Hit Me With Your Best Shot...

They're back on my needlework stand. I stitched a bit more on my fencing for the bluebird project yesterday. I also baked bread, so I sat at my hoop between proofing (30 minutes at a time).

By the end of the day, I'd added an inch or so of stitching to the bluebird project, plus baked four loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread, a half dozen hamburger buns, and a special small cheese loaf to go with our dinner last night. 

That cheese loaf is looking all gnarly because I should have put it into a larger dutch oven than the one I chose. In the end, I took it out of the pot and let it bake on the oven rack on parchment paper. The darker top is from the baked bits of cheese. It was perfect, even though it looked a bit odd.

I enjoyed that I got to bake and play a bit. Oh, and one other thing...Now don't holler at me, please. I know it was dumb. Believe me. 

Monday, Handsome and I mowed the lawn like we always do, but first, he wanted to remove the bucket and weight box from his tractor so he could move a newly-acquired blade attachment that was sitting right in the middle of the lawn by the Compass Barn. I'm usually the one who drives the tractor for attaching and detaching as I'm slightly more limber than Handsome and I can turn around easier to line up the gadgets with the hitch on the tractor.

Well, Monday, I was just a teeny bit off from being able to connect the blade, so I hopped (hopped. lol) off the tractor to see how far off I was. It was just an inch or so from hooking on so my "I can do this Amazon warrior spirit" took over. I first tried to scoot the blade just a bit - and it didn't budge. So, what did I do next? Yep. I turned my back to it, brought up my "BoB" leg and tried to push it. I heard something pop. In my head I may have uttered a swear word or three, because I didn't want Handsome to realize that I probably hurt myself. 

I got back on the tractor and realigned the hitch - perfectly this time - and we hooked the blade on so I could move it into the barn. From there, I just had to get off his tractor and walk over to get on mine. Yikes! It really hurt, and now Handsome knew it, too. He said I should go back into the house and he'd do the lawn, but I insisted on doing my share.

We finished the job in 1-1/2 hours, and then we went inside. He set up the ice machine, and I used it on my right knee for about a half hour. Then, he said we were going out to the drive-in for dinner so I wouldn't have to stand to make a meal for us. I was glad for the break.

I have physical therapy today. It's my second to last appointment with Jenna, and truthfully, I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I'm peeved that I did something without thinking. A year ago, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Now it is. I'm hoping Jenna can give me some tips to help that knee feel better. Funny. Since this happened, my "new" knee doesn't feel so bad! I guess it's all relative. I'm prepared to be chastised, not only by Jenna (Handsome already got in his 2¢ worth), but I'll be expecting a few of you to let me have it in the comment section. It's okay. I know I've asked for it this time. Believe me, nothing you will say can come close to the talking to I've been giving myself.

I really don't want to have a second new knee until next spring, so I'm just hoping I haven't forced that program before Christmas. I'm telling myself it's just a slight pull and I'll be fine in a few days. We'll see. 

I'm going to close for today. Now the ball's in your court. Fire away...

She Loves It...

Jenna was so surprised when I handed her the package yesterday morning. She said, "What's this?" I told her it's what I've been working on. She set it on her laptop stand so I could start pedaling on the stationery bike, and I told her she had to open it in front of me. So, while I pedaled, she unwrapped her gift.

As she held it in her hand, I explained that it was a brooch, done in traditional goldwork methods, completely hand stitched by me, and could be her "something blue" for her wedding next year if she wanted to use it that way. She loved it.

I told her that some brides wear them on their dress, while others chose to put it on their garter or on their undergarment. She told me she went shopping for her wedding gown over the weekend, and pulled out her cell phone to show me what she chose. It was almost exactly what I'd told her I'd envisioned for her when we talked about it last week! It's perfectly her.

When I saw the style, I knew that all of those options for the pin were off the table, as it would show through the smooth lines of her gown. I had one more suggestion...She could place it in her bridal bouquet. She said she immediately thought of that when she saw it. Of course, she did.

I told her I chose to give it to her early because I wasn't sure how many more sessions we had together, and I didn't want to miss seeing her open it. By the end of our session, we had discussed my progress and that I'd only have two more visits (already scheduled) before she cuts me loose. I was so glad I worked to get her brooch finished early for just that reason.

