Friends and Family,
I came home from the rehab hospital on Friday, July 12. The following Monday I began my out-patient physical therapy. I am going 3 days a week for one hour sessions.
Everyone who works with me, therapists and doctors, say that I am doing very well. The surgery was text-book. Healing is where it should be. My leg will continue to be swollen for some time, maybe up to a year. The bruising around the wound site is slowly, slowly diminishing.
With the doctor visit yesterday, I have been given a release to do whatever I can handle. That includes driving my car! Yea. I still take the walker with me when we go out since it provides stability for me. I can hobble a few feet around the house without assistance but am careful. I do not want to fall down!
I am able to do some household chores: wash a load of clothes (clothes must be brought to the machine), wash dishes, pick up clutter, fold clothes, empty trash cans all over the house. I have not attempted a trip upstairs and don't need to, although part of my PT was to navigate up and down stairs if I need to.
Phillip has been at my side for all of this. We finally get a full night's sleep since I don't have to take medicine so often and when I do, I can do it by myself. He has been under stress taking care of me, so much so, that he developed a mild case of shingles. He got a patch on his right shoulder and a few spots down his arm. We went to our primary care doctor and he diagnosed it as shingles. He is taking some horse pills to stop the process. We are now also putting calamine lotion on the spots. He is going to be fine.
Yesterday when we went to PT and doctor, we took the truck. I am able to get in with the help of a little stool. I know he likes that progress. He hates driving my van. It's not "cool" don't 'cha know?
It has been three weeks plus since the surgery and I am feeling good about the whole process. Though hard a few times, overall I would not rate this operation as one to avoid. I keep the end in sight--walking straight and without pain.
Attached are the x-rays of my replacement. The implant is perfect. It is all held together with a type of glue, no pins. Should last 25 years.
Thanks for all of your inquiries, cards and gifts. You make me feel special!
Love to you all,
Mary Lynn
(Right Click on either photo and select Open In New Tab Or New Window to see a larger version)
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