Hello Everyone,
Well we were in Montreal for the weekend, firstly to assist my Dad in going to the notary to take care of the transfer of the house from my mom's name to his and then to go to St. Jean, Que. for my husband's high school reunion.
After going to the lawyer and notary, we met up with my Dad and son Brian to take a drive to see Brian's new apt. and new location of his new business. We then went out for dinner and got back to the house not too late.
Poor Chris had to do all the driving and we were quite tired, but we had promised Marlene and Charles that we would see them sometime during the weekend so off to La Belle Province for some much needed late night snacks of steamy hot dogs and fries. There is nothing like a Montreal steamy and of course the fries. I am sure they cannot be trans fat free, but we were good and shared two orders between the four of us. I was even better and passed on the hot dog and had a cup of tea. I don't want to ruin my recently new leaner look.
I don't even want to tell you how many years since Chris graduated from high school, but it was really amazing to see the bond between these people who lived in a small town and went to a very small school. Most of the students spent their elemenatary and high school years together. There were only 250 children in the entire school so compared to the school I went to which had 2500 students, it was a lot of fun to hear all the stories and memories of the past. Of course we ate too much but a good time was had by all.
On the way back to Toronto, Iro and Patrick invited us up for lamb kabobs and roasted vegetables. We couldn't resist, as if we were hungry, but as it was on our way we took a detour and enjoyed seeing them and catching up and were on the road home at 2:30. The ride home seemed long and tedious and we go hit my a rain storm around Kingston, but we made good time and arrived home at 8:00 p.m.
Our friend Michael had invited us for a BBQ and although we were quite tired by that time, we didn't want to disappoint him and went over there at 8:30. Thanks Michael, it was yummy and we enjoyed our visit.
I suppose you are all wondering how my knees are doing. Well, although I feel quite able to move around and manage quite fine with one cane, I am feeling a little impatient because I tried to wean off the pain meds again by reducing each medication by a half from Saturday night until this morning. I realized that there was no way I was going to be able to do my physio excersizes today, so in the middle of the night I upt the meds to the full dose again. I have joined a knee surgery forum on line and sent in a question to the other members asking them how long it takes to get off the meds and they replied between 4 and 6 months. That is really too bad. I guess I was anticipating the rehab to continue on a positive course as quickly as it did in the first few weeks. But I guess that is not a practical expectation. I am looking foreward to speaking to the surgeon on Wednesday. I have my six week appt. at 2:15 on Wednesday and am anxious to hear what she has to say about my progress and what I can expect in the future. I also have some numbness and tingling in my feet so I am concerned about this. I have an apt. with a neurologist to see what could be causing this problem. Fortunately it is not painful, but it is certainly annoying so I am anxious to get to the bottom of this.
When I am on the full dose of pain meds, I think I get a false confidence that I am doing great, but when I reduce them, my knees get very tight and sore and I am an accident waiting to happen. Going up and down the stairs and standing from a sitting position becomes really painful and the pain changes from minute to minute. I realize that if I lie around and rest too much, it gets worse so I am trying to keep moving and keep active as much as possible. The pain killers also make me feel more tired and cause constipation so I was really hopeful that I could get off them as soon as possible. I will have to see what the doctor says. I think she will probably say that if I need the meds to do you excersizes and to move around safely, I should continue to take them. Getting full mobility is of utmost imporatance at this time so I am thinking that I will need to rely on the meds a little longer, hopefully not too long.
I will update again after my 6 week check up.
Until then.
Marilyn
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Back to Physio and off to Montreal
Today was a run of the mill day. I got up, had breakfast, did my excersize, rested, had lunch, rested and then went downtown to visit Jess for dinner.
On our way we stopped off at the daycare as Natasha had let me know that there was something my daughter could pick up for me , but since I was right there, I picked it up and was happy to see Ashley, Shanna and Danielle and a few of the parents. The teachers put together a beautiful basket full of chocolates, candies, cookies, crackers, soups, etc. etc. etc. What a lovely idea. So much for my diet, but I definately saw a trend towards whole grain and a healthy effort. Thanks so much to all of the Life-Bridge staff. That was really so thoughtful and I will think of you all as I much my way through all the yummy treats. I just enjoyed a yummy score bar.