While BoB (my bone-on-bone knee) is already more of a pain, I'm hoping to hold off on surgery until after the winter. I'm planning to pamper the heck out of it, and will continue to strengthen my new knee so it's up to the task of completely supporting me by then. Jenna assures me that I'm on track and will do fine, and that she's not planning to go anywhere between now and next spring so she can be my rehabilitation therapist again.

I know my last day will be bittersweet, but I'm not going to be sad because I know I'll have her helping me next year (or sooner, if need be). 

I'm going to work on my September ATCs today so I can get them done and on their way this week. It will be nice to do something less strenuous for a change. I also have a small project for one of my coworkers, so I'll try to do that today or tomorrow so that's done. It's something I almost never do - garment repairs - but this is just a matter of sewing up a seam on two garments. I told her not to tell anyone, as Handsome has a hard time getting me to do that. She promised "mum's the word".

So that's what I'm up to for the next couple days. Nothing too strenuous, and definitely creative stuff on the agenda. I'll show you tomorrow.

Time To Finish This...

Something Blue Bridal Heart Brooch - WIP

I found out yesterday that I'll only have to do once-a-week physical therapy until I'm finished. I'm scheduled out through mid-October, but I'm going to assume I'll be released before then. With that in mind, I'm going to need to complete this brooch for Jenna. 

She's getting married this time in 2026, but just in case I don't get to see her again (she transfers, or something along that line) before I have my second knee replaced, I want to make sure she has this gift for her special day. 

I won't see her again until next Monday, so I'd like to have it completed by then to be able to gift it to her. So, this is what I'll be working on the rest of this week. Finally!!

Positive Thoughts...

Monday was a very good day. It began with a physical therapy session. When Jenna asked how I was feeling, I told her I may have overdone it a bit over the weekend. I told her I was on my feet, on and off, for about six hours baking on Sunday and that my knee was a bit "tight". We started on the stationary bike and I was surprised by how much things loosened up so quickly.

As we visited during the hour I was there, I told her that we'd purchased a lovely watermelon from our local farm stand, and once I'd cut it into chunks, Handsome and I walked down the yard to "the habitat" to leave the rinds for the critters. I told her I used a walking staff that we have because the yard is uneven and I wanted to be careful on the walk down and back up the hill to the house. She said, "You were walking on uneven ground? Well, that might cause your knee to be a bit sore today, too."

We were about halfway through the appointment when she asked what I had planned for the rest of the day. I told her that I'd be contacting a service about dealing with the hornets/wasps/yellowjackets (or whatever they are) that are moving into the soffit of our farmhouse. I said I only knew they weren't honey bees, but that I'd dragged out a ten-foot ladder so I could get a better photograph of them to try to get an identity online. I said I'd climbed up to about the second from the last rung, stretched out to take pictures as they flew around me, and then climbed down and put the ladder back in the pole barn before going in the house. She said, "So, you were climbing a ladder, too?!" while giving me a smile and a look. I broke out laughing. I knew what she was getting at, but she said, "You're wondering why your knee is angry with you right now?" Then, she laughed, too, and asked if it was okay for her to tell the other therapists about me over their lunch hour. Of course, I told her it was fine with me.

We agreed before I left that I would stop being quite so bold at this point. I still have healing and rehab to do, and she would appreciate it if I didn't make things more difficult for myself by being so bullheaded. I promised.

A few hours later, I met with the surgeon who was extremely happy with my progress. I told him the story and he laughed, but agreed with Jenna. Try not to overdo at this point and my recuperation will be easier. He was just glad I hadn't been stung and fallen off the ladder. I promised I wouldn't do that again, and he told me to come back in six weeks for another consult.

As I said, yesterday was a very good day. I rested the remainder of the afternoon, and did a little more ice therapy before the day was over. Bonus for me was to read your wonderful comments yesterday. I felt one thousand percent better. You're the best! 

Today I stitch!

Seven Weeks Post-Op...

