Well, the staples are removed and my leg no longer looks like, as per Young Frankenstein, a zipper. It was a quick, and quite painless process, and the incision looked good and clean. The bandage is gone and in its place are numerous “steri-strips” that will last another five days. The knee is still very swollen, and I can’t expect the leg to lose all of the swelling for several months. All I really want right now is for it to diminish enough to make it possible for me to sleep on my side without discomfort. *

Our appointment at the hospital was at 8 a.m., which is a bit of a struggle for us. We had to get up at 6, get me prepped for the shower while Susan took Bella out and fed the cats, then she showered and we had a cup of tea before getting dressed for the rain, and into the car. Our morning ritual usually sees the morning duties dragged out an hour or two longer. But we got there in time. Getting in and out of the car was a bit testy, as my leg had not limbered up much (and I couldn’t do my exercises until after we got back). It was slightly easier when I went to my physio session at 2 p.m. that day.

I can stop taking the twice-daily baby Aspirin because by now the threat of a blood clot has diminished. I will stop taking my Tylenol, too, since it has little effect on my pain, and take Ibuprofen when necessary to reduce pain as necessary. I had already reduced the Tylenol to one extra-strength tablet morning and night. I can shower without the plastic bag and painter’s tape covering we’ve been using, which frees up Susan from the onerous task ot taping me up every morning. The surgeon did say I should ice more than I have been doing. But otherwise, the daily grind of exercises continues. I expect to be able to return the rented walker sometime in the next week and move to only a cane for support. Before then, I need to practice with the cane more.

At physio today, I was able to reach 80° bend without assistance, and with a bit of a push, 82°. That’s up from 58 when I began physio. So, I’m making progress. I also picked up yet one more new exercise, and updated my step routine. Small steps. It was recommended I do not use the TENS machine on my leg yet, but to wait for further recovery.

Tonight I might have a little glass of wine before dinner. We waited more than two weeks and I think it’s time to consider returning to our old habit of a small glass in the late evening. A small step towards normality.

Coming back upstairs from physio, I checked the hospital gift shop and found a novel by William Gibson I had not read. Of course, I bought it.

Notes:

* Madeline Kahn calls the monster (Peter Boyle) “You little zipperneck” in one scene.

Words: 510