Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

This is a very well executed Octogram Tom. I had a knee replaced and it has never been right even after two more operations. Sandra Mitchell had problems with hers to and just had it redone. My brother had both his done and never had a bit of trouble. I wish you wife luck. :<) Nancy

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2015

Thank you Nancy. I am so sorry for you and Sandra., that it didn't work out. Karen has had 2 back surgeries that were not successful in relieving her back pain, but, thank God, her knee seems to be doing well. Your words of support are well appreciated.

Comment from Nottoway

Excellent

A descriptive, informative piece about knee replacement.

The history of why needed (on-going pain), the surgical process and the hope (life pain free).

Craftily done.

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2015

Thank you Nottoway.

Comment from A.A.A.EXHILARATING RIDE

Excellent

What a wonderfully descriptive and encouraging poem for this so common complaint of old age! I am so glad all went well, and your wife is moving happily towards a new future: one I marvel at when doing an aqua session as that is a treasured way of moving into new life. Enjoy the new journey both, blessings Maureen*&*

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2015

Thank you very much Maureen&, for you support and review. We are looking to get her into some Aqua sessions .

reply by A.A.A.EXHILARATING RIDE on 21-Nov-2015

I think you will enjoy, they are the greatest fun amongst the huff and puff, and a looked forward to social catch up for many: plus support and empowerment for the journey. Blessings Maureen*&*

Comment from Preston McWhorter

Excellent

Hi, Treischel,
Best wishes to Karen and my aspiration that she have a pain free life.
This is an excellent poem recounting in common terms a medical procedure that reads like figurative language. The rhyme, rhyme scheme and meter are excellent.
Your friend and colleague,
Preson

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2015

Thank you Preston for your fine assessment.

Comment from I am Cat

Excellent

Wow! What a surgery! My best friend needs one as well... she's holding out as long as possible because the doctor told her she's too young (only 54) and said if she has one this early, she'll need another before she dies! dammit!
She's a tennis player... college/amateur/professional/still playing... yeah, she's worn it out.

So yeah, it looks tough... I hope Karen AND you are fairing well
Hugs to you both. I feel for her being bipolar and having to take steroids... they do NOT sit well with my moods.
;(
Well written as always.
Great to see you here
Cat

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2015

Oh Cat, you truly understand her battle. I feel it under the surface, but I can calm her. It's a struggle, but she is strong. Her surgeon got a 80 female back out on the ski slopes in 5 months, and another one back out on the dance floor.

reply by I am Cat on 20-Nov-2015

That's great... Just remember to take those vitamins... eat well... get her sleep... because she will start NOT needing it... don't let her NOT get it. ;)
once she starts not sleeping, it all starts. keep the routine going and she'll be ok. Eating right, sleeping right, stress levels down... don't let her retreat inside... but keep things calm. You know the drill. ;)
((((((I feel for you))))))
Cat

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you wife has a very positive outcome from her knee replacement surgery. The steel and nylon components in the illustration are amazing! I enjoyed your choice of the octogram as your vehicle and all your rhymes and repeats. Cheers to you both- Joan

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Nov-2015

Thank you Joan. I appreciate you good wishes.

Comment from Pantygynt

Excellent

I think this is really clever, to break down all the complexitie of knee replacement surgery into the two stanzas of an octogram is heroic surgery without a doubt. This should head the chapter on knee replacements in the Surgeon's Manual if there is such a thing.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Nov-2015

Thank you Pantygynt. I appreciate your enthusiasm.

reply by Pantygynt on 19-Nov-2015

I sincerely hope your wife eventually makes a full and complete recovery.

Comment from robyn corum

Excellent

Tom,

Thanks for the awesome science lesson!! The info is fascinating and the photo is hugely helpful!

I'm so glad the surgery went well and will say a prayer for quick recovery. Hugs--

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Nov-2015

Thank you very much Robyn.

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

Very interesting to know how a knee replacement is done. I am pleased that the operation was successful and the pain will reside.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Nov-2015

Thank you Sandra. The pain is intense right now, but we have great hope for the future.

reply by Sandra du Plessis on 19-Nov-2015

Sorry to hear the pain is still intense, it should get better soon.

Comment from patcelaw

Excellent

Treischel it is my prayer that Karen will do well in her recovery and that it will relieve a lot of the pain she has been having. I pray also for you are her caretaker, that you will get the rest you need. Is she in rehab? Patricia

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Nov-2015

Thank you very much for the prayers and support. Yes, she is doing daily exercises and going to physical therapy twice a week for 5 weeks.