Yesterday afternoon Jackie drove me to New Hall Hospital for my first post-discharge physiotherapy session. We arrived 20 minutes early and I homed in on a large and wide chair with high arms. Jackie informed me it was the bariatric chair. Just the job. What was interesting was that this was tolerable on the knee.
I was seen on time by a friendly, personable, and efficient physiotherapist who asked all the usual questions and tested me out on the bed. She was pleased with progress which she pronounced very good. Strangely enough, the most encouraging statement was that this was “very early days”. To me, that meant that the continuing pain, swelling, and limited flexibility was to be expected at this stage. One sometimes clutches at straws.
The only suggestion the young lady had to make was that I should flex the knee a little more when walking. Perhaps I had been a little hasty with that. I have another appointment in two weeks.
We returned via the lanes of Wiltshire and Hampshire taking us through the New Forest to home.
As always in May, the roadside verges were at their best, featuring among many wild flowers, dog roses festooning the hedges. These were at Hamptworth.
For some months now, I have relied on Jackie to park as near as she can to prospective photographic subjects, whereupon I have disembarked and walked back to the potential scene. This has currently become rather more complicated. Not only has my driver had to find a less than dangerous place to stop, but she has been required to manoeuvre the car so that I can take aim through the passenger window. she has as much to do with these photographs as I have.
New foals stagger to their feet very quickly, and are forced to learn to negotiate the uneven terrain pretty much on their own. When Mum stands in a ditch, her offspring has to follow as best it can.
Foals were also discovering the wider world near Wootton Common. This group of ponies foraged among the buttercups.
One youngster set off into the woods,
then waited patiently for adult company before venturing across knotted mossy tree roots.
That evening we dined on Mr Chan’s Take Away fare, leaving enough for a second helping tonight.
During my years of therapeutic counselling, I would sometimes see one or two clients who could not afford it for a minimal token fee. One of these was a young man who had no income at all. Every so often he would bring me a present. I still have a little fruit knife and some paperback books from this source.
I believe I have mentioned before that Becky has produced blog cards for me to give to people I meet who would like to read my posts.
One of my client’s gifts was a beautiful micro-mosaic visiting card case. I used this to carry Becky’s production.
When, almost a month ago, I had visited Milford Community Centre to hand over some of these cards to W.I. members, I thought I had lost this treasured possession. I had not left it at the centre. Today, Jackie had another good look for it, and found it under one of the car seats.
This afternoon Margery and Paul visited and we had our usual enjoyable conversations. Margery, herself a nonagenarian who received a new hip a couple of years ago and now wanders unaided around our garden, is an encouragement by her very presence. She has seen parts of our garden that I have not yet been able to reach.
One day at a time. You’re doing great! Gives me encouragement. I’ll be needing both knees in the near future!
Many thanks, Dorinda. I do wish you well with yours
You’re welcome, my friend. And thank you, Derrick. Putting it off as long as I can!
I did that until it was so intolerable that I didn’t care
I hear ya. My physical therapist is trying to stretch it as long as possible, and so am I!! Hope you’re feeling better today! 🙂
Slowly, Dorinda. Thanks
I’m so pleased you found the card case!
You do seem to be be doing very well, especially for such a short time after surgery. I had an accident where a woman in martial arts class wrenched a ligament in my knee so severely that it tore out of its moorings (and drove me unconscious). Since I had no money or insurance with which to follow up the recommendations for surgery, I just tried to let it heal on its own, and it did. Granted, I was 35 at the time, but taught myself to walk again after…oh, it had to be much of a year on crutches, with no physical therapy or anything. It seems technology has come along quite a bit since then, and that you are in a much better position to regain skills and that you have the support to do so. It’s encouraging that your physiotherapist was so positive about your progress. I guess one can ‘make haste slowly’ a bit more quickly…!
Very many thanks, Donnalee, You did well, and your story makes me even more grateful for our National Health Service
My main regret was that I gained a lot of weight during that time which I still have not fully gotten rid of. That was depressing to me. I am glad the National Health will help you in all that you need.
You’ll get there, one step at a time. What a lovely present Becky gave you. Bloggers are wonderful people! Thank Jackie for helping you to get the pony shots!!
That pleased her, GP. Thanks very much
Jackie is a chauffeuse extraordinaire …. so crucial for recuperation to be able to do the things that you enjoy and she is giving you the best opportunity in your present less than agile condition. How wonderful that the cards fit the case (both thoughtful and beautiful gifts from different sources) and mostly that the both were found safely in the car. Keep taking those little steps – before you know it you will be dancing the fandango! (What is a fandango by the way?)
https://youtu.be/oFOcR-8M45s Many thanks, Osyth
My goodness, that was something.
