Preparations

Yes, I'm scared. I'll put that right out there for the world to see. I'd already worked through all of my previous fears. Then the doctor mentioned spinal anesthesia. Excuse me? Does this mean I'll be awake during the surgery? Am I going to hear you cutting through the bone? Unfortunately, I was too stunned to ask those questions. I was still reeling from the grilling he gave me about my current level of pain and disability, expecting him to say I was not yet a good candidate for knee replacement. He said quite the opposite. Although I'm quite young for this procedure, he is of the belief that I am a perfect candidate.

A date for surgery was scheduled. Now I'm scrambling to get things done. Yesterday I banked a pint of blood for the operation. As one who only eats when I feel the need and is always on the verge of dehydration, giving up a pint of blood has resulted in a serious fatigue. I drank two shots of wheatgrass today in an effort to replenish some of the iron I lost. I don't eat red meat at all and could happily live without any other meat so I'm forced to find other sources of iron that I can use to help my body recover from that lost pint.

The pre-op physical is coming up, as is the meeting with someone in the surgeon's office about knee replacement.

My goal is to be back on a board by mid-July. I don't know if that is a realistic goal. The doctor would say that it is. However, I'm the only one who will know when I'm ready.