6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has now officially been 6 weeks since my surgery that changed my life! I have not posted in a few weeks because I have been so busy! It has been a great few weeks. I am doing very well.

I saw my DR yesterday and he is so impressed with my recovery. Before surgery my movement was 10 degrees to 90 degrees...now it is 0-112! This is a HUGE improvement. Usually that is not normal. Your movement before surgery is reflective of what your movement will be after! But with a TON of hard work, a great surgeon, awesome PTs and I have beat the odds. But it is still not over! The last few weeks have been ultra busy and has taken my attention. Once school settles down I will pick up my home PT again.

I had PT today and I am doing awesome! I went dancing last Saturday and my FEET were killing me and my knee was great. But discovered a few new muscles!

even with sitting for hours at a time and not being able to do my exercise at home, I have not lost any of my gains!!!

I am finally allowed to swim!!! I plan on hitting the water ASAP!!!

My scar is keloiding so they gave me some strips to put on it 12 hours a day...it is what they use for plastic surgery. They also gave me some gel for pain and a electrical machine to help with muscle pain.

I am exhausted, so I will fill in the details later. I only got 3 hours sleep last night due to burning midnight and early morning oil!

Day 23 - July 25 Running around

WOW...today was a rough day. Honora needed to go to the airport and we all woke up late. So it was a crazy scramble to get out the door. The stuff needed to be loaded into the car, the baby needed to be feed and dressed, we all needed to get dressed.....We would have been even later if I had not raced around getting everything into the car. Honora had to feed Elizabeth, then I drove us all the the airport (very quickly) and we all raced in to get her checked in and to the security check point....owe...

Than Meghan and I went home. I had to take some Vicoden for my knee, iced it up and took a nap. Meghan was very sweet and let me cuddle with her so I could sleep better. When I woke up a few hours later, I got a call from Meghan's grandma. Honora lost her phone at DIA, could I try to find it.

So I called DIA and found that they did have the phone and I could come get it. Meghan needed to still drive us because I still had Vicoden in my system, but she did not want to leave yet, so I fell asleep again.

When she was ready, she woke me up and we went back out to the airport. We had to walk a long, long way....to get to lost and found, picked up the phone and went back to the car. Than we drove to Meghan's grandparent's house because they are out of town and we picked up their mail and put it in their house. Than we drove to Honora's house and watched some cable TV for a while (been a long day since we did that).

Now we are home and I need to do my exercises (at least 1 time today) even though my leg has had a VERY hard work-out (i.e. run-walking in the airport because we were late, than walking back to car than walking to lost and found - in the most obscure part of the airport possible - and back to the car) I still need to do my exercises. My knee was a little more swollen today, than it has been in a while. Well off to exercise than try to sleep....

Day 22 - July 24 PT was awesome!

I got chosen for a special assignment at work so I got to do some work today! As a result I had to change my PT time. I was suppose to go in at 9:30 but I was worried PT would last too long and I would miss a lot of the meeting. So I called and asked if there were any spots open, yes there was at 7:00!!! So I woke up early today and ran over the PT. It was great.
He put me on the bike first for 10 minutes.
Than he measured my flexion it was 104!
Than he did some deep tissue massage on my knee, massaged my scar, and did some patella massage! - I have one word for all this....OUCH!!
Than I did my leg exercises..but this time he added 1 1/2 pounds to my leg.
Than I did some new exercises!

• You are attached to the wall with a rubber-band like rope and you do 20 leg kicks to the back, side, front, and other side, with the surgical leg.
• He had me stand on my surgical leg for 1 minute 3 times
• He had me do 2 sets of 20 squats
• He also had me do calf stretches where you stand on this wedge to stretch your calves
• He also stretched my leg. He took my leg and held it straight and lifted it straight up and pushed...ouch... :(
• I also did this exercise where I put the leash-like thing on my ankle and pulled my leg into a bend as far as possible. (I will definitely do this at home!!!)

Than he had me ice my knee with it elevated for 15 minutes. It was sad after 5 minutes my knee was not liking the position...but I had to stay in it for 10 more minutes.

He also let me know the 2 exercises I was worried about...not to be. He showed me how to find my patella, but he said the important thing was to just get it moving. :) Yeah no more depression because I am failing!

PT lasted 1 1/2 hours! WOW but it was good. He works me really hard, and pushes me! BUT I LOVE IT!!!!

Need to do my exercises. Honora is leaving for Florida in the AM and I am taking her to the airport! She is going to pick up her babies...she misses them so much.

Day 21 - July 23 3 WEEKS!!!

It has been three weeks today that I had my knee replaced. It is crazy...I am starting to not remember what it was like to be in chronic pain. Meghan and I had an argument about what pain is...I think I am more of an expert than she is.

The adjectives that I use to describe what I feel sometimes feel in my knee and leg is: achy, stiff, and sore.

The old adjectives were: throbbing, shooting, sharp, stabbing, excruciating, horrible, chronic, grinding, sucking all energy, pain...

Total different. My knee did well today, it did not ache as much as it did yesterday. I only went to the Y one time today. But I did my exercises, but only 2 times....

BUT tomorrow I have physical therapy at SEVEN AM!!!! Than I am going to work on a special project at the Hope Office tomorrow!!! Cause I am not on Drugs and I can drive!!!!

I took a long hot shower, it really helps my leg, especially since I put it on massage, extra hot, and I use it to massage my very sore muscles!!! I also ice my knee EVERY time I do exercise!

Gotta go to bed, see you tomorrow!

Day 20 - July 22 - Hard day

Did you ever have a day where you feel like it is too much. Well that was my day today. I really have been getting depressed because 2 of the things my PT wants me to do I can not do them. It is 2 patella exercises. I can not find the top and bottom of my patella (Honora says cause it is too swollen) that I feel like giving up...mind you I don't but it feels like it.
The achiness is getting to me to. It is like...why am I not healed yet...Honora gentally reminds me, "it has only been 3 weeks." So it has been one of THOSE kind of days.
It started out rough because I woke up stiff, sore, achey....and best of all SICK. :( my nose was running and stuffy and I just did not feel good. Needless to say, I did not do all of my exercises this morning.
We ran to the library, YMCA, and the store.
Even with all the "I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE..." I still managed to make myself go do the bike for 10 min at the YMCA....I drove to different places today with...and to the store and such.
I rode the wheelchair at the store because I did not want to walk and I was icing my knee from biking.
I did not take a walk today....
I did not do my exercises 3 times...only 2....
:( I really had a hard day.
But I did make myself do my exercises 2 times with the wonderful help of my Honora the first time... :) she shouted the numbers to me and encouraged me :)
and my Meghan...she softly encouraged me and told me how well I was doing! for the 2nd set...
I love my Honora and Meghan they really helped me today!
Sometimes...you just need a little encouragement...
I was also depressed...because I can not go swimming for 3 more weeks... :( and I have to be strong about this...even though I really really really really really want to soak in a hot tub...DR orders...6 weeks... I can not risk an infection in my knee...sigh.....
Oh well...I am done exercising..I was not even going to blog today...but I think it is good to write the good AND the bad...that way it will help me push forward, keep going, and NOT GIVE UP!!!!!

