Santa Claus is Coming to Town

It's almost Christmas Eve, I'm ready Santa, bring it on!  I saw a sign the other day "Dear Santa, please send elves to clean my house and bake cookies.  I bought the gifts, you owe me!"  How true, right?  I'm heading to my brother's early Saturday (Christmas Eve) morning.  He lives about an hour away in the beautiful Shenandoah Mountains on Skyline Drive in Front Royal, Virginia.  I don't get to see him or his family very often, they all lead such busy lives, especially my twin nieces, who are 21 and will be graduating from college next May.  I'll return home Christmas Day before sundown.  I don't like driving in the dark on the highway, especially in the mountains.  John returned as scheduled from his work trip in Texas on December 14th.  John will be having Christmas dinner at his Mom's who lives about twenty minutes away.  We'll spend Christmas evening together enjoying some liquid holiday cheer.  John is off from work until January 2nd.

Last blog, you recall John had left for Texas and I had a living room full of boxes full of Christmas decorations and a bare tree with lights only.  I posted this picture on my December 6th post.

I took the first week after he left to build up my strength from my knee surgery.  The second week, I got started, moving slowly, it took time, but I got there.  I even got the boxes put away.

How long did it take you to decorate your tree?  One of my collections is Santa Claus's.  It's not Christmas if you don't have a Santa Claus.

Here's a Santa Claus door decoration I bought at a craft fair.  It is made completely of yarn.  You gifted crafty fellow bloggers could probably make one of these yourself.

Then there's the Santa Claus puppies peeking out of their Christmas bag.

I quickly finished up baking last Friday before I picked up John at the airport.  I wanted to surprise him with his favorite, Peanut Butter cookies.  Some cookies I added a Butterfinger's bell on top (some melted a little).

John was amazed and pleased how much I'd accomplished.  Then...there's Murphy's Law.  Yep, I had something bad happen.  After writing my last blog, December 14th, I was putting my computer away before heading to bed and knocked over my water on my laptop keyboard - YIKES!!  I immediately unplugged it.  I immediately turned the laptop upside down (for draining purposes), like a teepee.  I have a very small fan that I slid underneath the "teepee" laptop upside down and let it run all night.


The next morning I plugged it back in (even though it is battery backup) and started it.  It made some noises that eventually stopped, the Microsoft screen came up after a short wait.  My wall paper came back on the screen.  I started investigating on what worked and what didn't for two days.  It turns out I lost the W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, and O letters and all number keys above them and all the function keys above the numbers.  Given the severity of what happened, I was very pleased with the recovery.  All my files were still on the computer and accessible.


When John came home, I fessed up to what happened.  He's always telling me be careful with my drink around the laptop.....Murphy's Law.  He fessed up he got a Christmas bonus from work and was willing to buy me a new laptop for Christmas.  It was tempting, I said no.  I was going to try a wireless keyboard, see if it worked.  I went to Staples and returned $30 lighter with a new wireless keyboard...that works!  My new laptop setup - new keyboard over non-functioning laptop.

All I have left is gift wrapping.  For my nieces, I put everything I can in a stocking for each of them, what I can't goes in a Christmas bag with tissue wrap, a Christmas box, or a box wrapped with Christmas wrapping paper.  I have little stocking stuffers for my sister-in-law and brother and wrap one large present for them too.


John got his Christmas shopping done this morning by way of a trip to the bank.  He does the easiest shopping - everyone gets cash, me included.


My knee continues to heal.  I know this because it is still painful to be on it for long period of time.  You know the pain that shoots up your leg when you stub your toe, makes your eyes water?  It's that kind of pain, only it is in my knee area.  It's a throbbing sharp pain, not constant, thankfully.


While John was gone, I made my first grocery store trip post surgery, two stores as usual.  It was painful, my leg felt like a tree trunk by the time I got all the food put away.  At night, it is painful to extend my leg flat, parallel on the bed, I keep it bent to sleep.  The doctor said it would be another month of healing, so I'll give it until mid-January.  If the pain continues, it is back to the doctor.  I can't worry about a new year deductible, I want to be able to walk normal again, especially after all that money spent.