After that we strolled over to Jess's place and she served us a lovely dinner of chilli and salad and fruit for dessert. We had a lovely time, chatting, sitting on the porch, watching TV and finally got tired and were on our way.
Tomorrow it is off to physio in the morning, the hair dresser at noon and then packing to get ready for our trip to Montreal on Friday. We were not supposed to go last weekend, but due to the funeral it turns out we are in Montreal two week ends in a row. We will be going with my father to the notary to finalize my mother's transfer of property and then on Saturday we are going to Chris's high school reunion in St Jean, Quebec. We will have to leave early as we do not have Jess to share the driving so we will have to stop to let Chris have a snooze half way there.
Next Wednesday I see my surgeon and will find out when and how to wean off the pain meds.
Until next time. How about some comments from all of my viewers. I am wondering if anyone other than Jess, Chris and Iro are reading my blog. Look foward to hearing from you.
Marilyn
On our way we stopped off at the daycare as Natasha had let me know that there was something my daughter could pick up for me , but since I was right there, I picked it up and was happy to see Ashley, Shanna and Danielle and a few of the parents. The teachers put together a beautiful basket full of chocolates, candies, cookies, crackers, soups, etc. etc. etc. What a lovely idea. So much for my diet, but I definately saw a trend towards whole grain and a healthy effort. Thanks so much to all of the Life-Bridge staff. That was really so thoughtful and I will think of you all as I much my way through all the yummy treats. I just enjoyed a yummy score bar.
After that we strolled over to Jess's place and she served us a lovely dinner of chilli and salad and fruit for dessert. We had a lovely time, chatting, sitting on the porch, watching TV and finally got tired and were on our way.
Tomorrow it is off to physio in the morning, the hair dresser at noon and then packing to get ready for our trip to Montreal on Friday. We were not supposed to go last weekend, but due to the funeral it turns out we are in Montreal two week ends in a row. We will be going with my father to the notary to finalize my mother's transfer of property and then on Saturday we are going to Chris's high school reunion in St Jean, Quebec. We will have to leave early as we do not have Jess to share the driving so we will have to stop to let Chris have a snooze half way there.
Next Wednesday I see my surgeon and will find out when and how to wean off the pain meds.
Until next time. How about some comments from all of my viewers. I am wondering if anyone other than Jess, Chris and Iro are reading my blog. Look foward to hearing from you.
Marilyn
Monday, June 23, 2008
Since back in Toronto
We got home from Montreal on Saturday afternoon just on time to pick up the dogs at the kennel. I was so tired that I slept from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. and then got up for supper.
I decided that it is time to begin weaning myself off the pain medication as I felt that I should do this gradually between now and the six week mark so that I am able to begin driving a week from this coming Thursday. So on Saturday night I eliminated the hydormorphone and and on Sunday morning I took my usual two tramacets and did not bother with the gravol because I assumed it was the hydormorphone that caused the nausia. I began to feel nautious so I took a half a gravol on Sunday afternoon. This morning I took only one tramacet but by noon my knees were so stiff and sore that I could not manage and I was also feeling hot and cold and quite tired and nautious. I was not feeling well at all today. This afternoon I took two tramacets and a half a gravol, but still did not feel much better. Tomorrow being my first physio day, I felt I really needed to get back to feeling flexible and more energetic so I took the usual one hydromorphone, two tramacets and a half a gravol at 6:00 pm. and will do the same at midnight and at 6:00 a.m.. I should feel ship shape by the morning by 10:30 when I go for physio.
I will call the doctor tomorrow to see when and how I should be coming off the drugs. It will be five weeks by Thursday and I thought I should be able to manage by then. Ugh. I hope I am not becoming addicted to these drugs. It is quite amazing how well they work. We shall see.
Until tomorrow.