GO CANDICE

Day 19 - July 21 - A day of Firsts

Wow today has been great. It has been a day of firsts!

1. Went for a walk ALL BY myself!
2. Did not take ANY narcotics only Ibuprofen 2 times all day!
3. Was able to read some of a book!
4. Went to YMCA and rode a bike for 15 minutes
5. Drove home from YMCA!!

It was a great day! I have done really well today and the knee is keeping up really well. There is some pain, but not too bad maybe a 2. Usually there is no pain, but when I move it, it is really stiff sometimes. Then I move it more and it feels better and is not so stiff.

The knee is still achy and stiff, but exercise still helps!

I am so happy I am doing so well!

Good night! Did all my exercises already so I am going to read a little more (it is nice to have a clear head) and go to bed (I hope I'll be able to sleep!)

Day 18 - July 20 Outpaitent PT!!

Had my first out patient PT today and it went GREAT!!!

But before I get ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning.

I did not sleep again last night. I was up every 2 hours...for one reason or another. :(

When I woke Meghan at 9, than I took 2 9am meds because I was having PT today and I did not know how much pain it would cause my knee. I also wanted to prepare my knee so I did my exercises than iced my knee.

Then about 9:30 I made sure Meghan was almost ready to go...we left on time and made it to my appointment on time.

It was a long session today. 10-11:30

First, he played with my patella (moving it and such) but no tissues massage :( Then he measured my extension and flexion. The first time was only 94 than we did more stretches and patella moving..measured it again 95. Did some more patella stuff than had me get on a bike for 10 minutes. The first few minutes I could not go all the way around so I was suppose to go back and forth until I could make it around. PT said it would probably be easier to go backward first..and it was...I was able to go backward. Than I also was able to go forward. I did it a little longer than required (about 14 min instead of 10). Than got back on the table and he had me do some new exercises and a few old ones modified a little.

1. quad sets - tightening muscles in quad, push down, and tighten muscles in butt, all while pulling toes toward knee
2. straight leg lifts - lying on back, one leg bent, keep leg totally straight, knee locked, muscles tight lift leg straight
3. Hip Extension - lying on stomach lift leg up keeping leg and knee straight and tight
4. hip abduction - lying on side, one leg bent, leg kept straight and in line with back (this is hard) lift leg up keeping knee locked and muscles tight
5. hip abduction 2 - lying on other side, bend leg over straight leg, tighten and keep knee lock and lift straight leg.
6. heel raise bilateral - stand up and rise on ball of feet

These are the new exercises I am suppose to do at home in addition to the ones I did at PT.

1. using left leg to bend and straighten right leg when sitting up
2. using a bike for 10-15 minutes a day (will be going back to YMCA!!!)
3. Knee wall slides - walking up and down the wall while lying on back with knees bent
4. Patella massage and stretching - side to side and up and down. (when he did these at PT it did not hurt cause I was high... When I did them tonight...OUCH!!! :(

I am suppose to do each exercise 20 times for each set, 2 sets for each session, and 3 sessions a day! I am adding these exercises to the exercises I am already doing!

Than we came home. I was very tired so I took a long, long nap! Than we got to watch Elizabeth again while Honora had 2nd shift.

Meghan had color guard practice today, so instead of her riding the bus Elizabeth and I went with her! It was fun, we packed a blanket and sat on it and watched her practice and played together. It was great. She loves to be outside and it is good for me to get out of the house.

My knee/scar is looking great. The Steri-strips came off (so itchy) and it is healed so well I did not put any new ones on, I might still...

There was a bad storm tonight, so I could not go for a walk.

My Game Plan for tomorrow.

I want to go to the YMCA tomorrow to do the bike, the library to return and check out more books, bank (deposit money), and store (I need to buy a few things), go for a walk, go exercises 3 times...

Well I already did my exercises a 3 times today..but I might do them one more time before bed! Good night!

Day 17 - July 19

Well I had to sleep last night, I just had too. I have been getting MORE AND MORE exhausted...so I took 20 mg of my meds again. I went to bed earlier (ie finally was able to fall asleep at about 12ish). Meghan let me cuddle her so I was able to relax easier before I fell asleep! I was not awakened by aching, discomfort, or pain last night!!!! I woke up kinda early this morning (5:30am) but then cuddled with Elizabeth and went back to sleep! I finally got some great sleep last night!

I woke up tired...and I am still a little tired this morning (11ish am) but doing much better. I decided to take 20 mg again...I am feeling much better. I do not have many Oxycontin left so I need to go fill my prescription of vicoden very very soon! We are also almost out of toilet paper...YIKES!!! So I really need to go to the store today. I still also need to get my alternator tested to see if I need a new one (PLEASE NO!!!!)

I gave myself my last blood thinning shot today! So tomorrow I can start using anti-inflammatory to see if that will help reduce swelling and pain in the knee tomorrow!

We are planning on going to Harry Potter today...I hope that works out too...

As I was playing with Elizabeth my nausea hit me hard. I ran out of pills today and did not take some with my meds this morning. I had gotten a new script from the Dr, but for some reason I have not filled it yet. Elizabeth fell asleep so I laid down with her cause I threw up in my mouth a little. When Honora walked in the door, she was like, "let's go get your meds." She was my savior! She saved me from the horrid nausea. We ran to Wal-mart they said it would take 25 min, so we went to get toilet paper because we were out of that too. Then we hung out next to the pharmacy (me trying not to vomit, Honora feeding Elizabeth). Finally, it was done. We got it, Honora went for the car and now we are home!!! YAhooo...oh yah..I took my nausea meds as soon as he handed me the bottle!

Now I am waiting for it to kick in...

My nausea meds worked, mostly, but I had to take some Tums as well. Honora made us a YUMMY dinner of homemade Alfredo sauce with pasta and chicken. She also made a yummy cucumber and tomato salad. Than Daniel came over so we could all go see Harry Potter. We were waiting from Daniel's friend Trey (he works at the movie theater and got us 4 FREE movie tickets! So we got to go for free!) So since we had to take Trey with us, Honora and Elizabeth followed us to the movies. We go the movies and it watched it. Elizabeth was SO good! But bad news...stupid me did not remember to bring her 9pm meds....Movie started at 7:30...got over at 10:30...dumb me. By the time I got home I was in pain.
I took 2 9pm meds and Honora did a trick with my PRN med and soon I was not feeling any pain. It was important that we got the pain under control since it was a 6 and rising.. (VERY BAD). Got the pain under control, made myself high (DO NOT LIKE!!!), did my exercises and went to bed!

