Boredom and It's the Little Things

Shhh!  Don't tell anyone, but I've been driving even though I haven't been officially "cleared" to drive.  Anyone who knows me, knows I usually follow the rules to a tee.  I always do what I am told. 

However, I am moving around so well and have stopped taking any medication that I know I am good to drive on my own. The surgery was on the left knee, so it's not even used during driving.  I drove to McDonald's with Herb last Sunday just as a test drive and I did fine.  So, I've since driven twice to outpatient therapy with no issues whatsoever.

I'm using a cane, but only when I go outside.  Indoors I'm moving around on my own.  I'm still sleeping in the recliner, it seems the best place to get the most rest.  I'll try the bed again in a few days.  Macey, our 4 year old cat, still sleeps next to me every night.  Once in awhile, Sedona, one of our other cats stops by around 2 am and pats my arm looking for some petting.  I give in to her for awhile, but then I gently shoo her away.

I caught Finn sleeping in an old chair across from me one night.  This is the first time I've seen him in this chair.  This used to be the chair where 3 of our dogs would snuggle together years ago:  Pretzel, Bandit and Willow.

Our air conditioner went out last week, so we had installers here all day this Wednesday.  While I went to therapy Herb was home with the installers.  When I got home, then Herb had to go to work.  My biggest issue was making sure Misty, our brave cat, wouldn't slip out the front door with them going in and out so much.  I was glad when they finally left at 6:30.  I was worn out.  However, they will have to return some time next week to finish installing the heating element etc.  They are a bit back logged with other customers having cooling problems.  They said their work next week should only be a half a day...I hope so.

My big accomplishment for today?  Cutting my big toenail on my left foot!  I have long legs, so my foot is pretty far from my eyes.  It's hard enough to bend over and get to the toe, but when you need new glasses and can't see what you're doing, that's a whole different issue.  However, I got it done without cutting off my toe!!  Woohoo!  It's the little things that count!

One last thought, I would like to thank the Gilmore Girls of Stars Hollow, Frazier Crane of Seattle, and Andy, Opie & Barney of Mayberry for keeping me entertained!  Boredom has been the worst part of being cooped up in the house.  I find myself dozing off all the time, and I hate it!!  It's not the medication because I'm not taking it anymore, it's just plain boredom.  Looking forward to going to church this weekend and who knows what else!

Post Op - End of Week 2

Saw my surgeon yesterday morning, 13 days post op total left knee replacement. He felt I was 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule and was very happy with my progress. My range of motion was 115/-5. Very glad all this hard work is paying off.

My physical therapist came in the afternoon to give me additional exercises and to start me using the cane.  I'm lucky I can manage moving two legs at the proper time, now I have to think about when to move the cane with which leg! Haha!  Don't be surprised if you hear me counting 1-2, 1-2 as I walk. I'm such a dork!

Next Monday I start outpatient therapy.

The pain has lessened quite a bit and I'm spreading my medication out to every 8 hours.  Soon, I may try alternating with Aleve. 

 My biggest issue? Still finding a comfortable way to sleep. Still in the recliner as we have cats and a dog who likes to sleep in with us and of course, they like to snuggle up against me! Can't kick them out, so will deal with the recliner a bit longer I guess.

Also, get tired of just sitting whether in the recliner or in an upright chair.  My back and butt gets tired and I get a bit antsy just sitting around.  Last night, I decided to stretch out in bed, lay on my side, and see if I could stretch some of the kinks out.

Here is a picture of why I can't spend the night in bed.  Misty on my exercise pillow, Macey and Finn taking up even more space.  Herb's supposed to fit in there someplace too.

I did manage to get a good night's sleep in last night though.  Only woke up once to go to the bathroom.  I have also found a mug of chamomile tea helps me sleep better.  I have to admit though, I miss my glass of chardonnay.  Looking forward to chardonnay being in my future.

Post Op - Week 1

Well, it's almost been a week since I've had left total knee replacement.  All went very well and now I'm in the midst of the hard part...physical therapy!  So far, I'm doing pretty well, pushing myself through the pain and trying to make progress.

I got home from the hospital last Thursday afternoon, and have been trying to adjust my house and my routine to something manageable.  Herb took off several days, but is now back to work.  So, I am home alone part of the time.  It hasn't been bad though, Herb has made my salads etc ahead of time, so I can just grab them and walk myself over to the chair or recliner.

The hardest part is sleeping at night.  So far, I've been sleeping in the recliner.  Finn, who usually sleeps in the bed with us, spent the first night sleeping next to me on the recliner (it's a love seat recliner).  That dog is so smart and sweet!

The next night, two of the cats slept next to me...they're usually in the bed too.  It's like they all know and understand!

I tried sleeping in the bed last night, but that lasted about 90 minutes.  Between all the pillows I had to protect my knee from an animal walking on it, I just couldn't get comfy.

Two physical therapists came today to see how I was doing and they said it was OK to lay on my side, just put a pillow between my knees.  I'm a side sleeper, so we'll see how long that lasts tonight.  The recliner just isn't comfortable any more.

Here are a couple of pictures of Finn while I was laying in bed.  He never lays this way in bed.  It's just so cute he's protecting my knee.

My blood pressure was up a bit today.  Ugh.  The therapists said they will keep an eye on it and if they feel it's necessary they will give my PCP a call.  About 6 years ago I had high blood pressure, but after I lost a lot of weight, it got under control.  Hopefully, I won't need to go back on medication, but if I do, I guess that's what I'll have to do.