Catching up II

Mary Ann

It's now been four weeks and three days since Mary Ann's surgery, and we feel her recovery has been going well.  She's been pain-free since the post-op pain left a few days after surgery, and she now realizes how bad her hip must have been.  We are looking forward to next Monday when she has an appointment with the surgeon to see how her hip is coming along.  I imagine an x-ray will be taken, but am not sure.  It's challenging to try to remember and observe all the hip precautions, such as not twisting your torso, not leaning forward while sitting such that the angle between chest and knee becomes less than ninety degrees, not crossing your legs even at the ankles, and so forth.  I believe these will be relaxed or removed after healing is complete, which should be in four to six weeks.  We will find out on Monday.

On the days since the last post, Mary Ann has had two more physical therapy sessions; she's had blood tests done, and she saw our family doctor today.  She's getting around better at home and becoming more independent, although she still needs the walker.

Mary Ann's PT sessions  this week have been with Cheryn, the therapist who was helping her when she was a resident at the rehab place.  Cheryn is very good and we like her very much.  Here's a photo of her with Mary Ann that I took yesterday while Mary Ann was strengthening her legs on the recumbent cross trainer.

Notice the smiles!!

Last Saturday, I was able to drive for the first time since turning the keys over to the valet parking attendant at Florida Hospital prior to surgery on June 29.  It was a neat feeling to get behind the wheel again, but it was neater still because because Mary Ann was with me, and we were on our way to 4:00 Mass at the cathedral.  It was the first time she was able to attend Mass since her surgery.  Barbara, Lauren, and Ally came along with us, and Mary Ann was greeted warmly by many friends.  This was a happy and special event.

While were out, our good friend and neighbor Sheri Cuff brought a box of pastries to the house for us to enjoy.  This was a wonderful and welcome surprise.  We sampled them right after dinner, and they were yummy!!

On Sunday afternoon, Nancy Lewis, a long time friend from the cathedral came to visit.  She brought a CD by Jackie Evancho for us.  She's an 11 year-old girl who sings like an adult.  She has a beautiful voice.  Thanks Nancy!

Ned

"What a difference," Dr. Cooperman, the eye surgeon, said to me yesterday morning as he peered into my eye with his instrument.  My vision remained at 20-40, but he feels it will improve even more after the YAG laser he thinks I need because of the thickened "capsule" he's been telling me about.  The capsule is the hammock-like place that holds the lens.  Apparently, it it not uncommon after cataract surgery for this capsule to thicken and/or become cloudy.  A treatment with a YAG laser clears this up, said the doctor.

     

He said he wants to see me one more time and then he will release me to the care of my regular opthamologist.  I consider myself to be a very, very lucky man, to have had this fast-developing condition diagnosed so quickly and to be placed in the hands of such a skilled surgeon.  I will never be able to thank God enough for his kindness.