I treated myself this afternoon to a quick trip to the nail salon.  I decided on a snowflake design, which is still "wintry" enough even after the holidays.  I love the glitter nail polish.  I use it only this time of year.

Happiest of Holidays and Merry Christmas one and all!

Grocery Shopping

Whew, it was a journey today, grocery shopping day.  I started out list in hand headed for Shoppers Food Warehouse (SFW), I remembered my coupons too.  I got there about 10:40 this morning.  Last time I went grocery shopping was before my knee surgery on November 29th.  I had a lengthy list.  Truth be known, I also stock up on what's on sale (or I have a coupon for), stuff we regularly use.


It was about Noon when I finished at SFW headed for home to unpack and put away.  Once completed, I was exhaust and my knee was sore.  I knew it would be, it was the longest I'd spent on it.  I decided to rest it for awhile before heading out to Giant Food, the other grocery store.  It was 1:15 when I headed for Giant.


I did quite well.  I got most of the items on my list at SFW.  This is the reason I go to both stores, I can't get everything I need at SFW, although they have the better prices.  I'm happy when I only have 25% of my list left going to Giant.  Also, Giant has better produce department than SFW.  I try to keep apples, grapes, fruit on sale of that given week and this trip, I picked up some clementines, stocked for snacking.


I use to hate grocery shopping.  When I was working, I cut a deal with John, we alternated weeks shopping, since we both hated it or we'd go together.  Now, since I've been unemployed, I do all the grocery shopping.  I've now slowed down to read labels, compare prices, and look for the "healthy star" shown on some products suggested as healthier.  I don't always buy the "healthy star" product (sometimes it is the priciest).  I do read the labels and compare the prices.  If the "healthy star" product is on sale and it's a good deal, I'm stocking up.  I love when the drop the price of nuts a couple of bucks or I have a coupon for a couple of bucks off (rare coupon find).  Johnny gets angry when he opens my pantry "you need to clean this out".  "I bet if you dug back in here, you'd find stuff expired years ago."  It's on my project list, I'll get around to it (someday :)   Besides, it's Christmastime, not cleaning out the pantry time.  I've got other things to do, 'tis the season.

What we fail to do this time of year is slow down, take some time for ourselves.  I've placed the bag of ice on my knee and elevated it.  I have my favorite beverage and my friends, bloggers and readers here in my favorite spot.  What a way to wrap my day!

Tomorrow, I carry all the boxes John brought down from the attic out to the garage (and I have space in the living room/dining room again).  Rain is expected.  I'll get some laundry and cleaning done.  If I still have energy, my plan is to move into present wrapping.

Christmas Cleaning

I'd had enough of the dirty oven.  I kept ignoring it telling myself I'll clean it later.  Today, later arrived.  I decided to get out a can of whoopass oven cleaner last night and give the oven a good spray and let it set overnight.  This morning after wiping down the oven door, I remembered to get the camera.  Our oven is the original to the house.  Yes, remember the 60s????

Clean Door - Dirty Oven

Clean Oven

Growing up, it was my chore to clean the family oven.  As a military family, we moved every 2-4 years.  It was the occupying family who cleaned the house and prepared it for the next family to move in.  The only responsibility the military had was to paint each time a family vacated base housing.  The military would inspect the house after it was vacated by the occupying family.  If the occupying family failed inspection, the active military member would be charged a cleaning fee.  The goal was to avoid failing inspection.  I've got experience cleaning ovens, floors, bathrooms, carpeting, walls and windows.  By placing tinfoil in the bottom, it is suppose to keep the floor of the oven from staining.

Tinfoil Placed

For those who remember the antique General Electric ovens of the 60s, here's a quick run down Memory Lane.

The timer and self cleaning controls

Easy-to-read controls

GE's handy oven temperature guide

Ahh, those were the days, no warranties to purchase.  This oven is still working more than 40 years later!


