On Thursday I went into meet with the orthopedic surgeon.  I was hoping that I would have the staples pulled but it was not to be.  The swelling in my knee, thigh and upper leg is great enough that the skin is popping and taking out the staples may put the incision in jeopardy too.  So, my goal for the weekend is to keep my knee higher than my heart, keep it iced, and compress where possible to get the swelling down as much as possible.  If I am successful the staples may be able to come out on Monday.

They took x-rays and everything looks very good with the implant.  I was surprised at how long the stems are that are drilled and hammered into the femur and tibia...they are probably about 6-7 inches long.  They provide the greatest stability for me and eventually the bone will graft around them.

Because if the swelling it was determined that I ought to probably reconsider the other knee and instead of having it done in a couple of weeks, have it done in August.  There is a general consensus that you have about three months to get the greatest range of motion back into the joint...it is just a rule of thumb and of course there is some variation in that prognosis...but in general, it is what most likely happens.  Anyway, because of the extreme swelling, my progress is being hampered.  It is felt that I need to take these few months and do everything I can to maximize my progress before I do the other knee.  Honestly, that is fine with me.  It is only now that I am beginning to feel the other knee.  The pain has been great enough in the operated leg that I've not even recognized any pain with the other one.  Needless to say, I have cancelled the surgery until August.  As Felicia gets closer to due and knows more about their job situation and living arrangements I will finalize the date.

On Friday I went to physical therapy.  I was somewhat disappointed as I had reached 104 degrees on Wednesday and had hoped there would be improvement...but there wasn't...but I didn't regress either.

Later that afternoon we drove into Knoxville.  Rich had a physical therapy appointment too and then we went to Costco for some fresh fruit and veggies.  I walked the entire store.  I found my knee getting stiff and so I went and sat down while Rich checked us out but I was amazed that I could actually walk the store.  As luck would have it, in the cooler I met the dr I saw the day before.  She looked at me and then said that as glad as she was that I was walking I needed to get right home and get my knee up and on ice.  I told her I would.

Also, Thursday and Friday were busy days in that we finally had the food replaced.  Rich has been worried about it and getting quotes.  The bishop's construction team calming competitively and we went with them. It wasn't something we wanted to do, but something that needed to be done.

Last night Cherstin and Dan spent the evening hours in a storm shelter at their church.  Two weeks ago an E5 tornado hit Moore,just south of them, 24 people lost their lives in it and the destruction was immense.  There were multiple tornados last night and 9 people lost their lives in them.  Luckily our loved ones there were safe.  It was Hyrum and Levi's birthdays.  Hyrum won't remember how his 2nd birthday was spent!

We received news today that Brianand Lauriehad their little guy early this morning.  Things are ok. I haven't talked with anyone...just read Facebook...but I'll call tomorrow.

Today we have just spent the day with me keeping my leg elevated and iced.  I have toyed with the idea of heading to church for at least sacrament meeting but when my leg is downfor any length of time it swells.  I guess I will stay home one more week and see if I can get this swelling down.