I' m moving along really fast now. I got into the car normally and after doing so, I realized I'd done it. I put the bad leg in 1st & sat in rather than sitting and swinging both legs in after. I'm getting back to normal! Yay! I think when G. comes by Mon. night to get Rowdy after her vacation, we'll trade vehicles back. I miss my truck and I know she misses her car. It'll feel good to be up high on the road and feel the clutch again. I truly dislike automatic transmissions.

I made a yummy pot-roast last week. I just love the crock-pot. Makes things so easy. I rubbed Buck & Judy's Dang Rub #9 on the meat, added a can of tomatoes, tomato paste, water, beef bullion & water, basil, rosemary, 2 cloves of garlic, tbs. sugar, kosher salt & pepper, 2 potatoes cut up, 4 carrots cut, a red onion and let it slow cook on low for 12 hours. When I got up the next morning, I turned off the cooker and added 1# of snow or sugar peas, replaced the lid and that was that. Putting the peas in after turning off the cooker allowed the peas to heat up in the liquid but not over-cook so they still remain crispy & crunchy when you eat 1 in the stew. I always change the recipe when I make it. Just using what I have in the kitchen and what ever spices I'm in the mood for. Experiment people. It's fun!

I had lunch with my mom last Fri. for the 1st time since my surgery. She, of course went on about how we never visit her. I'm sittin' right here Ma! Oh well, it's never gonna stop so I'm trying to ignore it as best I can. At least she hasn't fallen for the last 5 days. Before G. left on her vacation, she'd gotten a call from Moms' place that she'd fallen for 4 of 5 days in a row. Apparently, they're sending an exercise therapist to her apt. for balance exercises. Thank goodness, she has no strength in her legs from lack of use and now keeps trying to walk without her walker. How did I become so normal & good? Ha-ha!

A week before my surgery, I added some new soil to my raised beds and planted some zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli and tomato seeds. Out of all of that only 2 zucchini plants have sprouted. Bummer. So, I went to Home Depot and bought cherry tomato, gypsy peppers, Japanese and Armenian cucumber seedlings to go with the zucchini and ever growing asparagus plants. I also picked up some annual flowers  to start to make the yard a little more festive for the annual house party in a month. I picked up some bark mulch for the beds that I put not only in the beds but around the beds which gave a little dimension back there.

Yes, it's that time again and I need to get moving on preparations. I'm trying to work on the invite but its tough to figure out for me. This year it'll have to be a pot-luck as my surgery has taken all of my cash. Oh well, hopefully, I'll have enough fridge room, now that I have 2.5 fridges. Thats a big help.

I'm trying to make my yard a bit more exciting to be in. Right now I just have the raised beds, outdoor kitchen, table & chairs and dirt out there. I've decided to buy a few things to randomly place out there for a little whimsy & color besides the plants. I'm picking up some solar globes in various shapes & colors, G. gave me her hammock so I need to move that out and I'd like to  figure an overhead covering for it. Plus, I have a 2nd futon out there that I'd like to use as an outdoor bed. It gets so hot here in the summer, it'd be nice to be able to sleep outside on the patio. Yipppeeee! I'm still gonna need to get my yard guy out there before the party 'cuz I'll never be able to do it all by my self, and frankly, I don't want to either.

Now, I'm still waiting for all of the surgery bills to come in. I think I'm going to be responsible for about $2500.00 of it. Insurance will take care of the rest. I'm glad I have it, I can tell you. I am still going to need to go to my 401k for it though. But I'm grateful that I have that as well. I had to pay out of pocket about $500.00 that I hadn't expected already and I need that back. I hope the bills come in soon.

I went to PT with Richard this week now and boy, it has stepped up in pace. He asked me what is it that I feel I'm having trouble with that is a part of my work. I told him about my trepidations concerning getting back up from the floor after going down, lunges and the like so guess what we did. Yup! You guessed correctly my dears. I got down & up, which means I can do lunges. Now, mind you, I need something to help me get back up like a bar or chair to hold on to but I can do it. Eventually, as with everything else, I'll get there on my own in due time. I even tried kneeling and it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. Both legs at least. Trying to kneel on the 1 leg wasn't so good...YET. He also had me walk, drawing my foot & leg in then out, both forward & backward, all around the facility, not the room, twice! Each direction! With a band around my ankles. Ouch, I'm gonna have buns of steel again at this pace. We've also started more stair climbing. I'm not going up very high yet. Only a few inches, the average stair is about 8 inches high, so I have a ways to go but it's going. There are alot of stairs at work that I need to go on multiple times/day so that's a big factor in my re-hab.

