It’s about four weeks since my May 3 double operation—two knee replacements at Kaiser in Roseville. After three days in the hospital, I had a miserable six days in Sierra Hills CC (and that does not stand for Country Club). It’s a care center dedicated to recuperation, but they also house ailing seniors on limited time. It was a depressing place. And the food was unbelievable. Coffee, toast, the real basics—all were rotten. I was lucky that I had Gretchen to bring me my favorite homemade bran muffins and some real meals. I managed to survive the CC and got some limited therapy there.

Back home I began getting well much faster. I am doing quite well, ahead of schedule as they say. I don’t need the walker to get around. Today I walked my quarter mile circle that is Wanderlust Loop. I went to the store with Gretchen, and just for fun I got into one of those motorized handicap wheelchairs to toodle around the shopping lanes. No harm done.

Biggest challenge last few days has been the getting off the potent drugs. I guess it is a type of withdrawal, but my legs get nervous and I can’t sleep. I am, in fact, writing this stuff at midnight. The heavy medication must stop, so I am having a couple of tough days and nights.
Tomorrow’s schedule calls for going to the putting green for light exercise.

I have been so fortunate to have Gretchen as my full-time nurse. She does everything, prepares healthy meals, keeps my spirits up, make me laugh. I feel concerned for those who have no help when they go through such situations.

I also have the companionship of Maggie, our min-pin, who loves to climb on my lap for her snooze.
I’ll be able to drive a car within a day or two. Then it is just a matter of continuing to do the required physical therapy to build up my legs. Gretchen will return to work on the 15th of June, and I will be independent again by then.

There is good news after the operation: I lost 20 pounds. It feels pretty good to be a lightweight (162 pounds) again. I have some baggy clothing. I need a couple of new belts as my old ones are at the last hole and are still too loose. A few months before the surgery I was at 189 pounds, so total loss is now 27 pounds!

Yesterday, at the urging of my sister Norma, we watched a film, “The Bucket List,” and, since then, we have been having a grand time planning our own such list of things we must do before we kick the bucket. No. 1 on the list is to enjoy each day.

You enjoy yours,

J Tom

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