Honestly, I keep trying to do something creative...anything. I don't know if it's the meds, healing, or just laziness, but I can't seem to focus on needle and thread right now. If you know me, either in person or through my posts, you know this isn't like me at all.

So, I hope you'll indulge me while I attempt to figure this out. I'm able to do needed things like baking bread, or canning fresh local produce while it's available, but I keep trying to get back to what my heart knows I love; my mind knows I love; but my body is just holding me back right now.

Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I've stopped all the painkillers, thinking they might be the culprit, and I'm adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to our menu. I'm open to any and all ideas.

Homemade Rotel...

A few years ago, I started assessing what I repeatedly purchased at the grocery store. I then decided to start canning those things myself. I was always buying tomato products: Rotel™, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, stewed or diced tomatoes, and salsa, to name a few. I now can all those things at the farmhouse, and after calculating everything but my time (as I thoroughly enjoy doing this), we actually save money.

Case in point...When I first started buying pizza sauce, I always got Pastorelli brand in small cans. They cost 99¢ each. Even after we moved to Florida, I'd order from a supply place in Wisconsin and have it shipped by the caseload. After we moved back to Wisconsin, I still purchased that brand at the grocery store. Then, one day about five years ago, the price of the same 99¢ can bounced up to $1.79! I think I bought two cans because we needed it, and then decided no more. My half pint jars cost us 71¢ each, use the highest quality San Marzano tomatoes from a local grower, and I know (and can pronounce) every single ingredient I use.

Same goes for all the products we can. I know what's in our jars. No unpronounceable ingredients. No toxic growth hormones in our meats. No insecticides on our vegetables. This time of year gets really busy (and right now, more-than-usual tiring), but it's worth it for our family.

This year, I've already finished the Rotel™. Next is our salsa. This weekend I'll be pressure canning venison that I've prepared and is in the freezer, along with a turkey (from a Thanksgiving sale last year), beef roasts, and chicken. Then next week I'll buy more tomatoes and green peppers for pizza sauce, as well as apples for Handsome's favorite apple sauce. I'll wait until after growing season to pressure can mushrooms, pinto beans, baked beans, homemade soups, and whatever else can hold until then.

By winter, our pantry will be restocked for the next two seasons until summer comes around again. We'll be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and when the weather is blustery and cold, knowing we won't have to hop in the truck to buy a meal will be well worth the time we spent now.

I see the surgeon on September 8th for what I expect will be clearance to drive and work again. I'm doing my at-home and in-clinic physical therapy to get back to my full range of motion. Once I get clearance, my boss and I have discussed starting me back for four hours on Friday nights to see if I can tolerate that. Once I clear that hurdle, I'll get back to my regular Tuesdays, and perhaps one or two more days. 

So, with that in mind, I want to get as much of this canning behind me before then, so my days off into fall can be spent sitting in the autumn sunshine and stitching. Doesn't that sound blissful? I know the coming weeks sounds like a lot, but trust me. I'll be careful. I don't want to push "Bob" (my Bone-On-Bone leg) because I'm not ready to have that second surgery yet. I'd really like to wait until spring, if I can hold off that long. Fingers crossed.

Today, I Rest...

Physical therapy went really well yesterday. I little TLC mixed in with the PT. I came home, rested a bit and then baked a double batch of my sister, Diana's bread recipe. My farmhouse bread takes around five hours from start to finish and is completely mixed by hand. This one of Di's (she does other recipes, too) is quicker and easier, using a mixer and less time. Start to finish around three hours.

I'm using one of my old photographs this time because it's getting cooler outdoors already. I had one of the kitchen windows open, and when I scored my beautiful loaves to put into the oven, they all fell and got wrinkly tops. Handsome thought they were cool, but I wasn't as happy with the look of the finished products. They did rise some back in the oven, but not State Fair worthy by any stretch of the imagination.

One cool amendment I tried was adding cheese to one of the loaves. I also made a eight hamburger rolls, and added cheese to three of them. We tested one right out of the oven, and I'll definitely be doing that again! Next time I'll have picture-worthy loaves, too!