What a wonderful dance … sort of a combination paso-doble and tap steps. 🙂
The healing always goes more slowly than we would like. At least it is a beautiful time of year. And all those horses are bound to cheer you up.
So true, Laurie. Many thanks
I had to look ‘bariatric’ up 🙂 I’m supposing you are in a similar position to Danella who has had to teach herself to walk correctly again. She was busy protecting the injury and as a result putting other bits out of alignment and suffering extra pain as well as not using her ankle and foot properly. For a while she walked rather slowly and grandly, rather like the queen in ceremonial procession, while I bustled on ahead of her clearing the way 😀 She’s still slow, but it comes more naturally now to walk upright. I’m thinking she will just get it right and they will whip her back in to take the pins and plates out. and she can start all over again! It’s quite a process isn’t it and it is always most fortunate to have someone to help get the right camera shot! That’s a lovely card holder and I’m glad Jackie found it for you!
Wow, Pauline – I didn’t realize Danella was still in the thick of it. Hugs to you both.
Aw, thanks Jodie – yes it’s ongoing….. but she’s in good spirits and making progress! It was two really bad breaks and a fractured ankle all in one go on the same leg – these things take time to heal. Once it would have just been chopped off, so she’s pretty lucky really! 🙂 Derrick, sorry to co-opt your post to discuss my daughter <3
That makes me feel in excellent company, Pauline. I wish Danella well
LOL – Yes – a good thing it wasn’t chopped off. You’re funny.
Very many thanks, Pauline. I consider myself most fortunate in comparison.
When Studly had his first knee replacement they sent him home from the hospital with a piece of equipment that flexed his knee for him. Twice a day he had to do these stretches with the machine. With his second surgery his knee was way too swollen and he never had to use the flexer. He progressed just as well without it.
I remember my physio strapping me into one of those … not fun … at all.
Horrible
My husband dreaded his daily torture.
I’ll bet
Thanks a lot, Leslie. I was warned I would have one of those if necessary
And I yet grimace now and then with a teeny micro tear of the meniscus that occurred way last year! You sure seem to be recovering as well as one might hope– and fare thee well in days to come!
I found your story about your old client and the card box very interesting. Such a lovely thing. In the US we cannot, due to the profession’s ethics requirements, accept anything from clients. I recall one Native American client I treated gave me an impressive painting of his that I loved. Another, an Apache young woman, made me a necklace. I was aware that I could not keep them as personal gifts but they remained in my office, as it would have been thought a terrible insult to refuse them. The painter was well known in the Native community. When I left that job, my painting was “confiscated” by the Director, which made me sad despite realizing I should not take it and that it would likely be hung on a prominent wall of that residential treatment center.
But the necklace? I confess I slipped it into my pocket and it remains with me to this day. She was such a hopeful, wonderful client and offered me such respect that I could not leave it on my desk, unappreciated… I still recall her with fondness and hope she is clean and sober, standing strong in her life.
Many thanks, Cynthia. Unfortunately the people who make these policies only have a mind to corruption and legislation; they don’t understand the client’s need to give something back, so they are deprived of this.
I do so agree….I miss that painting, too…
Yay! I love foal season. Give Jackie my thanks for the lovely shots – especially that one of the foal trying to maneuver the ditch. And – I agree that slow progress is more tolerable when it is the norm. As long as your progress is as expected, I think that feels better – even if it is slower than you had hoped. Keep at you two!
Keep at IT
Very many thanks, Jodie
: )
Sounds like you are doing well! I hope you are skipping through the garden soon x
🙂 Thanks very much, Lynn
Put a lady into the drivers seat and she’ll get the job done! Well done, Jackie! I’m so happy to here your recovery is moving along, Derrick. I had two back surgeries in my early 30’s and the healing process takes time and patience. Cheers!
Thanks very much, Jill. Back surgery as young as that must have been devastating
The wonderful world of treasures under car seats, behind couches and under cushions! Once I rang my bank, cancelled my card, changed my PIN and waited patiently for a new card to arrive. When I got home from the bank I dropped my keys behind the seat. I bent down to pick them up. They were lying on my bank card which was now useless because it had been cancelled.
Flex that knee lad.