After seeing the doc's assist last Wed. he said I'm still to avoid stairs right now and I'm allowed to walk or stand only 1 hour at a time. I am, however allowed to do anything I feel comfortable with. This includes training other & even lite strength work on myself. I really need to work on my upper body. Yuck, I am not happy with myself on that front. I've been so focused on my leg I forgot to do anything upstairs. Bad Judi! Oh well, that can be remedied. right here, right now.

It'll feel good to be on the floor again for a bit at least. Maybe it'll help my co-workers get some relief some. I'm looking forward to tomorrow to getting back in the mix. Even if it is just a little.

Keep working people, I know you can do it. There's no one stopping you but you, yourself. Stay happy, stay healthy and, of course, keep dancing for me and you.

Rob Thomas concert was amazing. In case you don't know who he is, he's the lead singer for Matchbox 20. This was a solo concert though. Just him & 2 other musicians. And, they weren't always on-stage. Sometimes all 3 of them, sometimes just 2 and sometimes only Rob. Yes, I am on a first name basis with him in my world. All acoustic. Just guitars, occasional piano and a moog, I think. No drums!

This guy can really sing, I must say. To hear some of the MB20 songs so de-constructed to the bare minimum, the essence if you will, and hearing them sound so good was wonderful. If you get the chance, go see his concert. I think you'll be completely satisfied. I was and we all know who it's all about right? Yes, that's right, ME!

He spoke in between most of the songs about the influence for writing it, where he was in his life, etc. So interesting & cool. Of course there was 1 moron who'd scream out, "just sing the song, Rob." Yes, it was a guy. Idiot!

Desert Diamond Casino is a small venue so it was very intimate indeed. Just fabulous. I'm so glad I went. G., of course, spent the last 40 min. of the 2 hour concert wiping tears from her eyes. Everything brings back so many memories for her. It's a good outlet.
Totally fun night . Good call G.

Today, we're going to brunch at a restaurant that neither of us are that fond of but she has a groupon for it and it's about to expire. There you have it. I normally work on Sundays but not yet again so we're using this time to indulge.

On to my recovery. My knee is getting stronger & stronger everyday. I thank God for my strength prior to my surgery for helping my post-surgery recovery go so smoothly. Whew! I'm not saying it's been easy but apparently better than most folks'. The scar is really looking better too.I've been going to physical therapy twice a week now and, so far, I've gone to the therapy pool at work twice on the "off" days to do my Burdenko therapy work on my own.
My main therapist, Silke, suggested I start utilizing a water jet on my leg. especially on my IT band. Thankfully, we have an underwater treadmill at work with a hose attachment to pinpoint a jet stream flow to a specific area, so I can do this. Again, we found an extremely intense spot near the insertion point. Oh hell, I made some interesting sounds when she hit that 1. She says to me, "What is this? There shouldn't be anything there!" Well, let me tell you, something was there. Holy crap! I t hurt so much. what was it, you may be asking... an adhesion or knot that I spoke of in last weeks post. I can't help but wonder if it's from the severe Valgus angle I used to have in my knee. (Check a few posts back where I posted a picture of my knee before surgery. You'll see the angle.) Maybe using that jet stream attachment will ease up the tension in my IT band and it won't be so intense when they hit it anymore. Say some prayers for me on that one, please.

She also said that she felt that because I'm so far ahead of the game that she wants to transfer some of my appointments to another therapist whose more athletic in his training. Not all of my appointments but some of them. Oh boy, let the good times roll. Actually, I worked with him once already and he's good. I like him. He did push me some more but I like it. Sick puppy, right? He increased the intensity or resistance on my recumbent bike riding from 0 to 3. Thank goodness, I really need to burn off some of these calories.