After I cleaned the oven, I had the feeling of accomplishment, I decided to keep going.  I finished up some decorating.  Is it me or are you doing it to?  Just when I think I've finished Christmas decorating, I find more decorations.  I spent hours this afternoon taking stuff out of boxes and putting stuff back into boxes.  I was exhausted and ready for Christmas, with just wrapping to go.


Since I'm once again mobile, it's time for me to get back on the diet nutrition wagon.  With John still in Texas (returning Friday), I've had a break from cooking nightly and enjoying the break.  I love Chinese delivery!  I made some chicken, brown rice and green beans tonight and have leftovers for tomorrow night.

I'm enjoying the holidays, getting my spirit.  It is here only once a year, grab it, absorb it, get enough to last you through the year.  If only everyone could keep the Christmas spirit all year round.

Healing Nicely

I must spread my Holiday Cheer.  I saw the doctor this morning.  It was my follow up appointment since knee surgery on November 29th (only two weeks ago!).  Doctor says I am healing nicely, my knee "looks great".  He asked how my knee felt.  I informed him that it is sore when I attempt to flex it to a full extension.  I am walking on it completely, short distances.  There is a slight pain in the knee area when I'm walking for short periods.  As I hoped, this is a sign the knee is healing.  With the surgical tape removed at the doctor's office, pictured below is one entry point on the upper right corner and two barely visible entry points at the lower part of my knee.

I have no restriction except no running or jumping for about another month.  I never did any running or jumping before the surgery, so I think I'm pretty safe with that.  I have almost full range of motion again.  I have noticed that the knee stiffens when I'm sitting for any length of time.

Finally, I'm relieved no physical therapy is necessary.  He said I will continue to heal for the next two to three weeks.  If I have any problems or concerns the doctor said I should call his office and schedule another appointment.  I couldn't be more thrilled, I have my life back - a Christmas blessing.


Continuing in my Christmas spirit and decorating, I put out the ceramic 18 inch tree and put it by the back window.  Do you like it there?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Catching up with my fellow bloggers, everyone seems to be getting into the Christmas spirit.  Cleaning, decorating and holiday parties are the general discussions.  Well, you've motivated me into the spirit as well.  I started online shopping just shortly after Halloween - you know, those Veteran's Day sales, then followed by the Thanksgiving sales, and a very good Cyber Monday.  I love shopping online, I made my final purchases today!  They keep sending me emails about their sales, which of course includes FREE SHIPPING.  I'm deleting them without reading them now, too tempting.  I love Christmas, now if only we were rich.

I changed my blogger template for the holiday season.  I've also changed my computer desktop background.  I pulled this picture from the internet.  It gives me a feeling of serenity while my computer loads.

John called last night from Texas, it was 24 degrees there last night.  Thankfully, he had checked their forecast and packed accordingly, except for gloves.  When he left Monday (yesterday) morning, we were in the 40s with temps heading into the 60s.  We've been blessed for about a week with warm weather, which is coming to and end tomorrow with the approaching cold front from Texas.  Well, I suppose it is December.  Here's the view of my deck out my sliding glass door today, everything is wet.

At least the view from my front door is a bit more festive.

Since tomorrow's weather is suppose to continue on a downward spiral of cold, wet and dreary, I'm committed to start the tree decorating.  If that goes well, I will continue with the remainder of the living room and dining room areas.  I don't know how long I'll be able to stand on my leg.  I know I will take breaks and often.  I have been walking without the limp now, still slowly.  I steady myself when coming from a sitting position to ensure I am stable.  You know that feeling when your knee cap wants to pop?  You want to move your leg back and forth until it pops?  That's how my knee feels, but my knee cap isn't popping.  It isn't painful, so I'm going to side that it is a positive feeling of healing.  Today is exactly one week since surgery, I'm grateful for my progress.

We move our dining room table against the wall each season to make room for the tree.  I will restate - we have an old, small rambler home, just perfect for the two of us.  Here are the boxes of decorations and ornaments John brought down from the attic before he left, thankfully.

I also will need to do a bit of vacuuming, dusting and cleaning before I get started on the decorating, beginning with putting away my "get well soon" cards.  Thank you my friends for your thoughtfulness.

