About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Monday, August 5, 2013

Gearing Up To Dance Again or I'm glad I have only two knees!

I'm certain that you don't recall that after my first total knee replacement in January of 2012, I did not readily re-gain 100% range of motion.  I had to be placed under general anesthesia, and the knee had to be bent to break the offending and limiting scar tissue.  After the manipulation, I was able to achieve  a 75° bend.

This time, after only one week I was measured at 100°.  I'm still at 100, but able to (slowly) do rotations on the bike.  The swelling and bruising are almost all gone, but I still have difficulty getting 'comfortable' and sitting for long periods of time.  I continue using a walker outside of the house, but mainly to insure balance.  I confess I'm still using pain meds, but have substantially cut back especially at night.

Quite a few of you have written and asked after me, and I feel so blessed in this.  Your kind wishes have really meant a lot and have carried me through a few really, really rough days.  I've also been so blessed with dear, dear folks sending messages, or stopping over for visits.  I'm so thankful to have you all in my life.

11 comments:

Kay said...

I'm so glad to know that things are improving now, but sorry that you have to experience so much pain. I have a cousin who is considering having the knee replacement. I guess it's not an easy thing, is it? Sigh... I'm so sorry.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I certainly have been thinking about you and praying for you. So glad to hear from you --and hear that you are doing so well.. Keep up the good work!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

jane said...

hi kathy- i´m catching up with you and your blog. love reading about your adventures. :) hope you are feeling better and soon will be running marathons. :)
sending you big hugs kathy!
jane

Bilbo said...

So, Kathy, we should start making our plans to hit the dance floor for a celebratory Tango, dontcha think? I'll bring a rose for you to clench in your teeth ... and I'll even strip off the thorns!

Sally Wessely said...

I have been so busy myself that I didn't realize you were going through this. I'm so sorry. Goodness, what a trial. I know with my husband's first knee surgery, it was a real trial to break through that scar tissue. In his head, he didn't think it was possible. I still remember his yell of pain when he did so. I'm so sorry you had to go this route. I am happy you are doing better. Keep it up. I will be praying. God Bless.

Mage said...

I'm waving enthusiastically through your roses. So glad that you can move it 100% this time. Me...just terribly out of shape. I walk the halls here and pant.

Forsythia said...

Wow, things are looking up!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Glad you're doing better and hope you continue to improve!

Mage said...

Hi Kathy....I'm not going away from Blogger but from Open Diary. As of yesterday, folks couldn't even see me there. I want stability in a blog site so have opened a mirror blog page at Word press. Oh, you will still have me around to harrass you.

I too just posted a "health report." Yes, The swelling is a really important deterrent to movement for me. I can walk almost painlessly now tho. The big problem is sleep and my new incontinence problems. Half a pain pill really helps at night. They removed the catheter all wrong tho. Now I leak. Yes, I have an appointment. Grrr....

Mage said...

BTW, was that shot taken in La Jolla? :)

Gilly said...

So pleased you are coming out the other side of all this. Knees are a real trial when they go wrong! I'll keep you in my prayers.

And I love your new header picture!