VERY TIRED!!!

Day 16 - July 18

Today was a non-eventful day except for a few things:

1. I was able to go shopping without a drive around cart!
2. I got a sunburn on my surgery leg and arm
3. My leg ached a little more today

The day started early today. Elizabeth and I cuddled until 10. Then we went to go wake up Meghan. I only took 10 mg of meds at 9..but had to take breakthrough meds. I did my exercises.

Meghan had a book to read for school that we had to pick up from the library. We also took Elizabeth over to Honora's work for a visit.

We ran to the store and Elizabeth and I went shopping for a few things while Meghan walked over to Noodles and Company to get us lunch/dinner.

I was able to WALK the WHOLE time, however, by the time we got to check out (after about 30 minutes) my leg was aching. Then add to that a PAINFULLY SLOW check-out lady and it made for sad ending to a great beginning.

When I woke up I discovered that I had gotten sunburned on my right leg and arm. It is not that bad, but since I am not allowed to use ANYTHING on my leg it makes it a little sad since it does burn a little. My steri-strips are also falling off and for the areas that are not quite healed all the way I am washing with rubbing alcohol and putting a new strip on it. Some places are healing so great! I have a tiny thin scar! The staple holes are the things that are kinda raised. I really think this scar is going to be much better than the one from 15 1/2 years ago!

It is weird, sometimes I feel things in my knee that I do not think I should be able to. It seems like I feel the joint rubbing against each other. But that seems to be impossible since the joint is all fake?? I am confused. I feel it bumping and grinding also. That maybe due to the vibrations that I can feel that...very strange. I wonder how long these feelings will last.

I HAVE to sleep tonight. I am planning on going to bed early tonight (ie before 12 - hopefully as it is 10:30 when I started writing this, than the computer had issues and it is now 11:14). I took 20 mg of my meds tonight... hoping it will help me sleep. I tried only 10 mg last night and slept even worse than before. I need to do my exercises one more time today and then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......

Even though I took a nap I still think I will be able to sleep...I sure hope so.

Day 15 - July 17

Today was a good day I was able to catch up on my sleep. I took a really long nap this afternoon 5-8:30pm. Only problem is I am now awake! lol

Anyway, good news. I tried reducing my pain meds today with pretty good results. I only took 10 mg instead of 20 at 9 am today. It worked pretty well and I only needed my break through 5mg one time durning the day after PT about 1pm. I took only 10 mg at 9pm as well and was doing well. But had to take a break through 5mg at about 12am...I am hoping I can wean myself off these narcotics...but I also do not want to let the pain go crazy...balance balance.... I need to go fill my other scripts tomorrow....

It was a sad day because it was the last day with Tanan as my PT we had a great session. She did a lot of hands on work, watched me walk without a cane, up and down stairs and measured me. I finally got a ZERO!!! It was a painful zero...but I got it for the first time since I was 15!!! I also measured a 95 flexion. PT said she is doubtful of the 103 from the DR office...because each person measures slightly different. But it is still more then pre-surgery! I know I will get it even better.
When we did the stairs it was scary. I have fallen down the stairs so many times I do not want to fall ANYMORE...so we can to the agreement that I can go up and down alternating feet when there is a railing, but without anything to hold on to, I will continue to go down like a cripple and go up like a normal person! She said outpatient PT will really work with me on that. Since I have 6 weeks of PT I will learn a lot. She said since I have great mobility already so soon after surgery she thinks the worse part of PT (manual moving the leg forcibly, painfully, and icky) I should not need. I will still have a lot of stretching, massage, etc...but I will do awesome! I really want the next person to push me. I hope he is a good PT... :) I find out Monday morning!
I also saw the nurse this morning and she said I did exactly the right thing with the swollen issues. It is funny...I keep forgetting I had major surgery! ;) she said it was VERY normal what happened and that I handled it good. SO now I know. I have to keep my leg up if I am not using it!
I did my exercises today! I really like doing them. It makes me feel like I am making progress and I am doing something.
Honora, Meghan, Elizabeth, and I had a wonderful picnic outside. We put down a blanket and ate pizza and root bear and Honora got us ice cream from the ice cream man! It was a lot of fun.

Well that is all for today. I have to do my exercises one more time then hit the sack!

Day 14 - July 16 IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS!!!

Wow...times flies when your healing a knee! :) I can not believe that just 2 short weeks ago I had a totally different knee.

I had a hard day today. When I woke up (after 2 hours sleep) I noticed that my foot was swollen, but I had to go to court so I did not worry about it.

Meghan and I hurried out of the house (with nothing to eat) and ran to get her BF Daniel. It was really cute, he dressed up in a jacket and slacks for court with a cute hat... :)

Than Meghan drove us all to court. We got there early, but that was good because we had to park far away and I can not walk all that fast.

We found out that they double booked court that morning 9-12 so we had to wait until the other case was done (they said it would take 1 hour...it took 2). So we waited and waited. Finally it was my turn. David acted all concerned about Meghan...he just didn't want her to see him being an ass...and asked the Judge if Meghan could be excused from the court room. It was awesome...cause now I have a great reason to get his wife kicked out too! So they both left and it was just David, the Judge and I. It went fairly well.

We discussed the insurance issue first. Since it was my petition I was allowed to talk first. I told the judge about the history of Meghan's insurance - ie David suppose to...did not do...caused huge problems..I got it myself since I could not rely on David...

David than talked...about how how he really tried to get her insurance and that in October he would be able to add her to his work insurance

Judge ruled in my favor and changed it to read that I was going to supply insurance and I would get ALL the money I pay as a credit on the child support worksheet. :) The bad thing is, I do not get credit, reimbursement, or ANYTHING for the 4 1/2 months I paid the insurance premiums...the judge said, "because it was my idea and I did it on my own and even though I had good reason to do it, the order was for David to provide the insurance..." so I lost on that one...since it was 900 dollars...

Then we discussed the medical bills. At first David made it try to seem like he did not know about them and I did not ask his opinion about them. I pointed out that I had proof from all the emails showing OVER and OVER that I tried to discuss it with him and he would not.

So the Judge told us he was going to leave us to talk about it and work something out and he would be gone for 10 minutes. (yah..I know...isn't that the whole reason we are in court???) When he returned I realized he had used it to go have lunch....he was really gone for more than 20 min...Anyway while he was gone. I went through all the bills with David. Told him what they were for and WHY she needed it....yada yada yada...he agreed that he would pay them and told me he would pay me back 100 a month or more...