As always happens when John is on travel, something goes wrong.  Last night at 10:30 before I headed to bed, I used the toilet one last time for the evening.  Don't you know, the toilet decided to overflow.  When I flushed (yes, too much toilet paper), I saw the water rising.  That toilet has been a little finicky anyway, it doesn't like toilet paper.  I plunged and I plunged until the toilet overflowed.  We have "bathroom carpet" in our bathrooms to cover the ugly 1960s small speckled tile that has not yet come back in style.  Remodeling both bathrooms is on the the to-do list.


I pulled up the drenched carpeting and pulled out the mop.  I finally got everything cleaned up around 11 (remember I was up at 4:20am to take John to the airport?).  I was exhausted and headed to bed. I spent the morning washing the carpeting and old towels.  I've decided to use the hall bathroom the remainder of the time John is gone...just in case.  Everything is back where it is suppose to be.

I'll have to look for my Christmas CDs tomorrow, I know they will certainly get me motivated to attack the decorations.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Counting My Blessings

I can confirm that you never realize how much someone or something means to you until you don't have them anymore.   In the weeks leading up to my knee surgery, I was afraid, very afraid.  I didn't know if the surgery would restore my ability to walk.  What would I do if I couldn't walk again?


I continue to count my blessings.  The surgery did restore my ability to walk.  I'm getting stronger every day.  John took my bandage off Friday evening.  See where I was directed to write YES at my point of surgery (knee) and the doctor's initials?  There are three arthroscopic points of entry in my knee, one above the kneecap and two below.  My knee area is very swollen.

I continue to count my blessings.  I took my first shower (no baths allowed)  Saturday since last Tuesday's surgery - one word....ahhhhh.  I abandoned the one crutch on Saturday.  Each time I stood up, I made sure my right leg was braced and stable enough to take my weight for walking.  Stop and think how many times a day you lift yourself from a seating position.  For us females, this includes using the restroom.  I certainly now realize how important knees are!  It has been slow and steady improvement.  I'm  am no longer hopping but walking with a slight limp, a bit like I did prior to the surgery.  I can feel my right leg getting stronger.  I count my blessings.


John got the outside Christmas lights up on the front of the house.  Only the garage and porch area and the hedges near the driveway have lights.  I had hoped he would decorate the light post in the front yard as he'd done in the past, he ran out of time.  John had to pack for his work trip to Texas for the next two weeks.  At least we have a little bit of Christmas lighting on the outside of our house.  I'm pleased with what John accomplished.  I count my blessings.

John was up at 4am, he woke me at 4:20.  He had asked on Friday if I thought I might be strong enough to drive him to the airport this morning so he wouldn't have to take a taxi.  Sunday (last) night, I took a test drive up and down our street.  The biggest question was could I bend my knee enough to get in and out of the car?  I managed to slowly drag my right leg into the car and bend it slightly once seated.  As the night went on, I practiced bending my knee, pushing it a little further each time.  We left the house this morning at 4:50am for the airport, I had my travel mug of coffee with me.  I finished the remainder of the pot upon my return home.  Right now, I'm feeling tired but not sleepy.  I'm sure I'll dose off early tonight.  I pushed myself to get my laundry done today.  John washed what laundry he needed to pack for his trip yesterday.  I counted my blessings.


Finally, I count my blessings for John and you.  John for standing by me, helping me, and being patient with me when I was so afraid.  You for your comments encouraging and supporting me.  I appreciate your support, thank you.  I'm on my way to walking normally again and continue to count my blessings as the minutes tick away.

Surgery Day

My head is mostly clear today, finally.  My knee is feeling better too.  I've been using one crutch and support most of my weight on the good leg.  I can't seem to get both crutches to work at the same time.  I have a feeling of falling forward, flat on my face.  I'm avoiding that.  I'm taking everything s-l-o-w.  Tomorrow is the first day I can shower.  I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to that!


