A couple of days ago I had knee surgery. Did you know they don’t repair torn meniscus – they just cut off or smooth off the ragged edges?
I have two versions of my day.
My make-believe story:
I left home at 8:30 am waving goodbye to all my friends and family that lined the driveway to send me off.
I arrived at OAM Midtowne, Grand Rapids at 9:00 am. I was greeted by kind, caring staff at every turn of my journey. The nurses, assistants – everyone couldn’t have been more kind or caring. I was wheeled away from Farmer who had a hard time letting go of my hand. The last I remember seeing him he was blowing kisses my way.
The best part was drifting off to sleep – I do not sleep well and it was heavenly. When it was time to wake up, I told them I didn’t want to. And, yet I knew there were others waiting for their turn, so being the responsible person I am, I complied and opened my eyes and woke up. The first person I saw was Farmer standing over me with concern on his face and love in his eyes.
I asked him what the doctor had to say about the surgery. Farmer replied, “the doctor said it was the worst case ever and that you had to have been one strong farm wife to be able to have endured the pain for so long without complaining.”
When it was time to go my instructions were to relax, lay low for 2 weeks. Have in home help with food delivered.
Farmer pulled right up to the door when we got home. He helped me up the ramp he made the night before so I wouldn’t have to go up steps. He had to push aside all the balloons and flowers that filled the family room. We finally made to the couch – the new one purchased for my recovery – an extra soft cushy couch.
Within 30 minutes of arriving home my family stopped in one by one to check on me. “Oh, mother, we are so sorry you were in so much pain and we never realized it. Especially when you were making us chocolate chip cookies.”
And then Farmer made sure I had my meds and anything I needed. He then sat in the chair by the couch so he would be at hand if I needed anything.
Now, what really happened.
We left home around 8:30 am with the washing machine in parts on the laundry room floor. I was emailing a friend in Türkiye to make sure he was safe from the earthquake.
I arrived at OAM Midtowne, Grand Rapids at 9:00 am. I was greeted by kind, caring staff at every turn of my journey. The nurses, assistants – everyone couldn’t have been more kind or caring. Right down to the nursing student who had a hard time getting a vein – sorry I couldn’t have been more helpful.
Everyone who came in was encouraging and had a joyful spirit. I called upon the physician’s assistant to help me with the word puzzle I was doing on my phone while waiting to be wheeled back. By the way, the word was FLUFF.
The best part was drifting off to sleep – I do not sleep well and it was heavenly. When it was time to wake up, I told them I didn’t want to. And, yet I knew there were others waiting for their turn, so being the responsible person I am, I complied and opened my eyes and woke up.
When Farmer came back, I asked what the doctor said. “Everything went good.”
When it was time to leave, I asked about restrictions – no restrictions – don’t overdo it.
Farmer drove me up to the door and helped me up the steps and had to push Zeus out of the way. He was so happy to see me.
I made it to the couch and rearranged a pillow or two. Farmer gave me my pills and asked if I needed anything. “Nope, I’m good for now.”
Farmer then went up to the living room, plopped down in the recliner and promptly fell asleep – for 3 hours. I was so so tired but could not fall asleep. Meanwhile Farmer was sawing logs. I got up and let the dog out two times, peed three times and was disgusted that Farmer could sleep and I couldn’t. Not his fault but I was so jealous.
75% of my family checked in by nightfall.
So, there’s my two tales.
I’m doing great. And, I can’t say enough about OAM Midtowne Surgical staff and Dr. Korey Johnson. If I ever need any other surgical procedure I will check to see if it can be done at Midtown with the staff, there.
Now, I really have to turn down my make-believe dial.
