Friday, January 18, 2013

I’m back home and trying to adjust!

I HAVE HAD SO MANY WONDERFUL E-MAILS AND CARDS FROM MY BLOG FRIENDS and the prayer offerings were just over the top. THANK YOU EVERYONE.
I know I’m overdue on a blog post but it hasn’t been easy to even answer e-mails up to this point but hopefully  I will start feeling like my old self.  This post may be boring to some but I’m doing this as a request from several of you.

I also have orders that need to be started but they have assured me it’s okay to wait to start them…just such nice people our there.

So to answer everyone’s questions I promised them I’d do an update.
A week ago Monday I had my back surgery – Jan. 7th. 

I was to go home the next day but the pain going from my buttocks down the backs of my legs was unbearable and so they kept me there for 3 days to get the pain under control some, and then on late on that Wed. night they transferred me to the physical therapy floor. They wanted me there for 10 days…I wasn’t so sure about that. Each day I  had 4 hours of OT and PT – it was hard work as my right leg does not want to hold me up – the pain I had right after surgery they got under control but  there is still pain going from the buttocks, out my hip and down the outside of my leg…sometimes it goes into my foot.  Plus they had me on Morphine and i had a reaction to it…when they would get me up for the bathroom I’d start to blackout and got dizzy and my ears started ringing horribly…and my blood pressure dropped waayyy low.  So they took me off the Morphine and it went away but the blood pressure has been running low since.

After 7 days of therapy they helped me to get some mobility – and there’s an apartment on that floor where they take you to help with the ‘home atmosphere’.  They need to see how you get around in the kitchen, bedroom and even the shower.  This was the best place I could be I tell you…they are wonderful there.
So after seeing how well I did with EVERYTHNG, they let me come home mid afternoon this Wednesday - 16th.

I loved being on the PT floor- everyone was soooo nice and gentle.  Even though I hurt it was like a vacation.  I totally put home and business out of my mind and just slept when I wasn't in OT/PT.  I think the average age of the therapists was around 30 – and as well as being young and nice they were all adorable!

These photos of me are not going to be pretty…there was no way to comb my hair or even to put on makeup – and I didn’t care if I did…so messy hair and a face of ‘pain’ is what you are getting.

This is Diane…she has a heart of gold and loves her job…AND…this was her birthday!
karen and Diane

Therapy and pain pills and a Lidocaine patch on my back took care of the extreme pain shooting down the backs of my legs. I THINK the surgery worked for the area he intended…but now I have more intense pain in one area that was originally painful. They all think it may still be some swelling in this area and it’s pushing on a nerve but as my days at home progress I am getting less use out of the leg – hard to even put weight on it – when I do I about go through the roof and the leg wants to give out.

I had one therapist who did some massage therapy in the buttocks area and it was awesome...she felt just once along those muscles and nerves and said they were terribly inflamed - how they can tell with just a feel is beyond me.  So she worked on it for about 20 minutes.  I am hoping when my 8 weeks are up I can go to the massage therapist here and get some work on it.

Walking down to the therapy room – at times I could put my right foot down flat and walk perfectly normal but in a flash the pain shoots and I’m back to limping or just plain stopping in place.
Besides wearing the brace at all times they put this white belt on you incase you start to fall or do fall they grab the belt to help you up again.  So not only are they young and cute they have to be quite strong.

Karen therapy 2

Karen therapy 1 

Here you an see the brace…it’s rather comfortable – I had imagined a completely hard plastic one but except for the hard plastic on the outside back the rest is all fabric.
Karen therapy 6 

Karen therapy 4

Getting some massage on one of my ribs – they seem to be out of line and there is a bump on one of them. She as thinking that quite possibly they are out of line from compensating my walking.
Karen therapy 5 

Learning how to step up to get into my house…this box is almost the height of the our back deck step so it worked out great for this.
Karen therapy 3 

Here’s the face of pain hitting out of nowhere!!!
DSC08993

I am in a back brace and have to use a walker for 6 - 8 weeks but can be up and about to do whatever as long as I don't twist, bend or reach too high.
Doug is a saint – he has had to take on the roll of caregiver.  Basically I’m on the sofa just like one would be that was recovering from being sick…pillows for back support, comforter for warmth, continuous glass of water…table next to me with ‘all my things I need’…and there are many – this helps to keep hollering for Doug.