The Judge asked what we had come up with and David told the judge he agreed and that he would pay it back 100 or more a month. The judge made him tell him exactly what he DEFINITELY would pay so it could be ordered...so in 10 months David will have paid off his debt to me...(IF he pays it) I wish I was that lucky....it was cool also, that he has to pay be back at the higher percentage that was his original % not the new lower %!!! The judge was like, since these bills happened BEFORE the new ruling was in effect, it only makes since that you have to pay it back from the old ruling!!! :) So I won on that.

I told the judge that David did not pay me two child support payments so that was added to the medical bills as well that he has to pay me for.

I tried making David have to PROVE he is paying Honora in order for him to get credit for it...but the judge and David were like "that is a totally different case" it MADE ME MAD!!! Because David is not paying Honora again...so back to court again for that...and believe you me...HE WILL PAY!!!!

Then David brought up getting to claim Meghan on his taxes. I said that it was not fair since when he got to claim her, he got totally free child support for the year and I used EVERY penny I got back on taxes on Meghan and he would not use it on her but for himself.... I lost this battle...but David tried to say that since he had not got to claim her in so long he should get to claim her for the next 3 years (till she is an adult)...I was like HELL NO...I use that to help pay for things she needs and her extra activities...he had the nerve to say that...well if a family can not afford it than the child should not do it..... I was SOOOOO Mad. I was like...oh so you want to tell Meghan she can not be in winter guard and Color guard and such because you want the tax money???? The judge only gave him this year...but it really SCREWS me. I have to change my w-9 at work and I will be getting less money every month now.... grrrrrrrrrrr...I hate that man. I tried convincing the judge that it was not fair that he got way more credits - married, other kids, etc....stupid -itch it was his wife's idea.....

So overall I won...but lost some... :( Now I just have to make sure he gives me the money.....

sigh...if not I will take him back to court for contempt.....

Another bad thing about court was I could not have my leg up for 4 hours...bad news cause my leg and foot swelled even more. We were also STARVING...I had a HUGE headache from no sleep, no food, and stress from court.

Meghan drove us home, I got them us all Chipotle. It was nice Daniel came and kept Meghan company.

We got home and I crashed. When I woke up I saw my foot and leg and freaked a little.

My foot and leg were really swollen. I called Honora and asked her what I should do. She said I should really elevate it and ice the whole leg.....

SO I DID!!!!

I fully iced my leg 3+ times and had it elevated all night. Figured out that the reason it happened was because I was sitting on the side of my bed with my leg hanging down all night preparing for court, and then having to sit in a hard chair all day at court. I also did my exercises and then went back to elevating and icing. FINALLY I saw the swelling go down...it started moving down my foot and then down my leg. Meme kept me company...she was very concerned about me again! :) It really improved by the time I went to bed (ie 2 - I know Becki I need to sleep!!!) I am really glad it went down. I was really concerned and so was Honora...she said if it did not go down we would have to go to the DR tomorrow... :)

Good Night!

Day 13 - July 15 - Post-op Day

I was unable to post this yesterday because I was up all night, literally ALL night (ie 5:30 am) working on making sure everything was ready for court today.

So anyway, Tuesday night I had a really tough time sleeping because I was nervous how the DR visit would go. I stayed up pretty late (ie 2am) doing my exercises. Then I used my CPM machine for an hour, than iced my knee and slept for a few hours. I woke up at 5....walked around some. Iced knee again and tried to go back to sleep. Than woke at 7 and used my CPM machine again, to loosen up my knee. Than I did my exercises for an 1/2 an hour. Than Honora, Elizabeth, and I went to their WIC appointment. (I can not drive yet so I get other people to drive me around)

Than after the WIC appointment we raced over to my appointment. We were a little late, but that was okay because the office always is running late and thus we ended up having to wait anyways.

When I got to the office a lady asked me if I had surgery at Sky Ridge (I did) and she saw me on my surgery day and she said I am walking WAY better than I did before surgery. I still used my walker, but I am walking really well. While we waited my leg started aching and the best thing to do is get up and move, so I did.

Than they finally called me back. Everyone was VERY impressed at how well I was doing. Dr Harrison (the PA) measured my flexion and it was...... 103!!!! It was so exciting. I told the nurse and the PA that I was worried about the staples because of the bad experience last time. She said the same thing "it will only pinch a little" I was like "the last guy told me that to and I almost punched him in the face when he took the first one out." I told him "don't tell people how it will feel if you have never had it done."

These are the tools they used to remove my staples. Then that PA came in. He washed my knee up really well. He had me lie down. Then he removed the first staple...... IT DIDN'T HURT!!!! It was great. Only a few of them stung a little.

Then he put some sort of glue and then covered the whole incision with steri-strips. These will fall off on their own in 5-7 days. I am suppose to use alcohol on them 2x's a day and after every shower. I can take a normal shower (except I can't wash that specific area) and pat it dry. I took a shower last night, the hot water helps relax my muscles.

I showed the DR I could walk without anything! It was exciting. I am doing so well.

I got my questions answered:

1. When can I stop the Oxycontin - within the next week or 2 I have a new script for vicoden
2. can I use a cane instead of a walker - yes as soon as you feel you are ready
3. how am I doing - very good
4. when can I swim and go in a hot tub - 6 weeks after the surgery :( this was sad since hot water really helps the muscle pain
5. Am I doing better/worse than expected - much better
6. can I use lotion - no :( when can I use lotion - after the incision is completely healed (ie scar no scabs)
7. can I use anything help to moisturize, my skin is so dry - not right now, after incision heals after steri-strips fall off can use vitamin E - but don't use too soon, can cause bacteria to grow
8. more nausea script - yes
9. How long do I use the shots - till they are gone (I have 5 more left)
10. How long do I take my antibiotics - till they are gone (I have 3 more left)
11. when can I start to take anti-inflammatory - after shots are done
12. When can I use stairs like a normal person - when I am ready
13. is it safe to kneel on my knee and when - after incision heals and it is fine
14. Home PT or Clinic PT - outpatient clinic PT starting next week (I have a script and set up my appointments for the next 2 weeks)
15. there is a weird sound in my knee is it normal - yes, it will eventually go away
16. when can I stop worrying about blood clots and infections - blood clots by week 6 post-op infection the rest of my life
17. when are bad side effect like pulmonary embolisms, etc no longer an issue - after week 6 post-op
18. Wound care for my knee steri-strips - no lotion, pat dry, 2x day alcohol
19. When do I start scar massage - PT will probably start it next week
20. do I need to use more steri-strips - probably not they are glued down and will fall off on their own

After the Dr appointment we came back home. I was pretty exhausted. I wanted to take a nap but my PT was coming.

My PT came, she was great like always. My knee was much better than Monday. She did her hands on a lot, showed me new standing exercises and showed me how to walk with a cane.

When she left I took a little nap. Meghan, Daniel, Honora, and Elizabeth all headed for her house. they moved her furniture back, took a dip in the pool, and brought back dinner. I took a 2 hour nap. than woke up and wrote a reference letter and finished a work project I had forgotten.

Honora, Elizabeth, and I went for a walk. We discovered that I walk MUCH better without anything. So I am walking independently on my own...no cane, walker, or crutches and it is only week 2 post-op!!

I discovered that I lost my videos of my Meghan when she was little... :( :( it was very depressing.

Than I spent the night getting ready for court......

I did my exercises and went to bed...I did not get much sleep

Day 12 - July 14 - questions questions

Today was a good day. I have exercised and exercised. My knee was pretty stiff again. My muscles are definitely getting a good work out. I took a really hot shower and used my hand held shower head to massage my muscles with hot water. That helped a lot, I will be able to do my 3rd set of exercises. My muscles are still really sore. I am hoping that Meghan will give my leg a massage today...

I went for another long walk today. We (Meghan, Elizabeth, and me) walked down to the mail box and got the mail. I NEVER would have dreamed of walking that far before! It really shows how much I have healed and changed! The pain was starting again about 6ish, so I begged Meghan to go for a walk with me.

She was great. She made us a really yummy lunch today. Turkey cheese burgers with lettuce and tomatoes.

My 1st post-op visit with my Dr is tomorrow. I get my staples out!!!! I am going to ask him some questions:

1. When would be a good time to start weaning myself off the meds
2. When can I use a cane to walk
3. how am I doing
4. when can I swim or go in a hot tub (I think this will help my sore muscles)
5. am I doing better/worse than he expected
6. can I put lotion on my incision? if not when?
7. can I put anything on it to help moisturize it - it is very dry
8. can I get a new nausea script
9. how long do I continue giving myself shots (I have 5 left)
10. how long do I continue my antibiotic (I have 3 left)
11. when can I take an anti-inflammatory
12. when can I use stairs normally
13. is kneeling bad for the knee
14. do I continue home PT or do I have outpatient PT
15. What is the clicking, popping sound in my knee (is it a bad thing or nothing to worry about)

Well that is all I can think of...I hope tomorrow goes well. I am concerned about the removal of the 41 staples...I am worried that I will not be able to extend or flex my leg as much as normal because it is in the morning and I am always really stiff in the morning. I am worried I am not doing as well as I think I am doing.

Well, I got to get some sleep. I have to do my exercises and hit the sack.

I can't believe it has been 12 days....

Day 11 - July 13 - a day of lessons learned

Today started out rough, but it gave me vital information that I can use to help my recovery fuller!

I had PT first thing in the morning and I did not stretch or use my CPM machine before she can. We had a really tough time getting my leg limber and awake. It was also much more painful. This gives me the information:

1. My leg is MUCH stiffer in the morning
2. I need to do stretching and strengthening exercises 1st thing in the AM
3. Before PT I need to use my CPM machine as well as my exercises
4. Before my DR appointment on Wednesday (post-op) I need to use my CPM machine and exercises

Finally after working hard, I finally got the same measurements as on Friday. This really bummed me out since I have worked so hard this weekend on my knee. But I really feel I would have had better measurements if my knee was not so stiff.

I have GREAT news! I am able to walk completely around my house WITHOUT my walker, cane, crutches ANYTHING!!! And I WALK I do not LIMP!!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I look like a normal person for the first time in a long time.

I also learned another thing. My 12 hour meds really only last 8-9 hours. So I need to be proactive about this and take the break through meds sooner. However, I only need to take 1 break through med not 2. I am also trying to find a way to test to see if I can lower my 12 hour dosage without causing pain. So after I see the Dr on Wednesday I am going to try to lower my dosage to just 1 pill every 12 hours instead of 2...If it doesn't work I will wait a few days and try again. My focus is on staying pain managed though so I can recover fast like I have been. However, I need to have a plan on weaning myself off the meds. Oxycotin is synthetic heroin and I do not want to become addicted. So this has to be part of my recovery game plan.

Since I waited a little too long to take my break through meds, Honora was worried the pain would get out of control and that nothing would bring it down. But I remember that last time I was in pain Honora suggested that I take a walk and it helped bring the pain under control. So I was like...I need a walk. So Meghan and Daniel came with me. IT HELPED!!! So 1 pill and a nice brisk walk helps the pain get controllable!!!

I also made another major accomplishment. I was able to walk (with my walker) all the way down to the mailboxes and back. I really want to get a pedometer so I can see how far I am walking. Meghan and Daniel came with me and they both said I was walking normal and FAST! That is awesome. My arms, back, and hands were the things to get tired out! My legs did great. My feet also did better than last time. I need to get off the walker as soon as possible because my hands/wrists do not like it much! But I also do not want to compromise my progress. I am dedicated to work my butt off, BUT NOT hurt myself.

It was exciting, after the walk and I iced my knee I discovered that I gave myself a sore right calf!!! It was exciting, it has been such a long time since I used my right calf muscle enough for it to be sore from exercise.

I also had a nice day relaxing and playing with Elizabeth. It really helps me not feel so useless. It also helps me not be so bored. I was also able to do some laundry.

I am very excited with my progress. I think I am doing really well and Honora is really proud of how fast I am recovering. I showed her today how I can walk without my walker!!!!

It has been nice having her here, especially for company. I really do not NEED the help but I do NEED to company. We are use to hanging out a lot, so if she was not here...I think I would be lonely.

Well that is all for now. Meghan has to drive Daniel home (I get to ride shotgun) and then I need to come back and do my 3 set of exercises and go to bed!

Hopefully we can jump start my car, the battery is currently dead. I need to find out what is wrong and get it fixed as soon as possible!

Day 10 - July 12, 2009

I can not believe I have been home for a week. The days seemed to by so slowly, but now that a week has past it seems like it zoomed by.

I was getting cabin fever and we needed milk again, so Meghan took me to the store. It went well, except I forgot to take my scheduled pills and I was a little late taking them. But it wasn't too bad.

I am almost out of nausea pills - and the problem is I took my pain pills without a nausea pill and now my stomach feels icky...I do not know if the 2 events coincide...I hope not.

I did my exercises 3 times today - it was easy! I also went on two walks. I went on a walk with Meghan about 2pm, but it started raining so we came back earlier. I am walking further each time I go out. Than this evening, about 6pm I started to feel like I was in a lot of pain, I took a pain pill, but I get antsy when it hurts. Honora saw I was not feeling good and she suggested a walk to help work out the pain...I had never thought of that before...BUT IT WORKED!!! Very exciting, I walked even further (then had to turn back early again because of Honora needing to pee..lol) It was great!

Today was a good day, I am glad I was able to get out of the house. I am really tired and need to go to bed RIGHT now.

After begging her and begging her I finally get to watch Elizabeth tomorrow. It will be a nice distraction to all the boredom!

My PT comes tomorrow at 9am so I better get some shut-eye!

