends my legs up to the yip point. Yeah, that's something less that a yell but more than a moan. It's just a skosh beyond heavy breathing!
After a bit or running around, I'm propped up, icing my knees, and watching the Tour. I guess that's the convalescent's version of watching soaps and eating bonbons!
Best wishes to Kera in the mini Mussel triathlon in Geneva NY tomorow.
After a bit or running around, I'm propped up, icing my knees, and watching the Tour. I guess that's the convalescent's version of watching soaps and eating bonbons!
Best wishes to Kera in the mini Mussel triathlon in Geneva NY tomorow.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Few Good Days
Shhhh. I don't want to say it too loud and possibly jinx it. But, the last few days have been pretty good. Today marks the 5 week point since the surgery. I really hope that this good trend continues.
After a terrible night's sleep on Tuesday night, Wednesday was a pretty good day the whole way around. When I got up in the morning I noticed that things were moving a little more freely, a little less stretching in the incision area. Kera and Gwen arrived promptly and took me to PT where things continued to go good. I still couldn't quite get that left leg all the way around on the bike, but it continues to get closer. I did 40 pounds on the leg press which is still too light so I'm sure it will get bumped up a bit next time. I walked 7 minutes on the treadmill at 2 mph with a 2 percent grade. Of course, Nate bent my knees to a point just short of screaming. He may still be paying me back for calling him my physical therapist! LOL! It's a good thing I like him. Gwen was fantastic during rehab; Nate remarked that most kids her age are running around the equipment and tossing balls and stuff. She's a good kid and Kera is a good Mom who actually parents her child. I had a great visit with Kera and Miss G. in the morning and enjoyed going out for lunch. I love you guys.
My friend Mel Gable came for afternoon babysitting duty. It was great to spend 3 hours catching up and to have her there for the afternoon exercises. Mel loves chocolate and when we worked together she would always bring me a chocolate covered pretzel when things were crappy. I was happy to see her come in the door with a little care package. You guessed it....choc covered pretzels. I waited until after bath time last night to have my treat. Mmmmm. Mel has been wonderful, sending emails and the funniest cards each week. Mel, you will never know how much I've appreciated you, especially these past 5 weeks.
I've said before that evening is my ouchy time. It usually starts around 6 and is in high gear by 8. I was doing pretty good at 6 and Brent and I went for my 1/2 mile neighborhood walk to the pond then got my shower. I was still doing amazingly good. About 8:45 I popped my tramadol and tylenol and spent a good hour and a half with aching knees. But, I nodded off with no trouble (yes, in the middle of my 3rd Tour viewing of the day) and slept pretty well until 2. I got up and popped some tylenol and slept great until 6. This was the best night of sleep I've had since the surgery.
My long-time friend Diane was with me today and will be here tomorrow too. Diane actually came down to Good Shepherd and spent a whole day with me. While I was doing leg lifts today we were talking about 5 weeks ago when I couldn't lift my legs at all let alone with ankle weights on them. For some reason, my exercises go so much better when someone is with me. I don't know if it's that I push it harder or what it is, but I really do appreciate everyone who has stuck by me during this twice a day stuff. Anyway, today Diane took me to get my hair cut where we saw my beautiful mother. Kim, my hairdresser made me as beautiful as she possibly could with what she had to work with. Then it was off to the podiatrist. Sigh. When it rains it pours!
I'm hopeful that tonight will be another good night. A good night's sleep goes a long way toward keeping my spirits up.
After a terrible night's sleep on Tuesday night, Wednesday was a pretty good day the whole way around. When I got up in the morning I noticed that things were moving a little more freely, a little less stretching in the incision area. Kera and Gwen arrived promptly and took me to PT where things continued to go good. I still couldn't quite get that left leg all the way around on the bike, but it continues to get closer. I did 40 pounds on the leg press which is still too light so I'm sure it will get bumped up a bit next time. I walked 7 minutes on the treadmill at 2 mph with a 2 percent grade. Of course, Nate bent my knees to a point just short of screaming. He may still be paying me back for calling him my physical therapist! LOL! It's a good thing I like him. Gwen was fantastic during rehab; Nate remarked that most kids her age are running around the equipment and tossing balls and stuff. She's a good kid and Kera is a good Mom who actually parents her child. I had a great visit with Kera and Miss G. in the morning and enjoyed going out for lunch. I love you guys.
