Ernie has successfully completed in-home physical therapy (PT) - and would you believe he had to pass a test before graduating to out-patient PT?
He had to demonstrate to the in-home physical therapist that he could stand without loosing his balance. Then, while standing he was gently pushed left, right, front and back and then, had to reach way out in front of himself - first to the right - then, left -- all while maintaining his balance.
Afterwards, Ernie had to demonstrate that he could get up and down from the toilet, and get in and out of the shower (using a shower stool) without any assistance. From there, he had to demonstrate the new techniques he learned in PT for climbing up and down the stairs without using a crutch. He basically walks up and down the stairs - slowly flexing his knees - using the handrail for support.
Last - Ernie was given a verbal test to reflect his knowledge that he knew the signs of blood clotting and infection. Evidently, these are two events that can occur up to a year after surgery.
Ernie now moves to out-patient PT - beginning Wednesday. His PT is scheduled for three times a week for eight weeks. A schedule that takes us into the first week of May. Quite a schedule with lots of homework! Ernie however, is bound and determined to have us at the cabin after break-up - so PT is his absolute focus for a full and complete recovery.
Today, Ernie saw his doctor - as scheduled - and x-rays were taken of his new knees! Below is a view of both Ernie's knees -- on the inside. Rather amazing!!
His knee caps were 'shaved' on the bottom so they would fit accurately over his new knees.
The doctor told Ernie all looks well and fits correctly.
Below is a view of Ernie's knees - looking down. You can only see his knee caps and muscular knees.
Ernie's next doctor visit wont be until April 19th - so that's a good sign. All in all Ernie is doing well. He tires easily and feels run down most of the time - and that's because he anemic. The doctor said Ernie would feel that way for a couple of more weeks - in the meantime - Ernie is to continue taking iron pills three times a day - and eating lots of greens rich in iron. It's a good thing he loves spinach. Liver would be ideal - but Ernie can't stand liver - so a steak will have to do.
A big thank you to everyone for your calls and offers to run errands. My brother was down from the Slope for a week and ran many an errand to stock us up. The biggies was getting Ernie's handicap parking sticker at DMV and stocking us up on chipped ice for the 'ice man' - which Ernie uses daily to control swelling.
Again, thank you!
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