Day 9 - July 11

Today was a good day pain wise. Yesterday I was able to walk a step or 2 without my walker, today I was able to walk a lot further. It is exciting. I am able to walk to the bathroom and back! WALK actually WALK...not limp! It is a great feeling.

I went to bed late last night because I just could not sleep. So today I woke really early due to the discomfort so I took a break-through pill. Than I tried to go back to sleep again. But I couldn't so I ate some breakfast, checked my email and such, checked my sis's blog and finally got tired enough to go back to sleep. I put on my CPM machine and iced my knee and I was able to fall back asleep again for a while.

I have been letting Meghan sleep in because it is her summer and I really do not need much help. I really am doing well. I do not need as much help as we all thought I would. I can form coherent thoughts and speak clearly. I think that the saddest thing about this is that I can not read. My attention span is a little short right now so I have not been able to curl up with a good book yet, but I think that is coming soon. I do get nauseous if I do not take my nausea medicine. I also am tired a lot. It is weird I am VERY tired but it is hard to actually sleep. Like right now I am falling asleep as I type this, but I am not tired enough to sleep soundly.

My lungs are doing good. I am not coughing anymore and I am not running a fever at night either. I was able to feel useful today! I helped Honora upload all her pics to her facebook.

I also took more pictures, which I will add to my posts as well.

I am getting bored.....I really want to be able to feel useful and DO something. Honora does not want me to watch the baby yet....and so it makes NOTHING for me to do all day...except what I am already doing. I KNOW I am suppose to be recovering...but I'm bored... :( I have books to read...but can't. I have video games to play...but don't want to... I am also getting stir crazy.... I want to GO somewhere.......

I found out yesterday that my car is completely dead. The electrical is not working...which hopefully just means the battery. Tomorrow Meghan gets to go out again....I really want to get out of the house...maybe someone will take me somewhere tomorrow.... But I am happy. I am glad I am doing well enough that I have time to be bored! ;) Hopefully my brain will let me read tomorrow and just enough relaxing! :)

Well I am really tired...so I am going to do my exercises and try to go to sleep again..... :)

Day 8 - July 10

Wow....I can not believe it has already been a week. My knee is healing really well. There are areas on the incision that is already a scar! It is really exciting. The nurse came today and said it is looking like it is healing really well. She also checked my lungs and they are totally clear!! It is amazing over the last couple of years my blood pressure was not as low as it use to be. It is clear it was due to the pain! I never had high blood pressure, it was just getting higher than I would like it, especially since I was use to 90/50 and such like this. Another interesting thing is that I am not bruising. Which is really nice. I do have a weird bruise on my ankle though...LOL

I am really tired. I am still not sleeping all the way through the night. I often jerk awake at night. I also noticed something else today. Sometimes I get very uncomfortable and antsy...well I finally figured out what it is, I am in pain...lol only me would NOT know I was in pain. So I took a break through pain pill and it went away! So I think that is what is happening in the middle of the night multiples times a night, I'm in pain. I am going to try taking a pill tonight when the symptoms and see if that helps.

I have my exercises to left to do one more time tonight before I go to bed. I made more progress today. She does not measure me anymore cause she does not like her patients getting hung up on numbers. So she measured me today 2 extension 92 flexion!!! This is better than pre-op!!!! It was really exciting. She also has new PT exercises for me to do. They are all done in the chair. I have heel/toe raises, heel slides, marching, low arc quad leg lift, and chair scoot. She also did her hands on work again. I really love her! She really works my knee. Than I realized something sad today. After I no longer need in-home care I have to do out patient PT and I won't have her.... :( I hope I have a PT as good as her. It is really cool. I can feel leg getting stronger every day. Sometimes even every hour. I can feel the changes in my knee, it is very exciting. I can not wait to be healed so I can exercise and lose weight.

Today was a good day. I am really happy I did this. :)

Day 7 - July 9 New PT

I had a good day! It was nice I had Honora and Elizabeth with me all day, it was her day off and she was feeling better.

I also have an AWESOME new PT. She was great. She came in and had a plan. She said, she reviews any exercises I learned already that I do not understand, but she EXPECTS ME to do them when she is NOT there, because she wants to use the time she is there doing HANDS ON work!!!! Yahoo! She has been a PT for a long time and most of her patients where knee and hip replacements so she really knows what she is doing! :)

She said she wants me to take my break through pain meds 1 hour before she comes - because it will be painful!! YAHOOO!!! I am going to make progress.

She also watched me walk and said I am doing a good job, I will just need to keep thinking about how to walk until it becomes a habit.

So I showed her the exercises I already do: Plantar/Dorsiflexion, quad presses, hamstring press, heel slide, terminal knee extension, straight leg raises, calf stretches. She modified 1 exercise I was doing making it into 2 exercises, but they are easy. One is to put my leg up on a pillow (pillow goes under the calf) and let gravity do its work 1-5 minutes gradually building up. Then after it gets easy do it with some ice on the knee to further encourage stretch. She wants me to do this as often as I want, but no less than 5 times a day outside of the 3 exercise sessions a day. The other is to sit on my chair and hold my leg bent as much as I can for 20 seconds for 3 times each session. She also modified the reps for all my exercises to help them be more streamlined and all exercises and stretches to do them for 15 reps.

I am suppose to do the full course of exercises 3 times a day and take a walk as tolerated.

She said she will bring me the exercise packet tomorrow and give me some new exercises to work on. Then she did the hands on work.

She had me sit in a chair - she sat in the lower couch next to me. I put my straightened leg on her thigh and she massaged the muscles around the knee for a while. then she put my leg down and bent it and pressed on the tibia and femur stretching the bend. She repeated this pattern a few times and then bent my leg gently back and forth in little movements to work it out.

It was a great work out. After each session I am suppose to rest the leg with ice on it for 15-20 min. I was sore after!

I had to take more break through meds today - 2 after PT and 1 later on. BUT it is okay since I am moving more.

She said my leg and incision look great!

Meghan got to take some time off and went out with her Nana and Papa. They took her to the movies and lunch. Her BF were suppose to go, but he was a jerk today. It seems like this relationship might not last.....poor baby... :(

My pain level increased today, but that is a given. It was around 4-5 all day. Now it is coming down 3-4. But my knee itself is awesome. It is getting loser and stronger...I LOVE THAT!!!

I am planning on taking a short walk when Honora or Meghan get back home. I am not suppose to do it alone....

Well got to do more exercises :) :p

Day 6 - July 8, 2009

Well I knew when I woke up this morning it might be a rough day. I did not sleep very well again. I had to sleep sitting up so that I do not get pneumonia, but the problem with that is I can not use my CPM so my leg gets very stiff and sore by morning. I took my morning pills an hour early today. That helped. Meghan was still sleeping so I let her sleep and I got myself breakfast (cereal). I also put my leg in the CPM as well as did my PT exercises.