I had prepared, I had three weeks to do so!  I had my to-do list checked off.  I had all items to take with me ready to go.  I gave John two bag selections to hold the contents of what we needed to take to the hospital, including whatever items he wanted (book, iPod, whatever).  My car inspection expires annually December 31st, I put it on the list anyway.  It's the only thing on the list that is still a to-do.

For the most part, surgery day went fine, with one exception.  I found it unusual that everyone I had contact with introduced themselves.  I wanted to take pictures of a few things, John didn't have the tolerance for any picture taking.  I think he was more nervous than I was, and I was scared to death.  I never had surgery before.


Needless to say, I got an onslaught of medical questions on allergies and reactions to medications, although I had already completed an online questionnaire.  They needed to validate the answers were mine - imagine?!!  I had answered that I had never had surgery before.  I must have been asked ten times if I had any reaction previously to anesthesia.  So much didn't make sense to me.  The staff kept saying it was for my own protection.  


I checked in as directed at 9am.  The waiting area was packed.  There were actually two waiting areas, both filled, about 75 people if I had to guess.  I was finally called about 9:20 when the beeper they provided me beeped.  I was given eight forms to sign, paid my deductible, and given copies of everything I signed.  I was informed I was scheduled for 11am surgery.  When the surgical team was ready for me, my beeper would reactivate (beep) and someone would call my name.  I was directed to return to the waiting area.  About 10:15, the beeper was activated and my name was called.  John followed me to the surgical area where I was told to go to Room 7 (lucky 7?).


I sat on the padded, sheeted gurney, John sat in the chair.  There were three walls and a sliding curtain to separate the room from the hallway.  A nurse appeared explaining that an IV would be inserted into my hand so fluids and anesthesia could be inserted into my system.  I was told the doctor and the anesthesiologist would meet with me and answer any questions prior to surgery.  I was given the dreaded hospital gown, some grey non-slip socks and two plastic bags labeled "Personal Belongings".  I was told to strip to my birthday suit, put on the gown and socks and place my clothes and shoes in the bags and give them to John.  The nurse gave me a small magic marker and told me to write YES on my right knee (the spot where surgery was to occur).  She said the doctor would initial above my YES mark when he talked to me.  I changed and marked my knee.  The nurse reappeared after my dressing instruction completed directing me to lie down on the gurney I was sitting on and place the blanket on the bottom of the gurney over me.


Another lady, who could have been a nurse, appeared to insert the IV into my left hand.  Thankfully, she did it on one attempt.  Have you every had someone who drew blood and they had to keep poking you because they couldn't find a vein?  I have, and I think of that experience each time this procedure comes up.  I now had my IV drip, it was 10:40.  I laid down on the gurney.


The anesthesiologist came in and introduced herself.  She was about 5 foot tall, Asian-American, looked to be about 20 years old.  I'm sure was older, she just appeared young.  She asked if I had any loose teeth or dentures and asked I shake my head.  I questioned this procedure.  She wanted to be sure there was nothing in my dental work that would come loose for me to swallow when she places a breathing tube down my throat (OMG, ewww).


John and I chit chatted about how long we were waiting.  It was 11:30 when a nurse appeared informing us my doctor's previous surgery took longer than expected, he was running late.  Of course my thought was "did he almost lose a patient?"  I'm thinking the worst, it's my first surgery!  John told me to stop letting my imagination run wild.  Now, my thoughts were my own, I couldn't share my fears, I am really scared.


At 11:45 the doctor came in and apologized for running late.  He said they were preparing the operating room for me.  When it was ready, I would be taken in.  The doctor marked my right knee with his initials.  He explained he would take "Before & After" pictures of my knee.  The physician's assistant came in shortly after the doctor left and introduced herself.  They both asked if I had any questions after they explained the procedure.  The doctor again mentioned he would not know until he looked at the meniscus whether or not is was a repair or replacement.  I could only pray for the best - repair.


