TeeJay's recovery tale

[jaz]

Teejay how funny i thought the same thing with my knee oh im 42 2 active kids i will be up in no time...lol...oh boy.......i thought something was wrong with me.......I know knees are a lil more complicated but we all go thru the same pain and recovery...it floored me.....I have learned to go with it.do what i can...and i know ill look back at this is a yr and think this was a god thing i did especially when m out there throwing the football with my kids............) take it easy i think your doing well..........Patients was not my best either............)

What I find weird is that I had my LHR repeated after ten weeks last year and they were two completely different recoveries.

First surgery I was in a lot of pain, really wiped out, spent five days in hospital, slept a lot, no appetite, struggled to do the most basic tasks on my own, went back to work after 3.5 weeks on reduced days for a couple of weeks, no driving for six weeks, didn't go walking until staples came out etc.

Second surgery, I was up and showering myself the day after surgery, no pain, couldn't sleep in hospital because I was so full of energy, reluctantly stayed three days in hospital, sent the family out on food excursions from the time I woke from my surgery, got home from hospital, propped my crutches up while I got something and promptly forgot them and walked into the lounge unaided, cooked meals and did normal household chores easily, was driving two weeks after surgery and walking 2km per day within five days of THR, reluctantly waited three weeks to return to work then did full days quite soon afterwards.

This just goes to show no two recoveries are the same, even when it is the same person.

 

[teejay]

jaz,

How interesting - thank you for sharing that. As much as we humans want to get answers to every imaginable question, it ain’t always feasible. Your case is a perfect example of that.

It would be so beneficial to know all the answers (people believe), and that is why we come here, in more or less desperate phase, in attempt to find our life-saving resolution. For some the quest is easier than to others, either because their objective is simpler or they’re build to endure more.

The funny thing is, we all need to go through this recovery thing, and there is not much we can do about it. Taking it easy would be the most proper answer to the majority of questions; we (at least I) just don’t seem to accept it. Reading experiences such as yours will, however, facilitate our individual recoveries – gives us perspective.

 

[teejay]

Day 8

It appears that my yesterday’s excursion might have included a bit too much walking. I woke up today with a rather unpleasant dull ache from the heel all the way up to the hip. I’m unable to distinguish whether it’s the knee or the thigh that hollers out the loudest. My 10 mg Oxy and a Percocet eased the ache, but it’s still there. I’m not complaining, just an observation. I’m going to take it easier today. I was planning to have a nice walk with the dogs, but most probably it’s best to postpone that a tad.

We went for a walk, my wife and I, for about 20 minutes (without an aid and the dogs). Then I accompanied her to the grocery store just to be able to test the handicap parking. I pushed the shopping cart through our usual route and everything felt remarkably normal. (My wife asked me on the way back if I’d like to test-drive one of the scooters during the weekend. Of course I do.)

I realized that other shoppers were potential hazards; one little, orange-haired lady late from her bridge club could ruin my day with her assault weapon. I also tried to spot fellow Other Siders, but had no luck in that department. They all looked ordinary. (We seriously need to agree for a secret sign or code.)

I had to remind myself not to twist or make funny moves while packing and lifting those bags back to the cart and then into the car. I’m still a bit scared that my implant will suddenly disintegrate with a huge, colorful explosion. Try to explain that to the local cops!

I’m still on that one less Percocet routine, and God willing I’m able to decrease the dose further. I’ll take my time, though.

It felt good to walk, like returning back among my own species. I still lack the energy, so I try to set my daily goals low enough to accomplish everything, exercises and daily walk being on the top of the list. Reading has been rather demanding, maybe it’s due to the drugs; so, I concentrate in on doing what I can: surfing the net, watching TV, eating, exercising, resting, enjoying my family and dogs and cats, exchanging messages with friends around the world, and recovering. Anything that requires brain activity is kind of arduous, always been and always will be.

Did I ever touch the issue of stairs? Our home was built in the 50s, when architects thought it cool to design houses with numerous levels. My split-level home has four levels and lots of stairs. Prior to the surgery, we planned that I’ll just stay in our bedroom for two weeks, or whatever it took to reach the stage in recovery that would allow me to return to the world. The morning after the operation it became clear that I’d be able to move about more freely than anticipated, and then the stairs became an issue. It turned out that the stairs were never an issue at all. I’ve been climbing and descending stairs since day one. One less worry.

