Smoke Signals and other news
Home – What a wonderful place to be. There is nothing fancy about my house. We started building it in 1982, and to this day, it is not finished for various reasons. It is one of my goals for this year. Yet, in its unfinished state, it has been a place that has housed joy, hope, dreams, worship, growing children and many of their friends, a variety of pets and strays, family gatherings, friends, sadness, grief, and much more. It was built on land that was family-owned and loved.
On Sunday, when I was able to escape the rehab center after eight days in the hospital and 17 days in rehab, it was a beautiful sight. For what is outpatient surgery, for some, was anything but for me. I managed to hit many complications and setbacks along the way. I always thought I had a high pain tolerance, but I’m no longer so sure about that.
Overall, I did well and tolerated the exercises. I did, however, cry through one fifteen-minute session, and during my final session, I screamed in pain for the first time in my life. I cried and begged for the session to be over, but it ran its course, and I was left exhausted and crying.
I am not writing this for sympathy. Part of the issue is that I cannot take narcotic pain meds as most folks do during rehab. I want to say everyone’s recovery is different. I have not reached the point where I can say, “I’m glad I had it done,” but hopefully, I can someday make that statement. If you should decide to have a total knee replacement, make sure you and your surgeon and any other doctors involved understand your body, how it reacts to a variety of things, and that those doctors will not just throw you in a general group of patients but will respond when you and/or your family says something is wrong.
My surgeon and staff were great. Another doctor involved was not, therefore causing me to suffer some rather serious setbacks and complications. Always have a family member or friend present to advocate on your behalf when you cannot. For instance, when you have been overdosed with a powerful painkiller, cannot communicate, and become unresponsive, none of the medical staff has noticed. It is amazing how quickly emergency personnel can arrive in your room and begin reviving you when the alarm is given; however, without that family member, no alarm would have been given.
God is not finished with me on this earth just yet.
My family has been at my side around the clock. I have wanted for nothing (except for less pain). When I could not feed myself, they stood over my bed and fed me. When some of the food I was brought was items I was allergic to or just not that good, food appeared that I could eat. When I wanted to come home, they made me feel loved and made sure I had everything I possibly needed, allowing me to recover at my own pace. My sweet little dog has stayed with my daughter this entire time and is still there until I am sure I can care for him. He even came to visit me in rehab.
For an update on our friend and community member, Mike Hamblin, he is undergoing intense physical and occupational therapy to strengthen his body and bring him back to full health. His family covets your prayers that he responds well. He continues to make baby steps.
Come and learn about the most common trees in Marshall County on Tuesday, April 23. The deadline to register is April 16. The program begins at 9 a.m. at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. To register, call the Marshall County Extension Office at 662 252-3541.
Please share your news with me at 901-246-8843, or email jchwagg@gmail.com or message me at Clair Wagg on Facebook.