Now it's back to reality...LOL

Going to have to re-arrange some of the cupboards in the kitchen so I don't have to bend...and take the wash cloths and hand towels and put them in a reachable area.  Lots of things to think about!

On Sunday Doug was invited to Darren/MaryAnn’s house for lunch and he took a few pictures of the kids.

Miranda was napping when he got there
Miranda sleepiing

 Miranda 2

But then came the smiles!
Miranda 1

And Mr. Aidan was having a snack
Aidan eating

Oh and if all our surgeries weren’t enough little Aidan had surgery on Thursday last week…
he had what they call ‘hydrocele’ and also a small Hernia.  I guess he wanted to keep up with daddy, his uncle and his grandma!  He came home the same day, had ice on the area and Darren said he was his normal self – I look at this picture and almost get tears…I can just imagine what he’s thinking – but Darren said he didn’t seem or say he was scared.
Aidan

Monday was Doug’s birthday and I wasn’t home so Brett/Heather invited him for dinner.  I felt bad but like I said earlier – I put it all behind me for the time being – I tend to fret about things if I don’t have a handle on it…so I didn’t let the fact I was not able to give him a nice dinner bother me.

I knew my discharge date so earlier this week I asked my brother and Gail if they could come over on Thursday and cook me a pot roast dinner – so they came yesterday around 11:30 and we had a nice quiet day chatting and catching up on things and towards evening I had Doug turn on the fireplace…it was a great day/evening. 
They are still down here living with Tina/family but are planning on going back home on Monday.   Tina was given a complete release so they are more than ready to head back home.

I’m anxious to get to my rug hooking too -

Well that’s all I can think of – I’m so tired right now…I’ve had so many typo’s it’s taking me forever to get this typed…my eyes are blurry too but that’s from all the pain medication.

So it’s off to sleep for awhile.

Love you all – such wonderful friends.

Karen

79 comments:

  1. Precious Lady, May you heal up good as new.

    God bless,
    d on the kansas praire

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  2. I've been praying for you. I didn't realize the aftermath of back surgery could be so scary. I pray you heal quickly!

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  3. So sorry you've had such a rough time of it.

    I don't work now but I'm a PT and I know how much hard work (and dealing with the pain) you're putting in with the rehab. Hang in there!!

    Praying that your recovery goes well.

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  4. Karen, praying you are on the mend, and that the problems will resolve themselves since the surgery is now past. Hoping all goes well in the weeks ahead. So thankful you have wonderful people to help you on your recovery journey. So thankful Tina is bearing up too. God bless you, hears to a better coming springtime for you!

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  5. My dear friend I am praying for you so much..lots f love xx

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  6. So good to hear from you and sorry it's been such a rough/tough time. Praying for things to progress more smoothly for you. Take care...Blessings

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  7. So good to hear from you and sorry it's been such a rough/tough time. Praying for things to progress more smoothly for you. Take care...Blessings

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  8. Glad to see you're on the mend! Sounds very painful but hopefully it will get better every day.

    Take care and God Bless,
    Connie

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  9. You're kind to let us know how you're coming along, thx so very much Karen. We know it's a tender time right now and we appreciate your making the time. Glad you have surgery behind you, each little step now will be one towards big wellness! Plz rest my friend. xoxo

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  10. So glad to hear you feeling better and on the mends...Your in my thoughts and prayers...

    Prim hugs,
    Trena

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  11. Dear dear Karen,
    What an ordeal you are living through! You are right to take it one day at a time and not to fret about not doing for others at this time! I know that's hard for you as you are always the care giver and not used to being dependent on someone to care for you! Sending many many prayers and wishes that things go along a little smoother and you feel less pain! It sounds like the people in your medical facility are the best! Bless your heart for posting and taking us along on this journey so rough!
    Gentle hugs and prayers!!
    Cathy G

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  12. Karen, I've been such a terrible bloggie friend...I had no idea you were facing a challenge like this! So happy that you're recuperating well, and hope that the nasty pain goes away very soon.

