Eleven Weeks Post Surgery - More Ups and Downs

I know it has been a while, but a lot has happened since my last blog.

First, I am now completely leg brace free. It is nice to have my freedom again. Once I get a chance to indulge in a spray-on tan, I may even wear a skirt for the first time in months!

Second, right before Memorial Day weekend, my 79 year old Mom fell, broke her femur, had to have surgery, and my husband and I drove 13 hours, overnight, after working a full day just to see her before surgery. (She is fine, she had a successful surgery and is in a rehab hospital in Pennsylvania. But let's just chalk this up to one more reason why 2008 sucks.) She had a steel rod put in her leg and I hate that she has to start doing physical therapy, now that mine is winding down. I wish I could do it for her.

Third, we have officially booked our trip to Jamaica. We are going in August. It can't get here soon enough. Really. Work has been so busy and stressful for both me and my husband lately. Some days I feel like Jamaica is the carrot dangling ahead of me that is keeping me going.

Fourth, this past weekend we made it to King's Island for a full day of riding roller coasters. It felt GREAT to ride a roller coaster again. My knee was a little swollen after the fact but it was worth it. Moving that fast made me forget that there was every anything wrong with my leg. We got through a whole weekend getaway without any problems AND I got to take advantage of some great handicapped parking with my still-valid handicapped tag! (Don't worry, there must have been about 100 unused spaces--I didn't take any from someone more deserving.)

Fifth, I am now only going to physical therapy once a week, but I have to supplement with trips to the YMCA to use the elliptical machine and the exercise bike. I love it. I love that I can start working out again. Soon I might actually have muscles again and maybe some cardiovascular endurance once more. It's very exciting!

Sixth, I was fitted for my "functional" brace and picked it up last week. Cost $987 (100% covered by insurance, thankfully). I really will probably only need it the next time I ski, but it's kind of exciting to have it. Sort of feels like a security blanket on my knee. I still know it will be terrifying the next time I ski, but there's a part of me that feels exhilarated about doing it again. I'm glad that I have the brace for when I want to venture out on a mountain again.

Seventh, just as we booked a weekend trip to Dallas for later this summer with our friend, Paul, we learned that his longtime friend, Walter, (someone we had heard hundreds of stories about, talked on the phone to, and were dying to finally meet) had passed away. I am SO disappointed. Again, I plan to flip the bird to 2008 on New Year's Eve. Is this year over yet?

I am really hoping that June will be a much calmer month.