Life's turn of events...

[sunshinecruiserTN]

It's amazing how quickly things can change, on a dime I think is the saying. Anyway, Tuesday, April 10 I will be going in for left knee total replacement in Brunswick GA. I've had a few problems with my knee for about the last couple of years and now I'm having surgery. When they talked surgery I thought about arthroscopic, not replacement for heaven's sake!

I had to have someone tear down the rig, hook-up the car before I could leave Citrus Ridge to come to Jonathan's. I was going to head back to TN via a friend in N FL and via, Sarah's in Huntsville. Nah, my son had different ideas. Unless I could present him with an acceptable (to him) plan, I would be staying here for surgery & recovery! Talking about role reversal! I'm luck to have him. So I'm here in Kinglsand GA and will be here until I can drive the rig back to TN. Doc says a 3 month recovery but I figure I'll stay here for about a month and will return to TN for the remainder of PT. But we will see. I've had may "plans" change so much lately I think I'm mix them up in the jello I pour into the orange that Mitch gave us the recipe for. Of course I'll add some different flavors "liquid" to mine.

Anyway, remember me and my family in your prayers. Pray that I'll be nice to those who are willing to put up with my arze for oh those many weeks. Pray that we don't kill each other. Pray that we still love ea other after this is over.

My 15 yo DGD told me last night that she would take over my coaching as far as PT was concerned and that I couldn't cheat! Huh, wonder what gave her the idea that I would do that????

The TN GTG will go on w/out me. I'll be up for another soon, you all have fun. It's a great place and good people there. If you need a place to hang out, my site is 185, help yourself. You can google the Minister's Tree for directions and Kim at the office will be able to give you good directions.

I'm so grateful to have you all as my friends.

[cpatinjones]

Praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. Please keep us updated on your progress.

[VickieP]

So are you going to change your name from SunshineCruiser to BionicCruiser? It's good that you're going ahead and getting it done, no problems in the future of not knowing when it will give you problems at the worst time. Keep us updated!

[Irmi]

Sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery, but you'll still have the whole summer to travel after your recuperation.

[Acadianmom]

After being a witness to double knee replacement I think it's a good idea that you stay where you can get some help. Of course knowing myself, I would think I could do it alone. My DH had to walk with a walker for over a month. He was in the hospital for 4 days and went to a rehab hospital for about 10 days. Then did physical therapy for a month. The people that do the physical therapy don't cut you much slack but that's a good thing because you have to keep moving. He has an exercise bicycle that he rides everyday and has had no problems. He can even get on and off a horse. Hope your surgery is problem free and you are back on the road soon.

Martha

[JudyJB]

I have had both of my knees replaced, two years apart. The difference was from barely being able to walk 30 feet to being able to shop all day and only a little pain going upstairs with my right knee. You will be dancing and getting around fine within a few weeks or months. FYI, you have to bend over to even see my scars after 2 and 5 years.

There is a forum called "On Our Feet" that is very good, but I do have to warn you that there are a few people on that site who had very unusual and bad results, so it can be scary to read. Keep in mind that most people who fly through this surgery don't stick on these forums, so you get mostly people with problems.

I stayed home alone after my surgery and did fine, sons' complaints or not. No rehab, and used a walker only for a couple of days. I also drove with my left knee replacement at 3.5 weeks and at 2.5 with my right knee, but I am a lifelong left-foot braker. I was certainly still very sore, but was getting tired of being house-bound, so I went out, even though I had to use the electric shopping cart!! Went back to work at 7 weeks because I had no disability insurance, but swelling lasted almost a year.

Good luck with your surgery, and feel free to email me if you have any questions.

[Carolinagal]

Well, Caroline, you sure do everything in your power to keep the excitement and unusual happenings going on, Right???? You've had some bad times lately with it, so I am so glad you are just going to get it done and over with. I have a friend who had to have both knees done, she refused to do one at a time and she did great. Said the recovery pain she knew would be gone soon, but the pain she suffered daily with them before was a never ending and somehow hurt worse then theraphy and pain after.

Good luck to you my friend and when they say walk, do it and know you will soon be pain free and able to do all the things you want to soon. You're definitely in my prayers for a quick recovery and that your family survives your stay there.

I'm praying all goes well and you heal fast and you're up and going Very Soon!!!
CArol

[Liz]

May God be with you during your upcoming surgery and recovery. I expect to hear you are back in the Sunshine in no time.

[AlmostThere]

Sounds like the time and place presented itself so I am glad you are taking the necessary "steps" to resolve the knee issue.
Thanks for sharing and keep us updated when possible. Until then know there's allot of good prayer warriors and loving ladies here to help you thru.

[Readytogo]

Good luck to you Carolyn, it's good to get it over with and your way to recovery. My son is doing really well with his hip replacement. I vote for waiting until later for the gtg, but what does everyone else say. I am going to the other meet up and Sarah is going to an rv clinic, I kind of wanted to bring the camper home and go to the Smokies in the car, but like I said what does everyone else want to do. Main concern is get it over with get well and get back to normal, which means fun!

[mitch5252]

..

Prayers and hugs and love to you, Carolyn! You'll breeze through it!
Really do try to not hurt your caregivers, k?

..

[JoanE]

Good luck with your surgery and wishing you a speedy recovery. My ex DH had bilateral knee replacement. He is doing fine as far as knees are concerned. It is the rest of him that is still a mess.

[Echo]

All the best to ya Carolyn!! From everything I've heard about it?? You will be ready to go boogy down not to long after!!

[Bethers]

Carolyn, you sure seem to be living a life in jello. Big hugs and warm thoughts for this trying time. A friend of mine had both knees done at once. I remember his doctor put him on a strict diet before and during - saying that excess weight would be the absolute worst thing after. He's been very careful even since and thinks it's got his life in order for many years to come. Hope the same happens with you. Pain is no fun at all.

[BirdbyBird]

Best wishes....sounds as if your "nursing" staff has everything well in hand.