Saturday, May 04, 2013

Our Week

So. What else have we been up to besides birding....

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One really negative note: Last week and again today, my knees proved problematic as we walked around the lake at Hills Creek. I did see the orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday and discussed options vis-a-vis shots or surgery. We left things in the air as I needed some time to weigh those options.

Today convinced me I need to go for the surgery. It's been only three weeks since my last cortisone shot and already the pain is up there in the 8+ range. Sometimes even reaching 9+ on a scale of 1 to 10. Sigh. I'll be calling the surgeon's office on Monday to make arrangements. It can't be done until at least three months after the cortisone shot which means mid-July at the earliest.(The cortisone interferes with the adhesive used to cement the new parts in place.)

I'm going to see if I can get the Doc to do a two-fer. Might as well get them both done at the same time. He's a bit reluctant but says the insurance companies love the idea. I've heard for folks who have done both at once and also one at a time. The former say it's the only way to go. The latter admit it drags the inevitable out but also say its good to have at least one leg to stand on. (I've also heard of at least one person who had the first knee done and then balked at having the second operated on. It was more than she could handle.)

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Terry and I also visited the ophthalmologist on Thursday. It's been two years for me but my eyes haven't changed and no new prescription was needed. Tests for glaucoma and macular degeneration were negative, too.  Terry needs a new set of specks as she has lost some vision in one of her eyes. She has had some signs of glaucoma but this time round the tests showed some improvemend on that front. Nothing hinting at macular degeneration for her either. She should get her new glasses in a couple of weeks.

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Friday was Terry's birthday. We celebrated by going out to dinner at Timeless Destination in Wellsboro. Good food, good service and nice atmosphere.

She's had lots of cards, a few phone calls and even posts on my Facebook page of best wishes and such and appreciates each one. 

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On something of a plus side, Terry's knee has been feeling better...most of the time. The possible, non-dislocated medial meniscus tear has been behaving itself and she's walking far better than I am. Then again, she's not been so foolish as to go hiking on uneven terrain such as one finds on some of the trails around the Hills Creek lake.

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The birds have succeeded in eating all the sunflower seeds I purchased last fall. (That would be 10 bags of 40 pounds each.) It's not surprising considering the number of Goldfinches and Purple Finches that have been around this past week. A rough estimate would put those numbers at around 100 for those two species alone. The Chickadees are still here, albeit in smaller numbers than in winter. Other newcomers have made up for it, however. Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cow Birds, Eastern Towhees, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have certainly eaten their share. I may have to go visit Agway for a couple more bags.

3 comments:

threecollie said...

Such a misery when the joints give out. You have my deepest sympathy. Whichever you decide I hope it all goes well for you.

Rev. Paul said...

What threecollie said.

Tina Marie the Willow Witch said...

I also know people who have done it both ways, both were happy with the results... You know what you can handle, just take care and well, just take it one day at a time. By the fall you will be doing the jig with a jug...:)