Hello. The surgery on Tuesday was a success, and they ended up keeping me in the hospital for a couple of days. The physical therapist tried to get me up on crutches the next day, but as soon as I stood up I started barfing. Threw up maybe 3-4 times, probably because of the anesthesia. That usually does it to me. I was able to move around more yesterday and they gave me something for the nausea, and I finally made it home yesterday afternoon. My folks are here helping me out. (Hey, guys!)
After the ordeal I went through last February, this is a lot less traumatic. I know what to expect, I’ve learned how to get around the house on one leg, I’m not dealing with all the other trauma that goes with getting hit by a car, etc. Plus, this time it just feels different. The last time, they patched together a bunch of shattered bone fragments and held them together with a piece of metal. Even after months of physical therapy and various assistive devices, it never felt right. This is actual human bone and cartilage, and it’s a perfect fit. So it feels… whole. Feels like it just needs to heal up and then I’ll be good. It’s still early days, but I feel very optimistic and confident about it.
I don’t know who the donor was, and the system is set up so it’s all anonymous. But I’m so grateful.
Now I’m convalescing at home. I’ve got a machine that automatically flexes my knee, and I’m going to do that 2 hours in the morning and 2 at night. I’ve got this “cryocuff” thing, a gelpack that’s connected to a cooler that you fill with water and ice. That helps with the pain and swelling. And of course, the painkillers are doing the job. If things go well, I hope to get back home to Indy for Christmas.
All in all, it’s been a very good week. Got my new knee, our iPhone app finally launched, Olby threw another fit, and Dems in Congress are crying real tears. Did I say good week? Goodest week!