Aftermath

So, it has been a while, but in my defense, it has been a shitty few days for me. The VA managed to get me in last Wednesday to do the surgery on my knee. Because I am such a go-getter, I tore the patellar tendon off its anchor and shredded it to boot. What should have been a two-hour surgery turned into a four-hour one.

As you can see from the picture, the girls painted my nails when I couldn’t get away to make me feel better. I have to say, in a small way, it worked. Every time I took off my shoes at the hospital, I got a laugh out of my gorgeous black toes. This was the first time I had had surgery and recovered with people around me, and I was worried about how it would go. When I’m down, I only want to sleep and be left alone. After this one, I can say I had absolutely nothing to be worried about. 

My wife has been breaking her back trying to help me out and keep me off my feet. I have wanted for nothing since I have gotten home. As for the kids, they provide great entertainment to keep my mind off the knee. Whether holding the baby and talking to her, watching Lily do her “magic” tricks in the living room, or listening to the older two tell me about their day at school, they have been tremendous at keeping my head in the game. Family and friends have come together to help me and the family get through this and be better for it on the other side.

This type of injury will take a long road to recovery. However, I get to shower tomorrow, which is super exciting. In a couple of weeks, I can start trying to put weight on the leg, and in five more, I will begin physical therapy. My goal is to take my first steps before Scarlett does and be ready to enjoy the summer with the family.

With everyone’s help, I can feel myself getting better. It is easier to move around, and I am starting to go stir-crazy sitting in bed or on the couch. The whole medical process has got me thinking about my writing. In the new series, humanity has just harnessed the ability to travel to the stars. What do you think would be an interesting take on medical technology in the future? Do I make it super advanced like I did in Redleg with high-tech nanites that just repair the body, or has medical technology not advanced as much as space travel? Leave a comment to let me know what you think would be an interesting take.

ZD