I'm Back and Better Than Before!

OK, I have been catching some serious flack for not continuing the blog. I am sorry, I just became SO busy I found it hard to find the time to devote to it. Sounds great, huh? Yup, I WAS BUSY!!! I wasn't home crying in pain, I was BUSY!!!! Gosh I love that!
Alright, I should really catch you all up. Since the last posting I was on quite the roller coaster. I started to go into a real funk and started to really get depressed. I was still in a ton of pain and didn't seem to improve any with all the PT I was doing. I had sent 2 long letters to my surgeon about my problems and didn't get a response. My PT (Dan from RHCI) said he'd try to call. He also didn't get a response. Dan said he'd try calling my Primary Care Doc and I told him not to bother since I KNOW he doesn't give two cents about me. Dan found that hard to believe so he called anyway. Dr. Browning called Dan back only to tell Dan that it wasn't his problem and that he wouldn't do anything to help. Dan was surprised, but I wasn't. That's Dr. Browning's MO. In the meantime I am on the phone with my friend Donna nearly everyday. She talks with her friend that works in an orthopedic office in VT. When Donna tells her of my woe's, she suggests I try Cellebrex. After more calls to the surgeon, I finally get a call back. Ask about the Cellebrex and he prescribes it. I feel instantly better and can move much easier. Why did it take so long just to get any response at all? I owe my turnaround to Donna for trying to get answers for me. She was able to do what I couldn't, and I am the patient!
I am not taking Cellebrex anymore, just Motrin once a day. I am back to work full time and am doing my first REALLY big job (with help) this Wednesday. My first wedding is in June and I can honestly say I AM ready for it. Back in March I was really wondering if I would make it for a wedding in June, but I can say now, NO Problem! I am a new person and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am still VERY stiff, but I am moving so much better. I am walking up stairs cautiously but still can't walk down stairs with out a railing and step to step. I am finally sleeping at night. That is a BIG thing. I couldn't take the sleepless nights much more. All is good!
I can honestly say I am so glad I did a bilateral knee replacement now. I have nothing but many years of hiking and gardening and weddings and portraits to look forward too WITHOUT pain!
If anyone wants to ask me more about my experiences, don't hesitate to email me at nancy@nancygreen.com.

Moving On

Dan making sure I don't try to cheat! It's been some time since my last entry. I have been slowly improving and there isn't much to write about. Every day I get up in the morning wishing I didn't have so much pain in the morning. I work off the tightness and pain and can honestly say most days I am pretty good between 11am and 5pm. After 5 I go into a pain funk again. It's getting monotonous to say the least.
I had my first PT treatment yesterday at the new RHCI in Plymouth. It's a beautiful place and Dan is a very good sport putting up with me! I gotta say, the man knows his stuff! I actually felt sore, but great after the visit. Today I am doing terrific. Better than I thought I would since I was working muscles I hadn't worked in a while.
Kathy came with me and took this photo of my first bike routine. I go back on Saturday. I wonder what he has up his sleeves for me then?

A gift from Andy Joliat

I could not have received a better gift. Andy has such talent to be able to express in a poem, exactly how I feel. Hope you enjoy this as much as me.

Ode to Nanc

There was a lively woman named Nanc
Who loved to run, jump and prance
But alas, her active life, was put on the freeze
Due to her crotchedy wretchedly rotton old knees.

"I want a transplant" she said "this is no kind of life"
And in desperation she decided to go under the knife.

Her life in the hospital was a terrible bore
Too much physical therapy left her knees swollen and sore.

I'm frustrated, I'm Tired" she wrote on her blog
"I can't sit, I can't stand I can't walk the darn dog!"

And just when shethought her legs would never mend
The doctors hammered and pushed and ....they.... made....those....knees bend!

With courage and fortitude, with doctors and Houdini
Nanc will soon say "chuck the damn pain meds-I want a martini!"

She'll ditch the wheel chair and then she';; ditch the cane
She'll say "if I see them again I'm gonna be criminally insane"

And not long after when the weather becomes a little less chilly
Our Nanc will be back walking on the beach with her beloved Peter and Lilly

Thanks Andy for making me laugh out loud.

xoxoxoxox

Nancy

I feel like Dancing

Before the procedure

After

Nice touch from NEB.

