Thursday, August 16, 2012

"Happy Anniversary To Me"... Total Bilateral Knee Replacement, Post-Op One Year !!

They say that time flies. So true isn't it?
It's hard for even me to believe but it's been one year since I've had my knees replaced.

I went for my one year check-up with ex-rays. The bones have healed very well. This is what my knees looked like shortly after the surgery.


I know right? Pretty gross!
And here I am today. As you can see, no more swelling, no more staples, and most importantly, 
no more pain!


My scars are fading, slowly. But it doesn't bother me at all. I wear them with pride. I went through a lot to get this far!

I told my surgeon that it now feels as if I never had arthritis and my knees feel like just that,
my knees. They don't feel mechanical at all. 

I don't have to see him again for two years. How amazing is that?

I sort of get a kick out of people that will say "Can you do that with your knees?", because I can do more with my knees now than I could before I had them replaced!

It's a good feeling. I am grateful that this technology was available to me. I am grateful that my husband worked so hard to afford this for me.

My oldest daughter, Ginny, is flying in from Raleigh on Friday. We are all going to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in our neighboring town, this weekend. I will tell you this much. Had I not had my knees replaced last year, I would have had to use a wheelchair or simply not gone. I haven't been to the annual festival in years so I am looking forward to seeing all of the beautiful balloons while
"walking"! 


I will miss my mom. She used to love going to the festival. But I'm sure she will be walking right along side of me if only in spirit.

Happy Anniversary to me!!!

26 comments:

Blu-I'd-Blonde said...

Amazing what can happen in one year. Someday, I may have to have surgery in my left knee...sometimes I can barely walk, especially up and down stairs. My mom has been gone since 1986, and dad in 1988. I still miss them but I'm glad they're in a much better place. I've enjoyed catching up on your blog.

Rebecca said...

That a year has passed already DOES seem impossible!

I'm so glad you get to celebrate this way. Hope the weather is over-the-top beautiful for your time at the festival.

You HAVE come a LONG WAY, Baby!

Debbie said...

Congratulations Diana! I'm so happy that your surgery was a success and that you can enjoy life with perfect knees! :D I may be a candidate for that before too long but I'm also a coward! Enjoy the festival. We went to one of those balloon fests years ago in Dallas and it was a beautiful site. Isn't it especially fun when our kids come home? Have a great time and post photos!
Later kiddo, Deb

Tamara said...

Happy Healthy Anniversary to your knees! All the discomfort and pain are now a veiled memory.

Wish I were there with you for the Hot Air Balloon Festival! I want to do the Santa Fe NM one some year, too.

Hugs to you, Lady Di!

Christine said...

Woo Hoo! Ain't it grand to have new knees and no pain. Di you have been an inspiration for me. Your blog helped me to finally go through with bilateral knee replacement surgery too. I just passed the 7 month post op mark on Aug. 9th. I too wear my scars proudly since they mean no more pain! Hugs to you on your special day!

Diana said...

Dear Christine,
I posted about this surgery initially before having it and then after. The reason being that I couldn't find much detailed and honest information about it.
I am so happy if I have helped you in any way possible. The seven month mark was when everything started working right and the pain was completely gone, for me anyway.
I hope the seven month mark has done the same for you! I know how much you love nature as it shows in your beautiful photos.
Many Blessings to you and "Keep on walkin'"!!! Love Di ♥

Lynilu said...

It doesn't seem like it's been a year! I'm so glad you're doing so well, and that the surgery did what it was supposed to do!

Have tons of fun at the event!

<3

Anvilcloud said...

I can hardly believe that it's been that long. I'm happy for you that you're doing so well.

Dee said...

Throwing confetti your way to help you celebrate. I am so happy you healed so well...you were brave having them both done at the same time. :)

Barb said...

Gosh - a year already Di? Amazing! You've done so well - good for you. Have fun with Ginny. Take your camera to the festival please. Have a great weekend.

Lena said...

A year already?? Wow!! Congrats dear, Di!!! (((HUGS))) :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Diana,
I'm so glad you are doing well now. You went though alot I'm sure. I think you were brave to get them both done.
Have a good week.

Unknown said...

Diana-
Found your blog though Dee.
I just had knee cap replacment in April and I am still in pain. Still on pain pills.
How long did it take to get to the point of no pain?

enjoyed your blog
going to be a fan!

Cindy

About Last Weekend said...

Glad everything is healing and those balloons look so so fun!

Rob-bear said...

Oh, yes: Happy Anniversary, indeed!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

A Lady's Life said...

Congrats!! I Am so happy for you.
It is good when everything goes well.
:)

Ginnie said...

I can't believe it's been a year !!
...but then I can't believe it's been 11 months since I got a hip replacement. Isn't it wonderful that we live in a time where that is possible? It makes me humble.
Enjoy, Di.

Gunn said...

Glad it all went well !!

Talin's Corner said...

Yay! Enjoy thevhot air balloon festival. I went to one a long time ago and wevhad so much fun.

Jackie said...

Di...I've been away for a while. Forgive my lack of commenting while I was gone.
When I opened my blog reader and saw this post, I could hardly believe that it's been a year since you had your surgery. It seems like yesterday to me. I am so happy that you are feeling better...that you are able to do things that you couldn't do before your surgery.
Enjoy the hot air balloon show. (My heart tugged a bunch when I read that your Mom always enjoyed going to the festival.) I know that you miss her dearly, Di. I know that will always be so, my friend. She is and always will be right there with you.
Love you,
J.

Teresa said...

Hi Di,
So glad to hear that things are great with your new knees. Nothing worse than trying to walk and enjoy things when you are in pain. Keep on walking friend...enjoy the festival, and I know you must miss your mom so much. ((((Hugs)))) TT



Tranquility Speaks said...

It feels like just a few weeks back that I was jubilant that you'd be going through a knee replacement surgery :-) Your happiness is infectious! God bless :)

Eileen said...

No way has it been a year! I can't get over that! I remember that photo, and I remember how hard you worked to get back mobility, and I remember when you started riding your bike again!
One year! Triumphant! Congratulations!

Enjoy your time with your family! 'So glad you can participate again in the 'joy of living'!
You did always have such a good attitude though, Di, in spite of what may have been going on in your life, you always seemed upbeat and didn't let yourself stay 'down' for too long, whether it was a physical ailment or an emotional one, you were/are always an inspiration to me!
LOVE YOU!, E

Memoirs of Me & Mine said...

Indeed, happy anniversary to you. That is amazing!

http://www.memoirsofmeandmine.com/

Unknown said...

Di you are so amazing, I tell my husband all the time about you and your knee replacement. He is in sooo much pain and last night his knee was so swollen, he is just so stubborn and thinks a knee replacement will put him down and he won't be able to "do stuff". He has been told he needs both knees done but he just won't take the TIME...I guess when he absolutle can't WALK he will head the advice.... MEN! So happy for you...enjoy the FESTIVAL! take lots of photos!

quieten said...

Wow! Can't believe a year has passed. You've come so far! I tell everybody about you and your surgery and how well you did. You are truly an inspiration. Congratulations on your "anniversary!" I am so very happy for you.
Huggz!!!!!