Marilyn
I decided that it is time to begin weaning myself off the pain medication as I felt that I should do this gradually between now and the six week mark so that I am able to begin driving a week from this coming Thursday. So on Saturday night I eliminated the hydormorphone and and on Sunday morning I took my usual two tramacets and did not bother with the gravol because I assumed it was the hydormorphone that caused the nausia. I began to feel nautious so I took a half a gravol on Sunday afternoon. This morning I took only one tramacet but by noon my knees were so stiff and sore that I could not manage and I was also feeling hot and cold and quite tired and nautious. I was not feeling well at all today. This afternoon I took two tramacets and a half a gravol, but still did not feel much better. Tomorrow being my first physio day, I felt I really needed to get back to feeling flexible and more energetic so I took the usual one hydromorphone, two tramacets and a half a gravol at 6:00 pm. and will do the same at midnight and at 6:00 a.m.. I should feel ship shape by the morning by 10:30 when I go for physio.
I will call the doctor tomorrow to see when and how I should be coming off the drugs. It will be five weeks by Thursday and I thought I should be able to manage by then. Ugh. I hope I am not becoming addicted to these drugs. It is quite amazing how well they work. We shall see.
Until tomorrow.
Marilyn
Saturday, June 21, 2008
A Rough Day
The knees did fine but the heart was in pain. Coming to Montreal was my first road trip with my new knees. We stopped frequently to be sure I didn't get too stiff and my circulation was in good order. Jess came with us and thankfully shared the drivng with Chris as I am not yet able to drive - only two more weeks of this nonsense.
Sadly the purpose of this trip was for the funeral of my mother's sister Ethel , who passed away only three months after my mother. She was the elder of the two sisters but the healthy one in their later years. Ethel called my parents every night and as my Mom became frail she continued to check up on her every night and was the strength of the family. She always made everyone feel special and was always happy and supportive about everyone's accomplishments. After my mother died, she continued to check in on my father and he, being sometimes meloncholy and not interested in people, actually looked forward to her phone calls. We knew her health was waning when the phone calls stopped. In less than a week the cancer that burdened her body over the last several months took its toll. No one could believe how suddenly she became frail and quckly passed away. What a loss. I feel like I have lost my fan club. My mom and my aunt both so close together. Two of my strongest supporters, the ones who know me forever and who genuinely cared about me, my life and my family. That 9:00 phone call is sorely missed. She leaves behind her a large and loving family of a husband (of 68 years - their anniversary celebrated the day before she died), sons, daugher-in-laws, grandchildren and great grand children full of tears and sorrow. Hopefully her cheerful laugh and her kind and caring sentiments will soon erase the tears and turn into fond memeories of a women so much loved by everyone she knew.
It was a rough day and today we are heading back to Toronto as life must go on. Good bye Auntie Ethel. Hopefully you and my Mom are now reunited and in a better place.
Until tomorrow.
Marilyn
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The above photo is of my aunt, my parents, and my mother outside our first house in Dollard.
Sadly the purpose of this trip was for the funeral of my mother's sister Ethel , who passed away only three months after my mother. She was the elder of the two sisters but the healthy one in their later years. Ethel called my parents every night and as my Mom became frail she continued to check up on her every night and was the strength of the family. She always made everyone feel special and was always happy and supportive about everyone's accomplishments. After my mother died, she continued to check in on my father and he, being sometimes meloncholy and not interested in people, actually looked forward to her phone calls. We knew her health was waning when the phone calls stopped. In less than a week the cancer that burdened her body over the last several months took its toll. No one could believe how suddenly she became frail and quckly passed away. What a loss. I feel like I have lost my fan club. My mom and my aunt both so close together. Two of my strongest supporters, the ones who know me forever and who genuinely cared about me, my life and my family. That 9:00 phone call is sorely missed. She leaves behind her a large and loving family of a husband (of 68 years - their anniversary celebrated the day before she died), sons, daugher-in-laws, grandchildren and great grand children full of tears and sorrow. Hopefully her cheerful laugh and her kind and caring sentiments will soon erase the tears and turn into fond memeories of a women so much loved by everyone she knew.It was a rough day and today we are heading back to Toronto as life must go on. Good bye Auntie Ethel. Hopefully you and my Mom are now reunited and in a better place.
