Hello everyone!

Hi everyone, just want to first thank you all for your sweet thoughts and messages. I have read all the email messages to me, you guys are awesome! For some reason when I'm feeling puny I tend to pull myself away into a little corner with a blankey and just stay to myself. I guess it's my way of healing for awhile. So I haven't been online much at all. I know I have lots of things to catch up on,, but first wanted to get this message out as so many of you sweet friends have been wondering about me. Anyway, I got home Thursday, and am doing okay. My surgery went very well, I guess got all the bad arthritis coodies out. One complication that I have, not surprising I guess, is I have developed two bed sores. Ouch!! It's real unusual for someone who wasn't really in bed that long, but my little bony bum is just such thin skin. So that has been real painful as well. So I can't lie down cause that hurts, and I can't sit up much cause my knee hurts. Life is difficult right now. Also, I am real sensitive and seem to tear up at nothing. I'm such a boo!! But I wanted to share some quick things that I learned from this surgery! - This ISN'T the weight loss surgery!! I haven't been able to weigh because I can't balance on the scale, plus I've got lots of 'big' socks on, so I have to wait. But I can guarantee I have gained just from the fluids and how I feel. But I'm okay with that, it's temporary - I have definitely broken my eating after 8 p.m. habit - I don't go into the kitchen as much as I used to at all. Too darn much trouble! Plus, I am on a walker and can't carry alot and manage that as well. My sweet husband whom I adore and am so thankful for him, asked me if I wanted him to put on a basket on my walker (I guess like they do for bicycles??). I said are you kidding, I want to be off this thing as fast as possible. He wanted to make it like my new 'car'. He's so sweet. - I have been humbled as far as using a walker, cane and crutches. When I went in for this surgery, I was very 'I don't want to use a walker, that is for 'old' people'. Well friends I love my walker!! If I didn't have it I would be stuck in bed. Thank you Lord for giving me humility!! - And I give myself plenty of time to get to the bathroom! My 'incident' in the hospital was a good lesson!! The nurse had taken out my catheter, and was helping me 'walk' with my walker to the restroom. Not speaking 'nurse talk' I told the nurse 'I'm going to the bathroom' and she looked at me and smiled and said 'yes isn't that wonderful', and I said 'no, I mean I am peeing on the floor!' Humiliation - oh yeah. I did cry and the nurse kept telling me it was okay and laughed and said it wasn't the worse thing she has had to clean up. She kept reassuring me it was normal for just having had the cathetor taken out. And then she said 'are you incontinent'. Major humiliation!! Big cry. I told you I was sensitive!! - But the nice ending compliment is what I think of I get discouraged - when the volunteer came to wheel me downstairs to have Greg pick me up to go home, as she was turning me around in the room in the wheelchair, I said 'I hope I'm not too heavy for you', and she laughed and said 'IT'S ALWAYS THE LITTLE ONES THAT WORRY!!!'. Excuse me - little ones!!! I was smiling all the way to the front door. Anyway, I am having physical therapy three times a week at my house, can't drive for six weeks, (cause it's the right knee) and so just sitting here crocheting baby blankets. Anyone need one?? Ha ha!! Like I said, this is the first time I have been online. Just haven't felt motivated. I think Greg is going to work today so I want to try to get into my routine. You know things like take a bath and wash my hair!! Maybe put on makeup and get dressed. I have a lot of swelling in my leg. I wasn't worried about it, but I did go to the emergency on Sunday because of the bed sores, I know, that sounds silly, but they had opened and were draining, and one of my daughters is an RN although not practicing, and I hate it when I ask her advice and then have to do it or I will make her mad and she will bug the crude out of me (Kim, I have these two bed sores that are draining and .... Mom, call emergency right away that could develop into ...) But back to my story - when I was at the ER they thought my leg was too swollen and so I have an appointment tomorrow with my surgeon to see if it's normal or what. I think it is. Anyway, thanks again to all of you, love you all! I know this is probably more than you all want to know about what is goinig on in Donna's world!! I will get back on track and more active once I get into my routine Don't forget me!! much love, donna

Here's sending you warm wishes, Donna. I'm sure happy you're home safe and healthy, although a little under the weather. You've been through alot. Just keep on taking it easy and you'll soon be back to normal, here on the boards where we all love ya to be! Crocheting baby blankies, huh? Can you teach me? I've been looking for somebody who knows how to crochet or knit, I want to do that so bad! I am a personal care giver for the elderly and you would THINK that ONE of these sweet women would know how, I ask alot. Nope, it's a lost art, I guess. I feel like it'll help me not want to eat as much, if my hands are kept busy. I bought a pair of knitting needles and some yarn this weekend and found a website that shows video that is very good. I learned how to cast on, kind of, but then, I don't get how to join another row, or I guess they call it "knitting on?" ANYway, enjoy your wonderful hobby, I would! We sure have missed you around here! Hugs, Kelly

Hi Kelly, I wish I could show you how to crochet. It's easy. But I think knitting is the 'trend' right now!! Why dont you go to your local yarn shop and sign up for a class? That would be so easy and now is the perfect time with the weather being cool, and having all that yarn on your lap. I always get real hot when I crochet in the summer, but I love to do it so do it anyway. love donna

Donna I am glad your up and moving around this is temperary and you will be running a marathon in no time flat!! Just take this time to heal thats what your body needs. Oh yea and I need a baby blanket since I Am going to be a new first time grandma in March, maybe I need to learn how to crochet!!! NAh I don't have the patience I can only do things that I get immediate results with, maybe thats why I get frustrated with my weight. WOW I just had a revelation. Maybe that is what my problem is, sorry I am just talking to myself now lol DUH!!!! ANYWAY Donna I hope your feeling better soon!!!

Hi Michelle, yup, I'm up and moving, slowly, but moving. I knew this would be hard, but I hate to be an 'invalid'! love donna

I've thought of you everyday. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Us gals know what doesn't kill you makes you stronger (and in my case meaner lol). I know that joint replacement is painful - remember vicodine is your friend. Now a little laugh for you - don't tell anyone - but two days after my hand surgery I got several awful cold sores (happens when I'm stressed, emotionally or physically). They were not only ON my nose and mouth but IN my nose and mouth - so I took Zovarax. Well Zovarax gives me the runs and yup I POOPED my pants, not once but twice, once in the car and once in the store. Your pee story isn't so bad now is it. Feel better princess, you're such an important part of our family and we miss you! Micha

Hello girlfriend Micha, yes, vicodine is my best friend right now. And thanks for sharing your pooh story! I know it means nothing to the nurses, but oh my gosh, very humilating, right? Love you Micha! donna

hey Donna Welcome home - we've missed you! I am glad to hear that the knee surgery went off without a hitch and sorry to hear about the bed sores - I hope you're feeling better very soon. You're very lucky to have your wonderful hubby there to help you out. I hope your recovery moves along smoothly in the next few weeks - and feel free to make a baby blanket for me () - I don't have a baby or even a grandchild but I love soft homemade blankets! Love, Linda

Hello Linda, yeah, the knee surgery was a total success, at least I think so. And the bed sores are just thin skin on my bum!! You know I put out that about making blankets and I haven't even felt motivated to pick up yarn. I think today is a good day though, I mean I am responding to posts and that is the most I've done!! Love donna

Hi Ma, Glad your doing okay, you'll be your well healed self in no time...I just know it. As for the blanket no not yet give me a couple months and oh just between me n you I want it in blue...hehehe The man was here the other night and well he said we should have a definate answer the 1st week of November , OMG 3-4 more weeks geeeezzzz, don't they know i'm impatient...lol Rest and get well Hugs, Shel