The preparations for my upcoming knee replacement surgery remind me of packing to go to our cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. There are appointments for this and that, lab work, X-rays, haircut, which is scheduled for two days before surgery. It’s bad enough to look like you’re suffering from a bad case of the flu, but at least my hair will be clean and all the same color.
I’m busy preparing smocking and embroidery, lest my idle hands become the devil’s playground. Today, I suppose that old adage could only be caution against mindlessly surfing the net or playing endless games of computer solitaire. Heaven knows I won’t be playing poker in the lobby of the rehab center.
Like going to NC, the packing for this 3-week “getaway” requires some special clothing.
Two years ago, I had my right knee replaced. Given that this time I have the same orthopod, same hospital, same rehab facility, I pretty much know what to expect. And I expect pain, blood, sweat and a few tears. But I can handle that. I’m tough.
Rehab is serious business and you are not allowed to lollygag around in your jammies all day. Physical therapy is scheduled twice a day, seven days a week, for two weeks. And there is a dress code–you must wear shorts.
As a public service to my community, I only wear shorts for yard work, done behind a 6’ privacy fence or at least 200’ from the road. And every pair of those yard work shorts shows the wear and tear and stains of dirty, heavy labor. So I had to get some new clothes.
I thought I might as well have some fun with this, so I have embroidered this shirt to be worn with heather gray shorts. The design is from Loralie’s Have a Fit, though I took the head off one mature fitness buff and put it on this body. Have I mentioned that I love BuzzEdit2 which allows such modifications, and more? The knee scar is my own design, and, if I do say so myself, it is a good representation of the trauma my poor knee will exhibit, for the sake of overall improvement.
Another few shirts await embellishment. How I wish I were embroidering clothes to wear in the mountains. I hope these rehab clothes make me smile as I plod through the rigors of therapy. Your prayers are coveted.
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