It's now been almost 5 months since my second total knee replacement. Daily I'm aware of returning strength accompanied by confidence to push a little harder and do a little more than the day before. Yesterday I realized that when getting up from the recliner I can now use my feet/legs/knees to push the footrest down and back into place! Up until last night it has been so difficult to change position, roll from one side to the other trying to get comfortable at night in bed. I have discovered that is no longer the case and I also can sleep for about 5 hours straight now. Most of the time I can go down the stairs using alternate steps. I've not experienced pain or swelling at all despite taking a more active and supportive role with the dogs again such as grooming, going to a weekend of dog shows and field training. I might be ready to handle a dog during a hunt test next month but doctors orders say I am not permitted to handle at a show until November. Although sometimes there is still a need to rest, elevate and ice my knee I do enjoy spending more time with my family without frequent breaks to rest from activities. The severe and debilitating knee pain from bone on bone osteoarthritis is a thing of the past. Yesterday I was giddy when doing deep knee bend squats, something I've not been able to do for years! Strength and endurance is coming along slowly but surely.
Took my first road trip a week ago when Julie, Quincy and I traveled to Acton, Massachusetts for a double header weekend of 4 Brittany specialty shows. Maryann and Alana met us there with Zuko and Toph. Ammo was also entered so it was really nice to see Marilyn and Roger as well. We left on Friday afternoon and returned Sunday. Highlights were seeing Quincy win 1st place Bred by Exhibitor and Ammo winning the blue in Open Dog. Alana handled Toph to Best Junior Showmanship, won her class, and then competed in Winners Bitch Great experience for them. I love sharing "All Things Brittany" with our daughter and granddaughter. It just makes me so happy.
The following weekend we had another full training day for our dogs and those of our friends. Julie made the trip down to do a tune up and evaluation with Bullet. I am not sure how many dogs were there but there were Brittanys, French Brittanys, English Setters, and an English Pointer with their owners. It was fun to see Maryann working with True. She desires to handle at the Senior Hunter level and True will be part of her education. It's going to take some time for them to get use to each other.
Not that this is all about me me me but, I am happy to share the fact that I CAN spend a weekend away at a dog show and an entire day in the field with the dogs. Of course wisdom is necessary in determining where my boundaries are physically speaking. April 15th will mark 2 years with my brand new left knee. My right knee is almost 5 months old. I'm loving being part bionic woman. I will continue to bump up my activity level over the next few weeks by walking on a regular basis. Out of the past 6 years, four of them have been spent in a state of declining physical ability. Two of them have been spent recovering from two total knee replacements. I am so done with this!
We had such a nice Easter. Began our day by worshiping at the Maine Life Gate Christian Church in Limerick Maine where our son is the pastor. He and his son wore matching suit vests and ties, it was very cute. Our two oldest granddaughters are on the worship team. Brook plays keyboard and also does vocals with sister Nova. Later in the day we had the entire family for Easter dinner prepared by Grampa of course! My nieces joined us too. I love having them all in one place. Then our oldest grandson had his 13th birthday and it was another fun time with our family, friends and neighbors. These are my favorite times of all, moments I thank God for.
As I write I am being bombarded by Holly Beth. She has this habit of just getting right in your face when she has to go out. It does not matter what I am doing Holly will find a way to get her message across.
We have no pups planned for awhile but a lot of people continue to inquire. We have full waiting lists for future litters. Oakley and Jack will not be having pups afterall but her owners may try again in the fall. Merrymeeting's Brandy (and Bullet) beautiful pups were just born. Mom and pups all are doing well, they are all spoken for. Luna (Birch Spring) is doing well and her pups with Hemi are expected @ end of April.
As always thank you for your interest! Take care and God bless you - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany
