Two weeks ago I had my third surgery in 11 months. On March 16th I had a total knee
replacement on my left knee. Once again
Karen has allowed me to come to Wichita for the surgery and to stay with her
for my recovery time.
Our world is dealing with COVID-19 Corona virus. There has been a lot of ‘self-distancing’ and
‘stay at home’ orders, ‘non-essential business’ closures, ‘no gatherings over
10 people and 6 feet apart’ directives, school buildings closed and finishing
the school year through online technology. Kansas is under a ‘lockdown’ order until April
19.
I found out the day of my surgery was the last day of
elective surgeries and everything after that had been cancelled because of the
virus. The hospital was quiet and all
safety measures were strictly in force.
Karen was stopped at the front door and interviewed about personal
health symptoms and recent travel before being allowed to visit me.
For this surgery I
had a different doctor and it was done at a different facility. Overall I felt the first knee replacement
went well but my doctor moved from the Wichita area. This time seemed easier than the first
time. I don’t know if it is because the
leg bones were not nearly as damaged as the first knee or if it was that I knew
what to expect. I knew what worked to
get out of the chair, in and out of bed, and how to get up and down in the
bathroom. I also had an ice cooler ice
pack. I did not cry these first two
weeks like I did last time. I think I am
in a better emotional state this time around.
I am going to physical therapy 3 days a week. Because of the virus lockdown, when I arrive
I call into the office and someone comes out to the car to take my
temperature. I am then taken directly
into a sterilized therapy room. They
have patients staggered enough that I never see anyone else. I was to have a doctor appointment today to
have my staples taken out but the office called me yesterday and said the
physical therapy office could take them out for me. Katie took them out and my doctor appointment
was rescheduled for another week. I cannot
drive until I see my doctor for release to do so. I feel that I am doing pretty well. My measurements are at 7 degrees on the flat
and 110 degrees on the bend when I was 10 days post surgery. I am to be at 0 and 120 after 6 weeks. I have minimal pain and am mostly using extra
strength Tylenol. I take a pain pill
before therapy if I remember and one at bedtime.
I am grateful to be doing well and am confident that I will
recover well and be stronger for it. I
look forward to being able to be home this summer to take care of things around
the yard and house and to help Mom & Dad.
The Corona virus lockdown has not really affected me because
of being post operative but it would not really be much different if I were at
the farm. We do not usually go to town
but once a month unless we have doctor appointments. I keep plenty of food and supplies.
Our prophet has prepared us for something like this. I appreciate the “Home-Centered & Church
Supported” way of study and technology to help with that. We have been counseled about temporal &
spiritual preparedness. I am looking
forward to General Conference this coming weekend.
“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30)
