On Tuesday, April 26, Ron and I traveled to Overland Park for a last minute x-ray prior to my knee replacement surgery scheduled for the next day. After the x-ray, it was early dismissal day for Peyton, so we picked her up at school as a walker and had a couple of fun hours with her before picking up Garrison at his school after his nap. Then we all went to Burger King (their choice) for play and supper. They had such a good time, and we always love hearing them laugh and seeing them have a good time.
The boys went home, and Peyton and I went to her dance class. I was very lucky to be there on a night when the girls performed for the parents (and Grammy) and they received and tried on their costumes for the upcoming recital at the end of May. Controlled chaos!!! So much fun to get to be a part of it. Peyton looks adorable in her costume and did a great job dancing their number for the show.
We spent the night with Amanda and Chad and the kids (thanks!) and went for my surgery check-in arriving around 8:30 a.m. Amanda and Chad joined Ron at the hospital which I really appreciated. The surgery went smoothly, and the doctor told them I really needed a new knee as I had bone spurs, arthritis, possibly rheumatoid arthritis and a lot of inflammation. I woke up to my leg bandaged up with a ice water thing wrapped around it keeping it iced at all times. Later in the evening, they put it in a machine that bends it constantly so it won't lock up. It didn't hurt and was good for the knee. Ron stayed with me until bed time then went to the Todds to sleep.
Ron was back for the day on Thursday. Physical therapy started, and I walked the halls which went pretty well. Ron picked up the kids at school, took them to McDonald's and then brought them to see me at the hospital. Amanda arrived to visit around 3:30 p.m., a little while before Ron and the kids got there, so it was nice to have some time to visit with her alone. We had a great visit, and the kids liked exploring the hospital and getting snacks from the snack area. It boosted my spirits to have them all there!!!!
On Friday, I was released to come home after having physical therapy twice and blood tests. Debbie Sieger brought us a casserole and layered lettuce salad for dinner and visited.
The Home Health Nurse came by on Saturday to test my blood for Coumadin levels and to check my incision. I was on my own to do physical therapy which I did. I attempted to sleep in bed, but I could not get comfortable Friday or Saturday night and ended up sleeping in the recliner in the living room, watching TV. After that, I just started in the recliner for sleep at night which worked pretty well. I was sleeping 6 hours at a time each night without waking up which I thought was good.
Scott DeHart, who I have known for years from the Christian Church days, came on Monday to do my physical therapy. He is patient but stern, which is good. He comes Monday/Wednesday/Friday and is here about 1 1/2 hours. Therapy on Wednesday was brutal and painful.
The Percocet was making me very nauseous and constipated. I was pretty much miserable and depressed. The doctor did not want to change the medication, so I just quit taking it on Thursday and started taking medication to assist with the constipation which finally worked. I called again on Friday, and I was advised to take Tramadol and Tylenol together. That combination does not take the pain away as good as Percocet, but at least I am no longer nauseous and constipated.
Amanda came to Clinton on Sunday evening to spend the night and Monday with me while Ron went back to work. It was so nice to have her here, and she was very helpful. She brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers which was so nice and made me smile. Kelly has been staying with me an hour or so in the morning and a couple of hours every afternoon - it is nice to have the company. John and Ann Drury, Adele Bernard, Esther Singer, Virgie and Roger Cook and Debbie Sieger have brought meals. Inez and Darrel Bourne, our neighbors, brought flowers. Sheila Case sent me a balloon bouquet. Roberta Edgett and Suzanne Ammons plan to bring meals next week, and my former co-workers, Gina and Cheri, are bringing Pizza Glen on Tuesday evening and staying to eat with us and to visit. I have received numerous get-well cards and phone calls. Everyone has been so kind and generous.
Amanda and the kids came back on Friday evening and made everything better. I was feeling very low, and they brightened my spirits. They spent the night and until after lunch on Saturday. We celebrated Mother's Day. Peyton helped me with my exercises, counting for me, etc. We all went outside - my first time outside since coming home - and even walked down to visit Miss Esther. They thought my walker was great fun. Friday night, I slept in our bed ALL NIGHT and slept good. I was so happy to get some time out of the recliner.
It's been a hard week, but I think I have turned the corner. I have a long way to go with the therapy, etc., but I'm going to try my best to get the best knee I can come out with.
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