It took a long time to get all the hospital paperwork and pre-surgery check-ups completed, but after three postponements I finally had my knee surgery on October 12th. I got to the hospital at 6am and didn't wake up again until 3 that afternoon. So I don't remember much, but the surgeon said that everything went beautifully and that there was less damage than he had thought at first. I can't tell you how happy that made me. :)

They were able to return my meniscus to the proper location and sew it up so that it can heal properly. I was pretty messed up for the first couple of days and spent almost all my time in bed, but now I'm feeling much better and have been trying to get up and around more. My knee doesn't really hurt much (thank god!) but I'm not allowed to put any weight on it and will have to spend the next 5 weeks on crutches.

Still I'm happy. They didn't have to remove any of my meniscus, which means that my knee will be alot safer and healthier in the long run. I just have to be very gentle and careful to make sure that it heals properly.

Of course it is very difficult to remain inactive for so long. I'm staying with my parents in Occidental, California. They are doing their best to look after me while I'm incapacitated. There are so many little things that I just can't do on crutches - like haul my laundry down to the washing machine or carry a cup of tea. I am very grateful for their help and love. It is wonderful to be able to spend time with them again. I haven't spent much time with them since I left for college about 9 years ago. When I left, my brother was only 8 years old and somehow he remained that way in my mind while I was away. Now he is a senior in high school, and I am getting to know him all over again.