Debbie Cousins's Journal, 07 Aug 23

So sorry you strained your knee and the pain you are suffering. You sure have been brave. I so admire your handling of your grandson. You are in a difficult position there. I continue to pray for you. 

You're doing amazingly well, all things considered! Keep moving forward! I hope your pains subside and you feel better, moment-by-moment! 

Hi Debbie, its me!!! Im doing better. Yes its been a bit of a rough recovery but im doing better. Still in California for a little over 2 more weeks for recovery barring further complications. I understand the swelling. Dunno why I wasn’t aware that was going to happen but my feet look like elephant feet. So swollen they actually make the toes hurt. Swelling finally started to subside a bit yesterday tho def still swollen. Managing to stay off narcotics during the day and just take Tylenol but by around 10-11 i have to take 1-2 oxy and 1-2 gabapentin to get thru the night. So many places hurt. Self inflicted. Good news/bad news i have no scale in the hotel so have not weighed myself and kind of afraid to between immobility and higher calorie count in conjunction with the swelling. Have a feeling im going to end up 10 lbs heavier by the time i get home and have to jump on the bandwagon with as much vigor as possible. Ive been reading your progress. Great work!!! It will get better every day you just do what pt wants you to do and honestly try and keep your protein up. Hope all is well with you and the family. Adjustment having grown children move back in right? Take care darling Debbie. 

Best wishes for a successful and speedy recovery. I want you enjoying your walks with no pain. 

Hi Debbie, Wishing you more and more comfort as you return to peak functionality. It can be so surprising how long it takes to recover but you can do it. Wishing you the best. 

Hang in there Debbie, You got this !!!  

Get well soon!  

🤗 

Thank you, everyone for the kind comments. I needed them! I have had a very bad past couple of hours. I allowed my feelings to get hurt, and I’m having a REALLY hard time dealing with it! It’s been two hours ago now, and I’ve still got tears streaming, in spite of taking one anti anxiety pill and then another one half an hour later - still with no relief for my sadness. It was SUCH a stupid thing, too! I don’t even want to say what happened, because it was so trivial, and my emotions are so incredibly out of proportion to the event. 

Debbie, cut yourself some slack. Your emotions are easily on the surface because in part, you are so close to post surgery. Your body is in healing mode and using its energy for that instead of the day to day altercations or difficult conversations that can occur from time to time. Im sure if you talk with whomever hurt your feelings and say what you just said they will let it go immediately if they haven’t already. You are a kind giving loving woman. It’s okay to have a meltdown over trivial things in the best of times let alone when you are only 10 days or so post surgery. Sending you a hug sweetheart. 

@ Yearofhealth2023 Is there a reason why you are not doing ibuprofen? Tylenol and three hours later ibuprofen. 1000mg Tylenol is for pain and 800mg ibuprofen for inflammation. I think that is how the doctor told me to take it after my surgery in May. Ask your doctor about it  

It is to keep the pain at bay so that you don't get to a point you can't tolerate the pain. I know when I didn't do what they said the pain was unbearable and very hard to get back to being managed.  

Debby, you've been through a lot. It's a strain on body and soul. It's not surprising that you feel a little sensitive. I hope you'll be feeling stronger soon. Give yourself time, it's okay to feel a little vulnerable. 

I am doing Tylenol. Do fine during the day. He didnt mention ibuprofen so guessing not on his protocol  

I had a partial knee replacement (it was supposed to be total) about six years ago. I have experienced knee pain since then. The one thing that has made a difference is taking Collagen powder in my coffee. If anyone wants more information, feel free to message me. 

Nice drop in spite of the swelling. Heal well soon!!!