July 8, 2009

Turning the Corner


Today was my first post-operational visit to the doctor! I am starting to feel more normal now. Hmmm, or perhaps I should say less abnormal, LOL. No matter, I am moving in the forward direction in my healing.

The doctor expressed a little concern over a reddish area to the side of my kneecap. He believes it is a bacterial skin infection, so I now have an antibiotic prescription to nip that in the bud. He wants the physical therapist to call him on next Monday during my workout, and he will come over to the therapy center to recheck the area. He also wants me to concentrate on bending the knee joint more aggressively in the weeks ahead. Ugh. Easier said than done with a joint that resembles a basketball!

The nurse took about half of my staples out and then I proceeded to get dizzy and hot. The stress and pain got the best of me. After getting me stabilized, the nurse was able to finish the job up. Hubby came back to the exam room to stay with me until I felt I could get up and go.

So I am turning a corner today. Adhesive strips have replaced the staples. I quit wearing the surgical stocking and threw it away. And now I can resume my arthritis medicine and quit taking the shots to prevent blood clots. I am moving better each day and having less pain. On Friday, I will be allowed to take a shower again. Hallelujah!

Whew, these last two weeks have been the slowest of my life and filled with trauma. The recovery from this kind of surgery is incredibly rough. I pray that I never have to go through it again.

My immediate goals are to increase bending, further strength conditioning, and achieve more independence. I hope to ditch the granny walker for a cane in about a week. Oh yes, I also want to find more simple joys and improve my spirit. I’m sure that hubby would like that too, LOL.

Thank you, again, for all of your good wishes!

14 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you are coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful vacation pictures again soon!

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  2. Good for You!! See there? It's ALREADY been 2 weeks! Before you know it, it'll be 6 weeks...6 months...
    I'll bet you Did get woozey watching her remove the staples!!lolol...I use to give my patients a magazine article to read Out Loud to me while I removed their staples!Hahaa...worked every time! Behave and do what the Dr. Ordered!! You'll be GLAD you did!!!(((((HUG)))))

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  3. Surgery is to be avoided as much as possible unless the surgery is better than the alternative. I always thought the knee/hip replacement surgery must be rough...you confirm it, next to back surgery.

    Glad you are over the most difficult ...and will pray this you will never need it again.

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  4. It is a long journey...Just watching my Mum go through it I hoped then and there I would never have to.
    And more recently my 83 yo Granny!

    She is happier now and moving more freely,But it has taken time,Nearing 6mths but she has much more comfort.
    I hope this is the case for you and a new found freedom and spring in your step is found.
    Take Care...xoxo

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  5. Well done ! It won't be long before you're sprinting around that corner .

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  6. Donna, I'm happy that you are recovering nicely. I so enjoy your "tweets", keep them coming.
    Sharon

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  7. Why did my knees start hurting just by reading this?
    I"m so glad you are healing and moving in a forward direction. I pray that you have an even quicker recovery!
    Hugs.
    Kim

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  8. Dear Donna, I'm glad to hear that your knee operation was a success and that you are slowly getting better now! I do wish you a quick recovery! Have a nice weekend ahead! Hugs, Maria

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  9. Your spirits have been so much better than mine would have been. You're making such wonderful progress, you're gonna be dancing soon, I just know it!

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  10. So glad to hear you've turned that corner, Donna! Keep up the good work; you're an inspiration!! ((hugs))

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  11. Please keep bending, I know it hurts, but I have two friends who have gone through this, one bended, the other didn't. there is a considerable difference in the bended ladies abilities, she darn near died during it but you would never know she had such problems if you saw her walk. The other lady, constant complaints and is now walking with a cain. So glad you are coming along. Give yourself time to heal. but don't stop moving according to your thereapist.

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  12. Donna, I'm so glad to hear that you are on the mend. It does sound rough and I'm sure that you are allowed to be a little low in spirit with all that's gone on. Pain is no fun no how not ever so here's to more and more pain free times. Take it easy and don't rush it. Do what you can plus a titch and that should get you well over the hump.

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  13. Oh wow! Bless your heart, you've really been thru the wringer. I hope you're feeling much better now...it's good to read that you are pushing forward with determination to find joy for your spirit, though. Keep healing, keep your chin up and may you be mobile and pain-free SOON!!!
    Kari

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  14. so happy to hear things are better, donna.....it's gotta be so hard....and you are doing amazing!
    hugs,
    kimberly

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!