Alive and Well

The LeRoys are alive and well, despite rumors that we have disappeared from the world of blogging.

Update on Suzy -- she has lost 110 pounds since her bariatric surgery in January. The pounds really rolled off quickly at first, but now it's more a case of keeping at it while each new pound struggles its way out.

In the past few weeks, Suzy has had to get some new clothes, as everything she had was nearly falling off her new slimmer body. We went to Dillards (65% off clearance sale!) and got several tops from the Ladies Department, not the Women's Department. Then she went looking for pants. Turns out she is now a size 16, which was a big joyful surprise for her!

Now the latest news: last Tuesday, Suzy had a full knee replacement surgery on her left knee. The right one was done eight years ago, so the left one was feeling left out. Two nights in the hospital and we are home again in the very painful period of therapy and recovery.

Why the need for surgery? Well, it goes back to childhood, or at least started there. Suzy's parents encouraged her to eat, more than just healthy amounts, so she grew up as a chubby little girl. At the same time, they gave her ballet and Spanish Dancing lessons, which put a lot of strain on her joints. Not blaming her parents, necessarily, but that certainly didn't help.

All her life, Suzy has actually been knock-kneed. We all are, really, and the so-called norm is that we have a "valgus" (angle of the knee) of about 5%. Suzy's knee had a reading of 20%, which put unusual stress on the joint. Add to that the extra weight she was carrying, plus the normal wear and tear of living a few years, so that her knee joint was bone-on-bone --- that's how she got there.

This last photo of her weight progress (taken August 1) clearly shows the abnormal valgus of the left knee.

So Dr. David Martin had a challenge, met it easily, and here we are. (More pictures of Suzy after she gets back on her feet a little more steadily!)

Meanwhile on the wildlife frontier of our SKP Saguaro RV park. Yesterday a coyote trotted through the lot next to ours. We both were able to watch it go merrily along, although our camera was not within reach. This is the third time this summer we have seen that coyote go through. Our corner of the park is nearly empty right now, so the critters just about have the run of the place.

As I was driving about yesterday in our golf cart, I saw something odd in a rain puddle, so circled back to see what it was. Then I got this picture to show you.

Now, this may look like a great big fellow, but in truth, he (or perhaps she, I didn't check) would be only about 12 to 15 inches stretched out full length. I was concerned about his safety in the middle of the street because he was so little and not noticeable to folks driving along. I set down the camera and picked him up (after assuring myself he was not one of the nasties that might retaliate venomously) and carried him over to the side of the road and under a tree. Back to the golf cart to get the camera, then back to the tree, and he was gone. So no more pictures.

Now, Suzy is resting with her leg in a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion, I think) machine, which will alternately flex and extend her leg for an hour. That gives me a little time to finish this post and get it on line, and then get into my work of preparing for the coming season's Board of Directors' activities. So that's all today -- live well, be safe. Best wishes from ... Our Life on Wheels.