I can't believe how GREAT I feel! The procedure Dr. Reilly did to break apart the scare tissue (called manipulation) was so successful that I can't believe it. I feel like this is just too good to be true and at any moment I am going to slip back and not be able to bend again. The last measurement Karen (my wonderful PT) got on my knees before the manipulation were around the high eighties and I was slipping backwards. Today after the procedure,when she measured the bend I was at 115 on my left knee and 112 on my right. Even better than when I was in the operating room and Dr Reilly measured while I was out. This is fantastic!

I am starting outpatient PT at RHCI (the new one in Plymouth) next Tuesday. I should really be able to advance my recovery now that I will have access to equipment to help.

I was told I would be in a lot of pain after the procedure and may not notice anything right away. They told me not to be dicouraged. Well, I was one of those few that it all worked RIGHT AWAY! I have been blessed. Thanks to everyone for always thinking of me. It sure helped!!

As you can see, we were able to soak in some sun after excersiing and Lilly really likes Karen.


I can't tell you how impressed I was with everyone at New England Baptist. They really pay attention and really care. All pateints receive a rose while in NEB. Quite a nice little touch.

Visit to the Homeland...New England Baptist

Peter and I were off to Hospital for my Post Op visit to NEB. I was a bit nervous since I felt I wasn't as far along as I should be. I really felt that the weekend they wouldn't refill my prescription at CVS was a really bad situation and I'm now paying for it.

Of we go to Boston. Got there in terrific time and got my ex rays done before I went to Dr. Riley's office. As usually Dr. Riley was right on time and full of energy. I love that man. He has so much energy and wisdom he is such a treat to be around. He is right to the point and tells you exactly how it is. You are SURE to understand every word and description. I didn't like the look on his face, which was a look of disappointment. I immediately felt guilty and felt like I let him down. He told me I had to have better flex and that too much scar tissue had formed. I wouldn't be able to get the flex I needed unless he mobilizes them again. That means bringing me back in for a procedure where he puts me out and bends the knees hard to break up the scar tissue growth. Doesn't sound too fun, huh? He said I will feel pretty sore after the procedure, but I will notice a definite improvement and overall feel better. So here we go, back in to the Hospital ONE MORE TIME! Monday I will face the pain and hope for success. Everyone, keep your fingers crossed.

PS-Just a little scared about this, don't let me fool you with my bravado.

With a little Help from A Friend

I have been neglecting my duties in posting on my blog. I am so sorry. I haven't been having the best of times lately and I didn't want to sound depressed in my blog. I had a bit of a set back a couple of weekends ago and ran out of pain medication. This is really bad because you can't do "good" PT with out them and can loose some ground. Not to mention have to go through HELL while experiencing by lateral knee replacement without relief of pain meds. Donna came right at the end of this weekend from Hell and surely brought me back from the dead. I owe her a lot. She kept me from losing my mind and fought for me with CVS, as did my nurse from Overlook Visiting Nurses. I don't know how I could have done it with out the games of Ono and Monopoly and the many moments of hilarious laughter through the tears. Thanks Donna!

Then Julie Ireland came and continued to keep me out of my funk. It is great to have such wonderful friends that care so much for me (and Peter).

This brings us to the next blog entry...

My First Trip Out

I haven't entered anything for a while as you may have noticed. It has been a difficult time. I have been warned about the depression that may come at times, and it does. Just as you start to feel a bit better, the pain comes back with vengeance. I keep taking my pain meds, but I am trying to cut back to start to wean myself off of them. As soon as I think things are going fine, I get bombarded with enormous amounts of pain from every direction of the legs and I don't know what to do to calm it down. It gets pretty frustrating.

I fought off the pain today as best I could and was determined to go on a road trip. Peter and I went to my parents to have lunch and had fun as you can see. My Dad is a panic and my mom, well she's the best Mom you can have. We had a nice lunch and went right home. I made it up the stairs once again and that whole ordeal knocked me out. I'm glad I did it, since sitting at home with pain isn't making it any better.

