I have the dreads and I don’t mean coils of knotted hair.
I’m talking about “The Dreads” ====”reluctant, apprehensive or fearful”. Yes, I know, I am being a baby but I hate the idea of some doctor cutting into my tender skin.
Wednesday is the big day for my total knee replacement. I will be at Falmouth Hospital until Saturday and then over to JML Care Center for a week to ten days. My last name is Burden if you want to send me a card. Yes, I do have a lot of nerve asking for cards and putting my last name here but what the hell. You only live once so I might as well go for it. I might as well disclose my last name. What is anybody going to do–take over my identity, become a 59 year old cripple who uses a cane and doesn’t have any money or credit cards? Be my guest!!
One good thing about the surgery, at least I hope it is a good thing, and that is they don’t put you under they just sedate you and give you a spinal epidural. I really didn’t like the idea of being put completely under. Can you tell this is my first surgery?
OMG, I forgot about all the Buddies that will be coming to my house. I am such a dumbass. I have to go talk to Javajunkee.
Whatever I think 
Mar 07, 2009 @ 14:38:51
I had a knee surgery done in 1996. It was done as a arthroscopy. I am not sure what kind of surgery you are going to do but it is always a good thing when they can use local anaesthesia or spinal epidural instead of narcosis.
It will be just fine you know. But I know the feeling of it. I will be thinking of you.
Take care and big hugs
Jeanette
Mar 07, 2009 @ 14:45:25
In my case they are putting titanium things in my knee where the cartilage was. I am really glad they are using a local anaesthetic. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 15:50:22
Fortunately knee replacement surgery has become common place – you are going to do just splendidly – I hope you have lots of good help at home – I would lend Devoted Spouse to you but unfortunately he is still taking care of me! Cheers!
Mar 07, 2009 @ 17:15:02
I hope you are doing better. I am fortunate I live with my daughter, her hubby and my wasband who will all be very helpful.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 15:55:51
OMG, i am so scared right along with you. I will be thinking of you Joan!
Mar 07, 2009 @ 17:13:05
Thanks, Ghetto Girl, I appreciate your kind thoughts!
Mar 07, 2009 @ 16:07:23
My prayers are with you Joanie, may you have a successful operation, go, go go, get that new knee and let’s ready for the long walks.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 17:12:21
Thanks, Sheng. I will love to start walking again.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 16:11:18
Hey Joanie, java’s got a jump on the buddies and is taking care of things. Don’t worry your pretty little head. Just take care of yourself. My dad had this done 2 years ago and it was smooth sailing for him. He has titanium also. I’m sure it will be good for you as well.
Is this hospital on the island or where is it?? We can’t send you a card if we don’t know the specifics!! LMAO!! Please let me know.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 16:29:34
The hospital is not on the island. It is in Falmouth where I used to live.
Wednesday-Saturday
Joan Burden
patient
Falmouth Hospital
100 Ter Heun Drive
Falmouth, MA 02540
Sunday- at least a week
Joan Burden
patient
JML Care Center
184 Ter Heun Drive
Falmouth, MA 02540
I’ll post a room number if they have wi fi or have Sarah do it if I can. But I figure if they know I’m a patient it will get to me.
I just hope I can get on the internet while I am there to help pass the time.
I guess if people in their 80’s and 90’s can do it so can I.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 17:43:09
Thanks.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 17:46:20
I’ll be thinking of you Joan! ((((hugs))))
Mar 07, 2009 @ 17:54:54
Aww Best of to you Joan, I will write your address down and put a get well card in the mail ;+), so if you get a card from Montana and you think who the heck do I know in Montana? I am a friend of javafunkees part of the buddy witness protection program. Anyway get better fast!
Mar 07, 2009 @ 18:30:07
Good luck on Wed and with the surgery and with the rehab. Will be thinking about you.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 21:00:17
I wish you luck but also wanted to let you know that, yes, I have stolen your identity. It’s not for me….it’s for my mother. I’ve been trying to get her into the country for years.
Sorry, hope you understand. It’s nothing personal.
Get well soon.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 22:26:07
What country is she from? I may just enjoy this identity change. I have not traveled much. I might want to get out of the country after this surgery because I have no insurance and I have no intention of paying for it. I am saving my money to buy a convenience store. What do you think?
Mar 07, 2009 @ 21:11:52
Aw, Joanie – I know you are going to do just fabulously! After all, you didn’t beat a broken ass just to get taken down by a knee! I’m not sure it is a good thing that you will be awake during the surgery though – try not to make the doctors laugh or they might mess up or drop the instruments and stuff. LOL. But pay attention so you can tell us all the details.
Seriously, you will be in my thoughts and prayers and it will be so wonderful to have it over with so you can be walking again. I keep picturing you, pushing that granddaughter in the baby carriage out on that beautiful island! 🙂
Mar 07, 2009 @ 22:06:30
I’ve had surgery a couple of times, so I completely understand being nervous. Just remember that all you have to do is show up–the doctor has to do all the hard stuff.
