46°f, clear. No rain in sight for the foreseeable future.
Larry's "poutin' house", at the edge of the woods. He sometimes uses it as a deer stand, but that's about it. Who has time to pout these days?
I am happy to report that Larry is much better, and is up and busy. He is still drinking the Pedialyte and has little appetite, but definitely over the bug. Which, we learned, is going around. I am still hoping to avoid it. There is no way I can rush to the toilet right now!
Yesterday was a bad day for me with my knee. Perhaps it was lack of sleep, or maybe all that nighttime busyness, mopping, etc. Whatever it was, my knee was miserably painful all day. I have heard that there will be good days and bad days, so I guess it's to be expected. Last night, I took a couple OTC sleeping pills that my son uses, and slept 4 hours straight. Pain brought me awake, and finally in desperation I took a pain pill and slept another 3 hours. What a blessing! Today I was able to do my PT and I feel like a human again.
In reading your blogs, I know there are some of you dealing with hurts too--Granny Marigold's foot, Quinn's shoulder-- and those are in some ways more difficult to manage than my knee.
And then I think about Barb and Lisa, both affected by the terrible floods in North Carolina. That disaster has left me stunned and horrified. I cannot imagine how people are coping after losing loved ones, homes, livelihoods, even their whole communities. I read where rescuers hiked in to get a man whose back was broken in a landslide. It took them 3 hours to get him out. Can you imagine his pain? And the weariness of the rescue crew?
In my own neighborhood, a younger neighbor had a stroke on Friday, and is in very serious condition. Another is worried about her 10 year old son, who has cysts in his lungs that must be removed. And even my own Larry has 2 blocked arteries; he has yet to learn what the VA will do about that.
So yes, I should not complain about my pain. I chose to do this. I have a comfortable, warm home, good food, and a husband who is now trying to do the right thing. I have family I can call on if needed. I am surrounded by good neighbors. I am fortunate, and need to remind myself of that every day.
My husband is also having good/bad days with his shoulder replacement. In the large scheme of things, these are small problems, but must be dealt with nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteI feel for him, Michelle. I have heard that shoulders are painful. Sending my prayers for fast healing.
DeleteSince I have had two knees replaced, I really hear you about the nighttime pain. But, at your stage, if you are like me, you are almost out of the woods. Try, if you have not, a roll of something (I wrapped a pillow sham around a big can) under the knee to keep it flexed a bit when you like flat. I know they say not to do that, but if you are doing your exercises, you will get the full bend, even with this hack.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, there is always someone who has worse problems. I know that at 10:00 am, but at 2:00 am, it is a different matter.
Glad Larry is better. If you have not picked it up by now, you are probably okay, or I sure hope so.
Thank you for the encouragement, Mary. Each night gets a little better, thankfully. It is nerve pain and muscle spasms, and not the surgery site itself, that cause my trouble. One day at a time!
DeleteI used your idea of something under the knee and it sure helped.
...we need to appreciate good health.
ReplyDeleteYes! Especially as we age.
DeleteSometimes it takes the worst to see the best.
ReplyDeleteTrue words, Bruce.
DeleteI love your attitude. You're right... thinking of others with worse problems helps a person get things into perspective. I'm glad you managed to catch up on your sleep!!
ReplyDeleteWe need to get all the Spring bulbs into the ground and I've asked youngest son to come on Wed. afternoon to do that. October is going so quickly!!!
I would love to get some bulbs in! Maybe in November or December. I am usually late with them anyway.
Delete......back was broken in a landslide...that sounds awfully painful. I am glad that you are doing better, though not yet pain free...but will soon, Sue.
ReplyDeleteYes, can you imagine the horror and fear? The poor guy
DeleteGood news about Larry and knocking on wood, you stay healthy. I often tell myself; "It could be worse", when something bad happens. No matter how bad things are, there is always someone who is dealing with something worse that makes your situation seem rather minor.
ReplyDeleteI have seen your positive attitude in your posts, Jim! It certainly makes life less stressful if we can focus on the good.
DeleteYou are not to gobble down your pain. But, yes, it helps to see we are not alone in pain. I could add, too (but won´t) - to make you smile: Heating is on and Ingo got another heating-Zippo - we have 5 now and will always be warm :-)
ReplyDeleteYou always make me smile, Iris! I am so happy you are warm.
DeleteThanks for sharing your good news. You're on the road to recovery, I always wondered how long that road is. :)
ReplyDeleteBill, it seems to vary a lot from person to person. Larry healed quickly, one of my brother in-laws did too, while the other has had trouble with both if his replacements. I hope mine is reasonable, because I really don't like all this pain and forced inactivity.
DeleteIt is definitely a good practice to count your blessings, but it also okay to acknowledge your own sufferings, even if someone else has it worse. But I'm sure your good attitude is helping with your healing.
ReplyDeleteTrue, June. It helps to write about it here. I have always expressed myself better in writing.
DeleteSorry abut the troubles all around you and yours too. On a lighter note, if Larry were a Canadian, and especially a G=French Canadian, he could have a poutine house, and I would want to visit. I trust you kow poutine. 😎
ReplyDeleteI did not know pouting, AC! Had to look that up. It sounds so tasty, and so bad for you---like most tasty things!
DeleteI haven't had poutine for a few years. It's probably best that way. Maybe a small dish would be nice, but they tend to be large.
DeleteIt is easy to dwell on one’s own problems - and one is entitled to do that - but it’s always helpful to remember that “it could be worse.” Like AC above I immediately thought of poutine! It’s a tasty treat but the arteries are probably not happy with it!
ReplyDelete