After baking, Handsome and I both got on our respective yard tractors and mowed an overdue lawn. With both of us manning the riding mowers, it takes about two hours. Actually, time flies when we do this, and we frequently wave to each other if we pass in the yard. It's kind of cute. As all the foot controls for my smaller mower are on the right side, it's no stress on the healing leg, and quite enjoyable to be out in the sunshine. Nevertheless, I iced my left knee after dinner for a little more TLC.

I forgot to take all my tomatoes out of the freezer last night, so my canning won't take place today. It's just as well. I'm going to take a break, pamper the knee, and try a little needlework today. I think I'm ready to concentrate on that fencing again!

We've got another sunny day and the temperature isn't forecast to reach 70º. Although Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, I was hoping for more warm weather. This season seems to have passed too quickly. Oh, Summer. We hardly knew ye. sigh I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I actually accomplished. 

Tiny Miracles...

 

 

Yesterday was wonderful. I had my physical therapy appointment and hit my goal of 120º bend in my knee. I still will work toward 130º, which was my pre-operation measurement, but getting to 120º was a huge achievement. 

Jenna (and Nicole) have been monitoring my progress, and because I got to 120º and am walking so well, I was told that I no longer need to use the cane, and we're changing my appointment schedule from three times a week down to two. I was thrilled.

Nicole was my therapist for yesterday's appointment and we went from riding the bicycle to stair stepping to some strength training. I also stood on a flat cushion and she evaluated my balance on both legs. I passed everything with flying colors, and I'm so happy.

Even better was that, although my knee muscles felt tight, there was no pain, heat, or inflammation in my knee like there's been before. The best possible news. Of course, once home Handsome and I sat down and I immediately fell asleep for an hour (or two). I guess it was more of a workout than I thought. 

 

Friends of mine who live close have gifted us with pickling cucumbers, zucchini and potatoes, so today Handsome and I will be canning bread and butter pickles. I have a five gallon bucket-full, but that will be my limit.

I also have bread to make, so it will be easy to work back and forth between the two. I'm going to pace myself so I don't overdo it, but I intend to do more canning this next week as my knee allows. I'm looking forward to seeing the pantry restocked with lots and lots of jars this fall. I've already made a list of what I hope to get canned in the next few weeks, and some things can definitely wait until later (canning my dried pinto beans into refrieds; making baked beans from my dried navy beans. Stuff like that.) You can count on me to show you the fruits of our labors, too. 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, dears. I'll be back tomorrow.

 

 

What A Wonderful Day...

My visit with Kathy D. yesterday made for a great day. We shared lunch - I made our favorite mac n cheese, and Kathy showed up with fruit, fried chicken, and homemade cookies! Handsome joined us for lunch and then he disappeared with the dogs to other parts of the house.

Meanwhile, Kathy and I had a great visit. I saw the counted thread sampler she's currently working on from a retreat she recently attended on Madelein Island in northern Wisconsin. I showed her my stalled progress on the bluebirds, and then we just got caught up. 

Of course, I never took a photograph of a single thing while she was here, so that's why you're seeing a silly photo of sleeping Claudette instead.

Late day today, I got a chance to speak with Mum. She's still in the hospital so they can monitor one of her blood levels that's been off the charts. Once that's regulated - thanks to the surgery results - she'll be able to go home...hopefully tomorrow. She sounded really great and is content to wait there, as she's quite sore from all the prodding and poking. It's the best place for her right now. It was so good to hear her voice and know she's okay. I told her I'll speak with her again soon.

Handsome has his last concert this evening. We're hoping there's no rain so it can be open air at the park, rather than indoors at the fairgrounds. The outdoor venue is so much better. 

It's going to be a busy day, too. Physical therapy, a doctor's checkup for Handsome, a scheduled classmate dinner (I'm not sure how we're going to get to that), and then the concert. We'll see. I'm going to make sure I get a good nap in there somewhere, and ice my knee after we get home from the clinic so I can get around for the concert. That's the one thing I absolutely won't be missing.

How are you doing?

 

117º...

Last Wednesday, my knee bend measured 114º. Then, I rolled into my Friday PT with a swollen knee. Jenna said, "I'm not even going to tell you the measurement, because you'll be upset." That told me that I'd backslid in my progress, so I didn't push to know.