By the way, if the doctor says “oops” half way through, resist the urge to whack him with you cane and let him concentrate, for goodness sake! (Did you laugh, that was supposed to make you laugh. 🙂 )
Anyway, I will be sending lots of good thoughts for smooth sailing both in surgery and for the recovery period.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 22:16:18
Yse, I laughed. At least I haven’t lost my sense of humor. I am bringing my cane into the operating room with me.
I will take no chancesbut I will only whack him if I have to. Thanks, sweetie, for all the good wishes.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 22:06:38
It has to feel wonderful to have this great group of friends praying for you, and with you through this.
It has to help to know how common this operation is, that your doctors are very, very good at it. They will be efficient and after two weeks you will have nothing left of the experience except bragging rights and fun going through airplane security…as if you’d want to leave your lovely home.
I know this…your frinds know this…and you know this too.
BUT…I take you seriously when you talk of feeling dread. My dear lady, I know it’s asking a lot, but every time you start thinking about this, please push the thought away, and think instead long and hard about holding your granddaughter with both arms, and walking with her. Let this beautiful image fill your mind. What you are doing this week is for you, but it will also enrich her life. Hold onto that.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 22:21:52
Oh, Diane, you are such a dear heart. I had to go to a pre-op meeting at the doctor’s office this week. It was great because they told you everything that was going to happen in detail. One of the things they told me was to bring a photo of something that would encourage you to do the things you have to do to have a speedy recovery.
I am going to bring the ultra sound picture of Sarah’s baby. That will definitely push me to really get into the physical therapy aspect of the whole thing. Thanks for such beautiful advice.
Mar 07, 2009 @ 22:25:17
we got the whole buddy thing figured out so you just worry about getting better and checking out the good looking males walking around in white jackets! 🙂
Mar 07, 2009 @ 22:56:04
You found my Undercover 0007 blog!!!! Welcome and hello to you.
Best wishes from the SpeedyCat of Minnesota 😉
Heal quick – rest easy
Mar 07, 2009 @ 23:13:31
You are too funny and I love funny. That is what gets me through life!
Mar 08, 2009 @ 03:09:11
You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Joan. I am sure the operation will go smoothly and will be successful. You will feel amazing after you’ve healed up and have a NEW KNEE!! 🙂
Mar 08, 2009 @ 03:21:40
My goodness Joanie, will you be up and around when your baby gets here? I hope so. I wish you all the best, and if I can get my hands on a stamp I’ll be sure to send you a card 😉
Mar 08, 2009 @ 09:51:26
Good luck, Joan! I’m sure the surgery will be a huge success and you will be on Dancing with the Stars as soon as your celebrity status is verified. Hey, at least your knees are pretty far away from any major organs, so don’t sweat it. If you have one of your stuffed animal buddies visiting, maybe he/she can go with you and keep an eye on those doctors.
Mar 08, 2009 @ 11:02:46
Oh my gosh, Joan! I didn’t realize you had such a serious surgery coming up, especially your first big one! Ugh, that would be scary! It’s probably something that’s routine for them, but not so routine for us! I’ll be thinking of you 🙂
Mar 08, 2009 @ 11:48:37
I’ll be thinking of you and praying for your quick recovery, Joan!
Mar 08, 2009 @ 15:39:14
i will be praying for you, Joan.
Mar 08, 2009 @ 18:20:32
All this time I thought it was harvest…
LOL!
Dont worry about the knee…I know a handful of folks who have gone through it, and theyve all said the nerves leading up to it were the worst thing.
Mar 08, 2009 @ 22:57:47
Thanks for the address, Joan . .
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and nightly prayers . you’re a tough Woman. You’ll be running in no time!
Mar 09, 2009 @ 11:19:18
I hope you have a speedy recovery! You will need it to keep up with the new little one that’s on her way!
Mar 09, 2009 @ 22:07:07
You are going to be sooooo glad you had this done! Good Luck and I have a feeling you’re going to get a hell of a lot of mail!
Mar 10, 2009 @ 18:54:20
I’ll be thinking of you, and I’ll get a card in the mail to you too. (((Hugs)))
I hope the doctors and nurses treat you well, and I hope your recovery goes by quickly.
Take care of you!
Mar 11, 2009 @ 06:00:48
Sweetie, I am glad you don’t have the kind of “pictured” dreads- Mauh-ha-ha-ha-ha (although I’d pay to see you in them) heeee-heeeeee-heeeeeee! Joanie, this post – made me want to send you a card for some strange reason- LOL! I will send you a card ya little nut case!
I will be thinking of you for sure, and including you in my prayers. Much Love and don’t worry- I know for a fact you are going to be just fine!
Love,
anne
That’s Anne Smith
101 W. Wacky Ave
Chicago, IL 60621
(555) EAT-SHIT