I'm getting the go-ahead to do a little bit more at work this coming week too. I can't wait. I won't really be teaching anything I like to yet but at least I can get on the floor again some. Weight room duty, assist easy classes that I don't have to exert any energy in, that kind of thing. Yes, I'll be bored to death but helping out the dept. more, meaning my poor co-workers.

I must say though, it's been quite an eye-opener working up in the office on the future schedules. Wow, it's tough when multiple people take the same day off. Trying to fill classes and even out everyone's schedule on a daily basis ain't easy. I can't help but wonder if all of the staff should spend some time up there to understand the enormity of the job. Not easy people. Maybe some of the biggest complainers would be a little more compliant but then again...! You begin to see who works as a team and who doesn't.

I'm actually going to try to go to bellydance class tomorrow. Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything crazy but I can do upper body and a teeney bit of leg work. PT Silke said it was a good idea. just not to overdo. Yeah! I can't wait. Then again, if it rains tomorrow, which it is supposed to do, finally, I might not go. Don't want to drive on wet roads yet.

I did get to go to Tuesday's rehearsal of my dance week piece. We're fine-tuning now and they're going to look sooooooooooo fantastic. I get chills watching. Just wait 'til all the costumes are on & the lighting, etc. It's gonna be so HOT! At 1 point I was referring to a point in the piece and did the move when all of the ladies just stopped and looked at me with widened eyes, thats when I realized I did it. We all shrieked! I couldn't believe it. No, I didn't try too much, I refuse to to go backwards in re-hab. Nope. Not gonna happen. But it is time to move a little more.

Today is Good Friday and the end of Lent has come, Easter is coming this Sunday. I bring all of this up because, again, there's so much unrest in the world and this time is a time of hope, promise and peace. Please folks, be kind to one another.

                                                  BOSTON STRONG

Again, thank you to all of the well-wishers. Your cards, help, meals, thoughts & prayers have been so important to me. Keep 'em coming, and yes, dance for me.

Well, I'm officially handicapped. I got my temporary handicapped placard for my vehicle. Yippeee! It'll definitely make things a little easier for me. Had to say negative to a couple of friends about meeting for happy hour this evening. Would've loved to go & see them but I only drove for the 1st time today & didn't think it would be wise to push it. Also, can't cocktail right now. Still on drugs, ya know. Not a good thing to mix 'em. Dangerous actually.

Today I went to my 1st out-patient PT appointment. All they did was manual manipulation ie; massage, on my leg. Holy crap that was rough. My calf (up high), quad & it (illio-tibial) band are sooooooooo tight. They really went in deep, or as deep as I could take. Not a big fan of heavy, deep massage. I can handle a certain amount of pain but not in my massage. Ouch! Not sure I'll be able to control language or decibel levels while they do this. Had to practice some serious deep inhaling and slow, controlled exhaling.

I just have to tell you, when I 1st went in they asked if I was "OK" with dogs. I said absolutely and they brought out 2 blond labradoodles. George & Gracie. Oh my goodness, they were so cute. Of course they were sniffing me all over. They're so soft & sweet. I told them they could be there whenever I'm there. Jessie, a good place for you to come & work at? Just sayin'.

I must admit though, the next morning everything felt a bit better. I hate it when they're right.

Everyone says how beautiful the suture line is. How they've never seen a nicer one ever. Oh thank goodness. If you know anything about me, you know I've always had great legs. Yes, I am not without my vanities. My legs were always 1 of them.

The paper stitches that were placed on the line after the staples came out, have started to fall off. As of right now I only have 1 still on. So, I've begun rubbing Vitamin E on it. It scared me a little to rub across the line but it seems to be holding up just fine. It should also help to minimize the scar and heal it nicely.

My homework is to continue with the exercises from my at-home PT, give my leg a good massage to loosen the muscles, scar tissue, fascia, skin and so on. While I was lying back I decided to try and lift my leg up off the bed. This was the 1 exercise from the get-go that I couldn't do. From the hospital and even at home, I just couldn't do it without severe pain across the top of my knee, the main surgery line. Well, this time I was able to lift it a little. Whew! When I say a little, I really mean a little. But I did it. So, that's been re-entered into my homework list. As is taking a good walk everyday. Putney thoroughly enjoys that one.