The day ended up going well. Since I let Meghan sleep in she was in a much better mood today. She was back to being her wonderful self. I rested off and on all day. The pain stayed under a 4 all day, except when I had muscle spasms in my leg....crazy feeling :). Daniel also came over today, so Meghan had a nice distraction.

I did my PT exercises 2 1/2 times today, it really helps my knee. I have also done a LOT of straighting exercises. I talked to Honora in the AM, she is still sick :( I was telling her a little about the PT lady yesterday and she got very upset. She told me I needed to let my home care people know that I wanted a new PT person. The more I talked and listened to her, the more I knew she was right and I had to be an advocate for my health. So I called them and cried a little. The more I talked about everything that happened the more I realized how much it affected me and bothered me.

She: made comments that she lived really far away and did not want that to be the reason she did not come see me as much, she said that I probably would not get much more flexion and extension as what I had pre-op. I had 2 issues with my walking and she did not know how to help me with them and thought maybe if she help my hips I would be able to figure out what I was doing wrong. I NEED someone to TEACH me how to move and walk again. It has been over 16 years since I did not limp...I NEED HELP. That is what physical therapists are suppose to be able to do, see what you are doing wrong and tell you how to fix it. She also said she totally understood why I was favoring my bad leg...it was normal. BUT I DO NOT WANT to be NORMAL. I want to recover and have both legs be my "good" leg. I did not have this surgery so that everything could stay the same.... it was really hard. She said that she did not want to push me too hard or have me do too much (this was after I repetitively told her I WANTED to be pushed, I would DO WHATEVER she said so that I could have a fast recovery and get back to being normal). She also was not prepared. She did not have supplies with her to help me exercise. She did not know what exercises Dr. Xenos wanted me to do...she was flying by the seat of her pants...and relying on me to tell her what I was suppose to do. She was a nice person and all, but I do not think she would have helped me.

The Home care people said that they would get me a new PT person and they were very sorry and the big boss was going to call me about it. It was nice to know I was not over-reacting and I was able to get the care I needed.

My new PT person will be coming tomorrow. I am nervous but excited. Hopefully this will be a good match. I want someone to push me and make me push myself. I WANT this to be successful. I want someone who is on my side and wants the same thing I do.... and NORMAL leg!!!

So I did my exercises and even went for a walk yesterday. I also moved my leg and knee a lot all day long stretching it and strengthening it!!

TMI - I finally got the back door plumbing fixed! After no #2 since the surgery I was able to go 3 times yesterday!!! I was very worried about this. I was also started to have discomfort in my stomach.

I am also proud to say that my appetite is better. UNLESS I have to decide what to eat. I would rather not eat than think that much about food...it makes me nauseous. But I was able to eat a nice size yummy lunch that Meghan fixed for us. Hot dogs, cherries, chips, apple juice, and 3 cookies :)

Meghan also made a good dinner, but I was not as hungry. We had cheese ravioli and green beans.

THANK YOU MEGHAN!!!!

Around 7 I got some great news! Honora called and just told me that she is feeling good enough to come back over!!!! I am just so glad she is on the road to recovery. She was really jacked up sick again!

My constant companion Meme...is so happy I am stuck at home and in bed! She is a very happy kitty to have me near her all the time.

I still got a little of a fever tonight 100.8, it went down again with Tylenol, but I do not like it. I still have a little cough, so I can not sleep in my CPM machine (cause I have to be lying down) but I was able to do it more during the night. I slept a little better last night. Not much better, but a little. Because I was able to use the CPM during the night a little, I was not quite as stiff and sore.

All in all I had a great day! I am recovering well. Honora is very impressed with how lucid and painless I am doing. I am proud of my self. But I still have a long way to go to make sure I meet my goals EVERY DAY!!!

BTW, I love walking! It is a great feeling...I am still struggling with my 'good leg'. It really does not know how to walk. Though Meghan said I looked better. My 'good' foot HURT!!! lol :) it was funny. My bionic knee felt great, my biological knee felt good - the foot was like....what the hell! I definitely need to teach it how to walk.

Day 5 - July 7, 2009

Well today was a good day. I accomplished a lot of goals today.

Here is how my leg looks today:

The morning started out well. I got up early (could not sleep) and did some blogging. Than I went back to sleep for a few hours. When I finally woke up at 9 I did my morning routine: take 2 Oxycontin (10mg each) for pain, 1 Promethazine (nausea) and my shot of Lovenox in my stomach fat (for blood clots). I than got up and got myself some cereal (Lucky Charms) and walked around the house some before the OT person arrived.

OT arrived at 10:30ish. She showed me how to get into my shower, upper body exercises, and made sure I knew how to do all the self care items like get dressed, washed up, brushed, etc.

Then PT arrived at 11:00ish. She measured my leg. I have 5 extension and 83 flexion. We went through all the exercises the hospital gave me.

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00301

http://www.hipsandknees.com/knee/kneeexercises.htm


She watched me walk around the house. Then we went for a walk outside. It was wonderful!!! It has been a long day since I went for a walk for fun! I am excited that I can now add that to my exercise regiment.

I took a short nap cause I was really exhausted as well as iced my knee to try and help reduce the swelling.

After I got up from my nap I did my exercises again! It was great.

Meme LOVES to be with me. She hangs out with me all day. When I am in my CPM machine she often sleeps on my chest!

Than Meghan went to practice and things started happening that started scaring me.

First, I got a cough. So I took my inhaler
Second, I got a fever 100.9....I got scared so I called the nurse and than the DR. Since I am on antibiotics and the knee is not oozing or looks infected I am probably fine, take some Tylenol and relax. So when Meghan came home she helped me look for the Tylenol. It is now below 100. Then I went to do my leg exercises again and noticed that my leg seemed more swollen. Some of the staples look consumed in swollen flesh....So instead of more exercising I iced it again.

Honora is still really sick. Amber brought us dinner. I iced my knee again, my fever went down, and I am going to sleep sitting up so I do not get a worse cough. I will use my CPM more tomorrow as well as do more exercises... :) Meghan is being great and massaging my muscles right now :)

We had a rough day, but I think she just needed to have a break and get out of the house... :)

I take my antibiotic Levaquin at 6 and my nightly doses of Oxycontin and promethazine. I did not need any extra pain meds today. My pain was under 4 all day and mostly hovered around 2-3 :)

MPOV

Meghan's Point of View

It was a normal day, hot summer dry heat - the heat of Denver, Colorado. I climbed into the backseat and we drove off to the hospital. I sat in the back listening to every word Honora and my mom said to each other, chipping in now and then... the norm. It seemed surreal that it was finally happening. I was sending texts back and forth to Daniel, like always, and hardly thinking about the fact that my mom was going in for major surgery - I think that's the way it had to be.

