It's Been A While

Eight weeks ago I was doing this:

Yesterday I was doing this:

We haven't been to Tree Ring since mid-November.  It was so nice to be back.  Looks like the TRC gopher was very busy since we were gone.   He seems to be looking for something - like we have buried treasure in the clearing somewhere.

I've been back to work part time since week 4 and full time starting last week.  Because of the pre-existing STD clause, I won't be able to get the left knee done until June.  I am on 5 hydrocodone per day and really it is for the left knee, not the right.  I'll have to wean down, though, since that is still a high dose.  I can't wait until I don't have to take any of this stuff anymore.

TRC was wonderful as usual.  We didn't see any wildlife except for a flock of about 8 turkey hens on the neighbor's property.  We awoke to a VERY loud male gobble though.  That was the coolest.  He gobbled about 4 times over about 1/2 hour as I walked to the dry pond.

On this trip I found a new talent - fly whisperer.

He let me pet him like 10 times.  Country flies sure are strange.

I also found that I should watch those flying fire embers just a little bit.

We are hoping to go to TRC every other weekend now, if possible.  The weather this winter has been spectacular. It was 75/55 this weekend.

Drugs Sure Make Time Fly

It is three weeks ago today that my knee was replaced, but it seems like last week. I think this is partly due to sleeping so much while on percocet. I lowered the dose from 2 to 1 1/2 tabs every 4 hours, and seem to tolerate it ok.

Tomorrow is my first meeting with the new PT guy.

Starting Wednesday, Retro Man is going to drive me to and from work. Thankfully I have a job where I sit down most of the time, so I'll try to get in 5 hours 3 days this week, and 5 hours 4 days next week.

Nothing like no pay to spur you into action.

Went on another walk along the water today.

First Real Shower In 17 Days

Our full bathrooms are on the second story, so even though I was cleared to take a shower a few days ago, I was reluctant to go up those stairs.  Today the shower actually called my name, and so I went.

O M G

It's impossible to believe that something so basic could give me so much pleasure. Simply amazing.

The stairs weren't bad at all. I had already figured out compensatory moves in the last few years to get up and down those stairs. 

I called the out-patient rehab facility - actually called the Sports Therapy Center. It makes me laugh to think a cryp such as I will be doing anything remotely related to sports.  Their first opening with the recommended guy won't be until Tuesday.

Every day is better than the day before and

I shouldn't have waited so long.......

Sans Staples

I got my 24 staples out yesterday, and only one hurt coming out. I had heard mixed reviews about this process, so was a little apprehensive. I took pictures, but only after the Doc put the steristrips on, so I'll spare you the cool picture until they fall off.

I graduated to a cane today. I will use the walker if I need it, but think I can put it away. I have only ever used crutches to do the stairs to get in and out of the house and on my walks and will continue this until I feel comfortable with a cane outside.

Pt boy came for the last time. I have 1 degree of extension where 0 is the goal, so I am really happy. My flexion is 120. I'm not sure what the goal for that is, but I know it's good because I always get a smile when it's measured.

City Girl is home for the holidays. It is so nice to be able to spend so much time with her. She doesn't have to go back until the 13th, so we'll have a lot of time to visit. If my improvement continues, maybe we'll even get to go shopping - something I haven't been able to do with her in years.

When I woke up this morning, my left knee hurt more than the right, so this is amazing progress.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I know mine will be great!

Well I'm Pumped

It's been one week since parts of my leg were sawed off and I see a tiny bit of improvement every day.

Pt man came today. He didn't seem as rushed, and laughed when I asked if I was his last torture victim for the day.  He threw a few new things at me, but I never cried or wanted to. The key for me was taking 2 tylenol along with all my other meds an hour before he came. I now feel the sweet hurt sensation when a muscle stretches as it hasn't been able to for 4 years.

Reto Man and I tried to go shopping at a very popular eatery/grocery store here called Mazzaro's. It's definitely the place that New Yorkers come shopping with their best holiday attitude.  It's definitely no place for a cryp with a crutch, and I'll stay home next time.

I calculated the pain medicine I thought I'd need before getting the staples out on the 20th and called it in to the prescription hotline. However no one called it in to the pharmacy and no one called me. I'm a little confused, then, why the call it a hot line. I'm glad I don't need anything for a few days.

That's the update for today. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.