So what did I learn today? I learned that recovery is doing the required stuff every day and not worrying about the little things. I’ve to write that down for tomorrow.



shugaplum

That sounds like an interesting project, and an excellent media to spread the good word. How are the child labor laws in your neck of the woods? And, it appears that you have already saved another soul. That co-worker of yours will be so appreciative once the THR is over. Good for you.

 

[grenouille]

Your posts have been of real interest to me TeeJay, as i will soon be going on a similar journey, and its always nice to hear about the ride from someone who has been there before you.I hate meds, always have always will, and have dealt with pain fairly well without them. I plan to keep them to a minimum, but will use them to get a good nights sleep.Thats my plan anyway, time will tell.Your recovery seems pretty impressive to me, and I look forward to keeping a similar timeframe, though I also realize no two recoveries are ever the same.Keep up with the posts, I really do appreciate the daily reports. and the bonus is one gets to feel a little nosy as well as being informed.. heheh.

 

[teejay]

grenouille,

I do appreciate your interest, and I am happy to be able to assist in any fashion. You’re correct my friend that we all follow the same path, although our experiences will vary from person to person. It is interesting that observing others’ rides you obtain a better picture as what to expect; at least, you’ll get a peace of mind and quit worrying.

As to meds – Josephine really convinced me of the importance of continuous medication; i.e., you need to take the pain meds regardless how you think you feel to keep the pain in control. Josephine has billions of light years of experience on the meds, so believe her when she tells that you need to take your meds. She posted a wonderful chart that I lost, which clearly proves its better to take your regular amount of meds and NOT let the pain to intensify, because it takes not only a lot of extra meds to get the pain back in control, but also it takes a looooong time. Keep that in mind.

Frog (grenouille sounds much better), so far I’ve been very fortunate. I was prepared for much worse, so this is like winning a lottery. However long it takes for you, you’ll eventually get your life back and that is the main goal – nothing else matters. The waiting is the hardest part, once you have crossed to this side, you’re good to go. In the meanwhile, keep on reading this site, especially what Josephine and Jamie post. And please, feel free to ask a lot of questions. BoneSmarters are smart people.

Thank you for your kind words. January 13th is here faster than you think. Start packing your bags.

 

[teejay]

Midnight report:

Okay folks, I’ve to confess: I did exceed my limits today. I’m hurting – make that my leg, especially the knee, is hurting like … – your most favorite descriptive word here --. I’m fully awake and had to take some pills. The miserable component is that I did not see or feel any signs, except, maybe, that I got exhausted suddenly. The only thing I can tell is that even a world renown hippie like me (8 days out) can still misread his body at times.

You’d think that a person in pain is in advantage as regards to sensitivity to pain, but I guess, that’s like asking a person in rain to tell when the moisture content of the skin is increasing. The definition of “taking it easy” needs a definition. Hopefully I’m becoming more sensitive or this recovery thing is not going to work.

My wife wasn’t real helpful either. She said something like, “Take it like a man,” and turned around. It is not always easy to be a hippie.

 

[SheriALS]

I am laughing at your wife's response...
I notice in life that when we don't take the time to get adequate rest something always brings us to it.

Have a nice day of rest.
Sheri

 

[Josephine]

Teejay, do be careful about going out without a cane or something. You need that little extra support. You're doing well but you're only one week out yet so should be going more easily on yourself. Rest is needed to recoup - lots of rest! Be kind to yourself.

You too grenouille - this isn't a headache or a bit of a backache that you can work through - this is surgery! Watch a video of a hip replacement and then you'll think differently!

Here's the pain chart

 

[teejay]

DAY 9

Something is definitely going on. I’m experiencing much more pain and in new places that my wife decided we need to try a new approach: take 20mg Oxy in the morning, and Percocet at frequent intervals.

It’s hard to keep everything in control, when so many things are happening at the same time and new ingredients are being thrown into the soup. This like a circus - a balancing act.

I don’t think I have touched the subject of food yet, have I? I recall that I’ve read food mentioned a few times, but I assume it’s not an issue to most ‘ippies. Am I correct?

I’m one of those people that don’t eat meat. It’s not a religious thing - I merely never liked meat, nor did my wife. Big part of our diet comes from India, because rich Indian vegetarian cuisine is so easy to embrace, and my wife loves to prepare Indian food. She took a lot of recipes from Middle East as well; mostly Israeli, and Italian cuisine plays a significant part in our nutrition intake. She has learned in thirty years to vary the menu from day to day to guarantee our meals are well balanced and nutritious.

