Today is February 1, 2019. Since it looks like we’ll be home for awhile & not traveling, we’re shutting down the Blog, but will send our notes out again as soon as we’re ready to begin a new adventure. Thanks to everyone for reading and for your support. Here’s an update as to what happened when we got home:
Monday, 1/28/19
I had an appointment this morning in Putnam County at Somers Orthopedic Surgeons Group. The drive was over an hour each way, but we had several recommendations for the doctors there. We had practiced walking in the RV with the walker (lent to us by our friends, Carol & Ted). I still could put only the smallest amount of weight on my left knee, even when using the walker. We’d been concerned about how I could get down the RV steps, therefore I had not been out of the RV in a week. No need to worry, though – with Rob’s support & the very sturdy railings at the entrance to the RV, I was able to get outside with a minimal amount of pain. We brought the walker with us, of course, and I quickly learned to be a pro in its usage.
I had X-rays, then we met with the doctor for an exam and to get the results. We were expecting to be told I needed arthroscopic surgery. We were surprised to find out that I have serious arthritis in both knees (they’d had to X-ray both knees in order to get a comparison of one knee to the other since they had no previous records to go by). He showed us the X-rays & we could see, by looking at how much space was left between my knee joints, that I have very little cartilage left & there are spurs, a couple of areas nearing bone-on-bone. Not enough cartilage was left to make arthroscopic surgery possible.
He said total knee replacement was an option, but that it should be a choice made when other options don’t work anymore. How do we know when that choice should be made? He said to listen to the pain. The immediate objective was to lessen the inflammation. Initially, I could have a Cortisone shot and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles which support the knee. Then wait and see. Later options could be another Cortisone shot, but those are discouraged for there are side effects if too many are given. Also, they’ve had good results later with Hyaluronic Acid injections (this is the fluid that the body has to lubricate the joints). These options were fine with us vs. knee replacement surgery. Frankly, anything to get rid of the pain would’ve made me happy.
I had a Cortisone with Lidocaine shot. The Lidocaine to quickly lessen the pain, the cortisone to reduce inflammation. He said the Cortisone should take effect within about three days. I was sent home with a prescription for physical therapy, and there was to be a prescription for an anti-inflammatory gel ointment. Call him in a week to let him know how I was doing, or call him if I did not improve. See him again in six weeks. Looks like we won’t be rushing out in the RV again right away!
We got home in the late afternoon. The sharp pain in my knee was better somewhat, but I still couldn’t get around without the walker. With Rob’s help I made it up the stairs at home and to the couch. Unfortunately, I could not be helpful with the arduous tasks ahead for Rob. He began by unloading the cats & the most important items from the RV into the house. Then he had to break away the ice on the RV pad by hand, with a shovel. The RV had to be moved to a level spot for storage. With a hard freeze on its way, everything liquid had to be brought inside from the RV, the refrigerator & freezer had to be emptied and many boxes of supplies had to be moved inside, and the plumbing system had to be winterized. I really felt bad for him. We spent the night on the living room couch/recliners because I couldn’t really move anywhere.
Tuesday, 1/29/19
It began snowing this morning and continued snowing all day. Rob continued working hard; I continued to feel bad for him. I still had to use the walker to get around. The pain level wasn’t improving from where it was a short time after the Cortisone shot. It was the Lidocaine working, we figured; the Cortisone would kick in soon. The pipes in the RV froze up; it had been in the low teens the night before. The water pump had a cracked housing, not good. When it rains, it pours (or snows). I was icing my knee frequently & following doctor’s orders. Rob was being fantastically supportive.
Wednesday, 1/30/19
It stopped snowing during the night. This morning was so beautiful out. Glistening snow & the quiet solitude of winter. Rob got the temperature back up in the RV & was able to finish with the winterizing of the vehicle with, hopefully, no more damage. We’ll see when there’s a good thaw in the spring. He continued unpacking AND doing all the chores around the house. His middle name should be “Trooper”. He also ordered a new water pump for the RV. My situation had not improved & the pain was getting worse again, not that it ever went away. The constant pain was wearing on me; I became depressed, feeling sorry for myself, which is ridiculous since it’s certainly not life-threatening and I really am a very lucky girl. It began snowing again in the afternoon – a brief little blizzard, white-out, snow blowing sideways. The total accumulation was about 6 inches here.
Thursday, 1/31/19
Two years ago today was Rob’s last day at work. We’ve done lots of traveling in those two years and had a lot of fun! I had a little less pain this morning and a slightly more comfortable night last night. The deep freeze had begun; it was minus 3 degrees outside this morning. Rob finally reached a point where he could relax some. We sat around all day. I made a physical therapy appointment for Monday; I also made an acupuncture appointment for tomorrow for pain management. Sure enough, in the afternoon, three days after the Cortisone shot, the pain lessened noticeably in my knee. I was able to get around a little without the walker, very slowly and carefully, but nonetheless…….
Friday, 2/1/19
Still bitterly cold, 3 degrees this morning and a high of 18 today, but not even close to as cold as it’s been in the midwest. We’ve caught up with the Blog now with this posting. I am again better this morning, using the walker less. There’s still pain, but I can tolerate it. I’m through pouting, grin. Thank you Cathie, Gail, Carol, Pam, and Rob (especially Rob) for all your kind actions & words. I began acupuncture this afternoon; thanks Stephanie, so good to see you! Rob is able to relax more now. We will “see” you all again as soon as possible. No plans for the moment, just waiting to see how it goes. I also want to say that I have given new meaning to the words “couch potato”. And that I now have immense respect & compassion for those who live with chronic pain. Good luck to you all! Bye for now, Vicki & Rob (Java, Pixie, Gracie & Luna)