Day 1-3 - July 2-5 Hospital Stay

My dream of being able to blog everyday from the hospital…well it was just that a dream… not a reality! When I got home, I was also really exhausted and could barely keep up with blogging every day, not to mention getting caught up from the days in the hospital. I tried going back and blogging about a certain day, but it was slow going. Because of the way the blogs show up, it was not working to have the days all out of order. So I decided to blog about the hospital experience all into one blog. So I went through and copied all the blogs I already did about the hospital and now I am going through them making sure I have all the details I want and will be posting these days all together! I went ahead and put all the days in the hospital into one post.

Thursday, July 2, 2009 – Surgery Day

I stayed up really late about 6am on July 2 the day of the surgery. I had so much work to do to prepare for the surgery. When I work up at 9am, I ran to the bank, deposited Meghan’s check, and then got gas. I came home and packed my hospital bag. I took multiple changes of clothes (I definitely did not use them all), books, and Yatzee game. I definitely did not use any of the cool things I brought to help me with boredom…because I was not bored. There is a strange phenomenon happening to me. I do not have the attention span to do much of anything. It is really sad, I have not been able to read since surgery. :( :( :( Anyways...back to the story.
At 10:30 Honora joined us and we all raced to the hospital.
As soon as we arrived, we were taken back to registration. I register and paid part of my deductable: $100 (already paid $800 to the Dr the day before).
They then took me back out to the waiting room. The nurse came very quickly after that and took me to pre-op. It was important that they check to see if I had a UTI. The nurse had to catheterize me.... IT WAS HORRIBLE!!!! It took a really long time. They sent it to be tested.
We were told in the class that Meghan and Honora could be with me during pre-op...but they did not let them. It was very sad and hard on all of us. Finally, they let them come in for what seemed like 5 seconds to give me love and then leave. :(

The UTI was clear so I was good to go for surgery. I was given an IV and given some "happy drugs." The anesthesiologist wanted to put me under general and Dr Zenos also agreed...so even though I was TOTALLY against it (see http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/anesthesia-risks-and-complications for reasons why) and did not want it, I agreed because they do know better than me. They also gave me a femoral nerve block. http://www.usra.ca/sb_femoral. I do not remember much of this. But, I know he also gave me general anesthesia. So I went off to sleepy-bye time...
When I woke up, the only thing I wanted was my family. I kept calling for them, asking for them. I really REALLY wanted to see them. My memory is very fuzzy here too…
I was also told in the pre-op class that they would be allowed to see me during this time.... they were not :(
What I do remember, was it was really hard for me to wake up. I felt like I was crawling my way out from under water. I was also in pain. (Dr later told me that I was in a lot of pain in the hospital and I guess I was not very nice…) I just wanted to see my family and know that I was not dead. It is a horrible experience...True I do not remember the surgery...the bone saws, the noises, BUT I DO remember thinking I was dead...that no one could understand me. That they were never going to let me see my family... :( :(
When I woke up again I was in a different room (the one I stayed in the rest of the time) and saw my family walking through the door. I WAS SO HAPPY to see them. I know I was saying crazy things (I am going to ask Meghan to blog about it). I'm wearing sunglasses because my eyes are sensitive to the lights...probably the drugs...
I do know I was OUT of my mind SICK...the nausea was horrible. It lasted all night. I did not want to eat or drink all night. I felt like I was dying. I know I threw up once and they gave me meds (Zofran) that they give cancer suffers to help prevent nausea and vomiting. It helped a great deal and got the nausea and vomiting under control. It made me sleepy. But I can also say I was lucid (I said lucent when DR Zenos came and checked on me...) lol… But I was a lot better than before.
There was no real pain thanks to the Femoral Nerve block that they put in prior to surgery. They said it could last up to 48 hours. They had me on Oxycontin 10mg every 12 hours. I also had a Dylotin which was controlled by a button. I could give myself 2mg every 8 minutes if needed.
I was also covered in tubes 3 coming from my knee the rest all over me!:

1. knee drain to collect excess fluid and monitor blood loss


2. shunt to the scar area (reduce swelling and scar tissue)


3. femoral nerve block (actually in the groin area pumped pain killer to the nerve)


4. IV


5. Catheter


6. oxygen tube in nose


7. pulse-ox (measures your pulse and your oxygen level in your blood)


8. blood pressure cuff


9. another pulse-ox

Honora and Meghan left around 10pm ish to run home and get things to stay with me. When they got back (about 11:30-12ish) I was much more clear headed.
Sleep that night was horrible though, due to the fact it is REALLY hard for me to sleep in new places much less hospitals that make tons of noises at night and the nurses come check on you all the time. There was a rhythmic, clicking, metallic sound from the bathroom (never really figured out what it was)
I had some great nurses and techs take care of me while I was in the Hospital. Susan (long red hair in a long pony-tail braid down her back -she had night shift) was by far the most soothing and comforting. Vicki (day shift) also was really nice.