Everyone keeps telling me I'm on the verge of the big turn in healing and I will all of a sudden feel so much better. I can't tell you how ready I am for that!!!!

Hugs to all,

Nanc

One step closer to freedom

Karen (my PT) and I out for a stroll for my first time since the operation.

Boy was it beautiful today! I had my first venture outside today. Yahoo! It is scary, because I have to go down 16 steps to get to the street level. I made it down, and after the walk, I even made it back up! I can't wait to do it again. I have to get another walk in before the weather changes and it turns yucky. Pain has be constant, but not as bad during the day. I still can't get any sleep though!

It's a great day though! Hugs to all, Nanc

A little recap on New England Baptist

New England Baptist President and CEO Trish Hannon. Photo was taken by Joan Seidel. www.joanseidelphotography.com Where would I be with out my husband, Peter?

The many nurses and assistants that tended to my every need.

I was unable to write while I was in the NEB Hospital. Peter was great to keep up the blog while I was in the hospital. I can't even begin to tell you how much a help my sister Wendy was/is. She was there morning noon and night to make sure I wasn't losing it and making sure all was going the way it should. Wendy always stays on top of the family's medical "stuff".

This time she didn't have to worry much since the NEB was fantastic. They ARE truly great at joint replacement. They know every detail and are ready for anything. There was ALWAYS some one there to help me, or to answer questions. They explained everything in detail. (Another reason why Wendy was so helpful. I was too drugged to really GET everything.)

The moment I stepped into the pre-op station I was amazed with all the cleanliness and efficiency. I didn't sit alone for more than 10 minutes. There were a complete TEAM of doctors and nurses each in charge of one thing or another. They were constantly explaining what they were doing and all had a great attitude. When I woke up from the operation, I was greeted with more smiles and calming words. I felt great and couldn't believe I had been under for 4 hours. Dr Reilly and his team were fantastic.

When I DID get sick, it was because of the mix of pain meds with the anesthesia. After a while it wore off and I began to be able to eat again. I began to feel a bit normal. They were great taking me through the ordeal and finding the right pain med that would work for me.

I can't tell you how right I feel about the decision I made to go with the Baptist. I am looking forward to the day I can walk up to the hospital without assistance and tell them...Thanks!

Shop Vac Queen!
Constant companion!




I just HAD to do something normal! There is this "thing" I have with Shop-Vac's. I love the power of the vacuum. I own three. All different sizes. I asked Peter if he would go get me one so I could "do something normal". Now that I think of it, it must only be normal for ME. I gotta say though, doing just that ONE normal thing for me made me feel some much more human. I didn't do much, just a little area. I know I'm going to hear from Dr. Reilly about this. I'm sure my "team" at RHCI will all tell me I was bad! I just HAD to do it. It takes away the pain somehow.

Lilly has been sticking to me like glue since I have been home. It's nice to be loved. I posted an image I see of her ALL day long. She's such a cutie!

My home care PT came yesterday and I think we'll be a good pair. I just need her to "lighten up" a bit and not be so serious. I'm sure I can break her wall. She is very through and I feel I'll improve every time we have our visit.

I'm giving up on trying to sleep all night. I wake up at 1-2 am and am in such pain from not moving, I can't stand it. From now on, I'll just get up and start doing my exercises and I'll feel better in 15 minutes. I'll try to catch up on sleep during the day.

Missing the PPANE meeting tomorrow. I'm pretty bummed about it. I hate leaving everyone (especially Tom) without my presence on the board. It's what I signed up for. I really enjoy every ones company and friendship! Wish I could be there via Tela Cast!

My Best,
Nanc

Home at last

Well, I didn't think it would take so long to update the blog when I got home. Here it is the next day after I arrived and I am forcing myself to do this. I am in tons of pain and feeling very much an alien in my own home. Peter is trying so hard to make me comfortable but let's face it. Home doesn't have all the easy to access stuff the hospital does. Tricia (the NA that always had a smile on her face for me at 5am) warned me I would lose it when I got home and break down and cry. I didn't even make it to the house. I was balling as I drove away. The task ahead..am I going to make it up the 16 stairs, will I be able to use the toilet at home...is there a chair I can sit in...will I be able to fit in the shower? All of the questions and not always a good answer. It's the nest day and I am still trying to figure out what to do about obstacles. I need to walk and have now where to do it. I'm walking around the island in my kitchen. I don't even have enough for to get a pace going. I thinking about now that those ceiling tiles in the re-hab weren't so bad after all! Oh well, I'm sure tomorrow will be better. I'm going to TRY to venture out if I can get down the stairs!