    Hugs to you!
    Pam

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  13. Hi Karen!!! so glad to see you up and mobile ~ that's thee best thing you can be doing (besides resting) hehe :) ~ so happy to know you are on the mend ~ will continue to lift you up with healing thoughts and prayers (for your wonderful family, too!) stay strong and positive, my Friend!
    ~Lori

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  14. Hi Karen,
    I had no idea the aftermath of your surgery was going to be so painful and ongoing. Just hoping and praying that you will continue to improve with all of the wonderful medical and family attention you are getting. Just let them take care of you now.
    Blessings,
    Sandra
    Homespun Elegance
    www.plainfancymerchant.blogspot.com

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  15. Oh Karen, I am so glad to hear you are back home and healing.
    If I were closer I sure would offer you my help.
    The pictures of the children are too adorable!
    Praying for a fast total healing for you.

    Hugs, Audrey

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  16. Praying that you have a complete and swift recovery! Try to enjoy the down time as much as possible, read books, magazines, watch favorite movies as you sit by the fire and know that others are thinking of you,praying for you and wishing you the very best!

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  17. So glad to hear from you. I was wondering how the surgery went and hoping you would post soon. Very sorry for the pain you are having and hoping the inflammation reduces and you'll be feeling great by the time you are off the walker. Rest rest rest!!!

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  18. Glad you are mending and at home with loving family!
    Blessings on a continued recovery!
    Louise

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  19. Praying for you pretty friend.
    Even without makeup and in pain you have a beautiful smile.
    Warm woolie blessings & hugs
    Trace

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  20. Praying that you will start feeling no further pain. Taking one day at a time is all one can do. Forget the makeup for now - you are still a beautiful lady.

    Blessings
    Pat

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  21. So good to hear that you're home and recuperating. Hoping things get better every day. Keeping you and Doug in my prayers. From experience, I know how tough the caregiver's job can be. But I'm sure he's up to the job. He sounds like a really nice hubby. Blessings to you both.

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  22. So nice to hear from you Karen, wishing you a speedy recovery.....will keep you in my prayers friend, Francine.

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  23. Oh dear Karen...so sorry it's been such a tough time for you. Been thinking of you and hoping your surgery went well. Hope every day will be a little easier for you.
    Keep moving!
    Take good care,
    Robyn

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  24. Hello dear Karen, Thank you for letting us know how you are doing!I have been thinking about you. Even yesterday I said to my husband that we should be hearing from Karen pretty soon. Work hard but let God put his arms around you and bring you to good health. When you have a quiet moment or are worried just say your prayers. That is what I do. It helps alot. I know you have a wonderful family that are there for you...especially that nice husband of yours.

    Blessings and a speedy recovery are wished for you,
    Susannah

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  25. You are one tough lady!!! Praying everyday you feel better and better!

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  26. Sorry to hear your having post surgery difficulties...email me if you want to vent, I've had 6 back/spine surgeries and 3 fusions. My first surgery left me with permanent nerve damage and pain in my right hip/leg....hope you fully recover...Hugs, K

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  27. Oh my! I sure hope they are able to get your pain under control and you are able to start moving and feeling better soon. Thinking of you.

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  28. Hi Karen.... my husband had back surgery several years ago, so I know how painful it is.... Best wishes and many prayers for your recovery... ASAP!!
    Penny

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  29. so glad the worst is over and now you can move on to the future....speedy blessing and well wishes are headed your way....take it easy and relax....it will be better in the end if you take this time to heal...linda

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  30. so glad the worst is over and now you can move on to the future....speedy blessing and well wishes are headed your way....take it easy and relax....it will be better in the end if you take this time to heal...linda

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  31. Hey Karen...Good to hear the surgery is behind you & that you are home safe and sound. You are beautiful with or without make-up & a hair brush!!
    I hope the therapy works, giving you more relief every day till you are back to feeling yourself.
    I know how long it takes to feel normal after surgery so sending hugs for those moments when ya just feel like crawling in a hole.

    Take care of you and remember prayers are going up daily for your speedy recovery!!

