Whew. This certainly wasn’t as easy as the first one. I’ve been in lots more pain, which is to be expected considering what my surgeon had to do, not only to replace my knee, but also to straighten my leg. That afternoon he told me that the surgery went very well and he’s pleased. The staff, as always, was fabulous at Salmon Creek Hospital. Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist couldn’t get the spinal to work and had to use a general anesthetic, so I woke up to immediate pain, not like last time when I was numb for hours.

Last week Friday was really hard because I was in so much pain. It was one of those “I don’t know if I can do this” days. But I made it through, thanks be to God.

My physical therapist, yup, I’ve already started that, told me it’s like doing human carpentry, with all the appropriate tools. Oh yeah, baby. Hammers, saws, drills… yikes!! No wonder I hurt so bad. Thank goodness for pain pills, yeah? Better living through chemistry, as my friend Linda says. I have definitely needed them this time around. But not to worry; I’m not gonna be part of the opioid crisis. Ho, da bruises!!

I’m doing my exercises and walking. Sometimes it hurts like hell. And I still have to use the CPM machine at night. At Nolemana’s suggestion, we have named it George. “Do you need George tonight?” Sounds like I’m sleeping with another man, but I’m not. It’s just George.  Easier to say than “the machine”.  Try it: “Do you need George?” vs. “Do you need the machine?”

Nolemana has been a fabulous caregiver. Since I sleep on the left side of the bed and George is on that side (left leg), he has to move George every time I need to get up. It’s good for his biceps, but a couple of times a night and many times during the day, he has to lift George out of the way. And help me after my shower.  And get all the meals (I’m feeling so grateful to friends who’ve sent them over). And do the laundry. I’m getting better, but he still has an awful lot to do. It’s hard for me to not feel guilty about that, but we remind each other that I did a lot for him after his heart surgery. We’re partners.

It’s really one day at a time around here, and up and down pain-wise. Recovery is a full-time job for sure. And it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Here’s my x-ray, before and after. I look at it and can hardly believe it. I look at it and think, “OMG, no wonder I hurt!” and I think how grateful I am that my surgeon is so skilled.

We’re supposed to get snow tonight, so I moved my Tuesday appointment with my surgeon to last Friday, and am so glad I did. I got to stop using the compression hose and also had the big bandage removed. Yippee to da max!!

It’s definitely true that “motion is lotion” like Patrick told me. It’s not easy to move, but I can tell I’m improving a little at a time.

We’re heading into some really cold weather, so we’re making sure we have enough hummingbird solution so that we can alternate feeders. We have a heater for the bird bath, too. It’s already into the 30’s (shout-out to AFK, enjoying warm Hawaiian weather!). But I’m warm with gratitude for my surgeon’s skill, Nolemana’s tender care, our daughters’ attentiveness and caring, and the knowledge that I’m making progress. Mahalo ke Akua for giving me the strength and determination to keep going. And oh yeah, my kitties.