My friend Mel Gable came for afternoon babysitting duty. It was great to spend 3 hours catching up and to have her there for the afternoon exercises. Mel loves chocolate and when we worked together she would always bring me a chocolate covered pretzel when things were crappy. I was happy to see her come in the door with a little care package. You guessed it....choc covered pretzels. I waited until after bath time last night to have my treat. Mmmmm. Mel has been wonderful, sending emails and the funniest cards each week. Mel, you will never know how much I've appreciated you, especially these past 5 weeks.
I've said before that evening is my ouchy time. It usually starts around 6 and is in high gear by 8. I was doing pretty good at 6 and Brent and I went for my 1/2 mile neighborhood walk to the pond then got my shower. I was still doing amazingly good. About 8:45 I popped my tramadol and tylenol and spent a good hour and a half with aching knees. But, I nodded off with no trouble (yes, in the middle of my 3rd Tour viewing of the day) and slept pretty well until 2. I got up and popped some tylenol and slept great until 6. This was the best night of sleep I've had since the surgery.
My long-time friend Diane was with me today and will be here tomorrow too. Diane actually came down to Good Shepherd and spent a whole day with me. While I was doing leg lifts today we were talking about 5 weeks ago when I couldn't lift my legs at all let alone with ankle weights on them. For some reason, my exercises go so much better when someone is with me. I don't know if it's that I push it harder or what it is, but I really do appreciate everyone who has stuck by me during this twice a day stuff. Anyway, today Diane took me to get my hair cut where we saw my beautiful mother. Kim, my hairdresser made me as beautiful as she possibly could with what she had to work with. Then it was off to the podiatrist. Sigh. When it rains it pours!
I'm hopeful that tonight will be another good night. A good night's sleep goes a long way toward keeping my spirits up.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sizzling Sixteen
Everyone knows that I just don't read a lot, but rather I devour books. It's nothing for me to whip through one book or two or three a week. Thursday will mark the five week point since my surgery and today I finished my first book. Granted, Janet Evanovich is an easy read, but it took me eleven days to read. Rick preordered it for my birthday and we picked it up the day Borders called to say it was in, eleven days ago. I must have read the first 6 pages seven or eight times. But, I must finally be chasing those crazy narcotics out of my system because I was finally able to read it. Thanks Rick! You can borrow it now if you want to read it next.
A New Week
Today is a good start to a new week. I increased the flexion on both knees by 5 degrees: right 105 and 95 in the left. I'm happy with that.
Started to be my own secretary again. Rescheduled my hair appointment, called my boss to give him a tentative day to come back to work (August 2), called HR to update them, and called podiatrist to schedule an appointment. Brent will be happy that I'm back to taking care of business.
I think it's gonna be too hot for my walk today. I hate to break down and join the old people at the mall! LOL!
Today is the last day for Nurse Sebbie as my babysitter. She's pushd me hard, but that's a good thing. She leaves me a litle more self sufficient and bending my knees a bit better too. As with Jayne and Rick, I can't thank her enough for taking time off work to stay with me.
My brother reminded me of a conversation we had when he was getting divorced. Since I'd been through it, I told him that he would find out who his friends were and who they weren't. If he ended up with a handful he should count himself lucky. Rick told me told me how incredibly fortunate I am because I certainly have more than a handful. People who have volunteered to stay with me whether for a week or a few hours, people who have called and visited, and people who have sent me numerous cards and emails. My cup is definitely running over. Thanks to you all - you help to get me over the rough patches.
Started to be my own secretary again. Rescheduled my hair appointment, called my boss to give him a tentative day to come back to work (August 2), called HR to update them, and called podiatrist to schedule an appointment. Brent will be happy that I'm back to taking care of business.
