Or … a Small Step for Arthritic Steve, a Giant Leap for Bionic Steve.
My husband’s on his way toward becoming the new six million dollar man. Yesterday he had a total knee replacement.
After staying up much too late Sunday night, riveted to the excitement of the Super Bowl, he took a short nap and I took an even shorter one (insomnia) before we headed to the hospital at 4:00 am. It felt like we were boarding an international flight with a less-than-exotic destination. When I questioned the early hour, several friends reminded me of the benefit of having a fresh and alert surgical team. Picturing myself at that ungodly hour, however, I imagined them groggy, grouchy, and sleep-deprived.
I sat in the chilly waiting room until after noon when they finally let me come up to see my ever-upbeat husband. Steve had circled a smiley face under zero (No Hurt) on the scale of 1-10 for his pain level. I’m not sure how much of that can be attributed to the morphine and how much his sunny disposition combined with the fact that he slept most of the morning. 🙂 Since I spent the time nervously pacing and waiting, I think I’d give myself a 4 for Hurts Little More.
The nurses, as always, claimed Steve’s their favorite patient. He walked better and worked the knee machine more vigorously than most. The really difficult task of rehab, with Nurse Taryn at the helm, will begin when he comes home from the hospital, probably tomorrow.
The fact that the surgery happened on Groundhog Day wasn’t lost on us. We both had a creeping fear that we’d wake up to find Steve with his old knee — and have to repeat the long day of surgery … again … and again … and again. If you ever have to repeat a day continuously for eternity, and you have a choice, I’d recommend picking one that’s a little more enjoyable.
But anytime you wake up after an operation, it’s a good day. With so many friends dying unexpectedly this year, I do not take one single day of life for granted. It’s all a gift, and I’m thankful for the ones God has given me with Steve. One of the students I disciple texted me the following verse from Isaiah while I waited, exactly what I needed to saturate my mind with:
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I’m thankful to God for all the great attention Steve received, and especially for the watchful care of our Great Physician. Thanks also to those of you who prayed for us.