I began work on this in the morning, and then had to stop after about four hours to get to my new doctor appointment. (Yes. This is all I accomplished in four hours.) I did a little more when we got back home, but decided to leave the rest for daylight.
I've begun with the outline for the legs, but what's shown will be the padding for the actual stitching to give the legs and feet dimension. I'll pad them out a bit more, but just needed to get the placement before I completed the feathers.
I'm at work interpreting again this morning, so after I get home (and take a nap) I'll work on it again. I'm happy with the progress so far, though.
About my doctor's appointment...seems my little voice (and Handsome) came through again. In conversation with this doctor, it seems that my "knee parts" would not have done well with a repair procedure. Osteoarthritis is already causing bone issues, and the meniscus - if successfully repaired - would have failed again soon without a viable anchor. Considering the recuperation for the repair would have been 6-8 weeks non-weight bearing, it would have all been for nothing in the long run.
I really like this doctor. He answered all our questions thoroughly, and is confident a replacement will serve me 25-30 years. Our plan is to do the injured leg first, and the other one about twelve weeks later. He expects full recovery and a return to my former mobility...pain-free. Plus, this procedure will have me up and walking the same day. Of course, there will be initial pain, physical therapy, and work on my part, but then I'll be good to go.
We're going to wait to schedule surgery until after my echocardiogram on the 11th, so we have a safe "go ahead" from the cardiologist. I should get a call from the scheduler this week. I'll pick a date as close to that as possible. I'm tired of walking like a penguin in pain, and now I can see a real bright future for my mobility.
In the meantime, I'm going to finish a few projects, and get my head in a healing mindset. I've got this!
4 hours, but that's intense stitching, it looks great.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your appointment went well with a good decision.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteYou're right. When I'm working on this, I don't think about anything else. Hours of focused needlework. It's my happy place. My appointment was the best! Thanks!
xoxo
Donna
That is indeed uplifting info from your Dr appt... praise God for that "little voice" that provides course corrections when we heed it. I don't know how, but that bluebird just keeps getting better and better...when it's perfect already! I'm sure you are now at a point where you hate to stop stitching because you can now see it all coming together so beautifully. I can't remember... do you already have the fabrics picked for the quilting/border part?
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteIsn't it? I agree. My little voice (and Handsome) have never failed me. Awww. Thank you, honey. I'm so pleased with how this piece is coming together. Funny. None of this makes me nervous, until I have to square up the piece to incorporate it into my wall hanging. I haven't chosen the fabrics yet, but I'm thinking about a Japanese fabric line I have that may work. I'll share some ideas for input soon.
xoxo
Donna
I am so glad you continue to get affirmations about your decision on how to proceed. Take care!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary:
DeleteI really do. This made me feel so much better. (I like both doctor's personalities, but this one really seems a better fit.) Thank you, dear.
xoxo
Donna
He's looking great! All your hard work is paying off.
ReplyDeleteGlad you received better news from the new doctor. One thing I might mention - a friend of mine had a hip replacement recently (she's in her late 80's) and she consulted with a physio therapist beforehand and got a number of exercises she could do before the surgery. Perhaps that might prove helpful for you too if you have that option available.
Hi MA:
DeleteThanks! I'm really happy with it. I do like this doctor and his approach. I had a pre-op PT two weeks ago for the "other plan", but I did get some pointers like what you're talking about. I'll definitely be doing some prior to this surgery. Thanks for the reminder.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
As a stitcher I know what that four hours of work is.
ReplyDeleteI really like this Doctor too. He sounds so much like the one my husband had.
You leave the appointment with confidence that you are on the right track and in good,
capable hands.
And yes, you got this girl!
Shirley
Hi Shirley:
DeleteI'm sure you do, my friend. I'm glad my impression of this doctor came through in my words. It's hard to believe, but I'm much more confident with him, too...although I don't want to denegrate the previous one even a little bit. Just different approaches, and I like this second one better for my situation. Thanks, dear.
xoxo
Donna