Today-Wow

[beachcomber]

I had the most amazing day. I am back at work, supposedly "part-time -- as tolerated". Last week was 52 hours....and I paid for it ..... but that was another story.

*This* week I am trying to plan smarter and not over-do it.

And something happened today that was absolutely amazing....

At the end of my first period class, after spending the 58 minutes walking around the class coordinating a lesson on the science of flavor and taste---

I suddenly realized that I hadn't thought about my knee or my back for the whole entire class period! It didn't hurt! I felt "normal" and without pain for the first time since my PKR and back surgery. And for way before that too....

It was the greatest feeling in the world!

Mind you--- it didn't last the whole day and by the time I got home I was ready for a pain pill---- but I see it as a glimpse into my future and I am so glad I have my new knee.

I saw some new posts today from some folks who were worried and questioning whether it was worth doing---- from my perspective---

YES! YES! YES!

That new knee just glides along. I can (and did) walk all the way around the school today without pain in my knee. It has been (and will continue to be for a while, I know)long, hard work and has been painful. But worth it? You bet!

For me and for my life I am confident I will get back to doing the things I had lost that bring me joy.

So, that was my day today. Later this week (or maybe tomorrow!) I will probably be back to whimpering and whining again--- but for today it is all good.

I wish you ALL a day like mine soon!

 

[dw6928]

That is truly great news, congratulations. Today was my first partial return to work. I had planned on about 3-4 hours and made 3 followed by my usual grueling PT (work to PT direct, not a great idea). Needless to say (and bear in mind that my job is totally on my feet), I was wiped out. I came home and slept about 2 hours. The worst part of it was when I got to PT my knee was so swollen that they had to use something called "Game Ready" which is a cryo/compression machine. It has a full leg sleeve and compresses and ices your leg to bring down unusual swelling. Obviously my day was not the great success that was your's. Hopefully, it will turn upwards, day by day. Thank you for your encouraging story. The timing was perfect for me.

 

[Nursepair]

Beachcomber. I am so very pleased for you. I hope you will continue to get days like that, often.

DW6928 I am sure you too will have days like BC's one day, hang in there!!

 

[Skeet]

Today was my first full day. I left home at 7 am and drove to Vancouver, WA, arriving around 9:30 am. I hosted a meeting straight through from 11 until almost 6 pm, then drove home and got home just a few minutes ago. I can't believe it! I feel great. I exercised my leg a lot while sitting at the table, got up and walked around a few times, and took some Alleve. No ice, nothing! I feel good this evening, not even too tired. I'll be working at home tomorrow since my day starts at 6 am, but I'm hoping to go into the office on Wednesday.

Guess this was a good day for two of us! I'm at 11 weeks PO today. It does get better. I'm sure I'll have bad days, but I'm enjoying the great day I had today.

God bless you all. Thanks for the prayers - see, they DO work!

Skeet

 

[kath]

Congratulations Beachcomber and Skeet, getting closer to the light.

 

[beachcomber]

Thank you all for your support through the dark days and for your good thoughts on a good day.
This group has been a truly amazing help to me. The advice, empathy, prayers, and laughter have been priceless!
Thank you and best wishes for good days for you all.

Off to bed now. Hoping for another day like today, but expecting reality to hit again as the week progresses. But I could see the light today! And it was great!

 

[Pattipoo]

So So happy for you!! We're definitely progressing! What an adventure.

There's a purpose for everything that happens...I've told you before, I don't remember HOW I found this wonderful "home away from home" but I think that we ALL were led to it in order to help others. Look at us!!...We're all over the globe! I think that TKR has progressed to the point that more and more will have it done, now....they keep improving the product and technique. It's helping SO many people lead better lives. Look how we can help others!! We've meticulously discussed every possible "blip" that occurs after surgery - clear through going back to our normal work habits. We're the AMBASSADORS of TKR! Don't you honestly think that you could talk, in depth, to anyone contimplating this surgery? A man ,that I barely know, called my office today. Af friend of his told him about my surgery - how I was back at work in 5 weeks...This man wants to set up a meeting with me and HIS best friend that needs a TKR and is debating whether to have it. I'll get to do my first "gig" as AMBASSADOR! How Cool??

