Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"Just Checking In "

I had no intentions of doing a post in the near future but here I am, unable to stay asleep. Waking at the wee hours of predawn for the second morning in a row.

I have once again quit smoking and it is affecting my sleep patterns but I'm not fighting it. My energy levels have gone through the roof since I haven't smoked, one of the reasons being that I would use a cigarette as an excuse to sit and take a fifteen or twenty minute break.
Any of you who know me, also know that I have troubles sitting still and relaxing so this endless amount of energy is a bit more than my OCD personality can handle. But I also know that it's all for the best and this too will level out eventually.
This is about my fifth time quitting over the past forty years and I've got a good feeling about this one. My husband hasn't smoked in over four months so now I have no one that smokes around me anymore. Except on occasion.
Good things have been happening to my family. This isn't something that we are used to, I am not complaining. It seems that we are in an "UP" time right now and I have only God and all of my friends who have sent prayers out to him to thank for this time.
I received my shots of cortisone and Synvisc in my knees on April 6th. It was four days before I could walk without discomfort which happened to be on my birthday. On that day I was able to actually walk, for about one block and I can tell you, That was a birthday gift!
While at the Ortho doctors office I had to get new ex-rays as it had been a year since I've had them. My doctor looked at them and told me that I had the knees of an eighty year old. I was a bit stunned by his statement even though I knew that they were bad as I was to the point of using a wheelchair in the stores.
I did a lot of thinking that following week. Some mulling things over in my head and with my husband. I called the ortho center that week and scheduled the surgery. 
At first the surgical coordinator had scheduled me for the left knee which is a bit worse than the right. I told her that I would like to have both knees done at the same time to which she replied that the doctor only did that in extreme cases. She would have to check with him on that first.
A few days later I received all of the surgery information and appointments for a bilateral knee replacement surgery. Both knees. So for now the surgery date is August 16th. They would have done it sooner but I needed to wait until my husband could be home for his vacation which wouldn't be until anytime after August 1st.
There is also a big "If" involved with this. We have to come up with our share of the surgery costs and post-op visits five days prior to the surgery. So this "If" is a big one. I am scheduled for an MRI in July which will eat up all of my deductible, which is good, it will help.
In the meantime the Ortho center will work with my insurance and give me an estimate sometime over the summer. So for now, my husband and I are saving every penny we get!
We may not make it and if not well, we'll just reschedule for a later date. But Lord knows I just want this to be over with. I understand all of the rehab that will be involved but I am so willing to go through it all to be able to go for a walk. To be able to work for more than three hours without having to sit for the entire rest of the day and night. To be able to walk up and down the stairs again, normally. And to be able to go to my grandchildrens events and babysit without fear that my knees will give out at the wrong time.

Your prayers have been heard. And I need them now as well. My husbands job has been improving and he has another company that is calling him all of the time that also has good insurance. For now he is staying put as he has the three weeks vacation coming which if all goes well we will use.
It's mostly in Gods hands now but we are being pro-active. I have been riding my bike and trying to do as much work as I can since getting my shots. Trying to lose weight and strengthen my legs as much as possible. I have four months to do it and lots of inspiration. Also one of the reasons I quit smoking again.
Summer is quickly approaching and my Katie is excited about summer camp. She will go the first week of June and then she will be a camp counselor for four weeks through the summer. This means that she will be gone for five weeks this summer! It's going to be very lonely but as my daughter-in-law said, it will give me a taste of what it will be like when she leaves home one day.
I have a parent, teacher meeting this morning with all of her teachers and I expect to hear good news. We shall see!
 It is Holy Week and I have been busy already with churches, yes churches. I've went to mine and Katie's. I will also be attending at least two more services this week and have been reading the book of John.
There has also been a lot of gardening going on around here. I have transplanted several Hostas and cleaned several spots in the yard. Getting the shots has enabled me to do some extra work and it's a good feeling. My son Frank and his wife Amy bought me a beautiful Celtic Cross to put in my yard for my birthday. Now I just have to find the right place for it! 


I had the great privilege of watching over my little guy, Jack, yesterday and we were blessed with the perfect day to go outside. At first I was a bit worried as my yard isn't fenced in and I can't run.


But fortunately I soon discovered that he was perfectly contented to sit and play with Grandpa's old trucks for hours and hours!








He was even more than willing to pose for me as long as I showed him the photos! I took him up on his offer, naturally!






We spent hours outside and I was able to get some more weeding done. I'm feeling it this morning but it was worth it. Jack took his first nap at my house yesterday. I was happy that he finally felt comfortable enough to sleep here. 






He woke up happy! He stayed for seven hours and didn't want to go home! That was a first for us. It was a good day.

I haven't been online much at all the past several days. Which means that I am way behind on reading blogs. There's been quite a bit going on around here and honestly I just haven't felt like being on the computer. With all of the rain that we are supposed to have this week, I suppose that I will find the time!
So if I haven't visited you, hold on, I'm comin'!!

