It is NOT about me.

[quasigeostrophy]

I have not endured years of osteoarthritis in my knee to the point of being unable to walk without a cane or go long distances without needing a sitting mode of transportation.

I have not suffered from having bone spurs and no cartilage whatsoever in that knee.

I have not suffered the indignity of medical professionals deriding me and disregarding my condition because of another condition.

I have not undergone total knee replacement surgery.

I have not undergone laryngiospasm resulting in a severe asthma attack while being intubated for general anesthesia before that surgery.

I have not spent over 48 hours (and mentally lost the first 24) after surgery in the ICU because of that asthma attack.

I have not undergone the stress of awakening to discover I've been intubated and my hands restrained and felt extremely claustrophobic from that and the associated disorientation.

I have not undergone 2 days of pain, medication, tests, discomfort, respiratory therapy, and both stressful and painful physical therapy starting only a couple of hours after awakening and being extubated.

I do not have weeks of more physical therapy and limited mobility to look forward to as I recover and regain full use of a new prosthetic knee.

And yet, I am still freaking EXHAUSTED.

Comments

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Argh! That's awful.

Hopefully once she gets (literally) back on her feet, that knee will be wonderful for her.

My MiL has the replacements. They do change your life.

For you both

[tourmaline1973.livejournal.com]

Re: For you both

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

Aw, that's sweet. Thank you!

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

Hope you both feel better soon.

The fact that her lot is worse doesn't mean that yours is easy. Caregiving takes plenty of energy. Wishing you strength as well.

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[coraline73.livejournal.com]

No, but worry & stress are exhausting!
Best wishes for you both - must be good to be back home :-)

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It is, indeed.