Val has rheumatoid arthritis. Being a devoted over-achiever, she does not have ordinary run-of -the-mill arthritis. She has the kind of horrible arthritis that causes constant pain and joint degeneration. Over the years, Val has had both knees replaced, an elbow fusion, hand surgery, and a hip replacement. If she's reading this, I'm sure I LEFT OUT SOMETHING...but you get my drift.
It's been getting worse. And now she is scheduled for four surgeries before the end of the year. A foot surgery, then a shoulder replacement surgery, and finally -- BOTH hands.
These four surgeries have to be done in a certain order. The foot surgery means she will be on crutches -- so it has to happen first. Because after she has her shoulder done, the crutches will be out of the question...
So -- you can see it is complicated. And painful. But Val does it one day at a time...and even in the face of all the exorbitant medical bills and extreme pain...she manages to keep a smile on her face and her priorities in good order.
As you can see from this picture -- Val in the hospital right after her surgery...
Yes. You're right. She had her hair done that morning...the day of the surgery...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, Val!! Keep getting better...
I could never have even considered doing ANY of this without my wonderful spousal-equivalent,Michael, and the smartest, funniest, most considerate and thoughtful best friend ANYONE could ever have.....yes, that's YOU, Missy! The one and only, Rita "The Fixer" Farro! I will always be eternally grateful and in your debt!
ReplyDeleteP.S. It was a total elbow REPLACEMENT...only the 2nd one done in the Quad Cities!
Love ya, Val
I stand corrected!
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