My stupid knees.... arthritis... pain... loss of mobility... frustration...
So-----I drove four hours (round trip) to Detroit Lakes to see a highly recommended orthopedic surgeon. He said, "total knee replacement in right knee". 3-4 days in the hospital there. I thought, who would drive that far to visit me? I don't want to be that far away!
Soooo..... I asked my dr. to see if I could see a surgeon in Bemidji. (not in my usual health care system). So he had his nurse check to see if my insurance would cover it. Yes, it will! So, I have an appointment to see him on August 20th. (first opening this man has for new patients).
In the meantime, I plan to be on my exercise bike each day to strengthen the muscles, TRY to lose a few pounds, and generally take good care of myself until August!
My sister-in-law works in the orthopedic section of Abbott-Northwestern in Minneapolis, and brought me a book on 'Total Knee Replacement'. I am supposed to read it and follow suggestions it gives.
When I went in to see my dr. yesterday, apparently I was very nervous.... my blood pressure was 170/110!!!! They took it again after our visit, and it had dropped to 150/90. Still, dr. said it was too high. So now he has me on double the blood pressure meds I have.
You know something? Getting old is NOT what it's cracked up to be! I keep wondering what I did wrong. I have always been very active. When we moved here, I worked outside chopping brush, digging up rocks, cutting wood, working in my garden, building a rock garden, staining woodwork, painting rooms, installing window shades, and taking care of all the normal stuff with a house and two small children... I taught school for over 20 years (I know...walking on those cement floors was NOT good). I walked my dog every day, over a mile and a half. I mowed our yard and my mom's next door (both HUGE yards!) with a push mower for exercise.
In those days I was 80 lbs. lighter than I am now.... I was burning calories like crazy!
Anyway, I can't change the past... I'm stuck with what I have now. So I need to make the best of it.
4 comments:
I hear ya, sister.
Do what I do on the exercise bike: toss on some headphones, toss in an action movie, and go.
the explosions totally help the workout.
Hey, that's a great idea! Thanks!
All the best Sharon. Sounds like you've got quite the plan to get you through this.
I'm a bigger dork than Froyd. I listen to Olympic themes (John Williams) when I am sucking at the exercise motivation.
I know, but it works.
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