About five minutes later the anesthesiologist appeared again.  She said to John and I that we needed to "say our goodbyes", she was putting the anesthesia in my IV and I was going to sleep.  John gave me a quick peck, wished me luck and said "I'll be here waiting for you".  I remember looking at the clock on the wall in the hall, it was 12:10pm.  I was being wheeled on the gurney down the hallway through double doors.  That was all I remembered until I opened my eye seeing a dark haired lady who said "Nancy, you did great."  For those of you in the medical field, you can probably make more of these "Before & After" pictures from the doctor.  I suppose they are my keepsake of this event.  John said the doctor met with him while I was being wheeled into recovery Phase 1.  John couldn't believe how fast the surgery was.

The dark haired lady introduced herself as Jennifer, my Phase 1 nurse (of two phases).  I would remain with her until I was completely conscious and able to answer questions.  I looked at the clock on the wall, it was 1:15pm.  She asked me my full name, date of birth, my mother's first name, and today's date.  I asked if I wanted ginger ale, coke or water.  I quit drinking soda about six months ago, I asked for water.  I couldn't get enough.  I had nothing to eat or drink since 11:30pm the previous night.  I was so thirsty.  They brought me two packets of saltine crackers also, which I ate.  I had two more (Styrofoam) cups filled with ice water to quench my thirst.


Jennifer asked about my pain.  I told her I didn't feel any at the moment.  She said after the anesthesia wore off, I probably would feel pain and to take a Percocet, which she handed me.  I informed Jennifer that I had had a bad reaction to Percocet years ago when I had some dental work done.  She asked if I had anesthesia at that time, I had not.  She told me to take the Percocet  so I did.


I was then wheeled into Phase 2, where John was allowed to join me in recovery, it was 1:40pm.  Leean introduced herself to both of us as my Phase 2 nurse.  She also looked to be in her mid twenties.  She explained I could not be released until she could confirm I was well enough to be release into John's care.  She had a booklet of instructions of aftercare, which she reviewed and gave to John.  Leean also brought me crutches.  I asked about returning them.  She said they were new and mine to keep, "part of the package".  Leean suggested I drink ginger ale when she discovered I had three cups of ice water.  She said water was too heavy in my empty stomach.  The carbonation from the ginger ale would settle my stomach.  


It was like the power of suggestion.  All of a sudden my stomach became upset.  You know that churning feeling you get in your stomach just before vomiting?  I told Leann about my stomach churning.  She said it was probably because of too much water.  She handed me a small U-shaped pink holder for capture anything coming up.  I told her I needed something bigger, a bag would be better.  My stomach continued to churn while Leean searched for another container.  John took my shoes out of one of the two "Personal Belonging" bags and handed it to me.  Most of the water I had drank and the crackers made it into the bag.  I felt I was in the Exorcist movie, water wouldn't stop coming, finally after a few minutes it did.


I explained to Leean about my bad dental experience with Percocet, which I informed Jennifer in my Phase 1 recovery.  I explained Jennifer directed me to take the Percocet.  Leean didn't feel the Percocet had time to get into my system, it was probably the anesthesia that cause my vomiting.  All I know was I was soaked.  The blanket, my gown, everything was soaked.  Leean quickly got me another gown and blankets.  John removed himself until I could get composed again.  It was the worst experience I have every had.  No more surgeries for me!  I couldn't stop apologizing to Leean, poor girl didn't know what to do.  After I was dried and dressed in a new gown and blankets, I drank   a few sips of ginger ale to settle my stomach based on Leean's suggestion.


It was 2:30pm, Leean felt I was ready to go home if I did.  She said I could get dressed, John helped me.  Oh the pain just to stand!  Leean brought a wheelchair for me.  With John following, I was wheeled to the front desk where  I apologized and thanked Leean again.  A young gentlemen took over wheeling me into the elevator and out to the front door with John following.  Here is what my wrapped up knee looks like.  You can see where the doctor initialed my knee prior to surgery.

As I mentioned, we were given after care instructions, crutches and a booklet about the crutches.  Leean also demonstrated how to use the crutches before giving them to me.

As I mentioned previously, the hospital offers valet parking, which we utilized upon arrival.  John gave the valet our parking ticket and they brought the car around.  John tipped him as I was wheeled to the passenger side of the car where John assisted the hospital helper to get me into the car.  Oh my knee hurt!  We live within four miles of the hospital.  There are three stop lights within that distance.  It took fifteen minutes to get home because we hit each light RED.


