I got home a couple hours ago. Still gobsmacked that this is an outpatient procedure. Knee surgery went so much better than anticipated -- very little swelling or bruising (yet), pain tonight is pretty comparable to how the knee was doing before surgery.
Recovery room staff said I was a rock star! Walked my laps (with the walker, but not needing to put weight on it until the last 1/4 lap), even did the 5 steps up and down with my hands just above the rails (just in case) but not needing to use them for support.
First post-op PT on Friday. I really like my PT, think we'll work well together. The PT is typically the hardest part of this procedure, but Johns Hopkins takes pain management seriously, so I'll be OK.
Eye on the prize... I'm so excited about all the things I'll be able to do again! Kneeling apparently can wear out the artificial joint faster, so I'll have to find different ways to garden, but no worries. Also, have to scratch Boston Marathon off my bucket list. (Kidding, it was never on there.) But -- longer walks, hiking, beach walking, gardening, snorkeling... suddenly retirement looks a lot more adventuresome!
Jim has been gradually cutting down his hours, will be down to zero by March or April. He's probably staying on as a "consulting employee," which means 200 hours a year. We can work our adventure plans around that!
All good.