I took it easy over the weekend, icing, elevating, and only doing the bare minimum home exercises. When I went in for my session yesterday, we started on the stationary bike. I took one full pedal slowly, and then proceeded to pedal like I never had an issue with that knee. Jenna was surprised, and then smiled and said, "I moved the seat a notch closer today just to see if you could do it." Sneaky kid. lol I completed my five minutes and we moved on to the table where I have been reclining to do my heel slides and leg extensions. She decided to take a measurement first. 117º !!! I got a "you're fierce, girl!" and a high five. I was really happy. We're back on track again.

I did a few more exercises, but with lighter weights and nothing heroic. Even so, when I got home I knew I'd had a workout. I went back on ice and rested the remainder of the day.

Mum made it through surgery and will now have a recuperation period. One step at a time, but her kids are all grateful for the good news. Thanks to all who lifted prayers and good thoughts prior to her procedure. 

 

I'm looking forward to some fun today. Kathy D. is coming out for lunch and a visit. I'm going to make my favorite Emeril Lagasse mac and cheese recipe, and Kathy is bringing fried chicken and a few sides. I'll be able to show her my bluebirds (so far), and she's going to tell me about a retreat she recently attended. It will be so nice to see her again!

 

Hope you have something fun planned today, too. I'll be back tomorrow with photos and let you know what's going on Wednesday. More fun! 

 

She's On My Mind Today...

Mum with two great-grands - 2023

My mum turned 88 in June, and this photograph is from two years ago. She's much thinner and more frail-looking now. Recently her doctor(s) decided that she needed to undergo surgery. She's been having ongoing issues for a while now, and truthfully, I believe many of her problems are caused by the medicine on top of medicine on top of medicine she's been prescribed.

You know. First they tell you to take this pill, and when you have a reaction, they add a pill for that symptom, and so on and so on. Can you tell I don't really trust the people she's trusting? Well, the last prescription was a second prescription for diabetes. What it's causing is severe weight loss, and after reading up on all possible side effects, another is problems for the thyroid...from malfunction all the way up to the Big C. 

Her doctor convinced her to have a major surgery on her thyroid today. They've also said it's a day surgery! I've had two thyroid surgeries (one when I was 7 and the other when I was 18). I know what it does to a young, otherwise healthy person. I'm deeply concerned about what it may do to my 88 year old mother, and it's inconceivable to me that it could - under any stretch of the imagination - be a day surgery for her.

What that means for me is that I'll go to my PT appointment, and then spend the rest of the day waiting for word about how she is. One of my brothers is her medical surrogate (in the event my 93 year old stepdad can't be - or he hands off that responsibility). He and my sister, Jan will be at the hospital with our stepdad. I've had my fill of medical facilities, so I'll wait at home to hear from Jan.

I have a feeling it's going to be a long day. I hope you have something more fun on your agenda. See you tomorrow.

Plymouth Cheese Counter...

Plymouth Cheese Counter - Plymouth, Wisconsin

My therapy session went really well yesterday. I showed Jenna my swollen knee so our appointment was more focused on TLC than PT. I rode the stationary bicycle for five minutes, stretched for two, and then she took measurements of my knee joint straight and bent as far as I was able. I was still over 100º, but she purposely didn't tell me the measurement because she knows I'm a competitor and didn't want me disappointed.

After those things were taken care of, she had me lie down on the table and proceeded to gently work on the muscles below my knee joint. First with mild pressure (which as wonderful), and then by pulling toward her from the back of the knee (even more comfortable). After that, she had me sit and gently used her hands to pull down on my knee creating some mild traction - all to help move the joint, but also relieve some of the swelling. Lastly, I have fifteen minutes of icing and then left feeling so much better. 

Handsome was waiting to take me for our lunch date. We drove from the clinic downtown to a place we'd noticed last week. The Plymouth Cheese Counter. I'd also done a little research online, and we were anxious to check it out.

Map of Cheese Companies in Wisconsin

This map hangs on the wall inside the store, marking every cheese company in Wisconsin, but Plymouth is considered the Cheese Capital of Wisconsin. If you enlarge the image, you can see a yellow "X", which marks the location of Plymouth. Our farmhouse is about eleven miles straight west of there.