The PT place gave me a schedule of appointments that is pretty long. About 4 weeks worth. I honestly don't think I'll need that much because much of this I can & will, do on my own. When I can safely get into the water again, you can bet your bottom dollar, I'll be in the pool doing my Burdenko work. When I go back to work, office duty to lite duty to eventually full duty, I'll be in the gym and the pool re-habing myself before work, during lunch, open hours &/or maybe after work (though I doubt this last time stated) . But... we'll see. I'm lucky to have the knowledge and the resources to do this.

They, the PT, told me that on my next visit I'll again get that intense massage along with getting on a stationary bike. Yuck, but I knew it was coming. Wish I had 1 at home but I don't. It's ok, there's plenty at work.

Its funny, I remembered that I have foam rollers & Yamuna body rolling balls at home and never thought to bring them out & use on my leg. The PT's even suggested a rolling pin. Yes, I have a few rolling pins but I'm not quite ready for that much intensity. What a chump! So, I'll be pulling those out, grabbing a cutting board for some solid surface to work on and Voila! I can't get down on the floor, or more to the point I can't get up, so I'll have to do this either standing or sitting. It all works though and I can scream all I want in my own home, right?
This type of work is called Self-Myofaschial Release or SMR. It's a fabulous way to release adhesions, or knots, improve blood flow & therefore oxygen release for healing, without overstretching fibers. I love this kind of work but it isn't particularly easy to do. It's even great if you can't get into your masseuse. I do still have a couple of massages left in my massage package I'd bought long before the surgery but I think I'll be getting prodded enough for now.

You can do SMR as a pre or post exercise stretch too. Remember though, you need to drink lots of fluids after doing this work, much like after you get a massage. You're releasing toxins and you need to flush them out. By the way I used the word stretch incorrectly earlier. You're not really stretching the fibers but pressing or "ironing out" if you will, the fibers of both the muscles & the faschia surrounding the muscle fibers and the connective tissues. This releases the tightness.

I did manage to re-do the kitchen counters. The drink station ie; coffee/tea & nutribullet, are on one end and the spices to the other. Gives me so much more work space. I put the big coffeemaker that I only used once/week, if that, into the bottom of the pantry along with my big blender. No need for that space being taken up for nothing. Plus, I have those  2 appliances handy just in case I do need them. Now, I'm going to rid 1 of my shelves of the ridiculous numbers of glasses that I have. Really? What the hell was I thinking? No-one needs that many glasses readily available do they? NO! They don't. This'll give me space for the extra Nutribullet cups to be ready for usage. Again, more counter space. Fabulous!

Feels great to get more organized in the kitchen. Sadly, I discovered that I have 3 packages of powdered sugar. At least I know I have it & won't have to buy anymore for the next few years. HA!

Another thing I'd heard a great deal about prior to my surgery was the, shhhhhhhhhhh, constipation issue. What? Oh well, I really didn't have much of one. Never did it in the hospital. First morning home, happy day! and only a couple of days with nothing these last 2.5 weeks. The rest of the time all has been as usual. Thankfully. Not too sure why I'm having such a good ride with this surgery, but I'm really not gonna  look a gift horse in the mouth. I'm grateful to everyone for their concerns and preventative suggestions but all is well so far.

I've been allowed to alternate hot & cold on my leg now. I even learned that I can do both at the same time. Warm/hot compress under the leg & cold on the top. This is all to get the swelling down and increase blood flow. It feels so good. Less swelling = more movement = yahooey-looey!

Well, Sunday night I had my 1st official evening outing. I went to see a friends' cd release party. It began around 6pm and I stayed 'til about 8pm. It was my 1st fairly long drive too. To the opposite side of town but I did it. I finally had to leave 'cuz my leg as getting stiff from not really moving it for so long. The venue was really quaint. Monterey Court Studio Galleries & Cafe. A couple of my friends came to join me there and S. gave me the gift of pork! She's so funny. She brought it all the way out there for me. Very, very sweet. Not bad tasting either. They each had some wine, I got water. Yum! I also had a nice Cobb salad. Told you I love salads.

