Last week, me and hubby were on vacation.  We didn’t wander far – just to the Canadian Lakes region (Mecosta County – near Big Rapids).  We had stayed in that area before and liked it a lot.  Last time, the units were like town houses.  This time, we stayed at the St Ives Inn (part of the Tullymore Golf Resort).  It looks like a hotel, but each unit includes a full kitchen and separate bedroom.  Very nice.

What was not so nice.  The first day there, I fell.  The ONE thing you are really really really not supposed to do after total knee replacement, and this fat old lady went and did it.

Fuck. Me.

Luckily, on my way down, besides thinking “Nooooooooooooooooooooooo,” I was also thinking “not the knee, not the knee, not the knee.”  I still hit the knee – but not hard.  Not like landing on it; just a good solid “thunk”. 

Unsurprisingly, I totally freaked out.  Luckily, my husband is an engineer, which means he is wired to analyze and “fix” things. 

First off, he gave me the pillow I asked for – having also lightly bonked my punkin’ head.  This allowed me to lay there, catch my breath, and put the panic on hold.  I managed to sit upright.

Now, how to get back on my feet without putting any weight or pressure on my boo-boo knee?  Hubby, did his analysis and brought me a chair, which he then put all of his weight on so it would stay steady. 

And fuck me, if I didn’t do it.  I got up, using the chair without putting any weight or pressure on my right knee.  We decided we should take a wait and see attitude about whether or not I needed to get medical attention; and waiting and seeing worked fine.  Yes, the knee was more tender and there were a few suspicious aches and pains, but nothing that a couple of Alleve couldn’t take care of.

And yesterday, I had an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon and all is well.  The x-rays look fine.  My extension (which is going to be the bane of my life) is coming along.  I am starting to move around sans cane; and most importantly – I’m cleared to get back into the pool!

HOORAY!  I’m going to start out slow – going to the Monday, Wednesday and Friday late morning classes which are all about flex and strength.  Eventually, I’ll want to add the Tuesday and Thursday early morning classes which are water aerobics and a lot more intense; but for now, I’m going to try to ease into it.  I’m just thrilled I’ll be back in the water!

Physical therapy continues – because of that damn extension.  The knee is supposed to go flat and lock into place.  I live with images of Lucy in her tu-tu with her leg stretched out on the barre trying to get her leg down, yelling “A bas, a bas” at her leg.  Only I’m yelling “Go flat, go flat”. 

So as long as I stay upright and keep doing my exercises; I think I’m going to be able to put my knee replacement into just another story in my long (oh so long) life.