Nonagenarian Sighting

   We met again, the peripatetic nonagenarian  and I, this time in the ophthalmologist's office.  The tech administering the field-of-vision test said that a 92-year-old woman patient told her that she could follow the test pattern better if the screen image pictured a half-dressed man.   I asked which half she wanted shown, but the tech couldn't answer.  Apparently that question was not covered in the class on Elderly 101---Reassuring the Patient.  

'Nother Knee

   Valerie called today to say she'd just returned from seeing "my boyfriend." I wracked my brain, thinking it must be somebody from those halcyon Cambridge days, teacher or student.  I had that effect on so many.  But she meant Dr. Congiusta; it seems she has also fallen under his spell, as have so many before her.  He was looking good today, she said, in a blue shirt, though my preference is for a white shirt.  She said she mentioned my name, and they said they knew me there, that I was a great patient.  Valerie has harked back to the days of long ago when I was someone to be known, and even acknowledged.  I suspect no one remembers me at all, and they were just being polite. 
   Val said they are here for the winter. Don has "no knee."  It was infected, probably as a result of his first TKR in Florida last year,  and Dr. C. removed all the old prosthetic parts, and inserted a space-maker, infiltrated with antibiotics, and stabilized the knee with splints.  He removed the staples, and Don is feeling better.  He has to have daily antibiotic  infusions through an IV, which last 45 minutes, and which Val takes care of.  I think she said it will be that way for 4 months.  He uses a walker, and was told he could drive if absolutely necessary; it's his left knee.  They are impressed with Dr. C's reputation, that he "is the best around" and an expert in revisions.  Don was also impressed that, like himself, he was a football player, defensive  tackle . 
    We're supposed to get together for dinner, one of these days.  There's a new Italian restaurant in Cambridge.   

Seven Degrees of Separation

     Tuesday, Nov. 12. was my four month checkup for TKR of. left knee.  Dr. Congiusta asked if it was better than before.  I said yes.  I said there had been no pain at all in the knee, only minor pain in the lower shin and foot, and some numbness in the heel which has mostly resolved.  His assessment of the ROM showed 107 degrees, which is a little short of the 115 they aim for.  At P.T.,  the therapist tested the ROM at 121 degrees, but Dr. C. said he doesn't apply any pressure, a pain-free measurement. When I asked if there was still time to improve the ROM, he said most progress usually occurs in the first few months, but it may be possible to increase it, to continue my exercises.  
    Since he had told me before that after about 15 to 20 years or so, the plastic deteriorates or melds into the bone or something, I asked if that process would be incremental, constantly progressing, and he said no, that the patient usually doesn't even know, and that's why they take  X-rays every year or two.  He said the materials  are constantly improving and last longer, and mine will probably not need replacing.  (I wonder why!)  I said what if  I come back in 20 years and he's retired.  He said he'll be here---he has kids and college to think about.  He said he was glad that I was doing so well, and to return for one-year follow up in July, 2015.  Summertime!
      ( It's been four months since anyone besides the surgeon  has looked at, or even asked about, my knee, and that's pretty cursory if you have no problem. I think my TKR has set a record for generating the least amount of attention.  I am so blessed.)