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Monday, September 9, 2013

Pre-MAKOplasty Preparations


Love Will Keep Us Together 


A simple muscle strengthening device I used for
2 weeks prior to surgery.
I couldn't leave you with a measly marker test paper to look at for who knows how many days, so Ellis and Me is what you'll see as I spend all my time getting my knee back to working as intended. With the invaluable help of my sweetheart of a coach and the contraptions my doc sent over, that should be soon.

For the last two weeks, I've been building my quadriceps  with a tiny little device that shimmies and shakes it strong. Then today, the day before the event--isn't it horrible how these appointments come around so fast--two guys from two companies delivered two more devices that are designed to get me back on my feet quickly; they are not tiny at all. Indeed, they look seriously time consuming. Whereas I used the muscle building device twice a day for thirty minutes, the knee bending machine I use three times a day for an hour to two hours and the fancy icing machine I use six times a day for twenty minutes per session.  The size of the apparatuses dictated where I was going to sleep: in the high bed in the guest room.  It's going to be lonely without Ellis' steady breathing.

Aside from using these tools, a physical therapist will be coming to the house--on the 13th I think she said. I don't know when I'm going to work her in?  I'm sure she'll tell me.  Meanwhile happy painting you all. I did manage to clean my studio--actually just gave it a lick and a polish--so that it will be inviting, the next time I pass that way.  Given all this paraphernalia and the fact I'm only having a knee resurfacing, a MAKOplasty procedure, recovery should be pretty quick--will be pretty quick--I hope it will be quick. I am Capricorn, a stubborn  son-of-a-mountain-goat.

A torture chamber looking device to be used post surgery for getting the leg to bend 110 degrees. Ouch!


After an hour or two of mechanical  knee bending, a fancy icing device to sooth and keep down the swelling.  Could be
a God-send. I suspect this fancy icer is a God-send twenty minutes six times a day.

It's a damn good thing I spent the last two weeks stocking my freezer with chicken breasts, sweet and sour chicken, pork tenderloin, hamburgers, chili, pancakes and curried carrot soup.

AND COOKED MUSHROOMS!  Trouble is Honey doesn't know how to bake trout or an omelet.


Studio sink BEFORE. Not something I want to see my next session.

Much better. May I see this space sooner than I think.
JD and Linda in her Fedora will wait for Linda in her Fedora to return. Hugs and smiles and lots of laughter guys and thank you all for your best wishes.  I'm going to bed. We have to be at the surgical desk at 5:30 AM and they won't be serving breakfast! But know that Tuesday night with the worst in the past, I will be catching up with all of you.

 Hold that pose Honey, Nana will be right back.




 



16 comments:

  1. If you get chance to see your email please know that I am sending lots of good vibes your way. Sounds like everything is prepared for you to have a great recovery.
    My darling hubby is a stubborn old goat of a Capricorn too - I love that about him.

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    1. On occasions like this, it's a plus to be stubborn, the bad adjective or determined, the good adjective. That bending machine really looks like it requires some strong determination. I'll check it out, thanks Julie.

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  2. All the best for a quick recovery!!

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    1. Thanks Judy. Scary stuff. I can't believe I signed up.

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  3. Hi Linda,
    Go get 'em Tiger! We'll be expecting you back at your easel in less than two weeks!!
    Sincerely,
    Gary.

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    1. I make it! Now if my leg would just move as my head directs, I will be back at the easel shortly. Thanks Gary.

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  4. You're such a courageous gal Linda! I wish you all the best and take all the time you need. Think of yourself and think sweet thoughts. Big hugs

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    1. Time is going to fly. Naps are out of the question. Rehabilitating physical training is the activity of the day. Thanks Helen

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  5. Linda, I LOVE the charcoal of the dynamic duo. That will be a fabulous painting! And I know Nana will take care of JD well. :) WHAT are you doing with all those contraptions??? You have half a physiotherapy clinic in your bedroom!!!

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    1. Unbelievable the amount of machines involved. Thanks. I think I'm going to frame that one as is. I figured the world would prefer looking at that drawing rather than my marker test.

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  6. Love the charcoal portrait.

    All the best for a speedy recovery.

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  7. Nice work I wish you much strength with the end result of your knee hugs Danielle

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    1. Thanks Danielle. I think it went great once they knocked me out. Up till than, I was a nervous wreck.

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  8. Dear Linda and dear Ellis, your smiling eyes reassured me through the screen. The boy says with fingers that everything will be fine ... There is a great strength in you and among you, and with this force, as always, you manage to overcome the obstacles.
    Luck helps the bold, and you seem to me, very bold and strong,together!
    I hope soon you are well.Hugs,Rita.

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    1. Ellis and I are sitting here watching TV while medical people come and go checking my vitals. It seems I am--but this place sure is freezing. I guess germs hate cold.

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