Post Knee Surgery Musings

It’s only been 2 days since the doc opened up my knee with his tiny camera and tiny surgical implements to clean out the meniscus tears and put me on the path to mending. I was reading my pre-surgery musings – goodness what a negative mood I was in! But even we optimistic types have down days.

Now that I can look back on that pre-surgery time with perspective, I can’t believe what a great birthday it was even in the midst of pain. Several weekends in a row of different family gatherings, a fabulous birthday cake with my name on it and candles to blow out my wishes on, cards, flowers and essentials for recovery from my gal pals at work (chocolate, herbal tea and wine ) and a display of care and concern that would warm even the coldest heart. Blessed doesn’t begin to describe it.

Nothing but optimism this week. Thanking God for a successful outpatient procedure, for a comfortable home to recuperate in (except for those dang stairs!) and a husband who makes sure I’m well fed. I’ve been promoted from cane to crutches for a while. No way around it, and I’m fine with that. I’ve got enough coordination to manage crutches when I need, even though it’s been 40 years since I last needed them.

Medical techniques have come a long way in 40 years. No long scar, no full leg cast for 6 weeks, no yearlong prescription for physical therapy. No need for morphine or a stay in the hospital. Just 4 hours away from home, driveway to driveway, and I’m back home with my left knee swathed in ace bandages over smaller incision bandages, crutches at the ready. Which I will use as little as possible because the one thing that hasn’t changed with knee surgery is pain. Meds keep the pain at bay, but it’s always there. After all, it’s only been 2 days.