One of the drugs I’m taking is most probably the culprit for the slight nausea I’m experiencing. We’re more or less zeroing in on Celebrex, but it’s too early to name names. Due to the nature of vegetarian diet, I can’t afford irregular food intake. I simply don’t have any reserves. In addition, I lost a few lbs during this ordeal, and for me to gain weight is a real struggle (I’m certain that the guy who invents weight-gaining drug will make gazillions). The flip side is that I’m not overweight, and it’s easier for my joints and the rest of the system. Even the slightest nausea causes all kinds of alarms to go off in our household.


Sheri

She is a darling, isn’t she? As compassionate as she is, she does not tolerate whining much. It’s hard to live in fantasy land in this household.

The R-word is the word of the day. You’re absolutely correct; our bodies usually let us know their needs. We (at least I am) are just poor observers.

Thanks. You enjoy your day too. BTW How do you fill up your days of rest?

Josephine

I’m hearing this in stereo.

I hear you. I should be more careful about my posting. I try my best not to give the lurkers wrong ideas, and I regret my conduct every time you feel the need to drop by and put things in perspective.

In my defense: I’m very careful while walking indoors. When I’m outdoors, I always have an “aid,” either in the mode a shopping cart, for example, or my wife. I’m using the walker when it’s appropriate, and because I don’t posses a cane yet, my wife is protecting me from myself. Most of my indoor activities are planned better, and in more detail, than NASA’s excursions to Mars. If I’m portraying my life as running around without any help or reason, I’m sorry. Not my intention. I do not want to give fellow travelers any wrong ideas, but I’m not going to start using a disclaimer either.

It may be due to being dense, but I’ve tried to glean information regarding appropriate activities and, especially, the how long, how much, how fast, etc., without a success. I was basically told that do whatever you want and are prepared to pay back in pain. Just lying in the bed and doing the PT provided exercises is never going to get me back to business. This recovery is going to be a balancing act I’ve yet been able to get a hang of.

My wife is talking nursing to me, but I managed to glean one piece of information that might shed light on my current predicament. She has been measuring my thigh, poking me with her finger and drawing graffiti all over me. Today she announced the results: the swelling in my thigh, buttocks, etc. is in her opinion moderate+ (3 to 4 in whatever scale RNs are employing). Things are happening.

Just prior to her taking the dogs for a walk, she insisted that we create a daily exercise routine schedule starting with 5 minutes of walk (or whatever) and follow that dutifully. I think that’s an intelligent proposal. We need to be more sensitive and slow things down.

Thank you for caring, Josephine. (and that chart)

 

[JudyS]

teeJay i do remember the not knowing how much is ok and how much is too much. I tend to overdo in the exercise dept. At 4 weeks i really overdid it and came down the stairs in such incredible pain, worse than the original surgical pain.
I do remember asking my surgeon to give me specifics, like exactly how many steps can i take per day. After a few minutes he said 10,000. He was just humoring me , but i really wanted to know!!
Seems like you have some good pain meds so just take them and each week will get easier. if you do not overdo it!!
judy

 

[SheriALS]

The nice thing about overdoing things is that is rarely a permanent problem. I had a little overdoing last weekend and then I made sure to add some anti-inflammatory to my med cocktail. That seemed to help. I still have some swelling at 4 weeks too, over on the side by the trochanter.
I also noticed some nausea in the early weeks but that has subsided. I still have some digestive discomfort, , fullness & belching, can't eat a very large quantity of food at a time (which is better for me anyways as apparently someone already slipped that weight gaining drug into my drink!)

Filling up my days was difficult at first because it was hard to concentrate on a book which you mentioned previously. It is easier now so I am doing a bit of reading but I also have a hobby craft business and this is my selling time so I have kept myself busy working on the projects I am selling. I tend to do a little and then rest (usually while surfing the net) then I do a little more. I am also back to doing light homemaker duties (with my daughter's help) cooking & laundry.
I also do about 1 hour of my bed exercises a day (30 min 2x per day). I am doing the PT ones still as well as others I have added. I do them very slowly and add new ones as I feel comfortable. I usually need to rest a bit after this. No naps though. I have never been very good about that afternoon nap thing even though there are definately times I could benefit from it.
Maybe you could spend your time writing a book about hip replacement...I am sure you could make it funny and helpful. You could include Jo's pain chart with an arrow that says "here is where Teejay overdid it!"

Go to Walmart and get an ugly cane for $15. I found I could cruise around faster and with better gait, no limping.

Bless you,
Sheri

 

[Jamie]

Teejay, I've been a little scarce on the forum the last couple of days and just this morning found your kind comments. I'm so glad that the forum has been a help to you!