Once inside, there are myriad cheese choices from all the local makers, many of whom have factories in or within ten miles of Plymouth. Sargento, Widmer's, Grande, and Sartori to name a few. They also offer local honey, local ice cream, and lots of "cheesy merch".

To the rear left of this image is a food counter where we ordered delicious panini sandwiches, featuring - what else? - cheese, of course. The menu also features macaroni and cheese, and soups. Our meal was delicious, and it was nice to sit down for a meal neither of us had to cook. It was a bit pricey for two sandwiches and a beverage each, but it's a place we'll definitely visit again in the future.

This weekend will be restful, per Jenna's and Handsome's orders. We have nothing planned, so whatever we do will be close to home. I hope you have a nice weekend planned, too. I'll see you later!

Band Concert...

Handsome - Pre-Concert

Well, I didn't make it to his concert last night, but I did get a photograph of him before he left for the venue. This was his second-to-last concert of the season, and then he'll be off until this fall (or later, if he decides to go to Florida to play for part of the winter).

He told me his last concert is next week, and I promised I'll be there, come hell or high water. I don't want to miss him playing on the kit which he'll be doing again for that one. He's playing in a separate Dixieland band which will be out front and center that night. I'll definitely be there as his biggest fan.

Me? I stayed home with my knee on ice. I called the doctor's office yesterday and talked with them about the swelling. His nurse reminded me that it's only three weeks. sigh I also got a refill of two prescriptions, and told that I can alternate Tylenol with the other painkiller as long as I stay under 3,000 mgs. I'm way under that, but I'm not going to be silly about not taking it either - which I've been trying not to do. She reminded me it's a good thing to stay ahead of the pain, and I'm not driving anyway so, there's that.

Physical therapy again this morning, and I'll also discuss the swelling with Jenna to see how we can best achieve our goals and minimize the discomfort afterward. As a special treat, I'm going somewhere special with Handsome today, too. I'll tell you about that tomorrow. I'll let you know how PT goes, too. Gotta run!

Do What You Love...

Unknown Needleworker-via Facebook

Definitely "yes" to this image. PT? Not so much right now. This week, my physical therapist(s) moved to the "strengthening" portion of my knee rehabilitation. I'm not a fan, and neither is my knee. This phase is kicking my butt! I get home and have to do more icing, and I took another pain killer before bed last night. I was hoping to get away from those, but I guess pre-PT and post are still in the foreseeable future.

You know me, though. I'll just pull up my big girl panties and do what needs to be done. I don't complain (at PT or home), except for an occasional "ugh" when I try to get out of the chair, or walk from one room to another. My therapist, Jenna said I'm a "warrior" with a poker face - even when it hurts. Handsome spotted me up the stairs last night "just to be safe". My heartbeat.

No physical therapy today, so we'll see what the day holds after I take my morning meds (I'm still on blood thinners to avoid clots for the next month), along with a couple others, then coffee and a bite to eat. 

Handsome has a band concert this evening, so I'm hoping I'll be up to seeing him perform. He has drum kit pieces this time, so I really want to see that! I guess that means I'll most likely take it easy so I'm well-rested and my knee is agreeable to walk from the venue parking lot to the park where the band will be playing.

Thanks for sharing your current projects with me yesterday. It's really fun to know what you're working on, especially when I'm not busy with my own projects. I even stood back on the the artist trading cards for this month. I'm sure I'll jump back in for September, but I thought better of it for August. 

Once again, I'm off like a herd of turtles. lol See you tomorrow!

Let The Sun Shine...

A bumblebee enjoying one of the "volunteer" sunflowers

Imagine my delight when I noticed a quartet of volunteer sunflower plants that sprouted under the bird feeders hanging from the old apple tree. When I went to photograph them, I noticed a bumblebee collecting pollen from the tallest one. Double delight!

I had my physical therapy appointment yesterday morning. As usual, I now start on the stationary bicycle, and move from there to the other exercises. Jenna, my therapist, took my "bend measurement" right after the bicycle, and then again at the end of my appointment - and before the blessed ice machine therapy. At the beginning, I was 112º - a degree better than last week. By the end, I had progressed to 114º!  