I'm going to leave you with these beautiful words that I read last night and that are the focus of my belief.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

"Have a Blessed Holy Week."

24 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Isn't it odd that you are having a burst of energy while quitting smoking? I understand that nicotine is a stimulant. Whatever the case, good for you.

I hope the surgery works out for you.

Wanda..... said...

So hope the task of quitting is an easy one, Di, it's helpful to have such a strong incentive this time...getting surgery for your painful knees. Glad Jake's job has settled and the surgery is a real possibility now, well in August.

A strong thunderstorm just went through here this morning, keeping me off the computer, along with other things as well. I did manage a post though, like you they are getting far between.

Jack is at such a sweet age, a time of really getting to know their thoughts and getting close to them. Hot wheels and trucks were always popular with the grandsons here too!

Happy gardening...is Mr. Toad's abode ready?
...♥ Wanda

Lois Evensen said...

It's not easy to quit smoking. My Honey and I quit cold turkey December 31, 1998, and haven't had a cigarette since. It's wonderful. It sure helped to do it together. I understand all the physical changes in addition to the mental ones when you quit. It all hits at the same time. Hang in there!

I hope your surgery goes well!

Lots of hugs,
Lois

Lena said...

Wow... I leave you for 2 weeks and you come up with tons of great exciting news!!
I'm so happy that everything is going up for you and your family, Di!
Buncha hugs and tons of love! XXX

Brenda said...

It was wonderful to read your post. I am glad to hear that you have your surgery scheduled. You are wise to do both knees at once. I trust that all will go well for you and that you will be able to save enough money for the surgery.

Congrats on quitting smoking. Again, I really hope that you will be able to continue on the path.

This is a special time of year. spring is coming and we are reminded again of God's great love for us.

Blessings to you!

Unknown said...

Wow! A lot of changes in your life! It was fun to read all about Jack and the wonderful day you had together. Last year when my arthritis hit me so bad I couldn't even hold my newest grand daughter because I was afraid of dropping her unless I was sitting down! I am going to put a special prayer in for you so you can get through the summer until your knee surgery. The humidity has a lot to do with your pain as well doesn't it? I know when a storm comes in, I am miserable! The smoking thing, BTDT. My Bob's last back surgery...well the doc said he wouldn't do it until he gave it up because his bones would not heal. That was enough incentive for us both...LOL. You can do it Di! Just give it to the Lord...he has really really really big shoulders! and then go into your room and scream as loud as you can...it always made me laugh and you know about laughter..."the best medicine"! hugs...linda

Gail said...

DI- I wrote a commen earlier but it didn't appear :-) huh. ANywho, I said congrats on the not smoking and that May 25th is 2 years for me. I still miss it!! I said wow about u having both knees operated on and trhe my good friend's Mom did that and did well, although she was in rehab for 2 weeks. I also mentioned how adorable lil Jack is and how happy I was that your family was all doing well.
Love to you
Gail
peace.....

Barb said...

Dear Di, So much going on in your life, and I have a feeling all will be well. Your strength is legion - I've known you long enough to believe that you can do anything you decide you truly want to do. That Jack is so sweet - you took some great shots of him, Di. Keep biking and building up your stamina - you'll be ready for new knees!

Cindy said...

Di I was thrilled to read your post. Things seem on the upswing. won't that be wonderful for you to get your knees done. I believe it will make such a difference for you. It will be like a miracle. That is what I want for my friend no more pain and to be able just to do things. No one deserves it more than you....We are so luky with our health care here. very little costs in comparison. The waiting times are hard...but most things are covered. Happy Easter to you and your family. Stay on course with the no smoking, I think it will make such a difference. hugs to you.

Donna's Book Nook said...

Di--I've not been on blogger much lately either. I'm so glad I saw your post this morning!

I'm proud of you for trying to quit smoking. I hope you'll be able to quit for good this time.

I didn't realize your knees were that bad. I'm having pain in my left knee. My doctor didn't highly recommend an MRI at this time, but I think it might be good to see what's going on exactly. I haven't been able to be as active as I like to be. I think having both done at once was the right decision.

Your little guy is so cute! Glad you could enjoy him.

Ronda said...

Hi Diana,
First of all...the smoking. Good for you! Been there, done it. I smoked 2 and a half packs a day for 17 years. Just before Erik and I got married I quit cold turkey. I had tried so many times over the years and always went back to it. This time when I quit I also stopped drinking coffee at the same time. I think that helped since the two seemed to go hand in hand. I went back to the coffee after a couple of months but not the cigarettes. In June it will be 12 years smoke free. You can do it!!!
Concerning your knees....WOW is all I can say. That's not going to be easy to go thru but you seem very determined and that's a good thing. I know I'll need to have to go thru it eventually, but only one knee, not both. I pray that all goes well for you and that you are able to finally get to do the things you want to do.
Your grandson is just getting more and more handsome. What a little sweetheart.
You take care and God bless!
Ronda

jules said...

Time with your little Jack.....priceless.

Stay strong with your quitting smoking. I'm sure it will all be worth it.

