Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Second Knee Replacement


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)

Rose

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