I did something this week that I have never done in my life. I completed a crossword puzzle. Actually, I completed four crossword puzzles. If it sounds strange that a word hound like me would never attempt such a task, I can explain. I’m not very good at sitting still for extended periods. I think it is the same reason that I don’t play card games or do very well fishing from a boat. This old boy needs to be moving or at least actively engaged if confined to a chair. Playing poker for pennies or wading a stream for rainbow trout I can do…bridge is not my game.
This week I am recovering from knee replacement surgery. Although I am doing well, the process is tortuous for someone averse to remaining still. The act of sitting is especially difficult in the early stages of recovery because I have to keep my leg straight for long periods and apply ice at regular intervals. Blogging is made difficult with these restrictions because sitting at a desk with one straight leg is very uncomfortable for me, and typing on a laptop from a recliner is equally challenging.
Patience is the real issue. Every morning I ask the Good Lord to send me some, but the problem is that I can’t sit still long enough for His patience to reach me. No more whining, I promise. The fact that worn-out knees and hips are replaceable is a blessing and, with time and a good regimen of therapy, everything should be on the path to normal.
This week’s chapter of Easin’ Along will again be short. After getting caught up on all the magazines I accumulated over the summer, I tried to focus on something interesting to share with readers; a task not made easy on pain medications. I’m off the pain meds as of Thursday but the activity level remains low. About all I can do is think about what I would rather be doing if I were somewhere besides a recliner or the bedroom.
I’ve been here and I don’t want to do that anymore.
I would much rather be preparing for a road trip.
How about a morning walk to see the sunrise?
I don’t consider this fishing, it’s more like good buddies having a morning coffee session. At the least, I can walk to the water’s edge to cast a line or retrieve a catch.
I’ve thought a lot about a trip to peek at the fall colors—maybe next week.
Pork shoulders on the grill…who wouldn’t want to wade into some good barbeque?
I’m having a good time thinking about winning The Ultimate Tailgate Camper. I love this picture of Helen’s non-stop excitement.
Speaking of the new camper, I also wanted to share the video of our prize-winning moment and have posted it below. I almost HAD to sit after this one, but managed to lean on Helen (and my cane) to stay upright.
These are just a few of the many things I focus on while sitting idle in my recliner. Thanks for letting me share them with you and for Easin’ Along with me as I continue to heal. I have to ice my knee now. See you next week.
HI, Joe – Sending you warm wishes that you will soon be doing the active things that you so enjoy. In the meantime, please take your Doctor’s (and Helen’s) advice to rest so that you can have a full recovery.
Good morning, Donna,
I have a remarkable doctor and with him and Helen to look over me, I am a little better each day. Warm wishes from the north country are a blessing so, thanks for sending them. Have a great week. Joe
Joe, the days are long but the years are short. You and Helen will be back on the road before you know it. Hang in there, my friend! I do agree with you – we are blessed to have the wonders of modern medicine working so hard on our behalf. Two generations ago, the thought of “replacement parts” would have been inconceivable. Take care, Joe – hope you heal quickly and well!
Hi, Mary,
Having online friends is a blessing as well. I have heard from so many people I will probably never meet who have been so encouraging. Thanks for reaching out, it means a lot. I a tad better each day. Therapy, in the early stages, is a challenge–my first attempt at a stationary bicycle was not fun–but things will get better. Looking forward to our next RV trip in late December. Stay warm up there! Joe
It seems we are of like mind (and temperament). I feel your pain (and I can see that you feel mine). 😞
Good morning, Guy,
You got that right. Today is a bit rough for some reason. I might have been a bit to aggressive at therapy yesterday. Patience…patience. Not my strong suit.
There’s that P word again. Just keep doing those cross word puzzles.
Good evening, Suzanne,
I’m up to five crossword puzzles and even getting to the point that I’m looking forward to the next one. How’s the weather down there? Can’t wait for our Florida trip.
Glad you are progressing well. 👍
Just curious … I hear recovery from hip replacement is “easier” (maybe “smoother” is a better word) than knee replacement. Pain is a given for both.
What is your take … since you have had both?
I decided after my knee replacement a little over a year ago that recovery and physical therapy is all about managing the “P’s” … Pain, Progress, Patience and P__p (the last one is the consequence of those pain meds the first few weeks) 😱
Hi, Roberta,
Compared to knee surgery, a hip replacement is a walk in the park. Hip pain was gone by the end of the second week. Same for Helen. Helen says that after three weeks, she can’t tell which hip was replaced. Just grateful that worn-out parts are replaceable. Thanks for stopping by!