Meet my new little friend. The reason I’m not going anywhere much in June and July is—aside from my needing to stay put and write books—that I’m having partial (or at least I _hope_ it’s partial) knee replacement surgery tomorrow.
I went to see an orthopedic specialist at the behest of Elder Daughter (an OR nurse), when what I thought was chronic tendinitis in my right knee got suddenly worse. She said a cortisone injection might clear tendinitis up entirely, and could certainly make it feel better. Worth a try, eh?
So I went, and they took X-rays of my knees. In comes the doctor, remarking, “You’re awfully young to have so much arthritis.” Then he glanced at my chart and said, “Oh! You’re 58!” (I suppose this is a more respectable age to have so much arthritis.) He then said, without preamble, “You need a partial knee replacement”—adding, somewhat more kindly, “It’s probably hereditary.” (My total lack of cartilage, he meant.)
So we’re doing that. In about eight hours. For the curious (and un-squeamish), here’s a link to the surgical manual for the operation.
I’ll probably be in the hospital only two days, if everything goes well. Will try to write again and describe events, as soon as I feel up to it, but if you want to, you can check in here, on the “Diana’s Knee” thread in my Compuserve Books and Writers Community folder; my assistant Susan will post brief updates there until I’m back.
Many, many thanks to all the kind people who’ve been praying for me and wishing me well—I appreciate it HUGELY!
See you in a couple of days! [g]
** DIANA SURGERY UPDATE **
Diana came through the surgery yesterday with flying colors, and only (ha – ONLY?) needed a partial knee replacement so her recovery time will (hopefully) be much quicker and easier. She has been up and walking already (with assistance) and the doctor is so pleased with her progress, she is being released from the hospital TODAY! I'm sure she'll post her own update when she's able. Thanks for all the prayers and best wishes. I know she appreciates all her caring fans.
Susan H.E.
(Diana's in-house Assistant)
Thank you soooooo much, Susan, for posting the update on Diana's knee surgery. I was hoping you might! If positive energy has any healing power, she'll be walking comfortably sooner than most!
X O Irene in MI
Best of luck — knee replacement surgery can be somewhat difficult (I know my grandmother struggled a bit after she had hers), but I'm sure it will be worth it!
Wishing you an easy procedure, speedy recovery, and continued good health, Diana. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Sarah
I hope the surgery went smoothly.
I wish you all the best and fast recovery!
I am eagerly awaiting the eight book on Outlander series.
Diana,
Wishing you a speedy recovery! Keeping you in my prayers.
I hope you're recovery goes as smoothly and successfully as your surgery, Diana!
Hi Diana – by now your surgery is completed and you are most likely home. I know that all went well with you – we do partial knee (uni-knee) replacements using the Oxford implant @ the surgery center I work for – I'm the OR nurse there. Our patients go home 4 hours after their surgery with home health care looking in on them for several days afterwards. Long story short, (Ha! Too late!) they do very well – that's how I know that you also did well.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and many happy, pain free years ahead of you with your new knee!
Diana,
Your knee looks great and the scar is not as long as mine. I am thrilled you are able to walk unaided. I want you to see a walking aid that was given to me in 2003 when I had a full knee replacement. It was made by a good friend of ours in Grand Rapids, MN. It was quite the hit at the hospital-LOL
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Happy Healing!! Susan Lynch