Blogging from A to Z,  faith,  grace,  knee replacement

A to Z Challenge: “An”-KNEE-versary

April 1, 2016 / 13 Comments

April 8 will be one my one-year an-KNEE-versary since I had my right knee replaced. I was 52 which is young, although my doctor said that he is doing replacements for people in their forties.

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Picture of my left knee, sporting my fancy new hardware! I’m ready to set off the alarms at the airport. Good times!

It amazes me how God worked out all the little details and “obstacles” that I put up, in order to not have the operation. The usual hospital stay for a knee replacement is 2-3 days and then the patient goes to rehab for up to four weeks, for physical therapy. My dog doesn’t eat without me (it’s my fault – I feed him with a fork) and I didn’t want to be away from my job and family (husband and pets). I also didn’t want to get a hospital infection. The doctor I chose has been doing joint replacements for 30 years and recently opened up a new clinic in Mooresville, Indiana. And, he’s one of the first doctors who performs a full knee replacement as an out-patient procedure, which is revolutionary in Indiana.

Physical therapy was done in my home and I was able to keep up with the exercises. I work for the Sisters of Providence, a Catholic congregation of women religious (nuns), who were compassionate and willing to work with me. My thoughtful boss, Sister Ann, agreed that I could take two weeks of vacation and work an additional two weeks from home, which allowed me to stay current with my duties (and not lose my mind). When I did return to work, I was allowed to use one of the sisters’ Amigos to travel longer distances, until I had built up my stamina. What other place provides you scooter access to return to work?!

Falling off the Amigo my first day back to work got rid of any residual pride. When you work for an organization with a median age of 77, no one looks at you funny because you have a cane or walker for a few weeks. And, I really felt the power of the sisters’ prayers helping me gain strength and confidence during my healing.

I admit – I was scared to have such a serious surgery. After talking with several sisters who had had the surgery (many in their 70s and 80s), I realized that quality of life is more important than my fear. It wasn’t just enough to get by. And, it wasn’t such a big deal. Some of my favorite sisters were fighting cancer or were living with debilitating diseases and were still working in the community and active. If they could do it, surely I could!

I expected sympathy. What I received was reassurance and encouragement. The bar was set pretty high. I’d hear “Sister so-and-so had a knee replacement last year and she was back attending Mass in three weeks.” I didn’t want to be a wimp among such strong and courageous women.

This was also my first big life event since my mom passed away. There is something about not having my parents around that shook my foundation. My husband was an angel through my operation and rehab, and God showed me that my foundation was stronger than ever.

The cost was another roadblock. My orthopedic surgeon didn’t take my insurance but he worked it out with the surgery center so that they would honor whatever the insurance paid (after they’d signed up with them). I was able to get the surgery done without owing an arm and a leg (pun intended), and without us going into debt. Truly a-mazing!

This allowed me to have my second knee replaced Dec. 8 and I am well on the road to recovery. With Easter just this past Sunday, I was reminded of God’s grace and the blessings of family and friends. Just when I get busy and forget about God’s love or care for me, I’m reminded of all that he is doing in my life. He indeed is risen!

I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!

13 Comments

  • Beth Camp

    April 1, 2016 at 10:39 PM Reply

    What stood out for me in this lovely story was your comment, “I expected sympathy. What I received was reassurance and encouragement.” Isn’t that exactly what we need? A good lesson for many, many other contexts. Your story reminded me of when I worked at a Catholic hospital while attending school full-time and had a miscarriage. The Sister everyone was afraid of hugged me, and that meant more to me than sympathy. Your words resonated with me. and I hope you have swift healing from this second surgery.

    • dmweiden@gmail.com

      April 5, 2016 at 11:27 PM Reply

      Thank you for visiting my blog and for the kind words of encouragement. I bet you had a wonderful and sometimes challenging time working at the hospital. Sisters can be very comforting. I lost my mom in 2010 while working with the SPs and they couldn’t have been more loving or kind. We even had the memorial service in a small chapel that they made available. My heart has been touched a thousand times since I came to work with them. Congrats on doing the blog challenge. I look forward to reading more from you!

  • Leanne

    April 2, 2016 at 2:02 AM Reply

    my mum had her knee replaced in November last year and stayed with us for a month while she recuperated – it was a big lesson in caring and patience for me but really lovely to have that time and give back something to her. btw I love the pics in your sidebar 🙂
    Leanne from cresting the hill

    • dmweiden@gmail.com

      April 5, 2016 at 11:24 PM Reply

      I’m glad you had that time with your mom. Thank you for the kind words and for visiting my blog. I have enjoyed yours as well!

  • Josie Two Shoes

    April 3, 2016 at 4:22 AM Reply

    A is also for Awesome, and that’s just what this post is! My husband had knee replacement surgery five years ago, and I know it’s not easy, but it made all the difference in his life and ability to do the things he needed and wanted, and it sounds like it has gone just as well for you. A wonderful testament to faith, trust, and God making the way for us!
    Josie Two Shoes from Josie’s Journal

    • dmweiden@gmail.com

      April 5, 2016 at 11:23 PM Reply

      Your comment was so encouraging, Josie! Thank you for visiting my blog. I look forward to reading more from you.

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