In most of my posts you’ll find information about the wonderful area in which I am so very lucky to live. I share stories of history, people of interest, recipes and entertaining inspiration and anything that promotes the good life in Coastal Georgia. I rarely talk about my personal life. But I have gotten to know so many of my readers I thought it was time for me to share the journey I am about to begin later this month.
A couple of months ago I decided to begin my annual “power” gardening. Mr. T. and I went at the flower beds in our front yard, pulling and whacking weeds, working up quite a sweat and getting the beds ready for planting. The next day, my right knee was so swollen I could not walk. The rest is history. When I went to Alabama in April to speak a the Daddy’s Girl’s Weekend my knee completely collapsed, sending me to a local doctor’s office for x-ray’s. What was found is not fun and extremely painful. I have a form of “valgus” arthritis in the knee. This is an osteoarthritis that causes deformation of the leg as it worsens. Since I have absolutely no cartilage left in the knee it became quickly apparent that a full knee replacement would be the only option and the only sensible thing to do.
My dear friend, Pat, who is also a neighbor had a knee replacement done at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta last summer. I was so impressed and inspired by her courage and her quick recovery, I knew this was the road I wanted to take. We went for a consultation on May 27th and got confirmation that, yes, the knee has to be replaced. Thank God such miracles can occur in this day and age!
On June 19th I’ll have my “pre-op” at Emory with surgery following on June 25th. The work they do at Emory is cutting edge. My recovery is expected to be 4-6 weeks, but I will keep writing. If not everyday, then at least every other and I’ll also keep you posted on the healing process. I’m expecting great results!
My lovely daughter, Skylar, will be helping me with photography and posts while I’m recuperating. In some instances we may update some posts from last year that share the growth of businesses, historic sites that have been updated and other things we think you will enjoy! We won’t let you down!
Your continued support and readership is so very important to me. I read each and every comment when they come in, be it here on the site, via e-mail or on Facebook. Each person who comments is important!
8 Responses
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Susan Linehan Says:
Good luck,Melissa,with your upcoming knee replacement. My brother had one last year and only wondered why he waited so long. It’s not easy surgery,but if you do everything the physical therapist tells you ( I’m a nurse practitioner), you should recover nicely. I’ll be thinking of you!
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
I wish you all the best and I will read each and every post. SSI is a second home to us and I love each and every aspect about it. And I agree with Susan — follow the therapy closely. So many times we start to feel good and then before you know it we are doing what we’re not supposed to. Get caught up on all those good books you’ve been wanting to read. We are here to cheer you on 🙂
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Mimi Says:
Best of luck & speedy recovery Melissa!! Remember to eat lots of cherries & Turmeric!! I would live to bring you some healthy, delicious anti inflammation foods during your recovery if you desire!!
Love and Peas!!!
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Melissa Says:
That would be amazing, Mimi and I’d love it!
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Harold Michael Harvey Says:
Melissa, take good care of yourself and we will be following your updates. I see you healthy, whole and well as you enjoy your family and friends.
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Melissa Says:
Thanks Michael! I’d love to see you when I’m in Atlanta, but probably won’t be in the best of shape for socializing! We will meet soon!
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Susan Kohlback Says:
Know this is a scarey time as you head into surgery. Clint had a total hip replacement at this time last year just after we met you on the King and Prince trip. Much like you it was a quick decision after meeting with a specialist. And the good news is he feels like he’s 10 years younger! He was in and out of the hospital in two days and in six weeks pretty much free to do as much activity as he liked. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope you have a speedy and relatively pain-free recovery. Hope to see you again one year on our migration between New England and FLA. Fondly, Susan and Clint
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Gwyn Littell Says:
Oh, dear, Melissa! We will be thinking of you and knowing that because of who you are, this won’t slow you down! You’ll be up and running ASAP, but just follow all the doctor’s and therapist’s orders! Overdoing too soon can cause recovery setbacks. Reading the other comments, I can see that you are getting lots of advice! I know this won’t hold you down for long and you’ll be as good as new and ready to go!
Wishing you the best of luck.
Love, Gwyn