Time for the next adventure...Home

I didn't sleep ALL night. I can't wait to go home! I made it all 16 steps in rehab. I know I can make the ones at home as well.
Wendy, my sister has been the best friend one could have through all of this. Peter and I can't imagine what we would do without her. Everyone has been so supportive. I am SO lucky to have my family and friends. Thanks to John, Cheryl and Cassandra, I have all the walkers and stuff I need for home!
For now I am going to keep this short and enter again before the day is done to let you know how the move went.
Hugs,
Nanc

getting closer to home

I'm SO ready to be home. Peter came by last night and witnessed one of my really BAD pain events. I'm not sure he's ready to handle them. He gets very nervous and upset.
I can hardly wait to be home in bed with my golden, Lilly and my husband cuddling. Sounds silly, but it gives me such comfort.
We are trying to figure out what we can do about pain when I'm out of here. I am trying to cut back, but not to extent of last nights episode. Trial and error.
I did 14 steps yesterday. I am going to try to do the same today, not do more. I just want to perfect them.
Time to move on to OT! Shower, yahoo!

Hugs,
Nanc

Monday Monday, Can't trust that day

Monday, what a weird day it was today. One minute my legs are in agony and the next I am wondering what trouble I can get into in the halls. Because it was a holiday here, it was really low key and therapy was kept to a minimum. I'm glad because of the pain, but sad because it made the day drag on too long.
I keep thinking about the PPAM board meeting tonight and wish I was there. I MUST be board, don't you think? Next Sunday is the PPANE board meeting and I can't believe I'm missing that one as well. How are they going to get along without me? LOL.
Well I worked out with Sarah again today. The last time she worked with me was when I had my first PT when I arrived. She was very pleased with my progress, and I must say, so am I!!!
No photos today since I didn't have a camera. Peter took it home with him I'll try to take some soon .
Hugs to all...
Nanc

Countdown to leaving rehab

To All,

As of this writing Nancy has 64 hours to go in rehab and then she come home. Sometime Wednesday she will walk out of rehab (with a walker of course) but walk she will. It has been a very lonely and quiet place with with Nancy in the hospital and Natalie gone to the good place where all great dogs and our constant companions go.

The rehab has gone very well with the small advances every day thanks to Lori and Kristin. Lori ia the PT shown in all the images. Progress seems slow but when taken in the aggregate it is amazing how far and quick it really is.

The scares and swelling have improved so qickly as well.

Looking forward to a more normal home and Lilly, who is very much confused by everything and who is missing her Mom big time, will be overjoyed to see her I am certain.

See photos of the hard work that all of us don't really see because we are not there all day to witness the exercise regimen.

Tilll next time..........

Another Day in Paradise

I have been remiss in my entries. I do apologize. It has been a very hectic few days and very positive.
Though I had some set backs I am progressing slowly but surly. I have completed climbing 12 steps successfully. That leaves only 5 more to meet the required amount to get up the stairs at the house.
I plan on leaving for home on Wednesday the 20th. I still need some equipment for the house. If you or anyone you know have a shower seat, or a wheeled walker or a raised commode for the toilet, please give Peter and I a call. We would love to borrow them, or whatever...
Keep the comments coming. I love reading them!

Progress in bits and pieces

To All,

Nancy has made great progress forward and can maneuver herself around with the walker quite well. She can get up out of bed alone and can begin to bend her knees without too much pain. She is on track to actually leave the Rehab next Tuesday if all goes well. She has an amazing constitution and strength and it is incredible to see daily improvement that is very measureable. I can't yet figure out how to move the photos and add captions but they are supposed to be as follows. The Meal - Gourmet Dining for old folks. The White Board - indecipherable. The look of pain - the joy of PT. The nurse - she who loves inflicting pain. The close up - the happy ride back to the room after the pain sessions.