The band sounded pretty good for the most part. Just a couple moments of "yikes!" but truely, the most of it was fun & lively. Key Ingredients of African Soul. Led by Mike Olsen, also known as Doc Twang, is a blend of African, Contemporary & Jazz music. Some tracks have musicians from Africa on it who sent him their track and he produced the cd. Very inspiring. You can just picture the African sunsets as you listen to the music. Thank you Mike for a lovely 1st outing.

Going back to work this week starting on Wed. Only the afternoons and only office work. Yuck, but I need to get out of the house & do something & be around people. I went in yesterday to give my boss C. my PT schedule and got to see many of my co-workers/buds. Saw a few of the guests as well and it was quite the hug fest. I loved it. So nice to see everyone again. Got there in time to see the Zumba class going and got a little weepy-eyed. Guess I'm a little jealous about their being able to dance & I can't right now. But not for long. I'll get there soon.

I also need to get crackin' on my CEC's for 2 of my certifications. I do already have some but I need more. I'll get those going beginning this week too. Every 2 years instructors & trainers need to take workshops & tests to keep our certifications up to date. I don't mind keeping up on the industry but some of these things are pretty pricey. Now everything wants it's own special certification. Can anyone say $$$$$$ ? I believe many of these certs. are just a ploy for money gathering. I really wonder if these bodies check out any of the qualifications. Then the certifying body charges you to re-certify. So not only do you pay for the CEC's but you pay to have them credited to your certification. Unreal. Oh well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I don't know that it really weeds out the fakes but it seems to me, that the certs. seem to have more value than a college education and/or degree out there in the workplace. That makes no sense to me at all. What do you think? Any opinions?

OMG! Just came back from PT. Second day on the recumbent bike. Yesterday, I couldn't get a full rotation or revolution on it so I just went forward & backwards on it for 10 min.. Today I did full rotations in both directions. It is easier going backwards which is what I did for the most part, but I did get in some forward rotations too. Yes, it hurts a bit but it's also a breakthrough. Everyone seems to be so elated with my recovery at 3 weeks out of surgery. My head is swelling along with my knee!

Next on my agenda for the day, now that I've walked the Putters, is to get my bleedin' hair cut. it's been making me nuts for the longest time. I can't wait. Starting feel straggly.

Ok, I went back to work these last 3 days. Only upstairs, I used the elevator, in the office. felt great to be out of the house doing something fairly important. I hope I was helpful. I'm going to assume I was. everyone seemed so glad to see me. I know I was thrilled to see them. I have asked the doc if I could do a little more now. Things like stand for an hour or 2 then go back upstairs & do some more office work. I don't want to set myself back at all, but I do feel as though I can do more than I have. I have to wait 'til Monday or Tuesday to find out, So, until then I'm in the office. I can wait. I have to. So there, right?

Well, tonight G. & I go see Rob Thomas in concert at Desert Diamond Casino. She thinks he's so hot! Cracks me up. I like him too, but as a singer. Should be a really good concert, he's solo and it's a small venue. Fun stuff.

Again, keep dancin' for me folks. I'll be back soon.

Peace out ya'll.

I must tell you, I have an amazing group of friends, co-workers & family. From my sis being here with me for a week, my friends texting, emailing & calling to check on me and tell me how much they miss me, sending me beautiful flowers, coming to visit w/food! And today, S. is taking me to my Dr.'s appointment and then we're going to lunch where M. is gonna meet us.  K. is coming by around 2 to walk the pooches for me. How blessed am I? VERY!

Even my ex emailed me this morning, 'cuz his phone died, to check on me again and wish me well for my doc visit. Wow. I feel very loved. Another ex "im'd" me yesterday too!

This picture was taken the day I got out of the hospital. Look happy don't I? Well, I was. Felt great to be in my own clothes, go home & see my boys & eat my own type of food. I do have to laugh though 'cuz I had a chef's salad the night before I left and then when I got home I was informed by the drama nurse that I'm not supposed to have salad greens because of the vitamin K issue and my medication. Yes,  meant what I wrote, DRAMA nurse. She kinda made me nuts.
Kinda gives one pause doesn't it? I was also told by my drama nurse that I'm supposed to take that same med., Warfarin, after 4 pm but in the hospital I was given everything at the same time. Typically in the morning. Oh well, I'm alive, I'm healing beautifully what else do I need?

Today I have my final at-home PT visit and tomorrow I go to out-patient PT. Thankfully, it's only about 5 min. from my house and I can work, after this 1st evaluation, with someone I know although it was my niece J (brothers daughter) but that would be a bit of a commute. She said she would only make me cry once or twice/session. Nice right?!? Don't get me wrong, I loved my at-home PT. She was nice, professional, encouraging, informative and always available for questions. I sent the CPM machine away as my PT said I no longer needed it and am getting a letter allowing me to work a few hours/day but only office work. Yuck, but it gets me outa the house & feeling productive again. Somewhat. My other niece J. (sisters daughter who lives here) is gonna take me to my appointment tomorrow. Luckily, she works from home and is again only about 7 min. from me. The doc said I could drive but not on the meds and I need to take the meds when I go to PT! Hmmmmmm, a dilemma, right?

I have begun 1 of the projects I wanted to get to in my house though. The dreaded pantry in the kitchen. I must admit, I no longer knew all that was in there 'til I began pulling stuff off of the shelves. I've only done 2 of the 5. I think I'll only re-do the bottom shelf to finish, unless I come up with some brilliant plan for the spices & snap-ware shelves. I doubt it though. They seem to be fairly perfect as they are. I had a large baggie full of condiment packets that most of which were dried up & gross. I just threw the whole thing away.

My dream is to install pull-out shelves in the kitchen cabinetry but that'll be expensive & I'm outa expendable cash now. Sometime in the far future. I must say, what I've done looks incredible. You can see everything & it's all easy to get to. Makes me feel good.

I've been walking the dog on my own this week, no cane, no nothing. Needless to say, we're not breaking any speed records but he's so happy to be out & walking regularly again and I'm thrilled to be outside and gaining my independence again. Ole Putney is even teasing the kitten a little more these last few days.

We bought Putney a huge dog bed as he seemed to like his cousin Rowdy's bed. He's finally lying on it. It took him some time to realize it was his. The guy with the CPM machine asked me if I wanted the padding that was on my machine as they just throw it all away so I thought, maybe the cat would like it for a bed too to I said "Sure!" Haven't seen him lie on it yet. Oh well, no sweat. Hmmm, seems the kitten also likes the big dog bed.

Just took my 1st stand up, big girl shower today. Oh my goodness did that feel fantastic!?! Another measure of re-gaining my confidence again. Whew, I will admit I was a bit nervous but it felt grand being able to wash me & my hair at 1 time rather than 2 parts. All of my previous cleanses were done sitting on a plastic patio chair set in the tub. I had to wash my hair standing at the kitchen sink. It worked but I really needed to graduate & I felt that today was the day. Ta-da!
Well, I did my pt, finished the entire pantry which now has w/room to spare! Amazing! Took Putney for an over 1 mile walk, came home and ate a sandwich before driving to the store to buy some beloved salad, turned the ignition key on in my sis' car and .....it won't turn over. Ahhhggggg! NO! Not fair. I text G. and she says there's a new battery in it & she has no  idea whats wrong. Great. She tells me she'll come by after work but I want, nay, I NEED a salad now!
So, I walked down to Safeway. As soon as I got home I took an oxy. I knew I'd done more than intended for the day. Then, can you guess what I did? Huh? Can you? You should be able to...I ate my salad.
 
I AM SO HAPPY NOW!

Salad fix complete. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

G. did come by last night and of course the car turned over. Turns out it was the spare key that seemed to be the problem. So, she gave me her key, took a look at my beautifully arranged pantry and left. In case you missed it in previous blogs, we traded vehicles because mine is a manual transmission and hers is an automatic. At this point it's easier for me to drive the automatic.

Today's task is to tackle the kitchen counters. I have very little but can make more sense of it. Ha-ha.

Well, again, please dance for me everyone & let me live through your movement & music. By the way, speaking of music, Key Ingredients of African Soul will be playing Sunday night, 6:00pm for their record/cd release party at the Monterey Court Studio Galleries and Cafe here in Tucson, Az. I'm hoping to go & celebrate with them. Maybe I'll see you there.

Peace out everyone. By the way, people, I've changed the workout page today. Give it a looksey.