Recovery Time

I had lots of plans for my recovery time.  Oh there was so much that I was going to get done..not. I was going to set up a sewing area in my living room so that I could sew on quilt blocks that I have been working on out of my supply of men's shirts.  I think this next week may be the one to buckle down.  I now have a therapy schedule set up for Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.  But that is only 1/2 an hour each day.  So I think I will plan on doing some sewing for 1/2 an hour each day.  On the Tuesday and Thursdays I plan on going to the YMCA  and getting some walking in.

At rehab there were nice long hallways that I could walk.  Here at home not so much, so I think the Y is my best alternative.  I can also use some of the equipment.

More recent happenings

My what a difference a few weeks makes.  After six years of dealing with a knee that has given me pain, had a torn meniscus, and has become just work out I bit the bullet and had a total left knee replacement on February 2.  For my surgeon I chose Dr. Brian McCardel who put my shattered right ankle back together 20+ years ago.  Surgery was very straight forward and after 2 days in the hospital on day 3 I transferred out to Ingham County Rehabilitation Services on Dobie Road, much to my mother's dismay. 

She really wanted to take care of me in the worst way but I knew what I needed was professional care and therapy.  Once the decision was made back in January to have the surgery I dedicated to doing as much as I could to improve my changes of a good recovery.  I did the exercises the hospital recommended and the exercises my trainer recommended.  I went to they Y 3 days a week to ride an elliptical bike and to build my strength and stamina. 

From the surgery 20 years ago I know surgery can really sap your stamina. But it all paid out in aces.
The first Thursday I was at rehab they did an evaluation of me and I think I kind of blew the therapists away.  Straight away I could climb stairs with no problem. I could pedal a mile in 15 minutes.  Every day they devised another test for me.  Standing and throwing weighted balls at a small trampoline.  Wandering around the gym looking for hidden playing cards (stamina).  The 2 main therapist I worked with were John and Matt.  Both were great and very encouraging. 

I was released to go home on 2-16.  A friend, Jo Lange, took me to lunch and then took me home. What a relief to sleep in my own been in a very very quiet house.  More to follow time for a nap.