Friday, July 3, 2009 – Day 1






Today started rough, because it never really finished. I did not sleep very well last night. It was nice to have Honora, Meghan, and Elizabeth here in the Hospital with me. It was funny - when the nurses came in today they were shocked to hear that a baby had been there all night - she was so good and quiet! I do not know how they did it, but all THREE of them slept on the little couch all night long!
They all seemed to still get a good night sleep! I was up off and on all night. I was pain free...but I have a very hard time sleeping in new places. There was some sort of metallic sound coming from the bathroom all night, so that did not work out! We could never figure out what was causing all the noise. I did not need to get up all night as I was still had a catheter...I doubt I would have been able to anyway with all the tubes and wires attached to me. :) lol.
The day went okay. Honora did not have to work, so it was nice she was able to stay with us all day. She took Meghan to get food a few times, but always came back.
When I woke up, I was really anxious to get started on my recovery. In the pre-op class we were told that Dr Xenos would be around really early in the morning (6 am)...well that was not correct, he did not come till late morning (11 am ish). We were also told PT would be coming in first thing in the morning (7 am) because they wanted to get you up and moving...again that did not happen. PT did not show up until afternoon....Honora was getting a little annoyed. I did get great room service (ie food) but I was not feeling very hungry still. They wanted to get me on some oral meds, but I had to eat first. However, since I was not hungry...I did not get the meds either. (I did not know this, or I would have FORCED myself to eat so I could take the meds so I could start recovering!)
Finally after I ate (toast and oatmeal), the nurse brought me some oral meds. After a few hours DR Xenos came by and he checked on me. Everything looked great. PT and OT came by also. I was able to get out of bed for the first time, get my catheter removed (yahoo!). Then they got me back in bed. They went to get me a new chair because the one in my room I had a hard time getting out of because of my big hips. They said the 6th floor had chairs that were a little bigger and more comfortable. When they came back, one of them came into the room and said, "I do not want to offend you, but the 6th floor does not have any more chairs left and the only bigger chair we could find was a really big chair that is meant for people a lot bigger than you, it is from the bariatric floor. Do you mind?" It did not bother me because I did need a bigger chair and she approached the topic very respectfully. They brought in this monster of a chair. But let me tell you over the next few days that chair was my life saver! I am so glad that I had that chair.
When they finally came to help me and do things with me, Honora, Elizabeth, and Meghan went in search of food and other things.
It was nice, Amber and her kids came to see me and spent a few hours with me. It was nice that she came. She went to go get some food and Abby asked to stay with me. It was really cute. I also shared some of my lunch with them (I’m still not hungry)
Kristina also came to see me! It was nice to have some distraction today!
Honora, Elizabeth, and Meghan came back just after Amber left, so it was nice I was not alone. They hung out with me all night till it was late.
That night I did not sleep again. Meghan stayed with me, but Honora and Elizabeth had to go home because she had to work in the morning.
Over the course of the day, the nerve block was gradually moving up my leg! By night time it was not working AT ALL!! It was making the top of my leg, groin, and hip numb but my knee and all areas where it was really needed was not working.
That night was hard. I really loved that chair that night. I slept in it all night because it was the only way I could be even a little comfortable. Meghan was awesome, she was able to tell me when I could push my drugs. I was allowed to push it every 8 minutes and the pain was so severe that I wanted to push it and push it, but it would not allow medicine to be released and so Meghan timed it for me so I would know when I could push it. Finally the pain meds where working and I was able to get a little rest…

Saturday, July 4, 2009 – Day 2 My Fourth of July

I spent my 4th of July in the Hospital! BUT IT IS SO WORTH IT! I got the best present possible – my new knee!
I took a shower today. That was really easy at first...then got VERY painful at the end...I had to take a lot of my push-button meds...I am thinking that I do not need to shower everyday! lol :) Because of my really tough night last night, I was going to ask if they could remove it. Honora suggested that I tell the nurse. She increased the dosage, but even that did not help. It did not help it just made those areas MORE numb, it did not continue on down the knee. It makes it really hard to move. I think it was even causing MORE pain. However, in a few hours it did not matter because the pain DR came in and removed it. He had come a check on it the 1st and 2nd day…I do not remember his name…But did not have too, they removed it already. Since yesterday, I could tell it was wearing off. I think that is why I had such a rough night last night. I was up all night. I had to sleep in my chair. I was NOT comfortable AT ALL in bed. I slept in my chair last night and that helped a little. I have also sat in my chair almost all day, except for the times I am in my CPM machine. I am sure Meghan was very worried about me last night. That pain was really really horrible. I am doing much better now that it is daytime. But I am glad the nerve block has been removed. This is the kind of pain I was worried about. We finally were able to get the pain under control last night. I still could not sleep in my bed, but it was good I had the chair to sleep in. The chair was really cool, I could have my legs up and I could have it reclined.
I am still not hungry and I am pretty tired. I have my IV in, my taped on pulse-ox, and my oxygen. When I sleep my Oxygen % goes down, so I have to keep wearing the oxygen. I also still have to wear my sunglasses because my eyes are so incredibly sensitive to lights. But I am gradually losing all my other wires. My knee drain, catheter, scar meds, nerve block, the temporary pulse-ox, and blood pressure cuff are off. They still come in a lot to take my vitals: temp, blood pressure, and pulse-ox! Fun, Fun fun! My blood pressure is doing awesome! It is so low. It only goes higher when I am in too much pain. But it is never high enough to be called "high blood pressure" I am still having breathing treatments and I do my breathing exercises.
Meghan has been with me all day. She is so great. She is helpful all the time. She is always asking what she can do to help. Getting me juices, water, more ice, bathroom, CPM machine...She does so much for me! I am so lucky to have such a great kid.