Until tomorrow.
Marilyn
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The above photo is of my aunt, my parents, and my mother outside our first house in Dollard.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Stiff and Sore
The last two days have my knees have been stiffer and sorer than they have been in a while. I am not sure whether it is because I am more able to do the stretches and the bends when I do my excersizes, thus causing more stress on the muscles, joints and surrounding area of the knees. I called the surgeon today as I felt like I was experiencing more pain than I have had in the last two weeks and the only thing she could offer was that if I felt it was caused by a blood clot, it was best to go straight to an emergency ward where they can quickly do a doppler ultrasound test. As my pain was not in my calves or in my chest I ruled out a blood clot and decided that I need to continue moving. When I sit or lie down for an extended period of time, my legs get very stiff and hot so today I made sure to get up and down regularly and did not take a nap. Indeed I do feel better tonight.
Tomorrow I finally have my appt. at the St. John's rehab for my first official physio which I have been waiting for and have more confidence in than the physio I found on the net. After that Chris has a meeting and we, Chris, Jess and I, are then on our way to Montreal unfortunately for an unexpected funeral. My very special Aunt Ethel who I have admired and adored for many many years since I was a young child (my mom's sister) passed away after a short but aggressive illness which took her life so quickly that I regret I did not have a chance to see her one more time. Fortunately, we spent lots of time with her when my Mom passed away and she was feeling quite fine at that time. We had planned a visit to Montreal for next weekend to see my father and as well my aunt, friends and family and then to go to St. Jean, Que. for Chris's High School Reunion. Unfortunately we are on our way tomorrow for the funeral which will be on Friday. This has certainly been a challenging year in more ways than one.
So off to pack and get the dogs ready for the vet. Tomorrow will be a very long day as I we will have to stop every hour to be sure that I walk around and keep the circulation going in my legs.
Until next time.
Marilyn
Tomorrow I finally have my appt. at the St. John's rehab for my first official physio which I have been waiting for and have more confidence in than the physio I found on the net. After that Chris has a meeting and we, Chris, Jess and I, are then on our way to Montreal unfortunately for an unexpected funeral. My very special Aunt Ethel who I have admired and adored for many many years since I was a young child (my mom's sister) passed away after a short but aggressive illness which took her life so quickly that I regret I did not have a chance to see her one more time. Fortunately, we spent lots of time with her when my Mom passed away and she was feeling quite fine at that time. We had planned a visit to Montreal for next weekend to see my father and as well my aunt, friends and family and then to go to St. Jean, Que. for Chris's High School Reunion. Unfortunately we are on our way tomorrow for the funeral which will be on Friday. This has certainly been a challenging year in more ways than one.
So off to pack and get the dogs ready for the vet. Tomorrow will be a very long day as I we will have to stop every hour to be sure that I walk around and keep the circulation going in my legs.
Until next time.
Marilyn
Monday, June 16, 2008
Father's Day
Hi Everyone,
Finally I am taking the time to tell you all about yesterday, Father's Day. I don't know where the time goes, but yesterday just zipped by. We had made arrangements to have a Father's Day BBQ for Carina's family and ours so we started off the day by first getting my excersizes out of the way as I knew it would be a busy afternoon with everyone arriving at 5:00 p.m.
Jess, Carina and Rick arrived early to help out with the preparation, getting the house tidied up and setting up for the BBQ. They were a great help and Carina was my physiotherapist for my second set of excersizes by pushing my legs in as far as I could tolerate ten times on each leg and then helping me stretch them straight also ten times each. Chris, Rick and Jess went out shopping and Carina and I took the opportunity to nap while they were out. When they returned we had one hour to get all the food ready and the table set and we certainly were a great team. I could not have done it without them.
We had a lovely BBQ and enjoyed some delicious cakes for dessert and chatted away after having to come in due to heavy rain and wind that started just as we were about to have dessert.
