Karin Venables

Time for an update.  My leg won't be ready till early next week for a very good reason.  My prothetesist was down with COVID.  I'm just glad I didn't catch it too.
          
           The best news is I'm getting up on my right leg now without the aid of my arms.  My right leg is going to be the dominant leg by the time I get my new left leg.  It was the silver lining I was looking for because I wasn't sure I would be fully conditioned to using my right leg that way.  You should see the muscles I've put on across the right side of my butt.  The best kind of fat ass ever. (Grin)

I still feel guilty because I'm not updating Yesterday at the moment.  The Wi-Fi here is horrible and I cannot sign into my storage system without timing out.  At some point my system administrator is going to try bringing my files to me to store on my laptop so I can continue, but that might not be a good idea. 
          I am busy with physio, and the people here with me have formed a close community.  Sometimes there are things in life that are more important than writing. 
          I will get my new temporary leg sometime next week.  From there it will be a gradual increase of time wearing it as I go so that we can monitor how it affects the incision.  The last thing anyone wants is to open it because of pressure or rubbing. 
          We all want a successful result to make sure this same procedure can be used to help other amputees who are stuck in wheelchairs when all they need is a replacement joint in their amputated limb.   I know, TMI for a lot of you, but insanely important for the handicapped in this province.

I'm in better shape already.  My physio routine is great and I'm standing up by myself with aids from my arms on the bar.  No more support belt required.
          
          The pain levels are settling down.  So it's mostly one set of medication before physio so that I can get through all the exercises.  Some of them are pretty tough to do.
          
          Staples are out.  I'm healing fast, and I'll be able to get my new prosthetic leg started in about another week.  Another 2 weeks after that to finish making the socket my residual limb fits in and then a couple of days to prove I can climb the steps I need to to get into my apartment.  I hope the time doesn't drag.

Hey there!!! I am a member of chrysalis realm and I would like to ask you to give us the lines you want us to use as the shoutout about your winning book as it is one of the prizes and as you know your books more than us. 
          - Thank you 

I am sorry if it feels like I've been ignoring you all for the last little bit.  Life in the hospital is busier than bleep!!! 
          
          I'm healing well and the surgeon is very impressed with my progress.  I'm moving into a re-hab hospital tomorrow.  I'll be in the same one I have been in twice before.  At least I know what to expect routine wise and food wise.  The menu there is a 3 week rotation rather than 6 days like it is here. 
          
          I haven't had enough time to take care of any writing at all.  It's a good thing my contest closed before surgery because I'm not even sure I can keep my reading club commitments for this month right now. 
          
          And to make matters worse, I'm still having unscheduled naps sneak up every time I close my eyes for longer than a split second. 
          
          Physio this morning had me up and standing on my bad leg alone for the very first time.  Interesting sensation trusting it to hold me when I can't get up like that yet.  They helped to to get there by hanging on to a support belt and we all worked together to get me upright.  Once we adjusted the leg position to center of gravity, it was actually strong enough to hold me with support from my arms on the parallel bars.  The strangest thing I've been through in a very long time. 
          
          Wish me well.  Pain levels are up a bit with the compression sock on my stump.  Again, not something I have dealt with since just after the amputation.  This is a brand new procedure to do a knee replacement on an amputated leg in Alberta.  So things are very much on a day by day decision making schedule.  There is no alga rhythm in place for it yet.  
          
          My computer won't catch up with me till late tomorrow.  I'll update with location info and all other pertinent facts once I have it back with me. 
          Bless you all for your support and prayers.  I feel them with me like a warm feather jacket.  Thank you.

Hey Karin! It's been so long, I hope you're doing well. I was recalling my old friends from Wattpad and I knew I had to talk to you. You've been a great support since I joined the platform and I hope you know how much you inspire me everyday! 
          
          On another note, would you be willing to help me with my academic research survey? I need diverse opinions on the Representation of the Indian Queer community on Wattpad and I'm sure your voice will add incredible value to my research. Or if you know anyone who might be interested in helping, that would be great as well. 
          
          It'll only take 5-7 minutes to complete the survey. Your responses are completely confidential and your consent is very important.

@uschibear 
          Sure, thank you ❤️ Hope you enjoy it. 

@ArestaDinata I will  check it out in the morning.

Thank you all for your amazing messages earlier today. Finding them on my phone when I finally got it back gave me a huge lift.   I did get the full knee replacement and the surgeon is extremely pleased with what he was able to accomplish for me.  Now the hard work begins as I work to regain the range of motion in the joint and strengthen my other leg to the point where I can get up on it alone.  The new knee went into my left leg which is my main weight bearing leg despite the fact that it is amputated below the knee.  
          
          Never, ever, count me out. I think it can be done, but I need a really good rehab therapist the help me get there.  Cross your fingers for me, that who ever sets up the program, sees it the same way I do. 
          
          I'm finally getting sleepy again I'm waiting for another dose of painkillers and antibiotics, and then I'll be able to get rid of the IV..  I'm starting to micro nap while I'm typing.  I have a private room.  Luck of the draw.  I did not request it.  I know better.  If I ask for it, I get to pay for it too.  This way it goes to my government health care provider.  
          
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I am heading into surgery for a knee replacement this in a couple of hours.  It's 5 am right now.  Wish me luck for a quick recovery.  Needless to say, I might not be updating too frequently as I got through rehab and a total upheaval in my daily routine, especially if I end up in long term rehab.  It all depends on how much they do and how badly I swell.  This is my amputated knee they are doing.  My other leg is really mostly along for the ride.  It's a long story and if you want to know, friend me on discord and DM me.  Just let me know you are from Wattpad.