Dodged a Bullet

At least for now. Had another "date" with my orthopedic surgeon this afternoon. The X-rays and MRI confirmed that my knee is not pretty, but I've known that for decades. Still, it has worked reliably for me, doing whatever I've dished out, until I was running a few days before I left for Europe. Hmmm... Two weeks after a steroid injection, it is much improved, and the lingering issues seem to be related to an IT band issue. Apparently this is quite common with runners. So for the next 8 weeks I'll be in PT boot camp trying to resurrect the knee. My doc, who is from Honduras, insists that I'll be able to return to Roatan to snorkel, so that is encouragement enough for me. And if I build up some impressive weight-lifter quads, I may start running again, too. (I sense some eye rolling going on out there...)

Progress!

Holly and I greatly enjoyed our walk yesterday afternoon, although there may not be another one for a couple days. (I am between the pain medication wearing off and the steroids kicking in.) I managed to straighten the leg last evening--finally!--and it's still straight this morning. For the first time in almost three months, I was able to get out of bed and immediately stand and walk. That alone is worth a celebration, in my book. Still waiting for an MRI appointment, although I've been warned they'll likely have to wrestle in the mud with my insurance company to make it happen. (Is it too late to move to the UK? Oh, wait, it snows there...) I'm eager to get moving on this as I'm supposed to return to work on January 4th. If surgery is necessary and delayed, I'll have to make a difficult call to the chair of my department. The guy does have a good sense of humor, so I imagine starting it with, "Hi, Dave. So how's your ulcer?..." (We've been working seriously short-handed for years now, thanks to the poor economy in Florida.)

All You Knee-d to Know

I had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon today. The exam made me yelp, and I needed more x-rays. Cousin John, my e-orthopod, was right on with his distance diagnosis. I have a torn meniscus. (I still think there may be a ligament issue, too.) The local doc gave me a cortisone injection with a turkey-baster syringe. While I wait for an MRI, I have my marching orders. I must re-build my quads, restore my range of motion (more than half gone), and stop limping--or else! I expect to find out whether any cutting is in my immediate future at the next appointment. And speaking of surgery, please send positive thoughts in the direction of my summer neighbor. Bob is having double knee replacements tomorrow.

And now I am going to take Holly for a walk. Because I can. Then I'll hit the yoga mat. Knee is much more comfortable already. Thank you!

Thinking Back...

A week ago I was still in Europe. I know I was eager to get home at that time. Now I'm in Florida, where the weather is only slightly warmer, and waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon. In the meantime, I'm told to avoid weight-bearing activities. Say what?! I walked all over Europe. Seriously, I don't sit well, and I hate being bored. Today I am going in to Tallahassee for a much-needed haircut, and Tom is taking me out for a birthday celebration this evening. Tomorrow evening, we're heading to the coast to see a boat parade of lights. And that's about all the excitement there is for now. [sigh]

New Pix

I've added some photos from my single-use camera. Check Climate Princess post on November 29th and forward.

Up at Night

I am home and in the throes of jetlag. I enjoyed a warm welcome from my little family, and Holly pup is currently glued to my side, trying to lick away the skin on my left hand. (She missed me a lot, even though we Skyped. Before you think I'm crazy, I have someone who can vouch for that.)

The airlines did a good job of carting me around yesterday, saving me some wear and tear on the knee. For now, I am done with cobblestones, stairs, and lugging. I also have hot tub plans for today, so I'm hoping for some improvement. (I should add how very nice it is to go outside without having to bother with winter jacket and all the accessories, although it appears I've brought some cooler weather with me. Or at least I'll be blamed for it.)

I still have photos and reflections to add to the blog. Let me know if you have any questions.

Off to the Airport!

Yay! And good riddance to snow and bread. Here's hoping for smooth sailing--or flying, I should say. Thanks for joining me on my excellent break. More from the States.

So How Do You Say "Snowing Like a Banshee" in Danish?

My last day in Europe was a good one. The weather looked promising this morning, so I headed north by train to a small town with a great contemporary art museum with a rather un-Danish name. Louisiana sprawls along the coast, with the architecture taking best advantage of the magnificent views. (There is also a great sculpture garden, but I avoided it as it was under snow.) I spent several hours in the museum, but eventually overdosed on the Anselm Kiefer retrospective [note for museum friends]. When I left, I was surprised to find that the blue skies had turned to SNOW--with a vengeance. I decided to burn the last couple of shots on my single-use camera at Tivoli Gardens, right behind my hotel. It was already dusk, and the lights were glowing, as were the elevated fire pits scattered throughout the park. I walked around soaking up the atmosphere, but it quickly became difficult to ignore my freezing hands and feet. Before leaving, I made a quick stop to complete my gluhwein tour of the continent. I had to leave the hotel one more time to get take-out for dinner. All that remains now is a re-pack. In the morning, I'll have breakfast and head to the airport.

The sabbatical has been wonderful, but the last week has worn me down. I'm tired of being cold, tired of hobbling on a sore knee, tired of living out of a suitcase. I don't miss the U.S. lifestyle, but it will be good to get back to my little family and the warm Florida weather. Will update Sunday, if not before.

Short Day

It's 3:30 in the afternoon here in Copenhagen, and the sun is about to set. The city is at a latitude similar to southern Alaska, giving it about seven hours of daylight in early December. We are currently experiencing bitter cold and drifting snow. I forced myself to go to the Scandinavian Design Center today. It was closed when I was here in September, so I was eager to see it, but the walk there was brutal. On the way back to the hotel, I was plotting and scheming for this evening. The hotel does not have a restaurant, so I determined that the train station is the closest place to eat. (Desperate times, desperate measures.) The station is a mob scene this afternoon, with transportation snarled as a result of the weather. (Wish it had stopped our gonzo bus drivers last night...) Here's what we're dealing with: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/12/02/uk.snow/index.html?hpt=T2

As I was looking around, I spotted something that would be popular in the States: a quart/liter-sized can of beer! It goes for $5, although I don't know it that's a good price or not. Everything else here is expensive. For instance, the basic breakfast at the hotel is $10, and a plain sandwich, nothing extra, is $6.

The Morning After

I arrived in Copenhagen in the wee hours of the morning, happy to be alive. The trip turned into a harrowing ordeal. Let's just say I was shaken and stirred. Maybe it's time to change the name of this blog... More later, maybe.

Are We There Yet? (Please...)

At least two hours to go, and the trip has turned very nerve-wracking due to weather conditions. Wishing for a gluhwein stand on the bus...

Score!

I'm on my way to Berlin on a business-class bus complete with wi-fi. Scenery is still white, so I may play some Scrabble to pass the time. Travel to the bus station this AM was a pain. (Dancing on ice with a knee brace and a rolling duffel is never fun.) I missed the first round of trams and then had to face a massive staircase down to the metro station. A woman came by and grabbed one of the handles of my bag. My relief immediately turned to panic as she headed quickly down the stairs. I managed to get her to slow down and thanked her profusely when we made it to the bottom of the three flights. Other than when Tom was here, this was only the second time that anyone helped me. The other was on the tube in London when the handle to my bag broke. Again, it was a woman about my age who stopped to help as all the young guys ran up the stairs, three at a time. Will post again when I'm settled in in Copenhagen.