I think it's gonna be too hot for my walk today. I hate to break down and join the old people at the mall! LOL!
Today is the last day for Nurse Sebbie as my babysitter. She's pushd me hard, but that's a good thing. She leaves me a litle more self sufficient and bending my knees a bit better too. As with Jayne and Rick, I can't thank her enough for taking time off work to stay with me.
My brother reminded me of a conversation we had when he was getting divorced. Since I'd been through it, I told him that he would find out who his friends were and who they weren't. If he ended up with a handful he should count himself lucky. Rick told me told me how incredibly fortunate I am because I certainly have more than a handful. People who have volunteered to stay with me whether for a week or a few hours, people who have called and visited, and people who have sent me numerous cards and emails. My cup is definitely running over. Thanks to you all - you help to get me over the rough patches.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Addendum to Groundhog Day
I didn't mean for that post to make me sound depressed exactly. But since Kera made the comment on the previous post and that post also spurred Jayne to call me I guess I feel compelled to further expalin. There is a sameness to every day where my "job" is to focus on exercising my knee and taking the best care of myself that I can. A huge part of every day is exactly the same each and every day because it has to be. I hang in there pretty good each day until the afternoon exercises because at that point I just dread them. Yes, as Kera says, lots of people call and stop by which not only breaks up the day, but actually helps to carry me through the day.
Saturday mine brither came for the morning - he's so good to me. Brent and I were very excited to watch the prologue of the Tour. I made it across the street for a picnic last night and actually made it almost 2 hours before needing to come home and get myself horizontal.
Today, my friend Jason came to babysit in the morning. He has been a really good friend to me through this whole thing. He brought some of his famous blueberries which are absolutely yummy. He helped me through my morning exercises and took a slow 1/2 mile stroll down to the pond and back with me. He's a bike fan too so we enjoyed the Tour and I loved watching the end of the stage with him, Kera and Brent. Neighbors Loren and Deb joined us for lunch at Isaacs today. Tonight my parents and Rick made a fantastic dinner. I haven't been eating much, and tonight was no exception, but I have to tell you, the food was absolutely yummylicious. Mom had some ice packs which helped me get through 3 hours.
It's only 9:00 tonight and I'm beat. Bent and I are watching....wait for it....yes, you guessed it....the evening coverage of the Tour (not like we didn't already watch it once). :) I've taken my night time meds and am praying for a few comfortable hours of sleep. As I look back on the weekend, there were quite a few distractions, especially today, and I'm thankful for each and every one. But, I know that tonight will most likely go the way the nights have gone for the last 4 weeks and when I wake up tomorrow my day will flow much as it did today and the day before that. You know, like Groundhog day.
Saturday mine brither came for the morning - he's so good to me. Brent and I were very excited to watch the prologue of the Tour. I made it across the street for a picnic last night and actually made it almost 2 hours before needing to come home and get myself horizontal.
Today, my friend Jason came to babysit in the morning. He has been a really good friend to me through this whole thing. He brought some of his famous blueberries which are absolutely yummy. He helped me through my morning exercises and took a slow 1/2 mile stroll down to the pond and back with me. He's a bike fan too so we enjoyed the Tour and I loved watching the end of the stage with him, Kera and Brent. Neighbors Loren and Deb joined us for lunch at Isaacs today. Tonight my parents and Rick made a fantastic dinner. I haven't been eating much, and tonight was no exception, but I have to tell you, the food was absolutely yummylicious. Mom had some ice packs which helped me get through 3 hours.
It's only 9:00 tonight and I'm beat. Bent and I are watching....wait for it....yes, you guessed it....the evening coverage of the Tour (not like we didn't already watch it once). :) I've taken my night time meds and am praying for a few comfortable hours of sleep. As I look back on the weekend, there were quite a few distractions, especially today, and I'm thankful for each and every one. But, I know that tonight will most likely go the way the nights have gone for the last 4 weeks and when I wake up tomorrow my day will flow much as it did today and the day before that. You know, like Groundhog day.