I went for a walk with PT today! It was great I was able to walk all the way to the waiting room!!!
Honora came and visited after work. She stayed with me all day. She helped me after the shower. It was great she helps the nurses and me whenever she is here. I am so blessed to have people who love me! I was able to sleep better tonight. But being woken up every few hours is not conducive to sleep…plus…I still cannot sleep well. I even slept in my bed. Sleeping in the CPM machine helps, but then we have to let the knee rest and get iced. Meghan stayed with me again. Honora and Elizabeth had to leave since she had to work again in the AM…I LOVE MY KID!!! What other kid would do so much for her mama! Really just want to go home. I think everyone agrees and just wants me home.

Sunday, July 5, 2009 – Day 3 – Going HOME!!!


My knee looks really interesting today. It is very hot to touch as well as bright red. I was very concerned when I first looked at it. I called the nurse to come look at it. When the nurse came we only were talking about the lower leg because the knee was covered in a bandage. It was after she left I took off the bandage and looked at the whole knee. When Dr. Xenos came to check on me I talked to him about it. He was very through listening to me and checking out the knee. He was not concerned at all. He said my knee will probably be hot/warm for a whole year it is part of the healing process. He also said that the redness was not due to infection. Infection signals would be pus or drainage oozing from the incision, spike a fever, and streaks coming from the incision. So I have nothing to worry about! He also said that if I can do the stairs successfully today I can go home. I think we are all ready to go home! I know I am. So during PT I did the stairs. It was amazing how easy they were and PAIN FREE...I am still shocked at things that use to hurt so bad being like....blah..... :) it makes me happy. She also measured my extension and flexion. I have 83 flexion and 5 extension How they measure is really pushing the knee and then taking a measure. It will be nice to get these numbers without having to push it! - I am doing well!
It was exciting because I am healing and healing well. I am glad I was never one of those people who does not appreciate something until it is gone...because it has been gone for so long, the small little things that I am IMMENSELY excited and happy to have the small things in life. Walking down a hall, climbing a few stairs....I know I still have a long way to go...but I KNOW I will get there. PT is a little worried about the 2 steps I have at my house since they are narrow and have no railing or anything to hold on to.
So I get to go home, I just need to wait for Honora to get off work and come get us. Meghan did a great job packing up and straightening up the room. I rest...than rested... then rested :) Honora came about 5 pm to pick us up. The nurse came and we packed all our stuff on a cart and they also got me a wheel chair to wheel me down to the car. Since Honora had the baby, she waited in front of the Hospital for us with Elizabeth in the car. The ride home was rough (I should have taken some extra meds for all the bumps and such), but we all got home in one piece. It was not as hard getting into and out of the car as I thought it would be. The curb was no big deal and with Honora next to me, I navigated the stairs in an interesting way PT showed me. I turned the walker to the side and used it as a railing up the first stair good leg first than surgical leg. Then I put the walker on the top and took another step up. It went really smoothly. When we got to the front door, we found some interesting issues we did not think about: the door mat! We also still had a rug down and I left the box of cat litter near the door as well. So after a brief hesitation to get any and all issues away from my path, I safely got into the house and into bed. Honora made more calls trying to get my CPM machine delivered, finally was told would get it first thing in the morning. Meghan spent the night frantically racing through all of her school week. Everything was due by midnight and since she was with me at the hospital all weekend she did not get her work done. She turned in her last assignment at 12am!
I spent the rest of the night resting and hanging out with Honora. Daniel came over about 9 and sat with Meghan while she raced to finish her work. Daniel started walking home and his friend picked him up and took him the rest of the way.
Honora needed to work the next day, Meghan was exhausted, and me as well - so we allwent to bed as soon as Meghan was done.

I AM SO GLAD TO BE HOME!!!

2 Years - WOW

It has been over 2 years since I got my new knee! I LOVE IT! Today I went on a hike that I did with my daughter before the surgery - let me tell you it was so much easier. My "good knee" though is not my good knee anymore. My bionic knee is so much cooler! I am doing well.

I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat. It was the best thing I have ever done for my health! The next best thing I am going to do is lose weight! But that is a whole other topic for a different time.

What has the last 2 years been like? Well it has been very eventful. I celebrated my knee's first birthday with dinner and a movie...however, my knee's second birthday did not get much attention. It is a amazing when people ask me how my knee is...it takes me a while to give them an answer because....I DO NOT THINK ABOUT MY KNEE ANYMORE. 2 years ago I could have given an answer in less than 2 seconds...it was always the same...it hurts...But now that is gone. It is amazing that when you are no longer in chronic debilitating pain the changes that happen in your life.

I am so glad I did this!

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. :)