Monday, August 17, 2020

Knee Surgery, Covid, and Healing


It’s been a crazy year, hasn't it? Recently, my mom went in to have her knee replaced. She lives halfway across the country, so I couldn’t be with her. With Covid19 running rampant and my immune system out of whack, plus a zillion other health problems... I’m at a greater risk of contracting it, than most. And, so is my hubby who has COPD. He is 81. And is not doing, so great. Therefore, traveling too far from home... is a big NO NO. In addition, we both have mobility issues too, so we’d be of little help trying to take care of her. So… my brother and niece moved in temporarily, and took her to the hospital. And they have been nursing her back to health... there on the home front, since her release. Fixing her meals, getting her in and out of bed, etc. The doctor only let my mom use Tylenol, at first. Even though, she was in horrendous pain when the nerve block wore off. Since then, he has prescribed 5mg of Oxycontin a day, for a few weeks. My mom is in a much better place physically and mentally since he did that. She said it takes the edge off the pain and helps her sleep. But she isn’t going to let herself get too dependent on it. Physical therapy sessions have been grueling. Then when she gets back home, she has more exercises that the Physical Therapist has asked her to do. It has been difficult, to say the least. But, she’s hanging in there, doing the best she can. She is 86, so she’s not a spring chicken. She's a tough lady, but this has lowered her defenses. I told her to take things one day at a time, one step at a time. My brother and niece leave in a week. They have jobs and school to get back too. So I hope my mother is strong enough by then, to be on her own. I suggested a visiting nurse but was met with resistance and a bit of anger. So I’m not making anymore suggestions and we’ll see how it goes. If she needs help, I know she'll ask for it. In the meantime, I’m sending healing thoughts and talking to her every day. It’s all I can do from a distance. I love her so much. I wish this pandemic would loosen it’s grip and just let us be. So... we can come and go as we please. I never thought at my age, that my health would be an issue… now everybody’s is. 



10 comments:

Practical Parsimony said...

Everybody that i know who have had Knee surgery has had a nurse and physical therapist come into the home. It is for the best healing.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Sorry to hear about your mom. It makes it difficult when they are far away. Thank goodness she's had someone to help. It's a terrible time to have had surgery. Glad she's willing to ask for help if she needs it. Many won't . Take care and keep safe !

Mevely317 said...

I'm so sorry to hear your mom's recovery isn't what y'all hoped for. But thank goodness for your brother and niece stepping up. I remember when Tom had his hip replacement one of the nurses saying the knee was harder surgery from which to recover. Please keep us updated!

Chatty Crone said...

It does sound like the best for this situation. I am glad she has your brother. I had my knee replaced a few years ago - when they pull that pain blocker - you are in severe pain - at least I was. Some people no. Stay well.

Terra said...

I hope your mom heals successfully from her knee surgery. That sounds like a difficult one to heal from, all those nerves there. That is good your brother and niece could be there to cheer her on.

jack69 said...

So sorry to hear about your mom. It is tough for us old folk when surgery of any kind comes our way, especially joint replacement. This situation (Pandemic) has put sickness of any kind on the BIG PROBLEM list. And even double where distance is concerned.
WE are thankful every day for our health, but know we are very fortunate.
Sending good thoughts your and mama's way.
Love from Utah
Sherry, jack & JJ on the road

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Glad that your mom's surgery went well and hope the healing continues well. I can only imagine how difficult it is not to be able to see her and help out. It's good to read the she had help and support from nearby family members. Hopefully she will be able to manage OK when they leave. I can understand your concerns too because of your husband's comprised health and staying safe is so important now for all of us. This is a long-term situation, and people need to be more heedful of necessary precautions which sadly many re not.

Red Rose Alley said...

I'm so sorry your Mom had to have knee surgery, Taryterre, especially during this time. It must be so hard for you not to be able to visit her and be with her right now. But it sounds like your Brother and niece did a good job taking care of her. I just read a comment today about someone's son being dependent on this drug, so make sure she knows about it. If she's anything like you, strong with perseverance, she'll be Ok. Maybe that's where you get it? ; )

~Sheri

Buttercup said...

Hope your mother is coming along well. I had both a visiting nurse come by and check my incision when I had hip replacement and a physical therapist to get me on my feet. Wishes that this is soon history for your mother!

Lisa said...

I know you miss your mom. Im glad your brother is there to help out. Prayers for fast healing.
Lisa