S-Day September 19

Over the past few months, I have struggled to focus on writing. After two trips to Europe in early summer, I finally wore out the remaining cartilage in my left knee. The meniscus had torn years earlier. The X-ray and MRI images showed that my ACL was destroyed. I had compensated by constantly tightening my thigh muscles, which added extra strain to the connecting ligaments. The left hip was replaced in 2016. That strain probably added to issues with the left knee.

The last six weeks have felt like a countdown to surgery. Each day, I focus on completing my physical therapy (PT) exercises, avoiding long walks with the cane I am not used to, and battling sleep issues. The exercises significantly reduced the pain in my left leg at night. The leg would start to ache high up, radiate through the knee, and settle in the ankle. If I bent my knee while sleeping, it could get stuck, and I would wake my husband screaming in pain.

At the end of July, I saw a knee surgeon who discussed my options. I have undergone physical therapy over the years, had a couple of injections, iced, elevated, rested, used massage, and acupuncture. Arthritis causes pain. The lack of cartilage in the joint and kneecap has increased the pain so much that I would be happy with any improvement over my current condition. I know that the total knee replacement won't fix the postural issues caused by the weak knee, nor the tight muscles and tendons. I will have to continue movement therapy and relearn how to walk properly once I've recovered from surgery.

Once the surgeon's office cleared my health status, which meant my health was verified and no further action was needed, like a dentist visit, I was scheduled for surgery.

September 19 is my D-day – or should I call it S-day for surgery day? I have specific instructions before surgery. No supplements one week prior, no blood-thinning agents like aspirin, drink two protein shakes per day, and do my PT. There were forms to fill out, with check boxes to be completed after each item on the list. I have a range of motion (ROM) exercise cycle, which was delivered today, for use after surgery. I will visit PT in person twice a week, as well as perform exercises three times a day at home and use the ROM machines three times a day.

Right now, shopping feels like a chore. I haven't enjoyed shopping for pleasure in months. Grocery shopping is also a chore because I have to watch for people darting in and out around me. I plan to recover quickly so I can reintroduce the exercise I enjoy, like walking, into my daily routine. I love taking photos on my walks, and I often use them to write about what I saw. I plan to take trips next year, including visiting a relative who is getting married in February.

I'm exhausted from not getting enough sleep and just want to rest. It takes longer to walk into the store or to an appointment. My mind feels tired, and I prefer watching TV or reading a book, so I haven't been reading much on Vocal. I've been trying to interact and leave a few comments, but I haven't been as active as I once was. I've pushed myself over the last few days, submitting pieces to several Vocal challenges.

Tomorrow is my last day before a major surgery, and I will be following instructions and getting ready. I look forward to staying in touch with you periodically over the coming months. Although I may have plenty of time to read or write, it will depend on my mood, as well as my time management of my PT. In the meantime, keep sharing your wonderful stories and poems.

🦵🦿 😉

Copyright © 9/17/2025 by Andrea O. Corwin

I am thrilled you stopped by! 😃You can subscribe for free. Please consider leaving a comment.