Many thanks, Paol. What a shame you didn’t find your flexible friend before you replaced it
Great to hear your rehab is progressing normally, well done Derrick.
Thanks very much, Ivor
Glad your physiotherapy is going well, Derrick, and I love the photos you and Jackie took from the forest drive. The foals are adorable.
I liked your story about small gifts from people who cold not pay you. My father drove a cab for a short time in his younger years, and was sometimes paid in chickens.
Margery sounds like an inspiration for recovery! 90 years old and a new hip is impressive.
Many thanks, Lavinia. Chickens for a cab ride is wonderful. Margery and Paul, mother and son, still run the art gallery from their home
never seen train used in this context before ” the uneven train ” I thought you must have meant terrain; until I recalled that you are Mordred, Master of the language, tormentor of souls!
Thanks a lot, Brian, especially for pointing out the WP interference
Jackie is surely the captain of the convalescing artist. Those pictures have your trademark printed all over them, and Jackie’s labours hover over all of them.
A typically lovely comment, Uma. Many thanks
I am glad Jackie found the card case. It is beautiful.
Thanks very much, Sylvie
?
The things one finds under car seats! 😀 … sounds like you’re right on track, movement-wise. Well done, sir. 🙂
Many thanks, Widders. You would know
Blog cards are a good idea!
Thanks a lot, Andrew.
Maybe we lose things for the joy of finding them again and for the stories they tell 🙂 Thank you, Derrick and Jackie for the images and the stories. Get well soon, D.
Very many thanks, Mary. As so often you make a good philosophical comment X
That is so true. I love her style.
I think that you are doing very well with your knee. When I was in hospital for a hip replacement we had one patient who basically lay in bed and screamed all day. I thought he was just putting it on, but apparently his reaction to his knee replacement, I was told, was not uncommon due to the complexity of the joint. So you’re doing well!
That’s very encouraging, John. Thanks a lot
Good to see all is going well Derrick, and also good words of encouragement.
Love the tour home through picturesque habitat of The Wild Brumbies.
Also like the idea of the Card case, looks more personal and impressive than my staid silver container.
Cheers.
Cheers, Ian
This is a lovely post, Derrick. I suspect that Jackie really is wonder woman in disguise. Talented cook, devoted nurse, driver of distinction and finder of lost treasures. We could all do with a Jackie in our lives! And progress with the knee… slow and steady… 🙂
Thanks very much, Sandra
Great photos, nice touch on the cards that Jackie made, glad the post knee surgery is progressing well. Yes, from one who has been there, flexing of the knee is well advised in the early stages will minimize scar tissue built up and make your mobility imrove with time.
Thanks a lot, Gary. You are a good example
Blog cards, what a fabulous idea! I was trying to justify spending money on business cards with no real business. Might I use Becky’s idea?? ?
Please do, Lisa. Becky will be pleased. She printed up a sheet of a dozen, each with a different picture from my posts. I can now produce more of the same selection, although she has offered to make an entirely new set. Thanks very much, Lisa
Thanks so much! I’m amazed by your talent, even from your current perch the results are stunning! That sounds like a great idea ?
🙂 X
Glad it’s still progressing well – just do what Jackie tells you and I’m sure everything will end well. 🙂
That’s a very elegant card case, it must have been a relief to get it back.
Thanks very much, Quercus. Apart from being such a beautiful case, it is a memento of a now departed young man who gave back what he could.
Things so often do have a value greater than you would think from looking at them.
Yes
Good to hear things are going well in your recovery! Be patient with yourself and do what you are told to do. Won’t be long and you will be dancing a jig again! 🙂
Your card case is beautiful. So glad it was found!
And these horse and baby photos are so wonderful and cheery! 🙂
HUGS for you and Jackie!!! 🙂
Many thanks from us both, Carolyn
I’m glad you are doing so well, Derrick. You and Jackie make a great team–the photos are wonderful. I’m sure you were happy that she found your card case.
Many thanks, Merril. The find was marvellous
It’s good to get the word from those in the know that your recovery is progressing well. It’s a real blessing that you have Jackie to help you in so many ways. One of my neighbors broke her foot. She’s only in her early 50s, but since she lives alone, she had to move into a rehabilitation facility.
Many thanks Nicki. So true about Jackie
I love the idea of blog cards and the case is gorgeous.
Many thanks, Carol
I love that you saw some clients for small gifts and that this card case came back at exactly the right time. Those foals are quite adventurous!
Many thanks, JoAnna