one way to get publicity for a book

dictated to Shane from Mom (Phyllis): my roommate, my nightmares, and others are bragging that they know a writer and passing on good words about me. every little lift helps. can't go shopping but it may be even better to have daughters and daughters-in-law go shopping for me. Several people have been to see me: Shane, Cindy, Abri, David, Susan, Aleta, Lawrence, Logan, and of course Ken. All, including the pastor and the Maple Gardens group, have been so welcome and helped in many ways. There may be others who came to visit, but remember I've been loopy sometimes. The pain is MUCH reduced, but nonetheless I don't think I'll ever have the other knee done. good motivation for keeping up my exercises and good eating habits. Shane says I'm not confused anymore (which is a switch because I've always been a little confused!). They'll be sending me home without a wheelchair but with a walker, and that may even be in just 3-4 days. The staff here is great. They do a really good job.

Tired, but... (and butt)...

dictated to shane from mom (phyllis): Can't get up or down without somebody manhandling me. The person in charge has a german accent. and ken says, well, that's probably what you need. last night, the guy who incarcerated me left me with the distinct feeling he was permanently dumping me off here. i didn't know what was coming next. i was uncomfortable signing his papers. had no clue where my cell phone was. by the time i found ken, i was a blubbering idiot and confused as to what was coming next, thouroughly in fits and pieces. ken calmed me down with the help of some morphine or something and an understanding roommate who called the nurse for me. ken says, yesterday he was one of the worst people (i don't remember that), but today he's one of the best. yesterday was terrible, i was afraid i would never see ken again. but today is much better. pain is better today. the staff here crossed their hearts and hoped to die if they didn't give me the really good stuff. so i am feeling much better. i don't think i'm confused today, but didn't think i was confused yesterday and shane tells me i certainly was. i'll probably be here 10 days. i think gina is bringing me my laptop and i think this building is wired, so maybe i won't have to dictate to shane on the next blog.

Cold waiting for rehab

dictated to Shane from Mom (Phyllis): I think they will move me to rehab tomorrow, can't go until I walk, they think that will be tomorrow, I walked a little this morning, wasn't fun. Rehab guy came today, he wasn't much fun, either. The food is OK. Shane read me Bill's blog. It makes some people think what the future will be like. I'm getting cold. I'm still a little groggy from the medicine.

the post-OP ouch!

dictated to Shane from Mom (Phyllis): Gosh! How am I! My brain isn't working too hard or too well. Probably still a little bit doped up. I've been asleep quite a bit today. My regular doctor has been in to see me today 3 times. Frank called me; said he had already sold 5 Geist books. I'm in pain. Haven't been up very much. Still in the hospital bed. Don't know much. Shane read me Bill's blog. I'm pretty much out of it. I don't have too much going on. Haven't had lunch yet. Didn't eat breakfast. I guess that's about all I know today. Everything seems to have gone OK.

Shopping day for things I'd rather not need

Ken may have become a little frustrated with our shopping trip today. We finally found the right kind of front wheel walker at Wal-Mart, but haven't found the high toilet seat with handles yet. This is not nearly as much fun as shopping for clothes!

Not much going on here. Time for a nap.

M/G/P

Two more days to wait

Today my beautician said "Just a couple of blinks of the eye and it will be Christmas." So if you see me, and you think I have something in my eye, don't fret. I'm just blinking. Is it Christmas yet?

Shane, you are right. Ken's probably never been to KFC before. So don't you believe it when someone says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

I'm guessing that I won't be up to blogging for a while after surgery, so perhaps if I call and report to someone (Shane?), you can put the news on the blog for me.

All is well tonight. Hugs to you all!

Mom/Grammi/Phyllis

Day 4, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

Ken and I spent the afternoon at the Post Op informational meeting. Can't say I learned anything new, but it reinforced what I'd already been told. And perhaps I'm not quite so scared of the pain to come now.

We stopped at KFC on the way home. We were so late we missed the 5 p.m. oldies dinner.  Imagine!

Tomorrow I'll color my hair and go to the beauty shop for a style. May be the last time for a while. Guess I'll have to get out my old wigs.

One of my favorite shows, "The Mentalist," was on tonight, but it turned out to be a a repeat. Guess I'll go to bed. Love you all!

Mom/Grammi/Phyllis

Count down to Monday, August 17, 2009

Shane has fixed me up with a blog so I can keep all my family and friends up with what is going on. I don't know if I'll be able to do anything for a few days after knee replacement surgery, but I'll write notes at least until Monday.

No doctor appointments today (Wednesday). What a change! Yesterday I got all the pre-op tests at Wesley Hospital--UA, heart test, etc. The UA showed a bit of infection so now I have another prescription to take. My surgeon, John Osland, thinks it will be okay by Monday, so everything is go.

Ken and I have reserved at room at Wesley Inn for Sunday night, so we won't have to go too far for the surgery. I'm supposed to be at the hospital at 6 a.m. Monday. Good grief!

My sister Aleta says she will be there for the surgery, and daughter Susan has asked if she should be here to help when I get home. Sounds like I'm in good hands.

Ken will keep the hotel room for a few days. I'll be dismissed as soon as I can get myself out of bed and to the bathroom. Either a home health nurse will then come to our house to help with therapy and bandages, or (my preference) they'll send me to a rehab hospital until I can get around better.

If the left knee heals up fast enough, I plan to have the right one done about the middle of October. Then I'll be recuperated by Christmas.

Tomorrow at 4 is a post op meeting where they will meet with a group of "new knee" people to explain what to expect after the surgery. I just wish I could turn the clock forward about 3 months.

I'm leading the singing at Maple Gardens Sunday--one last time. Mixed emotions about that.

Your prayers, warm wishes, and news will be appreciated. Keep in touch!