Day 16

Good Tuesday Afternoon-

A notable anniversaries for today: 

• Marie Antoinette lost her head on this day in 1793
• In 1962 John F. Kennedy was informed of the Soviet nuclear missel silos in Cuba 
• Jessica McClure was rescued from a Texas well in 1987 after spending 58 hours trapped

Today was my first visit with the doctor since the surgery.  Doctor Savage gave me an excellent report!  He said that I was above the curve on recovery that my flexion awesome.  He said that he would normally expect this level of progress at 3-4 weeks of recovery, not at 2!!  He said when I start going to PT next week to carry some of his business cards because there will be people there that had surgery at the same time that are not doing as well as I am.  

The steri-strips were removed and I can now use the lotion that Marieta gave me to massage my scar.  It's vitamin E lotion and the doctor said to massage the scar about three times a day for a few minutes at a time.  I'm suppose to massage in small circles.  As I understand it I'm trying to keep the top layer of skin from sticking to the lower layers, or something like that. 

I have to wear the Victoria Secret Compression Stockings for another 3 weeks.  I asked if I needed to wear them on the right leg (the leg that still has the original knee) and he said that I did.  He said that half the time blood clots occur in the limb that didn't have surgery.  He gave me a script for another pair and I'm hoping they come in black or fishnet!

I forgot to ask about the pool and hot tub.  Can you believe it?  I'll be in next week so I'll ask...

The elbow nose is bursitis.  The doctor said it was probably caused by my leaning too much on my elbow.  Chuck reminded me that I lean on it when I'm in the chair and I caught myself this afternoon leaning on it while in bed.  He offered a steroid shot and something else or I could just quit using it and it'd go away.  I opted for the quit using it.  I've had enough shots for a while. 

I told him that I don't have any stamina and he said that is because of the anemia from blood loss and that my body is focusing on repairing the knee.  He said it was to be expected for a couple more weeks.   He asked how my sleeping was going and I said that I wake up every few hours and he said that was normal, as well.  He said I'll get eight hours of sleep just not all at once.  He said taking naps during the day is okay.

The doctor said his part was done and now the rest is totally up to me.  However,  if I keep on the same pace I should be ready for knee two in no time!

Since I got such a good report Chuck and I went into the Starbucks and hung out for a bit.   Then we went to the Petsmart and I roamed around the store.  We made our purchases and when we started to leave in walked Betsey and Cathy, from work.  I should have asked if they were there to fill up the snack shack.  :)  

They were surprised to see me and said I looked great.  I really appreciated the compliment.  I didn't feel like I looked great but I feel alright.

A mention about riding in the truck.  It's uncomfortable.  I pushed the seat all the way forward and put my feet on the floor that angled up.  That helped.  Chuck thinks a pillow will help so tomorrow we're going to give that a go.

Today was the most I've walked since the operation.  After we got home I crashed and woke up around 2.  Just in time for Terri, the PT, to come in.  

She was excited to hear the good news from the doctor.  In her opinion, she thinks the physical therapy and the home nursing staff (Chuck) are the reason I'm doing so good.  I think she may be right!  This was Terri's last visit.  I'm going to miss her and I appreciate all the work she did with me.

Onward-

debie@TbedB

PS(Did anyone catch the last half of the Denver game last night?  What a come back!  Take that Phillip Rivers!)