But....my friend....your detailed and well-thought-out posts are fabulous to read. There is no doubt they will be tremendous help to the folks who follow you....PLUS they are just plain fun to read!!

Now.....about this marathon you are finding yourself in the middle of....please try to temper your activity level a little so that you are GRADUALLY increasing the pace of what you're doing. I know it's so tempting to overdo it when you are feeling like the bionic person you now are. But....as all of us know, because we ALL have overdone it a few times......when you do too much, your body will let you know the next day or so. Listen to that well-tuned machine (your body) and take it VERY easy for a day or two when that happens. Baby yourself...meds, rest, ice, hot tea delivered by your wonderful wife......it's okay to milk the recovery a little during those times.

But it does sound like you are doing very, very well. You have a great caregiver there too to help out. You are still early in recovery and have lots of milestones to check off in the coming weeks. I look forward to reading about them.

 

[teejay]

Hi, Judy

We are in uncharted waters with this exercise routine, unfortunately. We made the decision with my wife that we follow a schedule starting with 10 minutes of walk and as much outdoor stay as possible. (This on top of the daily PT.) We will modify the routine according to the pain and other ensuing ramifications. I need to have starting point - this is it.

I walked the 10 minutes with her and then sat in the backyard watching the activities of my clan. It felt good. Did I already mention it felt good?

One of my neighbors saw us walking. He had surgery for cyst removal or something on his foot about six months ago. He had to use crutches for at least three months. The foot is still very painful and, as he describes it, black and blue. Also, he has never gained his energy level back. He just can’t believe his eyes seeing me walking without an aid (yup, my wife was there holding my hand, okay) a week after my surgery.

Oh, thank you, Judy, for saving my sanity. I’m not the only one coming up with these ridiculous questions regarding specifics. It would be so helpful to get some general idea how to proceed. I mean, the surgeon and PT see you and have all the germane information they need to make a professional proposal. It would be so easy. For example, walk 1 minute twice a day. So frustrating. I’m going to figure this out, for sure.

Yes, Judy, I’ve have traveled this road before and made sure I got the pain medication my body and mind needs for the most painless recovery possible. It just takes some experimenting to get the most effective combination going.


Sheri,

I’ve to remind myself regularly that indeed the pain will not remain forever. I guess it’s impossible to reach a perfect balance between the exercise, pain and improvement. What do you think is the reason for your digestive discomfort? Nausea could be effective weight control method, but it really sucks.

So, you’re basically returning to normal life, but taking it easy? That sounds good. Running a business could be rather demanding, but you need to do what you need to do. I’m thinking firing up the computers next week and having a test-drive. I’ve no fixed plan regarding resuming work activities, and I most probably will start with a few hours a day and go from there.

An hour of daily exercises - excellent. I reckon Yoga sure must help you out. I enjoy the slow, relaxed stretching movement. I distinctly recall when I first time saw a one-minute inhale asana.

Now you’re being funny, I’m unable to compose a coherent sentence, not to mention a book. I love that chart! I need to start shopping for a cane. I still feel a bit wobbly, so cane is not for me yet. I still prefer the walker or my wife’s arm, but the time for the cane will come.

Bless you too.


Hey, Jamie

Good to see you back, for a moment there I thought everybody has left and I’m the only one answering the phones - kind of scary concept.

It is hard to reach the balance between the exercises that improve your recovery and the pain that hinders it. As you can see above, we decided to start from the basics; 10 minutes walking daily + the PT. The body will regulate the rest. I’ve no absolutely no reason to hurry and overdo anything. I’m quite happy where I am.

Just paying it forward, Jamie, following the example of the best.

 

[teejay]

DAY 10

TeeJay’s sweat shop


I woke up last night about two hours after Mr. Sandman arrived drowning in sweat, quite literally. I usually sleep only with my underpants on, but I was reading last night and fell asleep with my most favorite Badlands t-shirt on, and it was stuck to my skin – this cold, wet shirt was glued to my body. My pillow was wet, my blanket was wet and my body had printed a perfect image of me on the bed sheet. (We composed a full report and took pictures of it all. The bidding on eBay will commence at 14:01 EST.) Cold sweaty skin is a very uncomfortable sensation.

A gallon of sweat had poured out of me and I was cold.

After we spent an hour cleaning up the mess and getting me back among the warm-blooded species, I started to think – I know, here we go again. This is the second time this phenomenon occurred, and now it was more manifest. I’m chalking this up in the medicine bad effects category, what is your read on this?