It was a very nice Father's Day. Thanks Rick, Carina and Jess for helping out so much and thanks Emilio, Alex and Marcela for joining us. We had a great time.
More about today later.
Marilyn
Finally I am taking the time to tell you all about yesterday, Father's Day. I don't know where the time goes, but yesterday just zipped by. We had made arrangements to have a Father's Day BBQ for Carina's family and ours so we started off the day by first getting my excersizes out of the way as I knew it would be a busy afternoon with everyone arriving at 5:00 p.m.
Jess, Carina and Rick arrived early to help out with the preparation, getting the house tidied up and setting up for the BBQ. They were a great help and Carina was my physiotherapist for my second set of excersizes by pushing my legs in as far as I could tolerate ten times on each leg and then helping me stretch them straight also ten times each. Chris, Rick and Jess went out shopping and Carina and I took the opportunity to nap while they were out. When they returned we had one hour to get all the food ready and the table set and we certainly were a great team. I could not have done it without them.
We had a lovely BBQ and enjoyed some delicious cakes for dessert and chatted away after having to come in due to heavy rain and wind that started just as we were about to have dessert.
It was a very nice Father's Day. Thanks Rick, Carina and Jess for helping out so much and thanks Emilio, Alex and Marcela for joining us. We had a great time.
More about today later.
Marilyn
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A Very Busy Day
Yesterday was a very busy day. While Chris went to fitness, I did my excersizes.
Although I had decided to cut out some of my pain medication, we thought we would try to do some shopping for our Father's Day BBQ happening today.
We also needed a new umbrella for our deck as ours is very old and torn.
So off we went to the cleaners, bank, Gracious Living for the umbrella and off to Loblaws for groceries. I was amazed at how well I was able to walk and get in and out of the car, even with less pain medication. As the day progressed I definately felt more pain but it was not unbearable. We got home at about 3:00 and I was ready to crash. I iced my knees and had a little nap. We had a dinner date with our friends Marion and Emile and one distinct side effect of less pain med was probably the increased pain affected my appetite. I could barely eat any of my meal which is one thing I did noticed in the hospital. Nothing lost. I took home my meal and have a yummy pasta lunch waiting from me in the fridge.
Today, Emilio, Carina's dad, her brother and sister, Carina, Rick, and Jess are coming over for a Father's Day BBQ. I think I will take my usual pain med so I don't run into the same problem as yesterday. It is clear that if I want to do my excersize, I must continue my pain meds. As I cannot drive for six weeks after surgery (3 1/2 more weeks), it seems appropriate to continue the narcotics. After the six week period, I will want to drive and will probably then find it more important to wean off the meds. Hopefully I am able to. We shall see.
Time for my excersize.
Until tomorrow.
Marilyn
Although I had decided to cut out some of my pain medication, we thought we would try to do some shopping for our Father's Day BBQ happening today.
We also needed a new umbrella for our deck as ours is very old and torn.
So off we went to the cleaners, bank, Gracious Living for the umbrella and off to Loblaws for groceries. I was amazed at how well I was able to walk and get in and out of the car, even with less pain medication. As the day progressed I definately felt more pain but it was not unbearable. We got home at about 3:00 and I was ready to crash. I iced my knees and had a little nap. We had a dinner date with our friends Marion and Emile and one distinct side effect of less pain med was probably the increased pain affected my appetite. I could barely eat any of my meal which is one thing I did noticed in the hospital. Nothing lost. I took home my meal and have a yummy pasta lunch waiting from me in the fridge.
Today, Emilio, Carina's dad, her brother and sister, Carina, Rick, and Jess are coming over for a Father's Day BBQ. I think I will take my usual pain med so I don't run into the same problem as yesterday. It is clear that if I want to do my excersize, I must continue my pain meds. As I cannot drive for six weeks after surgery (3 1/2 more weeks), it seems appropriate to continue the narcotics. After the six week period, I will want to drive and will probably then find it more important to wean off the meds. Hopefully I am able to. We shall see.
Time for my excersize.
Until tomorrow.
Marilyn
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