Groundhog Day
Sometimes I feel I'm living my days like in the movie Groundhog Day. I get up, fumble around to get dressed, gag down 1/2 of a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel with some juice and the morning drug cocktail. At 9:00 it's either PT or exercise on my own, ice, walk 1/2 mile down to the pond and back, snack, ice, lunch and more meds. The afternoon is a bit more freeform with big decisions such as do I sit on the bed or in the chair? Do I take another dose of tylenol before my 3:00 exercises or can I tough it out? Ice again, snack again, if I'm really feeling froggy I walk again. Then I wait for Brent to get home. He does whatever exercise he needs to do and has done a good job of getting dinner ready at a reasonable time. I try to get a shower in before 9. I can do most of this myself, but I can't get out of the shower alone, so I need Brent's help. Then the worst part of my night where my knees burn and ache and I can't find any position that's comfortable. The dr. says this will last until 6-8 weeks and then I can expect it to turn the corner. It's usually lights out between 10-11 and depending on the med schedule, I know I will be up at least once to take tylenol. And then....well it just starts all over again.
So when I think, "What are we going to do today, Brain?" The answer is, "Same thing we do every day Donna, try to bend your knees and get through the day!"
So when I think, "What are we going to do today, Brain?" The answer is, "Same thing we do every day Donna, try to bend your knees and get through the day!"
Friday, July 2, 2010
Post-Op Appointment
I think the appointment was a bit anticlimatic. They took x-rays and I was told that everything looks great and lines up perfectly. He bent my right leg (which is the better of the 2) and said that it was bending perfectly for 4 weeks. Not ahead of schedule, not behind schedule, but right on target. He didn't say anything about the left leg, but it was clear that it didn't bend with the same degree of flexion and he bent it enough to hurt like crazy. I guess I should just assume as absolutely EVERYONE keeps telling me, that one knee is always worse and it WILL come along in time.
The two blood blisters (for lack of a better term) that appeared yesterday on the left incision didn't seem to bother him much either. The top one began seeping blood today at PT, and while I was worried about an infection, it seems it's okay. Nothing a little hydrogen peroxide three times a day can't handle. But, that does mean that I can't begin any kind of aquatic therapy for at least a week until it's all healed.
I need to take ecotrin for another 2 weeks, and then can just substitute baby aspirin. I'm done with the Iron too, and I can begin taking fish oil again. The dr. was fine with the fact that I wasn't taking the narcotic and seemed okay with me only taking the tramadol twice a day rather than every 6-8 hours. I'm still okay with the doses of tylenol at least for the next two months. I'm still under the max dose, but honestly, that tylenol stuff is bad news too. With my luck I'll need a liver transplant next. Ok. That really wasn't funny.
Nights still suck. At least once during the night I take another dose of tylenol because everything aches and burns. No matter what I do I can't get comfortable. During those times I wake up quite a bit. While I do get back to sleep, it's interrupted frequently and I just never really get a good night of rest. I should probably take a little nap in the afternoons, but my thought was that perhaps I'd sleep better at night if I was totally exhausted. Clearly I need to rethink this. The dr. said this is absolutely typical and will turn around somewhere around 6-8 weeks out and is one of the biggest complaints he hears.
We can finally give up the compression wraps on my legs. Of course some of the best news for me is that I can finally shave my legs. It's quite an impressive forest I've got growing there. Hey, after it gets so long it feels soft, not rough and stubly like it does a day after shaving. Maybe we should adopt that European look. Or, perhaps not! LOL!
The two blood blisters (for lack of a better term) that appeared yesterday on the left incision didn't seem to bother him much either. The top one began seeping blood today at PT, and while I was worried about an infection, it seems it's okay. Nothing a little hydrogen peroxide three times a day can't handle. But, that does mean that I can't begin any kind of aquatic therapy for at least a week until it's all healed.