Changing the subject … Yesterday (heads up to those who do not follow this thread as keenly as a hippie should) we ratcheted up my pain meds due to increase in pain, which most probably was caused by increased walking and exercise routine that in turn was triggered by my non-active brain. We went from 10mg Oxycontin up to 20 mg Oxycontin 2x, and Percocet every two to three hours, and it appears it worked so far (duh!). Yesterday was a good day. The pain was gone, only slight discomfort present and that I can take like a man. This is only an experiment to get better understanding of my situation.

Yesterday I did my PT provided 30-minute exercises twice, and walked 10 minutes outdoors on top of other daily activities. I’ll try to repeat the routine today, and then I’m hoping to be much wiser to make decisions on the exercise / pain / improved recovery department. Should today end up being a carbon copy of yesterday, my plan is to lower the Oxy back to 10 mg and try again, and depending on the feedback either reduce the time of walking or keep on going. The idea sucks, but I don’t see any way around it. I was hoping to be able to walk more but C’est la vie.

Today the vampires want their share (INR), so traveling to the clinic will add to my daily activities. I’m still on 3 mg Coumadin. My plan for the day is to repeat yesterday and finish the book my wife bought me for the hospital stay. Usually I read a novel in a few hours; this has taken ten days to finish, because it has been difficult to keep eyes on those jumping characters and comprehend what they mean.

I got a fright yesterday. (Knocking on wood here.) I started to discern a little pressure in the “groin” as the swelling reached its peak (if I’m deciphering what my wife tells me correctly) in the thigh and buttocks. I recall reading a post by one trailblazer; he described the agonizing pain in his groin area about two weeks out. I’m happy to report that whatever I felt did not deteriorate into full-blown swelling and ache. Thank God for little things.

My BP is still a bit low: 110/58. The temp okay. The wound is clean. BM stays regular without any other softener than water. The slight nausea disappeared, and I got my appetite back. Pain: 1. My energy level is improving. I’m up about 12 hours (no naps) daily, which is some 3 hours less than normal. I’m more flexible every day, and at times wake up to the reality that I’m still only 10 days out and MUST take all the precautions. It is so easy to forget that I ever underwent any surgery. The meds keep my a bit wobbly, which is an excellent guardian: I must concentrate harder and slow down.

Have a nice day!

 

[JudyS]

teejay as usual a pleasure to read. I woke up soaked in the hospital a few times. Don 't remember it at home, but that does not mean it did not happen. i think it is just the body adjusting or complaining about all it just went through.

keep it slow, remember major surgery just 10 days ago!!
judy

 

[Jamie]

Teejay, you are doing it just right....going slow and listening to that wonderful body of yours. Our bodies are a miracle, aren't they! Keep taking good care of yours and it will reward you with a whole new life soon.

 

[teejay]

Day 11

My blood test yesterday indicated that the current Coumadin dose is sufficient and there is no need to increase the amount. This was good news to me. I’m so seriously terrified of the C. My arms look like those of 50-year old drug addict with the colorful bruises spanning the electromagnetic spectrum. Everybody is treating me as if I’m going to burst with the next poke. Yesterday, I’d to sit there for 15 minutes after they drew blood before the nurses let me go; they’re so afraid that the coagulation would cease and I’d hemorrhage and sue them. (I’m really starting to appreciate those nurses skillful enough to start an IV or draw blood painlessly.)

When I returned home, my Siamese attacked me and bit my toe. She has sharp teeth and plentiful of claws and they all work in unison. I was yelling somebody to call 911, but nobody moved a muscle. So much for real empathy or caring for a fellow man bleeding to death.

I was feeling so good all day -- sans the cat attack – that I decided to add a little to my daily walk around the neighborhood. We walked hand in hand, my wife and I, and enjoyed the day. 20 minutes to add to the diary (Everybody is keeping a Recovery Diary, right?). I completed both of my PT exercises as well. It’s the muscles of the anterior thigh that were not happy campers. The pain level was around 1.

I do need to concentrate on my walking to walk like real people. I can feel the tightness in the right thigh that forces my right foot to rotate a few degrees towards the midline. At least I hope that’s the reason. My wife claims that I walk like a real person again; I’ve no idea how a regular person walks. I’ve been observing people lately, and they all walk funny. I want to look funny.

My wife also tells me that I look better. I think she means that I don’t look so beaten anymore. (All Beverly Hills’ plastic surgeons combined would not be able to make this face look better.) Getting rid off that nausea sure helped, but I do feel more energetic. I’m drinking .5 gallons of water in addition to regular liquid intake. Water does magic to constipation. There is still numbness, especially around the wound, but less and less. Recovery is happening.

