Phannie

Phannie
Photo taken near Monument Valley, Utah

Sunday, August 12, 2012

New Parts for Us (Phannie doesn’t need any)


Yes, I am aware that I haven’t posted anything for a while but we have an excuse.  As I mentioned in an earlier post as an upcoming event, Sandy has just finished the last of three planned surgical procedures, the most recent being total knee replacement.  If you’re wondering, her full list included carpal tunnel surgery and a septoplasty (repair of a deviated septum) all within the last five months.  As in her recovery from similar surgery on the other knee a couple of years ago, progress is slow and painful—perhaps more so this time because this knee was in much worse shape.

Somewhat coincidentally, I am looking at hip replacement surgery myself as soon as Sandy is well enough to help me shuffle around afterward as I recover.

I’m not sure how we managed to need all these body repairs at the same time but we are grateful that we don’t have worse health problems; we know too many people who do.  Having been blessed with good health for 65 years, I guess I shouldn’t complain about the prospects of having my very first surgery soon (a tonsillectomy when I was a kid doesn’t count).

I have a new respect now for whoever first said, “If you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.”  It’s amazing how poignant this old bromide has become since Sandy and I have been confronted with our wicked new nemesis, Mr. Arthritis.  

Another reason to get these expensive procedures out of the way is the uncertainty of our having access to them if Obamacare stays around.  Big Brother might just tell us we don’t have enough quality years left so…too bad!

Dear friends Jim and Terri came by this afternoon and brought a delicious dinner of homemade enchiladas; it was muy sabroso!  Thank you!
Sandy and Terri
Sandy with her knee elevated and Terri

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Jim (sorry for the poor photo composition)
Jim and Terri took a tour of Phannie and seemed to enjoy looking around as they saw in person all of her features that I had mentioned in my posts.  As we walked through the coach, I couldn’t help but feel sad that our travel in this fine rig has been circumscribed for a while. 

Yesterday I fired up Phannie’s engine and the Onan genset then ran through the gears.  I do that every couple of weeks when she isn’t being used and, so far, this seems to be working well in keeping Phannie’s systems exercised.  Since we have full hookups in her RV port, battery upkeep is not an issue.  We probably won’t be taking her out for a couple more months as we continue our recovery.

For our blogger friends who are still enjoying good health and mobility, I would encourage you to savor every day and offer a prayer of thanks for this and all the rest of God’s wonderful blessings.

8 comments:

  1. Glad that things are progressing well with the recovery and hope you are both 100% and on the road again soon!

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  2. so glad to hear that things are progressing nicely for Sandy..and you are so correct..if you don't have your health..you basically have 'nothin'..good luck with the recovery!!!

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  3. You are so right about Obamacare. I have already had my blood sugar tests cut back from quarterly to semi-annually.

    JC

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  4. You are so right about having your health. We are counting our blessings and taking advantage of every moment to savor our travels. Eldy is 64, I'm 62, and so far neither one of us has to take any meds, nor do we have any problems. That could change in a heartbeat. We are so blessed....

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  5. Hope you both heal fast. God bless! Judy & John

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  6. Hope Sandy's recovery is swift. I know it will be a bit painful during the physical therapy phase. I know many people who were lax on the PT and they paid a heavy pain & performance toll. I have had both of my knees replaced. You are so right about Obamacare. I lived with National Health Care in England for two years. It is not pretty, especially for seniors.

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  7. Speedy recovery to Sandy. We miss your travel blogs.

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