When we got to the hospital, Honora parked the car. We walked over to the check in; it took a while, but finally we were waiting to see my mom before surgery. Waiting for them to tell us what was going on. It was only the beginning of the long wait. If I had known how much would be in store for us, I would have better prepared myself, Daniel, and my overly exhausted mind and body. We were called in a few minutes before her surgery - we had been promised 20 minutes - and as soon as we were in we were ushered out by the anesthesiologist. My mother held me for a long time and almost started crying - I was OK but I felt so bad for her knowing I was leaving her alone. All alone. Honora assured me she would soon have her happy juice.

We got back in the waiting room and thus hell commenced. The waiting might have been the most stressful part of the surgery, thus far. We waited to hear if surgery had even started, worrying about bad reactions to going under, or complications with the nerve block. We waited to hear if she was out, if she was OK, when we could see her. We only heard from them three times and always from our own pushing efforts at the front desk - they never told us anything. It had been an hour since my mom was supposed to be out of surgery, forty minutes from when they told us we could see her. I was dying inside, I had a fight with Daniel because of all the stress building up in me and his stress over seeing me so scared. It eventually got cleared up - even before I was able to see my mom - however, that was not surprising as we were not able to see her till three hours after her scheduled start.

I remember the relief of seeing her face. She was so out of it. The nurse walked in ahead of me. He said, "Someone very important is here to see you." Her smile looked like the sun on the Raisin Brain box, large and bright but ever so high. I smiled at her and set down her belongings and then walked over. The first thing she said to me was "O my baby's here." I couldn't help but choke back the tears a little, I was so grateful to see her alive and well... I don't even want to talk about all the horrible things going through my head while we were waiting.

Honora joined us shortly, after feeding Elizabeth, and soon all three of us were in the room smiling at each other. It only went downhill a little when the nurses were in the room. Mama kept raving about how she didn't think they would be nice to her because she was fat, she was being a little snappish with the nurse, and Honora kept telling her to simmer down a little. My mom was very emotional she wanted to hold me for a long time. Even though it hurt my back to bend over and be held for so long, it made us both feel a little better. Finally Dr. Xenos her surgeon came in and told us all that had gone on during the surgery. My mom kept asking him over and over again if she had her new knee and if it went well. He tried to tease her and she freaked out on him - he shortly left the room. She didn't even remember a word he said though.

Eventually my mom began to wake up enough to begin to feel nauseous and throw up. It was very sad and Debbie (her first nurse) wouldn't come in to help her. My mom said she had two favorite nurses: Susan a woman with a long whip-like blond red braid down her back (night shift), and Viki an older nurse who also took great care of my mother. I couldn't leave her though, we had planned on it, but the first night somehow Honora, Elizabeth and I all wound up cuddling up real close on the couch.

The room at first seemed huge, but eventually began to suffocate all three of us. We went home to grab things for me to spend the night again the second night. The couch wasn't much better even then and the room was freezing but my mom liked it so we didn't turn it up much.

My mother went through such a hard time the second night. I remember being so stressed and worried about her constantly. She had a lot of nausea. Also the second day, she was in a lot of pain from her ot and pt. So when we came back from grabbing something to eat, I had to see her in agonizing pain. That might have been almost as bad as the waiting room, had it not eventually gotten back under control. The first night was the toughest and I found myself more exhausted than I ever thought I could be. However, eventually we got into a swing of things. As I stayed three and a half days in that hospital, I began to understand how to help her and all about the floor plan of the gigantic hospital.

I was very concerned about my hygiene while in the hospital too. Though I had greasy hair, no deodorant, little make up and none at sometimes, and rough hair - that wouldn't have bothered me had it not been for all the nurses coming in ALL THE TIME.

The best highlights of the whole thing go as this:

1) seeing my mom with her new knee and new lease on life

2) leaving the hospital

3) cuddling with my mom in the tiny hospital bed

4) showering

5) the food

Surgery Day 5:41am

....I KNOW...I should be tucked into my nice warm bed (in the living room) resting up for my big surgery...but there is still so much to do. (ie write this blog).

I have not gone to sleep yet tonight, but I figure I will get rest during surgery...

When I wake up I have to run to the bank, get gas, and shower again.

I am nervous and excited.

The biggest thing I am worried about right now is that they will cancel surgery....I KNOW...See here is what happened.

Back on June 24 (??) When I went to do my visit with my primary DR I need to do a urine analysis to make sure I did not have a urinary track infection. I had some white blood cells so they sent it off to culture.

I never heard from them, thus I assumed that I was fine (they usually call). I also assumed they would fax the results to my DR.

Bad news...when I went to my pre-op with my DR today...he saw the white blood cell issue but no paper showing the culture results...as a result he warned me, "If I have a UTI then the surgery will have to be postponed." :( so he gave me a really strong antibiotic for UTI's just in case and I have to go into surgery earlier (30 minutes) so they can cath me and do a UA "stat" If it comes back clean (OH PLEASE GOD) then the surgery is a go. If I have an active UTI surgery is rescheduled...BAD news...if it is rescheduled I will probably have to wait until next summer because of work and scheduling conflicts.... :(

I got really upset. I ran down stairs (to my primary Drs office and asked them to pull up my lab results on the culture... It was NEGATIVE!!! Yahooo!!!! I did not have a UTI...BUT...now here is the ketch...I am still REALLY REALLY nervous...so I am taking the antibiotic anyway and I also did a "system flush" Let me tell you that was AWESOME..... NOT....I am still dealing with the results... lol (all my plumbing is VERY cleaned out!) So hopefully I will have a perfect UA tomorrow and surgery will continue as planned. I am going to remain positive and not think the other shoe is crashing to the ground.....

My day was SOOOOOOO crazy today.

I woke up...I did not really want to do all the things on my list to do....but I knew I needed to. I had my pre-op at 2 today. Honora met me there. Well...sad day we were not called in until 3:30....then we did not get out until 4:30.... But it was a good visit. Got more questions answered (later I am going to write a question and answer post - have to get at least some sleep tonight). I was given my scripts and appointment schedules for 2 week check, 4 week check, and 6 month check and more information.

Then I raced to Walmart to get my prescriptions filled. They told me it would take 40 min. So I ran home and ate (1st time all day - Meghan had made food!!) and then ran back to Walmart. They did not have my most important pain killer for after the surgery. Oxycontin extended release..... So I took my antibiotic and went shopping to stock my house with food for the next few weeks (since I KNOW I will not feel like shopping...)

Then raced home Meghan and I unloaded car and put everything away. Then raced back out again so I could go to Walgreens and get the last script filled. Then raced to library to return movies I check out....then raced back home. Went over to Honora's to keep her company while she packed and got her and her babies stuff ready to move in with me (she is going to make sure I am okay after I get home from hospital).

Got home a little while ago...posting this than going to bed. I have much more to write...hopefully will be able to write soon......

6:01am....