We ran a few errands before coming home, and by then, I was wiped. One treat was another package from a dear blog friend with a card and gifts for Handsome and me. I'll be sending a proper thank you out to her, but you can imagine how nice it was to find a gift after a tiring day. It was really wonderful.

I didn't sit to stitch. I elevated my leg and rested instead. Handsome had band rehearsal, which always means late night dinner, and I wanted to make something to surprise him. So, I spent most of the time between getting home and making dinner doing absolutely nothing except taking two Tylenol, and drinking lots of water.

It was so rewarding to look at my blog to find so many kind messages from you. I read each and every one, and am responding to them all, too. Your words made my day. So, I'm back and will update you on my knee progress, as well as anything creative (as soon as I can kick start my artistic muses). Believe me, I'm working on it! In the meantime, hugs to all!

I've Got A New Attitude...

This is my knee as of Sunday afternoon.  I'm blessed to be a good healer, and this is no exception. However, it's been three weeks since my last post, and it sure hasn't been a cake walk. Handsome and I talked about it, and although he can think of one other long recuperation (I was in my 30s then), I think I can safely say this has been the hardest recovery in my life.

Everyone told me the first two weeks would be the worst, and I can concur. I was taking pain meds every four to six hours (along with an anti-nausea pill) and spent what time wasn't in physical therapy, icing and sleeping. I also did my home physical therapy to move the healing along, too.

This is a front and side view from last week's appointment with the surgeon's assistant. Everything is where it's supposed to be, and they're very happy with the results. I'm officially "left side bionic". The joint is secure and stable, and now it's just a matter of getting the musculature healed and mobile again.

My progress is right on schedule, too. They wanted me to be at 90º (for my knee bend) by that appointment, and I was already at 101º. I'm doing physical therapy three times a week, so by the next appointment I was at 107º, and by last Friday, I'd managed to exercise myself to 111º by the beginning of the appointment (rather than getting a measurement again at the end per usual). My therapist was really happy about it, and truthfully, so am I. Knowing how much they had to move things out of the way to install the new hardware, the muscles and tendons were traumatized. Even though they weren't damaged before or during, I still have to give myself some grace to heal everything. I have therapy again today, so we'll see what I managed to accomplish over the weekend. 

I haven't been able to sit at my needlework frame for multiple reasons. The main one being that I didn't want to stitch while heavily medicated, but I also wasn't comfortable sitting upright in my needlework chair. While I've recently graduated to a cane (which I rarely use in the house now), getting around with a walker before that wasn't conducive to being comfortable either. I thought it better to just resort to sleeping and healing.

Handsome has been a great nurse - even though we learned that he has his own issues now, too. He has a bone spur on his spine, so I tried to be mindful of his condition as he was taking care of me. Aren't we a pair, though? Although I couldn't do much to help the first two weeks, I've slowly been working my way back into the kitchen to take some of that burden off him.While there are no three or four-course dinners around here, he's happy that he isn't responsible for our evening menus anymore. 

Even so, he's been a wonderful caretaker, driving me to all my appointments; helping me in and out of our vehicles; and patiently waiting until he can take me home again. That's not even mentioning all he's done for us around the house. He really is the best, and I'm so grateful.

Finally, thank you to those who reached out, sent cards and gifts prayed, and held healing thoughts for me. I think you know by now just how much that means to me. I know it's been a minute since I last posted (July 22nd to be exact, but who's counting - as I raise my own hand), but you're still here, and I awfully blessed and appreciative. 

Thanks from the bottom of my heart. See you again tomorrow.

Tail WIP...

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!

A Little Glitch...

Image via Joy Blossoms

 

I spent the better part of half a day with doctors and tests yesterday. This morning, I have another unplanned appointment with another doctor, closer to home. 

Seems my EKG caused some concern, so I'm going to have to get clearance from another doctor before we can go ahead with my surgery next week. Not what I'd hoped for at all.

I got to try walking around, one-legged, on crutches; using a walker, again one leg only (oh, joy); and getting fitted for the hardware that will keep my surgery leg straight for my recovery time. As I'm not allowed more than "toe-touch" for that entire time, we also discussed that I should consider a wheelchair for longer distances to protect my right leg, which is the one that's bone-on-bone. I'm going to have to rely on that one while the left (with the torn meniscus) heals. 

