Diane's Posts

One might ask how you can compare having a garage spot to having AVR Surgery. Well, you can. We've been in NY for almost 3 years and for 2 1/2 of those years I rotated with the doorman to get a parking spot on our block. How fortuitous that on Oct 1 we finally made the list for an indoor spot in our building. Now not only can I make plans not dependent on where my car is parked but as I gaze outside at the cars who have been permanently bulldozed into their sidewalk spot by the plow - the fact that we are indoors is reemphasized. Does that compare with AVR surgery - well no - but its up there on the list. At this time of year everyone gives thanks and I have so much to be thankful for. Poor spouse forced to be a cultural escort! AVR surgery turns out not to be such a bad gig after all. I'm on the mend and trying to push myself to walk more. But the best result is that Artie has not complained about all the shows and museums he is "shlepped" to. I must truly be crazy - on Sunday we had standing room tickets for Merchant of Venice with AL Pacino - probably one of the best acting performances ever. Even with the major blizzard in NY every seat was taken but there was an empty row right in front of us (probably a group from NJ who couldn't make it in) so of course - no one needed to ask me twice to sit. Since tickets were going for $300 - $1000 on EBAY - our $25 standing room spots were the deal of the century. We also took the family to Radio City for the Xmas show - and to think that my son's mother=in=law was once a rockette! Artie seemed to like the show best of all - I could see it once a decade. Finally feel like I'm back in my life and not an observer - We actually planned a short warm climate vacation for the end of January. That will be much welcomed. Of course we'll have to separate from the dog - Maggie is always first in Artie's view. In reading through all the other journals on this site I've come to the conclusion that there is a reason that Cleveland Clinic is rated #1. Those who have written seem to have had less pain. speedier recovery and less complications. Hopefully I won't need to compare these facts again. This has truly been a year to appreciate and give pause to what life is all about. Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year and some resolution to all the world's troubles.

the mantle is passed to my dear friend Mona who had a knee replacement today. there was a cancellation in the doctor's schedule so she got a call yesterday to come in for pre-op at Hosp for Special Surgery using the same doctor - Dr Sculco - that did Artie's hip. Its easier when you have to make a quick decision - especially if - as she was- you're in pain. Poor Howard will be driving her around for the next few months and taking orders but the good news is that the surgery was a success. As for me - except for my "loose wire" I'm really on the mend. My niece checks in each day to encourage me to walk and so I am - there's enough to do in NY to keep one busy - and this weekend we get a sleepover with each grandchild. A little political aside - thank heaven for lame duck sessions! For those who celebrate Xmas -a happy and merry - We may even get to see the tree at Rockefeller Center tomorrow.

actually got on the phone to see what the problem was. I described the pain and he confirmed that I do indeed have wires and that if it was causing pain - he could anesthetize the area and remove it. If there's anyone on the journal who has experienced this and can shed some light it would be much appreciated. My email is diane.provenz@gmail.com Thanks