Pain Meds Help Me Forget the Hot Tub
Just about exactly one year ago, we splurged and bought a small hot tub because Lani said she loves hers so much -- we both have bad knees. Her life is much more physically demanding than mine, but we both are heavy people who have never stopped doing a lot of things that use up your knees. This hot tub turned out to be the joy of my life. Per Lani's instructions, I went in twice a day whenever possible. It was heaven.
On February 5 I had a biopsy (which led to all this new information) and my gynecologist told me very strictly that I was not to get in a swimming pool or a hot tub for two whole weeks. She was stern about it. I am a compliant patient, and I agree that getting an infection because I love to sit in the hot tub would be stupid. Then on Feb 19, two weeks after the biopsy, I had this surgery and now my timeline has been extended even further. Maybe 12 weeks. But I have come to realize that my knees do not hurt a bit right now because of this incredible medley of medication. I can walk without pain again. And when I get off these drugs and back in the world, then I will be allowed to get back in the hot tub.
I know people wonder why I haven't had a knee replacement. It has been discussed. It is not time yet. I only have pain when I am up and about. When I sit down, no problem. Also, it is best not to have surgery when you weigh too much. This past surgery was non-negotiable but for now replacing my knee would be elective.
Last night I slept much better, possibly because Stephen came over and had a long talk with Jon about what needs to happen, who will do it, in what order, what they need to acquire. I just lay here on my couch and listened to them solving the problems and it calmed my mind.
This is going to sound funny, but in so many ways we have been getting ready for this unforeseen situation. Little by little Carrie has been learning to do everything -- she has been farming with us for 13 years now, I can just advise her and she can make it happen. Stephen has been yearning to generate his own personal list of responsibilities, and not be directed so much. Before I learned that I would be sidelined, we had already agreed that this would be the year when he moves away from vegetable production work and towards a focus on other necessary tasks. And we have an experienced and hard-working group coming back this spring in Loudoun. Really, we could not be better poised for success, even if I am taken out of the fields for a bit. It is up to me not to chafe at feeling left out. It is up to them to carry on.
Meanwhile, I am lying on the couch while others are setting up the Winter CSA room. I am working on not feeling jealous. See, it is such a problem when you love your work.
On February 5 I had a biopsy (which led to all this new information) and my gynecologist told me very strictly that I was not to get in a swimming pool or a hot tub for two whole weeks. She was stern about it. I am a compliant patient, and I agree that getting an infection because I love to sit in the hot tub would be stupid. Then on Feb 19, two weeks after the biopsy, I had this surgery and now my timeline has been extended even further. Maybe 12 weeks. But I have come to realize that my knees do not hurt a bit right now because of this incredible medley of medication. I can walk without pain again. And when I get off these drugs and back in the world, then I will be allowed to get back in the hot tub.
I know people wonder why I haven't had a knee replacement. It has been discussed. It is not time yet. I only have pain when I am up and about. When I sit down, no problem. Also, it is best not to have surgery when you weigh too much. This past surgery was non-negotiable but for now replacing my knee would be elective.
Last night I slept much better, possibly because Stephen came over and had a long talk with Jon about what needs to happen, who will do it, in what order, what they need to acquire. I just lay here on my couch and listened to them solving the problems and it calmed my mind.
This is going to sound funny, but in so many ways we have been getting ready for this unforeseen situation. Little by little Carrie has been learning to do everything -- she has been farming with us for 13 years now, I can just advise her and she can make it happen. Stephen has been yearning to generate his own personal list of responsibilities, and not be directed so much. Before I learned that I would be sidelined, we had already agreed that this would be the year when he moves away from vegetable production work and towards a focus on other necessary tasks. And we have an experienced and hard-working group coming back this spring in Loudoun. Really, we could not be better poised for success, even if I am taken out of the fields for a bit. It is up to me not to chafe at feeling left out. It is up to them to carry on.
Meanwhile, I am lying on the couch while others are setting up the Winter CSA room. I am working on not feeling jealous. See, it is such a problem when you love your work.
Now, I am just getting caught up on the blog. All good news, in the right order: diagnosis, surgery, good results and prognosis for now, good support team, good patient, now home recovering. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all the other comments from your vast fan club. Makes me feel good from afar that you are recovery well with more fans beckoning to pitch in when appropriate. I look forward to continuous updates. John and Rebecca
I learned of the joy of the hot tub six years after I broke my hip, and swear by it's muscular healing abilities. It will feel all that much better when you are allowed back in. In your last post you mused about writing from the couch. We all look forward to reading the about the trials and tribulations of a running a farm from the couch. Maybe we can make it into a TV series. Glad you are home and mending well. See you soon.
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