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| January 5, 2022 |
Even
though the sun was shining that morning the bitter North wind slapped me with a
cold chill. I knew what I would say or
do when the orthopedic doctor said, “Yes, we need to replace that left knee.”
“I’m
ready. Let’s get it on the appointment books now.” I imagined saying.
My
last cortisone shot had not lasted three months before the pain and swelling
returned. My plan was to get ahead of the spring and be well by May, so I could
enjoy a carefree summer and a trusty left leg that would support my golf swing.
The
doctor studied the x-rays, talked at length about my prior injuries and then
said, “I think you might have better luck if we treated your knee for arthritis
by prescribing Celebrex.”
I
sat in silence.
The
doctor leaned back in his chair and waited. His head cocked he smiled, “Did you
want the surgery?”
“No,
No,” I nearly screamed. It came out so suddenly. “No, I simply had a plan to
get ahead while I could, so I would be healthy come spring.”
My
mask could not contain my smile. “So, I don’t need surgery?”
“If
you are ok with treating the arthritis, then let’s use meds and save the
surgery for the day you really must have it.”
Skipping
out of the clinic, swinging my mask in the air like a winning rodeo rider, I
didn’t notice the cold wind as I stepped in my car. Inside, bun warmers on,
life was good.
The
blaring phone shook the car.
“Letty,
this is Joan from Dr. Shaw’s office. Your test result for Covid 19 is positive.
He has prescribed meds that will be available for you this afternoon, and you
will be eligible for the infusion if your symptoms worsen.”
So
much for planning.
It
was so innocent, our four-year old grandson sneezed while we played with the
blocks. No vaccine can stand up to the snotty nose love of a grandchild.
Thank heavens for vaccines and booster shots. I cannot imagine how sick I may have become had I not taken these precautions.
With Jack's asthma and my lungs that are susceptible to pneumonia, I had secretly worried about how badly we might be affected by Covid 19 and its variants. I was right to worry.
With both of us fighting the virus, it was the napping and lethargic nature of the beast that was difficult to live with. We also craved flavor. Our taste buds felt like they had been scratched off our tongues. We could smell, barely. We could taste, barely.
Nearly a month later, we are both doing very well. Best of all the meds I took to fight the virus also fought my inflammation from arthritis. Glory Bee! My left knee and knuckles are not swollen. As my mother would have said, "There is a silver lining to every cloud."
