My knee replacement is scheduled

I saw my original orthopedic surgeon this morning and he agreed that it was time for my knee to be replaced. He is already scheduling March surgeries so I scheduled it for April 2. That way, the new puppy will be four months old and will be completely housebroken (both day and night), and will be big enough that he won't need supervised outside but not so old that he will be challenging my Scottie for the alpha position.

The surgeon said 6 weeks off work, and to plan for 2 weeks with a walker (man, that makes me feel old!). My hands were shaking when I was scheduling the appointment, but it is done.

He told me to do whatever I can to strengthen my leg and gluteal muscles before then, and that there would be at least 4 weeks of physical therapy. Ugh. Not sure how it might affect working on my dissertation, but I think my advisor will be flexible on deadline, etc..

Lora

Well it is at least a few months away to give you time to prepare mentally and physically.   I know it's not an easy surgery, but you will have the time off to recuperate.   And you seem like a very strong lady, I'm sure you will do fine 

Yay! Great news. I'm sure it's a bit daunting, but you will be in so much less pain.

Of course what caught my eye was the word 'puppy'. You are getting a puppy? I'm so happy for you.

Yes, getting a cream male Chow puppy the third week in January!  In another thread, I posted pics of the litter that I got this morning.

 

Lora

 now I've got to go find the post so I can see the little guy. Congrats! This is great news.

As much as we know something like that is coming and needed, it's still a shock when it is scheduled!! It just makes it SO real where as before it was 'someday'.

I'm glad that it is good timing with the puppy.  Do you have help at home after surgery? As far as the muscle strengthening, my friend had both knees done separately. He said there was a huge difference in recovery with the one he physically prepared for and the other that he didn't.

I'm sure you will do great! When does the puppy get to come home?

Yes, it became very real this morning when they gave me the paperwork!  My mom will keep both dogs while I am in the hospital, and then I will probably stay with her for at least a few days afterward.  Then, I live literally two streets over from her, and she is retired, so she can come by to help out or if I need something.

The puppy will be exactly six weeks old on Jan 17th, so I will get him sometime the 17th, 18th or 19th... whatever works for them and me schedule-wise.  Probably Sat the 19th, though.  I'm so excited!

 

Lora

It's good to plan so yay for getting a date!   This will make a HUGE difference to you, once you are over the surgery and for that I am happy for you.

When do you get your puppy?   Mine is due Jan 20th and then we get her 8 weeks later - I went for the later litter so I get first pick!!!  So glad this is all going to work out for you x

I will get him sometime the 17th, 18th or 19th (probably Saturday the 19th).

What kind of puppy are you getting?!?  I am hoping that I am the only local buyer so that I will have my choice of the three cream males.  I know that one puppy will be shipped, but not sure about the other one.

 

Lora

It's so exciting, isn't it?   My puppy is a Golden Doodle - we had one called Merlot who died this year from a very aggressive bone cancer, he went from limping to complete disintegration of the bone in about 3 weeks and he was only 4!   It was heartbreaking ...   Our vet said she had never seen it before and thought it was just an anomaly - not because of his breed.

This is a different breeder to Merlot's and all these puppies are home bred and home reared - she has a FB site and it's very active - she posts lots of videos of the puppies with her children and playing out in the snow etc - can't wait to see mine out there frolicking!!!  I have been watching the last group of pups (who are now 5 months) grow up in their new homes and the new ones go home on Saturday and then it's my turn!!!

Can't wait to see your pictures once your puppy comes home - feel free to post regularly