My mom had both knees done, not at the same time, and it is so good to see how much better she gets around. And pain free.

Pramoda Meduri said...

Cute boy :)..

Hey Di... take god care of yourself..ur family needs u the most..for them..)

Have nice week too..;)

Eileen said...

My goodness, Di, you have so much going on! But I'm so glad to read that a lot of it is positive, and that you focus on the positive even when negative creeps in.
I loved seeing the pictures of Jack and reading about your day with him. Kids are the best! And he's such a sweetheart.

And I'm so happy to hear about things going a little better for your husband, and I'll keep that situation in my prayers, that whether he stays at this job or moves on in the future it all turns out right for your family.

So glad you have a plan about your knee problem, and I hope all goes smoothly there too. And with the smoking too ~ I'll be praying!
And I'm glad you turned to the blog when you couldn't sleep, it got us caught up a little on what's going on in your world.
(I used to blog all the time way past midnight when I couldn't sleep, I haven't had the problem lately though, sleeping soundly now!)

I can't get my links to work for so many blogs, so glad yours still links for me! I won't be posting too much, 'hope to do one about Easter, but then I'll have Jayden home for vacation, and I still have so much to do cleaning out the house, so we'll see what the future brings.

Wishing you all the best, Di!
I miss you lots, but I know how it is when so many things are happening at once. Good and not-so-good can be distractions from the blog world.

Blessed Easter to you and your family!
Love to you,
Eileen

Garnetrose said...

Wow...what a great post and I am glad you have found the strength to quit smoking. It is not easy but I know you can do it. Jack is an adorable little boy. I agree with DeanO...john 3:16 says it all. Good luck with the surgery.

Bernie said...

Hello sweet friend, I just popped in to wish you a Happy Easter and see that you posted. I don't know why my Reader doesn't show me when my friends post, it does sometimes but it misses sometimes too.
Jack is adorable, so nice for you to have the day together. I can't get over your weather and your yard, we still have snow and no buds on the trees.
Keep going on quitting smoking Di, you can do it. It is hard I know but it will be so worth it for you especially with you having surgery. Saying extra prayers for you my friend and sending big hugs and lots of love.....:-)

Arlee Bird said...

Glad to hear about the "up" stuff and hope things keep on looking up.
Good luck with the quitting smoking. I quit twice and haven't smoked for 14 years and don't plan to start again. I posted about this for my letter 'Q'.
Blessings to you and your family this Easter season.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Ginnie said...

Your little Jack is adorable. I know that he give you so much joy.
I'm sure you'll be happy once the knees get taken care of. Good for you for persuing that.
Happy Easter, Diane.

Maria said...

Happy Easter, Diana!
Peace, Joy and Hope Eternal*
love,
Maria

Anonymous said...

Hang in there.

Vicki said...

Hi Di, glad to hear about all the exciting things going on in your world! Congratulations on quitting smoking. I did that 15 years ago and have never ever regretted it. My husband, thankfully, quit 6 years ago. Glad that you are getting some relief from your knee pain with the Synvisc and cortisone. Just think what your life will be like with two new knees. We might have to tie you down to keep you from literally flying right off the ground as you become busier than a bee. You already exhaust me with what you accomplish in a day! I am praying and believing that God will provide for the funds necessary to get your knee surgery right on schedule.
Your little guy, Jack, is adorable and I am sure that he brightens your world. Grandchildren are the best!
Thank you for dropping by to see me and leaving such kind and generous comments. You are such a blessing to me! I am so thankful to Janine for bringing us together. I sure do miss her sniffles and smiles bloggie.
I hope you and your family have a blessed Easter. xoxo Love, Vicki ♥

Debora Mota said...

Hi, I am visiting you to say hello, because I saw your nice comment on Theanne's blog about the poem I wrote and she posted on her blog. Thank you very much.
I don't read your post completly because is very large to me. But I saw your son and could see he is realy beautiful. Congratulations! God bless you!
Happy Easter!

Danielle said...

Hi Di!

It was so refreshing to read your blog tonight...I am sitting here, wishing I had a nice cup of tea with me, but I'm settling for some ice water, and enjoying your blog, so much!
I know many people who have had those knee replacements, and I am praying that that will work out both for you and for Jake in God's timing, because then it will be perfect, and I know you will be in so much relief once you have healed...patience truly is a virtue, isn't it?
And your precious Jack...I adore him!!
He takes pictures well, and wants to see the end results, just like my Levi does...so precious, how they want to be involved!
I hope to be on here a bit more often now that school is winding down :)
Here's a verse that I found, its simple, but really sticks with me:
Hebrews 3:4
"Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything." He is our Creator, and He is the Master Healer...one day at a time!

Love always~Dani

Jacquelyn Stager said...

so glad to catch up with you here...you have so much going on. Your little Jack is adorable! Will pray that all goes well for you and that you will be able to have the surgery as scheduled and also for your strength in quitting smoking. We all have our areas of struggle...I'm on a diet, AGAIN...Hope you had a most blessed Easter!