Jessica is now Bionic -post op diary from Austin, TX

[esther_bunny]

Tomorrow will be a test for me for sure.
I'm going to SXSW (music festival in Austin).
We're only going to one day party to see one of my favorite artists, Brendan Benson, but finding a place to park will be a nightmare!
I'll probably have Nate drop me off as close as he can and have him go park somewhere.
There are over 200,000 people attending this festival. It's not in a park but in all the clubs in downtown Austin. It's pretty much mayhem.

But I have put gel inserts in my shoes and am dressing comfortably (yet cute) and plan on trying to find a place to sit the first chance I get. And I'm taking my meds with me (in the script bottles of course).
I'm really excited b/c I haven't been out much since the operation.

I'm so excited!!!!

[LindaM]

Have a fantastic time, you deserve it!  You might want to consider bringing along a large ziploc bag.  In a pinch you could get some ice from your favorite bartender and give you knee some TLC.  Of course you could also rely on liquid pain killers since Nate is driving.

Have fun!

Linda

[seerobinbike]

Hey Jessica,

Nice!  Hope you two have an awesome time and that the weather is beautiful.  Sounds like you are doing great.   

[captainruss]

Jessica,

I am not sure about your situation, but if your insurance allows, I had a walker with four wheels prescribed.  It has a seat so I can turn around when escorting my ankle biters to Universal Studios...it also has a secret compartment under the seat for contraband Mt. Dew to be smuggled into Universal!!  They don't check my walker.

Russ

[esther_bunny]

Mission Accomplished!
Not only did I get to see my all time favorite musician but I was lucky enough to tap him on the shoulder when he came in and talk to him. 2 years ago I won a contest and got to meet him backstage. he dedicated a song to me and my soon to be husband.

Today I reminded him of this and asked if he wouldn't mind another pic and autograph. His handlers were trying to scurry him away. I told him we'd on the back patio smoking. Not 10 minutes later did he come out and find us. Got several photos and another autograph, it was awesome.
My day was completely made.

For my knee I sat outside until he played and then stood for when he played (not even a 10 song set, lots of bands to play at SXSW to they keep the sets short) then Nate and I split and are now back at home.

[LindaM]

Hurrah for you!  I was hoping you would have a great day but you turned it into the best ever.

Way to go!!!

Linda

[esther_bunny]

Thanks Linda!

How are all you guys doing?

[esther_bunny]

So my FMLA has run out and today I receive a letter saying that the FMLA runs out on the 22nd and I will no longer have a job.
I have been calling my boss and supervisor but am not getting a response.
No idea if I have a job or not.
Plan on stopping by there tomorrow after physical therapy.

 

[LindaM]

Hi Jessica,

Sorry to hear about the rotten letter.  I know you were worried about the job situation.  Lets hope that with someone filling in for you they realize how good you are at your work and keep the temp on until you can go back.

Today was my first day back teaching.  I brought along ice packs and hoped for the best because I teach three 85 minute periods in a row.  But I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have swelling and didn't even take time to ice during the day because I had no pain.  Tomorrow I see my OS and officially get the release to go back to work, but he is accustomed to me going back when I feel like it.  It was great to be back with the kids.  We now have just a week before final exams, so there is a lot to catch up on.  My sub was excellent, but she of course did things in her style, so I need to know where my students are before I can write the final.  On top of that I am the advisor for NHS and we will be selecting new members next Thursday after the first two finals, so there is a lot of work with that right now too.  I am going home asap for a loooong nap.  It was great but I am tired.  That getting up at 5 A.M again is a killer.

Hopefully we will hear back good news after your PT appt.  I'll keep you in prayers.

Linda

[esther_bunny]

I got a release letter from my doctor to go back on Monday. Personally I think I'm ready but I know my doctor likes to wait.
I do know that I will still be looking for jobs though. I'm not happy where I am and haven't been for awhile.

Linda I'm glad you had no pain upon your return to work, that is great news!

(I, too, am dreading getting up early. I've reverted to my night owl ways, ugh.)

[seerobinbike]

Wow, Jessica.  You are kicking some butt in the healing arena as well!  Sorry that you dislike your job so much.  Hopefully something you find more interesting will come your way soon.  Do roadies get paid?  That would be a sweet job for a girl like you!   Keep up the good work and have a good weekend.

Robin

[LindaM]

Hi there,

Welcome back to the real world of the working class!  Hope things go well on your first day back.  I had a second great day today and saw my OS.  I am now his PKR poster child.  If anyone in line for a PKR has questions from the patient perspective, I will be someone they can call to get them answered. 

Now with the beautiful weather I plan spent the weekend overdoing things in the gardens.  You have a great weekend too. 

Linda

[esther_bunny]

I'd love to be a roadie for Brendan Benson

We had horrible storms last night. The transformer right outside our house blew and the thunder and lightning were horrible. One of my little dogs was so scared she was shaking. We put her in a doggy hoodie (worked last time) but that didn't work this time.

Unfortunately my knee didn't like the weather and I didn't like staying up all night so I took a vacation day today. I'm sure my boss isn't going to like it and it may well get me fired but I'm technically not supposed to be back at work until 4/2 according to my dr. My  FMLA leave was up on 3/22 so I felt I was under the gun so to speak to return to work. I'm wondering if that was a mistake now.

My friend and I are trying to brainstorm projects to work on that involve music (she's a documentary film maker and we both love and live by music)...we'l see.

[LindaM]

Hi Jessica,

Sorry to hear you had a bad night.  I know what you mean about the knee acting up with the weather-its only a PKR and the other half still aches when the pressure drops.  Are you trying too much too soon going back?  That scar tissue release set you back a bit from the original schedule.  You have to make yourself your priority right now because you don't want to set yourself up for a lot of extra pain and delayed healing. 

I hope that tomorrow goes better for you and that even if he doesn't like it, your boss understands.

Take care.

Linda

[esther_bunny]

thank you linda,

yes i know i'm doing too much too soon but i have to do something.

i'm pretty sure i'm getting canned, sooner or later.