It was after 5 pm when I drove into our yard. Which is to say, I wasn't home. I didn't stitch. I didn't play. I was tired when I got back. I did however, make four batches of rhubarb scones to put in the freezer overnight. I've made them as a thank you to my boss and two co-workers who are covering my hours until after this appointment today. It appears my last day for at least six weeks will only be a half day.

I'm leaving for the doctor's office soon, and then going to work. Wish me luck. At this point, I'm not sure which I want more. An approval for surgery and the six to twelve weeks of recuperation, or a veto, which means I'd be on two sore knees until I decide to go with total replacements (which is the only option for my right leg). I'm going to take a deep breath, not look under rocks, and wait to see what the expert says.

I'll let you know tomorrow. 

On The Bright Side...

I'll have plenty of time to complete my bluebirds - and a few other projects! We had the appointment with the orthopedist yesterday and here's the news:

1) The meniscus is, in fact, severely torn on one side. The doctor likened it to a tree that's been uprooted. My meniscus is not attached to anything on the outer side of my knee joint, and as such is trying to squeeze itself out of the joint completely. This is bad.

2) I have the beginnings of arthritis in the joint (already in my other knee), and that can be addressed along with the tears.

3) The inner side of the joint also has a slight tear, but is thankfully still attached to the bone. It's a minor repair.

4) There is also a buildup of fluid trying to exit the back of the joint, causing some of the constant Level 10 pain I'm experiencing.

5) Post arthroscopic surgery recovery time with only toe-touch weight on that leg, is approximately TWELVE WEEKS. That would include post-op crutches and physical therapy.

I have three choices, only two of which are viable. 1) Do nothing. Not an option. 2) Full knee replacement. I'm not a fan of the option, even though I'm told that's now the only option for my other knee. and 3) arthroscopic surgery to repair the tears with about an 80% success rate.

I'm waiting for a phone call from the scheduling office to set the date for a pre-op physical therapy appointment, as well as the surgery date. I'm told that the longer I wait to do this, the more damage can occur in the joint. If the meniscus completely breaks free, it can't be saved. I'll be bone-on-bone on both knees with no other options but replacement. So, I'll be scheduling this asap.

I called my boss tonight to drop the news. She's wonderful. She said, "Don't worry about us. We'll figure it out. You need to take care of you and then heal." She assured me there will be a job waiting for me if I choose to go back...which I'd definitely do for her.

As the stairs in the farmhouse will likely be an issue for a while, we'll probably set up my smaller farmhouse bed in Handsome's downstairs office to avoid them altogether as I heal. We'll see if we can get help to move the bed down from the attic and set it up in the next week or so. I'll move some clothes downstairs, too, to make life easier all around.

The best possible news - the bright side - is that it appears I'll have lots of time for my needlework. I'll finish this bluebird project, make more spoolies, and also update my Etsy shop with new items for sale.  That means I'll also bring some supplies downstairs so I'm fully prepared for a little leisure time once the surgery is accomplished. 

I'll probably know the date before the weekend, so I'll also have time to make the other preparations. I think it's gonna be a little bumpy for us for a while, but like we always say, "It's what we do." We'll handle this as well.

Handsome is already feeling better, but he saw the doctor yesterday, too. He's scheduled for an MRI next week. The doctor will see him after that appointment, and once we know exactly what's causing this, we can look to help him to be pain-free.

Hope this all wasn't too boring for you, my friends. I don't want you to worry about me. We'll get this all figured out, and in the meantime, I'll be treating my knee with the utmost care to avoid further damage. I guess when I have an accident, I manage to go all in. I keep shaking my head at my rotten luck, but I'll continue to look to the bright side. It can be fixed, and as I'm a really good healer, I'm confident this will heal better than the statistics. We've got this, but prayers are always appreciated. You already knew that, right? Thank you in advance.

I have a baking order to fulfill today. I'm going to be busy, but careful. I promise. I'll show you what I accomplish tomorrow. Thanks again!