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]
Here's to smooth surgery & a quick recovery!
I'm sitting here in Sweden impatiently awaiting the translation of An echo… It was due for release now in June, but has been postponed till August.
Patient, I am not!
Very best wishes on your surgery. I hope the new knee makes you feel like a superhero! (Wouldn't you love an excuse to wear a cape?)
~Elizabeth
Extra prayers on the way this morning. Hope you and your new friend have a very long and happy acquaintance.
Wow Cool! You realize that you will now set off the metal detectors at every airport that you travel through…
Better remember to bring that doctor's note every time, or you will be sent for the full body search… 
Praying for you today, Diana!!
My husband just had bilateral total knee replacements at 47! He was in Airborne back in the 80's,and he had post traumatic degenerative arthritis. His surgery was June 7th. Poor thing was bone on bone in some spots.Right now he is in rehab,and can bend his knees to 90! He hasn't been able to do that for 3 years!
Good luck with your surgery,Diana! Sending you healing thoughts!!!
Donna
Littlecottageinthecountry.blogspot.com
Good luck with your surgery Diana. Hope it's a speedy recovery .Best wishes from Heather
Thinking of you this morning and wishing you a fast recovery!
Luck to you!
Very warm wishes for a good surgery. You will be in my thoughts & prayers, Diana.
Oh my! Here's to a speedy and very uneventful recovery!
That looks like a good thing to have on the cover of your next book! Good luck Diana.
Lisa
Dear Diana,
You will feel like a new woman with your new knee. I had a full replacement in 2003 at the age of 53 and I woke up with pain after the surgery it was the pain from surgery. The knee felt great. Rehab is the key! Indeed it is hereditary and I am looking at getting my other knee done at some point in 2 yrs. Have to take care of the back first. (Us 58 yr old gals are starting to break down a bit aren't we)? Healing hugs and let everyone wait on you when you 1st get home. You deserve it. Susan, LOL
OH… take care. Praying all goes well.
Best of luck with the op – you'll be sprinting around those highland games before you know it *g*
Good luck and a speedy recovery!
Good luck with the surgery, I hope it goes well and that you have a speedy recovery. My father in law had a full knee replacement and although the exercises he had to do were hard at first he feels so much better, I hope the same goes for you!
I had one last year at age 52 and compared to finding out that I also had cancer, it was a breeze. Best of luck and the hopes that your recuperation was as easy as mine. What a relief when you can finally walk pain free again!
Just finished Echo and found your blog today in time to wish you the best of luck with the knee surgery.
Healing vibes coming your way from another 58-year-old.
Sending many prayers your way, for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. Good news your husband will be taking care of your every needs for a couple days, make it good.
Hope to hear from you soon.