I need to take ecotrin for another 2 weeks, and then can just substitute baby aspirin. I'm done with the Iron too, and I can begin taking fish oil again. The dr. was fine with the fact that I wasn't taking the narcotic and seemed okay with me only taking the tramadol twice a day rather than every 6-8 hours. I'm still okay with the doses of tylenol at least for the next two months. I'm still under the max dose, but honestly, that tylenol stuff is bad news too. With my luck I'll need a liver transplant next. Ok. That really wasn't funny.
Nights still suck. At least once during the night I take another dose of tylenol because everything aches and burns. No matter what I do I can't get comfortable. During those times I wake up quite a bit. While I do get back to sleep, it's interrupted frequently and I just never really get a good night of rest. I should probably take a little nap in the afternoons, but my thought was that perhaps I'd sleep better at night if I was totally exhausted. Clearly I need to rethink this. The dr. said this is absolutely typical and will turn around somewhere around 6-8 weeks out and is one of the biggest complaints he hears.
We can finally give up the compression wraps on my legs. Of course some of the best news for me is that I can finally shave my legs. It's quite an impressive forest I've got growing there. Hey, after it gets so long it feels soft, not rough and stubly like it does a day after shaving. Maybe we should adopt that European look. Or, perhaps not! LOL!
Wings Over Colonial Park
If this is Thursday, it must be "wings" night. "Wings" night is an evening begun many years ago by my friend Matt. You may remember those economic boomng times where restaurants and bars offered free happy hour buffets somewhere almost each and every week night. Tacos one place, wings another, leftovers from the restaurant fridge I suppose. Few, if any, of those freebies exist today, but a small group of us still meets each Thursday for "wings." At this point, we've been meeting for more years than I really care to admit to! Wings doesn't necessarily mean wings anymore either. We bounce around the local restaurants and for the most part only one bar these days. We try to change up the greasy, fatty bar food with some decent healthy options at other places.
This Thursday was the fourth week since my surgery, and my wings group brought dinner and came to my place. I really wasn't sure if I was up for it - I certainly knew I wouldn't be able to sit at the dining room table for 2 hours. But, I really wanted to see my friends - it had been a long time.
It was nice to be transported out of my normal routine and since evening is my worst time, I was distracted enough that I actually fell asleep while they were still there! I was really enjoying the friendship, the humor, the familiar bantering back and forth. So comfortable and relaxed enough I just fell right out. A little embarassed at that, but they're my friends and I'm sure they understand I'm not quite back up to full power yet.
On a side note, thanks to Renee who brought the full body pillow she used during her pregnancy. I think I managed at least 30 minutes on my side - a big step up from the usual 5 minutes I can endure. Many thanks.
I'm off to PT in a few minutes and then heading to Allentown this afternoon for my postop appointment. I'm a bit nervous about that. Don't know why exactly. Although, I seem to have a lot of anxiety about all sorts of stupid stuff, so I'm sure it's just more of the same. I'll feel better when I've seen the Dr. I guess.
This Thursday was the fourth week since my surgery, and my wings group brought dinner and came to my place. I really wasn't sure if I was up for it - I certainly knew I wouldn't be able to sit at the dining room table for 2 hours. But, I really wanted to see my friends - it had been a long time.
It was nice to be transported out of my normal routine and since evening is my worst time, I was distracted enough that I actually fell asleep while they were still there! I was really enjoying the friendship, the humor, the familiar bantering back and forth. So comfortable and relaxed enough I just fell right out. A little embarassed at that, but they're my friends and I'm sure they understand I'm not quite back up to full power yet.
On a side note, thanks to Renee who brought the full body pillow she used during her pregnancy. I think I managed at least 30 minutes on my side - a big step up from the usual 5 minutes I can endure. Many thanks.
I'm off to PT in a few minutes and then heading to Allentown this afternoon for my postop appointment. I'm a bit nervous about that. Don't know why exactly. Although, I seem to have a lot of anxiety about all sorts of stupid stuff, so I'm sure it's just more of the same. I'll feel better when I've seen the Dr. I guess.
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