    Hugs
    Tonya

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  32. Big hugs sent your way Karen. I don't know how you did such a long wonderful post. I felt tired for you! Take care and talk to you soon.
    Linda

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  33. oh my goodness Karen, sounds terrible, but I am glad your home and hope on the mend. Simple things like walking, taking a shower are much to be appreciated....my husband and brother both had back surgery (my brother several times) and it took a lot of time, but finally got back to normal. hugs my dear, will be thinking of you

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  34. Dear Karen,
    I'm so sorry to hear of all you have been thru. It hurt me to see you in pain! I know there is no place like home so I hope your healing process will get better each day. Keeping you in my prayers and sending love and healing thoughts. Take care, Lori

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  35. aww Hope things get better quick...always hard to rely on others!! Take care of yourself!!
    Jennifer

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  36. Karen ~
    May you heal a little every day!!!
    Thanks for the update.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  37. Hi Karen, You sure have been through it this past week. I wish I looked half as good as you with my make up on! You are a beautiful lady on the inside and outside both. I will continue to pray for your 100% total recovery and I know that you will.
    Take care and bunches of hugs, Lecia

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  38. Karen~ Day by day friend.I'll keep you in prayer for complete recovery.Yes don't let all the little things stress you.Relax so you can get back to enjoying life.Warm Blessings!~Amy

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  39. Oh karen, I feel so bad. I missed that you were having back surgery. I am so glad things are improving..it seems you still have a long wy to go.. I pray your pain ends soon. Take care of yourself. Praying! Blessings!

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  40. Karen, sending prayers and hugs your way. Hope your recovery is quick and that you are very soon pain free!

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  41. Hi Karen,
    Thank you for such a nice update! I think you are being very strong and I know you will get through this and be pain free in no time! Im glad you have such a great caregiver at home! Take care and don't over do it!
    xoxo

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  42. I am praying for a complete recovery! good to see you posting and those two grads are darling!

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  43. Oh, Karen
    So sorry I haven't left a comment since your surgery. Hon, so sorry you are having so much pain. I'm praying for you, my dear friend. May God touch you with healing.
    Love you !!
    Maurine

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  44. Oh dear, Karen. I did not know that you were having back surgery. I have had back surgery, and know how that is. Praying for you.

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  45. Oh my goodness. When I was in the hospital the last two weeks of my 7 and a half month stay was on a PT floor. The OT room looks just like where I was. I so know what you are going through. I am praying for you and thanks for the update!
    Be blessed,
    Cindi

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  46. Oh, my dear girl! You expended so much energy to let us know how you were. You are too thoughtful! Thank you! I will be praying for you, and I will get others to pray as well! Blessings and get well wishes, dear friend!
    Heather

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  47. Karen ~ so glad to hear from you but not glad to hear what you've been through!! I will surely keep you on my prayer list for continued healing and good health for you. It's so hard to be dependent on others and good that you can be open to accepting whatever you need right now. Thinking of you, friend!

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  48. What a relief to have it done and be on the mend Karen. A very wise attitude to have going through it.
    Good Job!
    Earlene

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  49. I know you will be feeling better in no time. Sending you prayers and good thoughts! Healing may be slow, but you will heal WELL and be feeling good every day! Maggie

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  50. Hi Karen,
    Well wishes and prayers for a quick recovery being sent your way. Take a day at a time~
    before you know it, you'll be back to doing the things you love.
    Blessings,
    Jean

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  51. Karen, I read this with tears in my eyes as I realized all you have been through. I am so sorry. I will continue to pray that you will heal completely and for the relief of your pain.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  52. Karen, You have been and still
    are in my Prayers. Even in
    pain you are one Beautiful Lady.
    So glad you are home, God Bless
    you as you recover. Wish some of us
    lived closer to you, we could
    be helping hands.
    Happy Belated Birthday to Doug
    Blessings & Hugs ~~ Connie xox

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  53. Good to be home, hopefully this will speed up the healing . Prayers your way for a faster recovery!


    Kathy

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  54. Karen,
    So good to read that you are slowly, but surely, making progress. I know that your DH is taking such good care of you. Also, you are smart in letting things "go" for the time being and realizing the right time will come when you will feel like returning to your work.
    Keep up the steady progress and my wishes go out to you for continued uneventful and complete recovery.
    Hugs,
    CountyKathy

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  55. Hey there Karen,
    Wow! Some really intense pain/therapy you had to go through, but I pray that the surgery will correct the main problem and that your leg will get back to normal. Hate that you had to go thru all of that, but hopefully it'll be worth it.
    So nice to have wonderful hubby and family members to help out. If I lived closer, I'd make ya some cookies~ LOL
    Hang in there~maybe you can get lots of stitching done while you re-coop!

