Tuesday Dec. 29, 2009: Now my left knee

I worked yesterday, walking a lot, moving around a lot as everything was a mess there and only got worse. Not a good day for my left knee, which already has had issues (as well as shots). It gave out a couple of times and hurt a lot when I moved it, including when I was helping a customer return some lacy, practically see-through leggings. I had to stop and regroup after it happened and she kept right on talking about needing the leggings in an XL. This woman was older than I am. ANyway, once I got home and had dinner, I iced it with my old friend, Mr. Bag of Pies. I'm glad I'm not working again this week. I've yet to get my schedule for next week so I may have some more time off.I realized last night that the cortisone shot I had in that knee at the end of September or beginning of October has run out and my knee is worse than it had been prior to it. I can really feel the grinding, rubbing the bones against each other in there now. Shoot! Good thing I'll be seeing the replacement ortho. in January.

Saturday Dec. 19, 2009: RIP Jack

Jack the cat went steadily downhill over the last few days, finding it increasingly difficult for him to breath. We took him to the vet this morning and now he's buried in the woods with Shadow and Princess Debbie in the woods behind the house.




I had planned to call out today from work when I knew kids would be here for the weekend, but with an upcoming snow storm, I'm extra glad I was planning not to be there. On top of this, as I went downstairs yesterday evening, I ended up having to jump down the last couple of stairs and now my replaced knee hurts. So that's what I used as my reason for not working today. I'm scheduled to work 6:45AM - 2:45PM tomorrow and hopefully will get in there, although I have a feeling the store won't be opening that early.

Saturday Dec. 5, 2009: H1N1 vaccinations & short knee update

Having seen a small article in the newspaper last weekend about the Danbury VNA opening up the H1N1 vaccination up to more people, I called on Monday to see if HEnry and I qualified now. Someone from my ITP group had said "blood disorder" was included in a form she saw for it. And indeed, it did. I was accepted immediately. The woman on the phone had to check about Henry as a cancer survivor. He was okayed so we got an appointment for both of us. It was painless but by afternoon, my/our arms were a bit sore. But nothing else.
As far as the knee goes, I haven't noticed much of a difference after having the 5 Supartz shots. The shots didn't hurt as much this time. My knee doesn't feel wonderfully better but it doesn't feel worse either. So who knows.....Going back for a follow up for the shots on Dec. 22, the same day as a dental cleaning in the morning and an energy audit of our house in the afternoon. Busy day!

Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009: Turkey Day and last Supartz

Tuesday I had my last Supartz shot. I had a problem with the bandaid coming loose which had to be fixed before I left the office. All's well that ends well. I go back Dec. 22 for a 4 week follow up.
Wednesday morning was grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. I had a fender bender in the Trader JOe's parking lot:( Car will be getting an estimate tomorrow after I work 4:45AM -11AM!!!!
Thursday (today) we cooked and ate a lot. RIght knee hurt this evening so I iced it which helped a bit. It is kind of stiff-that's the problem. I rode the exercise bike in hopes it would loosen it up but it did only minimally. So I iced it.
Off to watch some TV, play a bit and go to bed early since I have to be up before 4AM!

Friday Nov. 20, 2009: #4 Supartz shot

Almost done with the shots! I had #4 this past Tuesday (Nov. 17). One to go. Can't tell if they did anything. My knee doesn't feel worse and the shots aren't nearly as painful in this knee as they were in my other knee, so maybe there is hope that they'll help.
I also had a hematologist appointment on Wednesday (Nov. 18). My count was 72,000. Nothing new. The big news was that I got in and out of there by 9:30, which was the time my appointment was scheduled to start! That was a big change although it probably won't happen again!

Thursday Nov. 12, 2009: 3rd shot on Tuesday

I had my 3rd Supartz shot on Tuesday. Nothing very exciting. It was the PA who did it. She thought I'd be still on a Wednesday schedule this week which is why she told me she wouldn't be there to do the shot. My next shot will be Tuesday and I see the hematologist on Wednesday. When I requested those 2 days off, I had no idea they would be the days for a very big sale at work and I missing it. Oh well!
Yesterday at work, there was a customer who had to stop several times because of knee pain and she said she had knee replacement. She and I chatted briefly. Then another customer asked me about mine and was I happy with it (among the questions she asked).

Right replaced knee has been a little stiff the last couple of days. I really must get myself back in the saddle again, I mean the exercise bike. Hip has also been achy. I think it's the cloudy weather, with some expected rain in the forecast for later this week. I also have figured out that my shoulders do not like being cold, which they are in this room where I am. So I am sitting here with a blanket over my shoulders.

Thursday Nov. 5, 2009: I learn something new about my knee

I forgot to write yesterday. I had my 2nd Supartz shot. I also brought along with me the xrays the ortho. wanted me to show whomever at the rheumatology office. The PA looked at the one which has both knees in it and said that my left (non-replaced) knee is wearing down evenly and when I need a replacement, I won't be able to have a unicomparmental as I did with the right knee. She said I'll need a TKR. She also said my left knee cap was very loose, noticing this while getting ready to do the shot. No bruise from the shot today so I guess my platelet count must be decent! I'll be finding that out in a couple of weeks. She also said the doctor will be doing the next shot next week because she'll be off that day.