Last night I was my first home alone since the surgery. My wife went back to work for a few nights and then she has more days off. I’m willing to bet that my excursion to the bionic world has been more taxing on her than me. She has tried her best to conceal the worry, but know her so well. It hurts to see her suffering. She was scared that the surgery itself would no succeed. She was concerned that my recovery would be as difficult as they promised in the patient Guide Book. Every test and exam or phone call causes her anxiety to jump up. And she tried to hide this all to shield me from negative influences. I don’t know how to begin to pay her back, except to convalesce promptly.

The night went well. No more sweating. We had to shut the door to the bedroom to prevent the cats from sleeping on me, attacking me or playing on me. My Siamese, especially, wants to sleep on my lap and that hurts. When this recovery thing is over, I need to change the door, because the cats have almost succeeded to make a hole in it. They are coming. The two German shepherds are still making a big hole when I’m approaching. How do they sense that I need the space is beyond me. Even the younger one is real careful and does not come near without permission. I can’t wait to get out to the woods with them again.

Does anyone else have problems with socks? I’m able to put the clothes on, except the socks. This is an excellent excuse to move back to a warmer climate and forget the socks.

This has been a refreshing break from ordinary life, especially the peek into the lives of bionic people. You take any group of people and the sum of their fears, pains, joy, experiences and destinies, and you’re about to learn something valuable. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people all around the world; work, eat, share delight and fear with all kinds of groups, but this group of ours is special (you show me another group of people that announce their first BMs online). I’m sincerely pleased when people I’ve never met improve and get back to their lives. It’s totally devastating to read about you who do not fare as well. While I have nothing to offer you, you give me so much with your courage and character. Thank you for that. I wish you a very nice Friday.

I finished that book. These are the moments I regret that authors such as Pat Conroy don’t write more (I just have to revisit the novels again and again, I’ll bet that I’ve read The Beach Music 20 times). He is absolutely my most favorite author, although several others compose as well. As to the best novel of all times, I’d go with The Pillars of the Earth that I read twenty years prior to someone telling Oprah that it’s the best book ever.

Today we are back to regular pain med schedule, and hopefully I’m able to walk more. I’m taking this one day at a time – I promise.

Okay, my wife called that she is coming shortly. In a sense this was kind of scary to be home alone, because I started thinking all types of potential scenarios that would require two healthy legs and functioning mind to escape from without further harm. I’m wondering how is sasVermont doing all alone there under the 50 feet of snow?

Enjoy your Friday. I’m planning to walk down the stairs to my studio after lunch and take a look at the computers, sit there for five minutes (maybe call someone) and leave the office for a relaxing, extended weekend. Life is good.

P.S. What is with the other leg starting to hurt?

 

[teejay]

Hey Judy

I agree, sweating means recovery. Rather unpleasant experience. I’m starting to appreciate the fact that my body was viciously attacked by a mob local doctors, nurses and who knows who were attending the party. I can’t get that torture device out of my head. Sawing bones, pulling and twisting muscles and other leg components … no wonder it’s getting sore at times.


Jamie

A doctor gave me a 30-minute lecture about the excellence of the rectum once. Her love affair with the said organ was obvious, and she adored it the same fashion, as a car aficionado would a Ferrari. BMs have never been quite the same since. Yes, a human body is an impressive apparatus we all should take better care of.

 

[JudyS]

Teejay glad you made it home alone. Sorry about the attack cat. My dog has been amazing every time i had surgery. Now we have added a puppy who is always in trouble. it will be intereting to see if he stays clear of me after my next surgery.
Funny that you mention wanting to walk like a normal person or something like that. When i saw my hip/knee surgeon a few weeks ago he told me to try to walk more llike a normal person. Actually my feet tend to point outward as my knee is connected kind of crooked or my femur to my knee. I find it very challenging to watch each step, let alone figure out how my posture is and where the doggies are.

keep writing i enjoy it so.
judy

 

[nannyshoo]

Teejay just had to post how great your recovery stories are.
Apropos of nothing really, but my fourteen year old granddaughter has been on Coumadin (we call in Warfarin over here) for several years.
No haemmoraging yet and self tests weekly.
I feel I have been such a wimp over the past few weeks when she has had such a lot of surgery and makes nothing of it.
Love to hear about your cats and your german shepherds. Give us their names some time.
Your wife sounds wonderful and really supportive.