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Showing posts from April, 2022

Let's get to surgery day!!!! The countdown!

I really did not have months to prepare for surgery date. I think that once the date was finalized, I had just about a month to get ready! That is a quick "countdown". The busiest part of the countdown to surgery day was work! As most of you know, I work full-time as a Case Manager at Helio Health. I work with those who have been chronically homeless; most being homeless over one year. These individuals have a number of challenges; substance use and mental health issues are foremost. There is a HUD initiative that has been in place for quite some time; Housing First. The program grant supports the provision of housing and case management services to those who qualify. We provide a furnished apartment with some basic household goods to program participants. I assist my residents in the development of a Service Plan; establishing, at minimum housing goals. Residents are not responsible for rent; however they do apply for Public Assistance which is paid to Helio Health as a supp

Right side replacement ....

 I have a few struggles accepting that my right knee and hip need replacement. Now, this is not to say I didn't realize it would be necessary. I am a very "black and white" thinker when it comes to my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and the fact that I do not have the RA factor in my blood makes me wonder.....do I really have this. Then, I hear my doctor's talk about the condition of my joints. All agree that there is no reason for my joints to be in the poor condition that they are in. Thankfully it is just my knees and hips that are affected (fingers crossed forever).  I knew after my left total hip replacement in September 2020 that the time would come to make a decision on what would be first......the right knee or hip? Following the surgery, I continued to have periodic appointments with my surgeon, Dr. Sherman or his awesome PA, Ryan. I would space these appointments about 6 months apart and always requested x-rays of both the knee and hip. Each time the comment

Here we are again!

Here we are again! Hip - Hip - Hooray! Before I start, let's catch up! I believe my last post was in December 2020, 3 months post op for my total hip replacement - left side. How can it be that long ago!? So many changes; so much the same! I got married March 19, 2021! It was a small ceremony and dinner at Mohegan Manor. Marc and I loved the day. He did forget the marriage license!!! And the Judge called him "Edward"! Yup, we started the ceremony again and yes are still laughing about these faux pas! We honeymooned in Johnson City, TN as we are considering a move to the area when I retire. Speaking of retiring... I continue to work at Helio Health. The work is challenging and rewarding. I have a great boss and work with a wonderful team of Case Managers. I had considered semiretirement this year; however there were many reasons to hang in full-time until 2023. My advisor reminded me that I would most likely work more than allowed in the Social Security Income parameters b