Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Doing The Happy Dance !

Well, I set the alarm and was up early to head off across town to the Orthopedic Doctor.  After filling out a pile of forms, I was ushered into a little exam room, given a pair of disposable navy shorts to put on.  After thumbing thru the June 2008 issue of "House Beautiful" the thin, small doctor walked in & introduced himself.  He asked me how long my knee has been bothering me and I told him about the incident in March.  But really this goes way back...like to 6th grade.  I told him about my knee swelling, mom would take me to the doctor, he'd wrap it with an elastic bandage, write a note for me to be out of P.E. for a month.....it went on all thru Junior & Senior High School. I told him as a young mother I could never kneel down on the floor with my little ones and play with them.  My knees (the right one has always been the worst) hurt so bad, that I couldn't bend them back by kneeling like that. 

So then he pulled the MRI films out of the jacket and put them up on the light panel. First of all, I do have a meniscus tear but only slight and not in the normal place where they do surgery. The big problem is the patella (kneecap) on my right leg is not where it belongs..it is way over to the outside of my leg and is rubbing bone on bone with the femur. He went on to say that my right knee cap was probably off to the side when I was born.  He suggested the "pop" and pain I felt in March was probably a muscle or tendon pulling when I was knocked over and lost my balance.  So for right now he wants me to continue to wearing the soft brace, to still take it easy in climbing steps, etc and if the pain increases he'll consider some cortisone shots (oh those feel good~I've had them in my hip joint) and someday it will come to a knee replacement.

I said "so no surgery right now?"  "Nope, not now" was his reply.  I am soooooooo very happy !!!  I can deal with the discomfort~ice, Ibuprofen & tylenol will help with that. But I did not want to go under the knife again.  I've had enough of that to last a lifetime! 

 

It's barely 50 degrees and raining here in the lovely Pacific Northwest today.  But...the TV weather guy said we can expect sun & temperatures in the high 70's by the end of the week. 

Meanwhile, Barbara is coming over soon and we're going to an afternoon movie.   Until next time.....Happy Linda !

P.S. a friend of mine sent me this link.  Sort of a follow up to Mother's Day.  I hate that you have to watch a commercial before getting the actual video but it's worth it...the video is great.  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/09/assignment_america/main4085323.shtml

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear no surgery!  Wonderful news.

Enjoy the movie - which movie are you going to see?

Monica

Anonymous said...

wonderful news!
gina

Anonymous said...

Glad for your news, although wish you were not in pain at all. My Mom has a really bad knee but because of her age the doctors will not do any surgery so she takes the pills too. It's funny that you mentioned not being able to get down on your knees with the kids, I think doing just that plus washing floors on her hands & knees caused my Mom's problems. I can remember as a kid asking why she didn't use a pillow and her saying it was fine didn't bother her. Have fun at your movie...love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

Happy knee knews  (lol)   And I luved the video about the doggie and kittens.  Wish the whole world could be so kind.
                                       Marlene
       http://journals.aol.com/domsmom27/one-day-at-a-time

Anonymous said...

Linda, good news and I am sure you are happy. Just try to go easy on it and watch your step. Bill

Anonymous said...

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Anonymous said...

so glad you don't need surgery, Linda, I bet that was a big relief!!

I skimmed some of your other entries to catch up; seems like you had a great mother's day!!!

betty

Anonymous said...

Good news about the knee ! I feel like a 55 chevrolet. I drive well but parts keep falling off. As long as my stickshift will still change gears and the clutch doesn't slip, I'm in like Flint.

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

Good news about your knee!  Hope it is feeling better soon!
Traci

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain about the knee.  Icing Ibuprofen and wrapping it is all I'm doing for mine.  I had no injury but it just pops out of place from time to time and I end up falling.  I'm glad you do not have to have surgery right away.  Recovery is long for that and rehab is recommended so as not to reinjure it and have to come back.  I'd never heard of the disposable navy shorts.  I hope you recover and not need surgery.  Have a very pain free week.

Nelishia
http://journals.aol.com/nelishianatl/Prayingandbelieving/

Anonymous said...

I've had both knees replaced Linda (about 8 years ago).  Mine was due to old arthritis and bone against bone pain when I walked.  It was a good decision as I was all but imobile.  I'm glad you don't have to worry about it right now.
Hugs, Joyce

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news of the no surgery!
and it's gonna be 98 here by the end of the week.....
Have a great day!
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

Great to hear that you won't need any surgery Linda!  Good news!  My corn is up about 4 inches now!  Thanks so much for that.  I can't wait!
Marie
http://ayearatoakcottage.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad the doctor discovered the cause of the pain Linda and happy you don't need to have surgery right now! Hope the temperature rises for you soon, we've had it hot here, in the 80's, for a couple of weeks now, it's wonderful! Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/  

Anonymous said...

How interesting about your kneecap and the fact that it may have been like that since birth.  No wonder you are in so much pain, it sounds terrible!  Good news about not needing surgery.  I'll have to see the video later ~ not at high speed right now.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I am glad that you do not have to go under the knife again. I really liked that video. Yes it is a lot of work to bottle feed all of those babies. I should know! LOL
Kelli
http://journals.aol.com/kamdghwmw/noonmom