Rock on sister Ambassador!!

We're All going to be called on to help others with this knowledge that we've gleaned from one another as we've made it through this ordeal!

 

[Josephine]

Patti, that is awesome! All powa to you, gal!!

.

 

[gatiger]

Watch her Josephine, sounds like Patti may be staging a take-over.

 

[Pattipoo]

None of US can stage a takeover....Josephine has actually been in Gepheto's workshop while helping to put us back together into REAL girls and boys.....I can only speak of the aftermath.

 

[gatiger]

Carolyn, I am really glad to hear about your yesterday. I taught H.S. for 9 years and you have my sympathy and RESPECT. That can be a hard gig on good days. It is really good to hear it went well for you.

 

[Doug]

I spent 30 years in law enforcement but I don't think I would last a month as a teacher. I've seen some of the kids at my sons middle school and I think I would put a knot on someone's head with the attitudes they walk around with.
I have the greatest of respect for teachers. If anyone truly touches the future of a nation (other than parents), it is teachers.

 

[gatiger]

You know Doug, there are some great kids out there, but I swear man, some of them......... they're just waitin on the correctional system to have an opening. AND I found that when you see the kid, you're lookin at the parent. I can't even talk about "the public education system" without jumping 50 blood pressure points. I don't see for the life of me how REAL teachers do it.

 

[Doug]

You're right. Most of the time the kid will reflect the parents. Now always but most of the time. I've had so many parents standing in front of me telling me their kid wouldn't do something and we caught them red handed. Or what really pisses me off is when they blame someone else.

 

[gatiger]

I know, me too, that and when they act they haven't done anything wrong even after you explain the problem. Oh well, thank God, I don't have to deal with that anymore.

 

[gatiger]

DW, they sent me home from the hospital with a Game Ready, I kept it for 6 weeks. That thing was my 'almost best friend', couldn't be better than my wife. It was wonderful though.

 

[gatiger]

beachcomber, whodyhoo. How'd it go girl?

 

[Skeet]

I have to say that after my great day yesterday, I couldn't sleep, had to get up for a 6 am meeting, then couldn't stay awake and had to go back to bed during a meeting. The good news is that it is 4:19 pm and I haven't taken a pain med yet today!! That's the longest I've ever gone without one. I took an Alleve earlier. Maybe it does help!

Went to the doctor today for my annual physical and came home with meds for sleep. She wants to make sure I get more rest as I am simply exhausted. So, you all are, as usual, right again!

Beachcomber, how was your day? I hope you had two great days in a row!

God bless,
Skeet

 

[beachcomber]

Re: Today-Wow--another one!

Only down side to this going-back-to-school deal is I am missing out on all the fun with this group! Dang! Takes a long time to catch up after I get home!

Actually I had another really good day. Pain was my buddy today, but it was just a little buddy and kept to a dull roar with only my AM oxycodone ( 10 mg extended release over 12 hours) and some regular Tylenol. I can deal with the pain at that level and still work. It is now after school and I am sitting in my recliner with my knee wrapped in ice and elevated. Took a Vic and might even get up pretty soon to help with dinner.

I so much wish I could bottle up this feeling I am having this week and send it off to each and every one of you. I would send you a big dose on those painful, down days so you could really see and feel the direction you are heading for.

What a blessing this procedure and this group have been for me. Thank you so much for all your support and kind words and wishes. Teaching is my passion and all I have every wanted to do. And I actually LIKE this age group.

The good thing about returning to school after 2 months is that my students LOVE me now! LOL! They missed me and are being so solicitous and helpful. So yes, Skeet--- I am taking it easy. Thanks for your concern and reminder to not get too feisty while I am feeling better.

AAAANNNNNNDDDDDD--- to top it all off--- just got the word today that my little "newby" first-time-ever culinary competition team (remember my 15 hour day at the state championships?) placed 6th out of the 34 team competition. We beat the defending state champions for crying out loud!
I guess those little "visits" to my classroom while out on sick leave paid of a little...

Again, thank you all and keep hanging in there. Better days ARE ahead.

 

[Doug]

Fantastic news on your team. Now, if you could just teach me sauces. I'm good at everything but sauces.
And thanks for being a teacher!