4 weeks with these bad boys...

I've survived 4 weeks on these bad boys...

I have calluses on my palms to prove it!

Healing and looking better, still a bit swollen, but on the mend.

I have about 2 1/2 weeks left to wean off crutches and start back to work,
I cant wait to get back to my friends at work, and doing the job that i love...

 I have been spoiled and blessed over these last 4 weeks by my wonderful husband who has...

taken over all the household chores, carried everything everywhere for me since my hands are always tied up. He does it all, without complaining, has always been near to make sure I'm comfortable.
I'm not surprised, he is a humble, patient and selfless man who has always put me first,
in sickness and in health, did I mention how blessed I am to have this guy?
In return, over these last few weeks I have encouraged him to "get away" for a game of golf a couple times a week and to go off on his own and run errands!  I know it gets tiring being the caretaker.
Thank you Rick, you are the best!

I have also been blessed by so many friends and family during my recuperation time,
 I will not name everyone because you know who you are!!!

People have brought me food, sent me yummy fruit bouquets, and taken me to lunch.

My sweet daughter has hung my clothes,
 taken me to lunch and drove me to places I needed to be.

I have been given magazines to look through to help pass the time

Special text messages to say, "we miss you, and love you" (my co-workers)

many have emailed and called...so appreciated!

Virtual get well cards with sweet messages

...and last but not least,
I have a whole league of prayer warriors who have been praying since before the surgery.
I thank you all,  again...you know who you are.

Looking forward to hiking again this fall, and walking stairs like a normal person, without pain.

toe-touchin' for 4 - 6 weeks....

It took me a long time just to give-in and go see a doctor about my knee. 

Lets just say years of pain and grinding, then in the last few months 

I experienced several episodes when my knee would buckle and nearly send me to the ground... 

I was still reluctant, but it was time! 

It didn't take the doctor long to tell me what he thought, (and I already knew)

an MRI was scheduled with follow-up Orthopedic surgeon consult.

The MRI did not lie, there was much cartilage damage to the point of bone-on-bone, especially under the knee cap and on the inner left side. I had even started to whittle away at the femur bone itself.

(My knee cap and leg bone, femur were rubbing together, with no cushion in between)

I also had a complex meniscal tear that would need to be cleaned up.

My Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Rock was wonderful! First of all he told me that I was kind of young to have a total knee replacement (I love him for that), He had another option for this "young chick" ha ha, He would like to forgo a total knee at this time, he believed that a *Lateral release would be beneficial and would give me good relief, I opted for that!

*Lateral release- to cut the lateral tendon of the knee cap allowing it to

 spring up and away from the leg bone

My sweet granddaughter Audrey wrote this note for me the night before surgery.

"Grandma be safe at the hospital. I Love you, Grandma. Be safe, love Audrey, to grandma.

I took it with me into the pre-op room.

Pre-op! The surgeon initials, gotta make sure they do the "right" knee  :)

Post-op, the drain came out before I was discharged.

Post-op (day 2)  Saturday

Rick sat me up in the driveway to get me some fresh air.

Ice and elevation are my friends  :)

Tuesday- dressing removed in surgeon's office

Dr. Rock was pleased at how it looked, some expected swelling and a few small areas of bruising.

No driving for 2 weeks, continue with crutches with only toe-touching for balance for 4 - 6 weeks.

Dr. Rock drilled 3 little holes into my femur where the bone was wearing away, he is hoping that in this area (where the cells are not yet committed) it will grow new cartilage, so... no weight on the bone.

Yesterday I spent some time at Caribou, chillaxin'

Rick ran some errands, I read and enjoyed my latte.

My work friends sent me this lovely edible bouquet....yum

I love my coworkers!!!

* * *  * 

I cant say enough about my "home health care aid". 

Rick is the best! He never complains, and is at my beckon call. 

He is Websters definition of "In sickness and in health"

This morning he worked from 5am - 9 am, came home and made me breakfast,

then hung out clothes and watered the lawn. 

I am blessed to have this pretty amazing guy by my side.

I have also been blessed by many prayers, well wishes, cards, and food.

Thanks to you all.... you know who you are  :)

Let the healing begin so the crutches can go away!!!