Indeed, my therapist wanted me to take two pain pills, every four hours. I've never taken that much hydrocodone in my life, but he said it rather sternly. Cliff was here and heard him, so I even have a witness.
My doctor, however, doesn't want me to do that. She wants me to take the pills "as needed". Whenever I feel I need them, in other words. Well, I like that plan better anyhow!
When the therapist came today, I didn't tell him about my conversation with the doctor. What he doesn't know won't hurt him.
Oh, here's a most wonderful thing: I've been doing three sets of all my exercises; today I found out there's only one of them that I have to repeat three times, on the five sessions per day I do my therapy. I'm ecstatic! Therapy just became easy.
The guy said I'm ahead of 90% of people who are doing this therapy after knee surgery, but that doesn't surprise me. One must remember that lots of people having knee surgery are considerably older than I am.
We had tornado warnings today in our little town and all surrounding areas. I take warnings more seriously than I used to, in light of the events at Joplin. So we had just started eating our dinner... mashed potatoes, gravy, roast, and green beans... when the sky got dark and the town sirens started sounding.
"Cliff," I said, "I want to go somewhere safe."
We live in a trailer house, remember.
Cliff started cramming roast in his mouth faster than the speed of light, murmured a curse word or two, and we headed for the car. We only went next door to the basement of our old house, but it was pouring down rain, so we got soaked anyhow... car or no car.
Iris has disappeared. I failed to get her inside before all the noise of the storm, and she probably ran fifty miles away trying to escape. I love her, but I've lost enough dogs in the last few years that I'm starting to get numb to loss. I hope she comes back. If she doesn't, though, I'll get a dog, maybe a puppy, that doesn't shed. I know, that seems cold-hearted, but it's my state of mind these days.
I've done everything I know to keep the silly dog safe; my conscience is clear. I'm used to losing a dog about every eighteen months or so. Bring on the loss.
I think accepting loss grows easier as we age and have experienced so much of it. I'm actually getting to the point where I'm considering not even replacing pets as they expire. I knew I'd always have a couple of dogs, at least, but I'm to the point where I'm beginning to think not having to constantly brush, feed, pick up after, etc., etc., might be kind of nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you all are in the clear now, but I admit I had to laugh at the "cramming roast beef part" and "Bring on the loss" about your dog. I know my husband would be mumbling non-stop about having to rush his meal and I would not spend too much time worrying about our dog or even our much beloved cat if we were in the midst of a tornadic storm.
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you, I never thought too much about those storms either, but anymore... well, those images from the tv just don't fade away that quickly. I was glad to get through to my mom earlier. You just never know.
Oh no! I sure hope she's ok and returns to you soon. I cannot take loss any more and refuse to have anymore pets. It may be easier on some but not me. The last was the last for me. I think that after all the tragic tornadoes this year we are all a bit more cautious. I'm glad you have the old house with a basement to go to. Good for you on your decision with the pain pills!
ReplyDeletePain pills as NEEDED makes much more sense. Glad you got that straightened out. Also happy to hear physical therapy is getting better. Hang in there. Meanwhile, thank goodness you were able to ride out that storm somewhere safe.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the pain pills, but I've heard the attitude that you have to stay on top of the pain or it can get away from you from many medical professionals. Hope you see Iris soon! :(
ReplyDeleteI"m a little concerned about your therapist telling you that - does the doctor know he told you? With home therapy usually what recommended is you take your regular pain medication an an hour prior to the session and decrease as the pain decreases.. If you're in a lot of pain you wouldn't get the full benefit of the exercise so that makes sense. But what he told you to take sounds like a lot.
ReplyDeleteIs this like takin a trip and never leaving the farm? Hope this continues so well for you.
ReplyDeleteThe dog stuff happens in the country. I've buried too many of them. Also, did you ever notice the big farm dogs always die in the winter time when the ground is frozen?