Sunday Musings...

My mom had her right knee replaced on Wednesday, 12/3 with a brand spanking new titanium knee!! The 2-hour surgery went as expected. She had the left knee replaced 4 years ago. She is out of knees now, so we're done with that type of procedure. Day 1 post op, she was on some heavy pain meds, Oxycontin and Percocet. Totally out of it, hallucinating, talking weird stuff, reaching for things that were not there, falling asleep instantly. While trying to eat, she would be holding her fork and fall asleep, thus dropping the fork and any food that was on it. I helped her as much as I could, though hospital food is unappetizing, I felt guilty for feeding it to her. It was surreal to see her laying there, knowing this is my mom, yet what she was saying and doing, was unrecognizable. It is so hard watching our parents age. Mom is a strong woman, physically and emotionally, and her vulnerability under the influence of these drugs that were supposed to help her, was very difficult. She wasn't in any pain, though. Day 2 post op, she was doing so much better! Although, at one point during the night, she got up by herself (she does not like to ask for help) using the walker, to go to the bathroom, and when she put weight on the right leg, a pain shot through her, that made her lose her balance. She fell backward but the bed caught her...2 nurses ran into the room and scolded her for trying to get up by herself. The rest of the day was spent doing some therapy and sleeping. By the end of the day, a case worker told her she was going to a rehab center for a "little while", to aid in her recovery. It wasn't an option. I could tell she was afraid, and she didn't say anything then, but when we were alone, she said she didn't want to go to a place that "smelled like pee" and where people were screaming (she watches way too much TV). She arrived at the health center yesterday, and it is a decent place. No room mate yet, but she may get one later today. She looks great, although she is concerned about how her hair looks after laying in bed for so long. When dad walks into the room, he gets a huge smile on his face, it makes me tear up. I don't think she will be there for very long. Her goal is to be home by Christmas...I think she will be home much sooner than that.

Last night was the UA vs ASU football game, "Duel in the Desert". While it wasn't a great football game as far as execution, the outcome was fabulous!! UA is headed to a bowl game for the first time in I don't know how long, 10 years maybe?? ASU has some of the rowdiest fans, next to USC, and the ribbing between the fans is good natured, though when ASU is leading, they can get pretty obnoxious. I would love to go to a game in Tempe, just to experience "their" turf. Glen left the game in the 3rd quarter because he had worked most of the day, and was really tired. I stayed until .08 seconds left...right before the students stormed the field! Many ASU fans had already left as the band played "Viva Las Vegas"!

Which brings me to today...I have so neglected my husband, our home, my chores. I am doing laundry right now...and I do have so much to do, so I better get my butt in gear and git r' done!

Talk soon...