Thanks for the comments and interest....

On my way

Wow, what a day a day makes. I should have brought the video to PT today. I actually took my first set of stairs. I stretched out both knees and was able to bend them so much more than this morning. I'm actually able to sit on the comode all by myself. No more having a nurse lift my legs onto a turned over trash can!

Settling In

To All,

Nancy seems to be settling in and is ready for the real tests which start tomorrow. If the attention I saw today is any indication they, the staff, will be energetic in their duties for PT and OT. The staff here is real nice and professional as much as in the hospital in Boston. It is great having Nancy so close to home and an added benefit is the fact that it is winter and the traffic going to the Cape is insignificant.

More photos from today and Nancy is correct, the food package from the Viscarellos is much appreciated and tastes great too.

More to come tomorrow, stay tuned..................

New Day New Pain

Well, it was some real PT today. I got to go on the killer stretcher table and be forced to lift and bend until I passed out. Not really...Sarah was very patient with me and praised me the whole way. Though I must say I'm a bit nervous about tomorrow since everyone tells me they REALLY kick it up a notch during the week. Ah-Oh.
I went on this machine for about 8 hours today that constantly bending a straightens the knees ever so slowly. I am to set the bend and increase as it goes. Long a tedious for sure, but it works, and I don't have to break a sweat.
I had some great visitors today. My grand-niese and nephew, Katelyn and Tyler. I had the best BLING made for me and it matched my outfit perfectly. Tyler brought me his doughnut to show me. Thanks Laura for the GREAT food.
Mom and Dad came again to visit and rub my legs. I have the best parents.
Wendy and Bob came to share laughs and give me some health food. Loved the yogurt. I can't tell you all how much I have appreciated all Wendy's attention. She has been there for everything and making sure the doctors and nurses are on top of things.
Peter came with some yummy Penara Bread food! Thank goodness he loves me. He has to put up with a lot for sure. He tried to bring in Lily, but I said TOO SOON!
Kathy came baring food gifts too! Mama Mia from the Viscariello Family. How cool are theyALL!
OK now I'll just eat and get fat and PT will hurt even more!
I feel the pain meds kicking in again and I'm getting loopy. Sorry I sound crazier than normal sometimes and my spelling is horrible. I'm lucky to be typing at all right now!
Hope to hear from all of you!

Bathroom Deatail

Today I thought I'd cover the chore of going to the bathroom. For some reason, no one goes over this in detail. It must be tabue and not something anyone cares to hear about. Well it should be. Especially for woman. Men can pee into a bottle anytime they please.Not us woman. They inserted a Folly catheter (for pee) during the surgery. That was great for a couple days, then they take it out and you are on you own. There is NO leaving the hospital until you can pee on your own and past gas. Not as easy as you may think. I wasn't up walking yet and now had to figure out how I was going to do this. They tried a bead pan, but the pan had a difficult time fitting in small spot we were working in without positioning my legs so to make me scream.no way around this, I had to get up and walk to a portable. OK, got that far, now how do I actually SIT down without bending my knees.When I figured it out, I then realized my knees had to stay suspended while I went. So not to keep the nurse on the floor holding my knees while I went, we found a trash barrel on it's side would do the trick. After that it's been just learning how to shimmy on and off and at what point to use toilet paper and still hold on to walker. It's getting easier, but still very humbling!
I'm taking my first shower today! I can hardly wait!!!!!!
Simple things in life...
Nanc

Settling In

Now that Nancy can go on-line and provide blow by blow details my contribution will be limited. She is working hard already, both on the computer and also with a fairly rigid schedule of OT and PT. The staff at RHCI are on top of things and begin right away with the rehab.

This afternoon Nancy's roommate moved in, an elderly woman who has broken her hip. She is very disoriented so it should make for an interesting nights sleep.

Nancy's parents, Al and Sally visited today and they were very happy to finally have a chance to see their daughter. Brother-in-law Bob visited as did Wendy and Emily too. Thanks to all for helping out. Family is great and Nancy's family always rallies round when someone is in need. Many hands make quick work is the old saying and in this case those many hands make this major event easier to bear all around.

Later...............