Just a few daunting little tasks.

[Not Heidi]

(First: I'm very, very grateful for my insurance. Believe me, I know how lucky I am.)

Here are 16 tasks, most rather wearisome. With the fact that the next three weeks looks like this, the whole thing is wearisome.



With a few exceptions, like getting my sister to SNA and home again, going to see the Angels vs the Padres, and getting my car smogged, it's mostly part of the run up to shoulder surgery three weeks from tomorrow.

I am looking forward to a few things, and to getting this surgery - and the long recovery - over with!

I'm also glad that they're replacing the *right* shoulder, as I'm left-handed.

Have (has?) any of you had a joint replaced? Isn't it fun?! 🙄

[Kali]

1. both knees

left knee done in 2019, was supposed to do right knee that fall or next spring but covid so waited until early November of 21. New years day 2023 more than a year later, it became infected and had to be opened up and thoroughly cleaned. IV antibiotics for 6 weeks then oral. Memorial day, just a week after finishing the oral antibiotics, the infection came back. had to have the whole thing removed and a "temporary articulated spacer" installed. not telling this story to scare you, telling it to let you know IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!!! even though I probably have to do it again to get a permanent steel joint instead to this plastic one, it WILL STILL BE WORTH IT!

I can walk, stand up without having to hold on to things and take gasping breaths due to the pain. I can do things like prep food and cook without having to sit in a chair every 5 minutes because the pain of standing was unbearable. the bed rest, antibiotics, surgeries, PT - all worth it.

[Not Heidi]

2. my god, you've been through the wringer

(that's an understatement)

I'm sorry you've had such troubles with your knee. How on earth did it get infected after being closed for more than a year? That's baffling.

I'm not worried. I've had my left knee replaced, and the right follows after the shoulder. I've also had a surgical infection, but it was nowhere nearly as severe as yours.

Thank you for the encouragement. I know I will have days of feeling sorry for myself because my arm is strapped to my body and, among other things, I won't be able to play my guitar. But I'll remember your outlook, for which I thank you.

[Kali]

3. last year was a long one, for sure

no idea why it took so long to show up. the circulation is not perfect in that leg due to some old injuries (horse related, LOL) and that is about the only thing I can think of.

I have heard the shoulder takes a little longer than knee recovery but these things are so amazing and I am grateful the technology and boomer demands have led to the development of it all!

[Not Heidi]

4. "Boomer demands"

Proud to be a demanding Boomer! I did my part for infant heart surgery. I came out of the womb saying, "Hey, fix my heart, will ya?" The maternity nurse said "We'd better get this one to Dr. McEachen (IIRC), she's a boomer and she's got her part to play in history!"

Of course, that quote is fiction, but I like it. I can use it as the preface for my memoir.

Way to lose the thread, Kim . . .

We are lucky indeed to have benefited from the needs of those who came before us. Thanks for pointing this out.

[PJMcK]

5. Full replacement of my left knee

The pain management program was terrific. (Pro tip: NO alcohol while taking the pain medication!)

Be sure to work diligently with your physical therapists. Do the exercises and stretches even on the days you don’t see them; it’ll help accelerate your recovery. My PT came to my home 3 times a week for 3 weeks. I continued the exercises and had a full recovery in 3-4 months.

My life has never been better! Great good luck! You’ve got this.