I asked John to help me directly to the bedroom.  I just wanted to sleep, I faded in and out.  I woke up about 8pm.  John thought I should eat something.  He brought me some crackers and he brought me some diet Sprite too.  John made arrangements to take Wednesday off from work.  He didn't think I was in any shape to be home alone the day after surgery - he was right.  I didn't get much sleep Tuesday night, I couldn't get comfortable.  I slept maybe three straight hours.  I went to the bathroom four times during the night, luckily it's about five steps from the bed, still not easy to maneuver.


Wednesday I stayed in bed, drifting in and out of sleep.  John would come if I called and needed anything.  He was just as afraid as I was but wouldn't admit  it, probably because he knew it would make me a basket case.  He couldn't help enough at home.  Checking me every 15 minutes, then every half hour, then every hour.  He had picked up my prescription at CVS, Vicodin.  Since I didn't sleep much Tuesday night, I decided to try the Vicodin for some sleep Wednesday night.  John was going to work on Thursday, I was on my own.  As you know from my post yesterday, the Vicodin wasn't a good idea either.  It made me dizzy and nauseous.  Thankfully, not to the point of getting sick.  I ate a turkey sandwich John made and left for me.  I kept my leg elevated for the first 48 hours as directed on the couch, it reclines.  I placed two throw pillows under my knee and watch TV and dozed most of Thursday afternoon until John got home about 4:30.


He made some Pizza.  We figured it was okay to start eating more solid food.  My only diet restriction was no fried foods for 24 hours.  I couldn't have stomached any fried foods, eww.  I had cooked some extra chicken breasts Monday night for easy dinner preparation.  I wasn't ready for those, I told John to pitch them.  The Pizza was great, two slices did me just fine.


The hospital called last night to see how I was doing.  They asked it I had any excessive bleeding (no) or any severe pain (no, not severe).  They asked if there was anyone I wanted to recognize for their exemplary service (no, not expecting the question).  They said I should notify the doctor's office or emergency if excessive bleeding or pain occurs.  I thanked the lady for the call.


Last night I started using one crutch and putting some weight on my right leg as the directions state, to start slowly putting weight on the leg.  It also makes it easier for me to get around without hopping with crutches.  As I said, tomorrow I can shower for the first time since Monday, before I left for the hospital.  I may be in the shower awhile.


I now join those of you who have your surgery story(ies).  Although, I'm not so sure I want to share these events again.  It was too embarrassing.  I think recovery will be much better, that's my plan.  Thank you for joining me in this journey.  Your support and well wishes has meant so much.


John and I got the Christmas decorations down from the attic last Sunday.  He is leaving Monday, December 5th for a work trip to Texas, returning December 16th.  My challenge is to get the tree decorated, slowly, I'm sure.  Lights are on the tree ready for ornaments...ready for me.

Quick Post

A short note to let you know I made it through surgery just fine.  The good news is my injury required a meniscus repair (not replacement).  I should be up and walking normally again in about a week.  The bad news is today is my first day out of bed.  I've had some problems with nauseousness from the anesthesia, Percocet and Vicodin (painkillers).  I feel like I'm suffering from the worst hangover ever.  You know the kind, where you think getting sick will make you feel better? 

Today, I'm still struggling with dizziness and nauseousness.  The medications  should be out of my system by tomorrow.  I'm looking forward to feeling somewhat normal again.

My knee is wrapped to the size of a football and slightly bent, thankfully.  It is throbbing, which I suppose is to be expected.  I have crutches, I'm learning to use them, another experience.  I'm not taking anymore painkillers by choice, I'll stick with the Advil.  Each day is getting better, something to look forward to.  I plan to write/blog about this journey with pictures too.  I need a little time to get my head back on straight.  I was told not to sign any legal papers for 24-48 hours, ha!

Time to get back on the couch and get my knee elevated and iced, probably a nap too.  Thank you for your well wishes and support, I truly appreciate it.