    Hugs,
    Tanya

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  56. Keeping you in my prayers! You look like you are doing fantastic! Keep up the good work.
    Leanne

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  57. Take care Karen. You are in my thoughts.

    Hugs~Becky

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  58. Karen,
    So glad you are home! And Aidan TOO! nothing worse then watching a one of our little ones need surgery, both my boys rquired surgery when they were young, no fun at all! Take car fo yourself! OLM

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  59. Oh Karen, the pictures made me feel so bad for you. I'm glad your surgery is behind you and you can move forward - even if it's baby steps. Glad you are home with your family! Feel better, Dawn

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  60. Hi Karen...back surgery is not fun. Several friends of ours had it...but are doing great now..just as you will. Poor Aidan...I remember well Craig having surgery as a little one. It breaks your heart seeing them in that situation. I hope he is doing well. Keep putting your own needs first, it is important that you do so you can heal. Hugs, Jan

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  61. Hi Karen. Glad you are back home. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thinking of you.
    Janet

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  62. I'm sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Wishing you a speedy recovery Karen. xx

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  63. Glad to see you have a good attitude about it all:) I hope that it will all feel so much better once you have healed. -Steph-

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  64. Karen, I am so sorry to hear this! Take time to rest and heal a little each day! I will be praying for you! Kathy

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  66. Karen,
    So glad to hear you are home. Try to keep your chin up through the pain. Take things one day at a time and try not to worry about anything but getting better! Still praying for you.

    Dolly

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  67. Hi Karen, so glad your home and getting rested before the nice weather comes!! Praying for you for a full recovery and hope that you can back to the things you love shortly!!! Your grandchildren are so cute!! Seeing Aiden in the hospital gown brought back memories of my little guy having to have surgery and I got a lump in my throat as that was a very hard time for us. I can't imagine what those poor kids are thinking when having to go through all of that!
    Well hope your feeling better real soon!!! Have a great week!

    Lynnly

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  68. Hi Karen! I don't post often but read your blog each and everytime you post. So sorry to hear what you have endured. My MIL has gone thru 2 back surgeries as well as knee replacement, so I can only imagine what you are going thru. Glad you are home recovering and I wish you well and hope you are up and feeling like yourself soon :)

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  69. karen, soo glad to hear you are hanging in there! gosh what a deal tho...recoup takes time and energy!
    thinking about you and sending prayers for a speedy recovery and for the pain to subside...so glad that tina is physically doing well too!

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  70. oh karen and beautiful grandbabies! now ya all need to stop with all this medical stuff!

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  71. Karen ~ Many prayers and blessings being sent your way. Take your time in recovering.

    Many Hugs.

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  72. Karen ~ Many prayers and blessings being sent your way. Take your time in recovering.

    Many Hugs.

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  73. Ah, the power of prayer...
    Glad you are feeling better, my friend!
    Sorry it had to be so rough. Glad the PT was there when you really needed it.
    You look like you lost quite a bit of weight.
    Take care, Sweetie!

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  74. Oh Karen what an ordeal! I've thought about you several times last week 'How is she doing??'. I'm glad you're back home. Take care of you!

    Hugs
    Goedele

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  75. Bless your heart, Karen....you have been through it. I pray you have a speedy recover and back to 100%!

    Miranda is adorable and my how Aidan has grown up...such a nice looking young man he is!

    Take care of yourself and let Doug pamper you! :)

    Blessings,
    Tammy

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  76. Karen, I only now found out about your surgery so I want to pop in to say I'm sending thoughts your way. I've been on Blogger so rarely for a long time now and haven't been reading or keeping up. I do hope you continue to mend and return to full health and strength and vigor asap. Hang in there, Friend. XOXOXOXOXO

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  77. Sorry for the pain you have been having but I'm glad you finally had the surgery. Hoping the pain subsides quickly and you will feel much better than you have in years!!

    Poor little Aidan having a surgery too. Those little ones can sure bounce back quick though. My goodness, I don't think I've ever heard of a family having so many surgeries from different members. Glad you had some wonderful caretakers during your therapy time!

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  78. Bless your little heart...I hope you are soon up and running like normal again!

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen