Thankful

Yesterday's surgery went really well.

When my doctor came in to speak to me before the surgery, he told me he would look at my cartilage tear first to make sure that the procedure was necessary.  He left by saying he wouldn't do too much or too little.  I already felt very peaceful going in to surgery, but that was icing on the cake to assure me that I had a doctor who was looking out for my best interest and not just going to perform a procedure because that was the plan.  I was able to let go, and put all of my trust in him at that point.

So, the first question I had when I came out from anesthesia was whether or not he did the OATS procedure.  The answer was yes.  In recovery Andy showed me pictures of what took place which was really interesting, but also helped me make sense of things.  The last few pictures show the cartilage damage and the last picture shows where he plugged it.  He was unaware until he went in that there was a micro-fracture as well, which is the little line going down from the big black part.  Apparently, it goes all the way to the bone, which he said further explains some of the pain I was experiencing.

Because of that, he had to do an additional procedure where he took some blood from my hand and spun it down and did something with that.  Andy explained it, but I don't really understand it, so if you really want to know about that, you can ask him.  ;)  The second set of pictures is showing the procedure to fix the micro-fracture.  I am so thankful to have a doctor who was so thorough.

I didn't know what to expect after the surgery, but I'm a little more incapacitated than I thought I would be.  I have a big brace on, which helps stabilize my leg, but makes me off balance when moving around on my crutches.

My doctor said for the next three days it really will be going from my bed to the table or bathroom, and yesterday I didn't even make it to the table.  :)  Yesterday, I couldn't sit up without pain and feeling nauseous, but today already I'm much better.  For pain management they put a catheter in, and I also have pain medicine.  The catheter will last about three days and goes straight to my knee.  I wear a little bag around my neck with the medicine in it, and in about 3 days it will run out, and you just pull it right out.  I never knew they had pain management devices like this, but I am very grateful for it.  :)
 

As I was laying in bed last night thinking about the day I was overcome with thankfulness thinking about this time of slowing down.  The last few weeks I was rushing around, trying to think of anything that needed to be done while I could still walk unencumbered.  I had not spent much time considering what it would be like after the surgery, but as yesterday I found out what a gift this time will be.

#1.  I am getting to have special moments with the kids and they have all had turns crawling in bed with me and cuddling and talking.  I like to think I take special moments with the kids, but even when I do, I'm usually thinking of a list of things I need to get done, and rarely let myself completely be in the moment with them.  Now as they come to check in I don't feel rushed or distracted or a need to hurry their conversations.  I am loving this time with them!

#2.  Andy is off for the next two weeks to take care of us.  I am so excited to get to spend this time with him!  I must add he is a wonderful care taker.  He is patient and loving.  I thought about how I would be in his situation and as much as I've had to call him and ask him for help with every little thing, I'm not sure if I would have the same sweet attitude that he's had.  I'm very thankful for that.

#3.  I'm so thankful for all the loving friends and family who have been praying and checking in.  I feel very loved.

Today I pray that you see the many blessings that surround you, big and small.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!