Friday, February 12, 2016

Pack Rat has met his match

As I mentioned in an earlier post (Pack Rat gets replacement parts) my husband, Pack Rat, had knee replacement surgery a few weeks ago.  The surgery went well and his recovery, although slower than he wanted, is progressing.  One of the people involved in his recovery is Kelly his physical therapist.

Kelly has come to the house three times a week for the last few weeks working Pack Rat through a series of exercises to help him build strength, flexibility and mobility in his knee with the replacement part.  I have been around for a few of those sessions and have had reports about the others.

Last Friday after adding some new exercises and working Pack Rat a little harder than the previous session he was reporting that he was in pain that night.  He called Kelly to tell her what was happening and asked if he should see the doctor.

Pack Rat, "Kelly, I am in more pain than usual tonight.  I am having trouble resting. Should I call the doctor."

Kelly, "Give me the number for your pain from 1 - 10."

Pack Rat, "It's probably between a 4 to a 6"

Kelly, "I can live with pain from 4 - 6.  We worked a little harder today so it probably will be a little more painful.  Just put an ice pack on it and you will feel better."

Pack Rat, "Ok"  Grumbling of course you can live with pain from 4 - 6, it's not your pain!

I know I really liked Kelly but she won my undying appreciation that evening.  Pack Rat took his pain pills and iced his knee.  It was much better later.

So in Kelly the physical therapist, Pack Rat has met his match.  She will not allow him to give in to pain but work through it.  Good for both of them!

I was thinking after doing this post what does this have to do with technology.  My generation (those of us who are Baby Boomers) are now one of the largest consumers of the medical technology of replacement parts.  Go to dinner with a group of our friends and the talk always turns to who has had what part replaced, knees, hips, shoulders, thumb joints.  Even though the mechanics (the ortho docs) are the ones who do the surgery and real heroes (and heroines) of this work are the physical therapists.  They are the ones who push the patients into healing and getting back to their regular lives. So a big shout out to the physical therapists (like Kelly) who are helping those who have replacement parts get back on their feet.  You all are wonderful! 

Friday, February 5, 2016

Carla Hall, my partner in crime and a welcoming spirit

My sister-in-law, Marty, is my partner in crime.  We both love shopping, cooking and just hanging out with each other.  We have been to New York City, Chicago, Cleveland, Nashville and New Pittsburgh TN (to visit the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet Outlet).  Last week was her birthday.  I happened to see that Carla Hall, chef and TV host, was going to be at the Carmel IN Market District to sign books and meet fans.  I ordered tickets and called Marty to suggest she plan a road trip for her birthday weekend.

So in the midst of cooking, talking and spending time with Pack Rat, who is recovering from knee replacement surgery, Marty and I went to see Carla Hall.  We had seen her do a cooking presentation at the Fabulous Food Show in Cleveland in 2014.  It was so much fun and prompted me to purchase one of her cookbooks.  We knew that this was just a meet and greet and book signing, no cooking involved

We arrived at Market District in Carmel IN at about 12:40.  Our tickets were for 1:00.  There were probably 150 people in line already, holding their cookbooks and waiting to see Carla Hall.  She arrived right on time at 1:00 and started greeting people.



Now I would expect a famous chef who bases out of New York to be somewhat stand-offish with us Mid-westerners.  Carla was exactly the opposite.  She laughed, hugged, embraced and was totally charming to this very diverse crowd of fans.  I was totally enthralled by her charm and welcoming spirit.  Within the crowd there were several people in wheelchairs and she was as charming with them as she could be.  She sat on the arms of wheelchairs for photos, she got on the floor to talk to young children again as photos were being taken.

I was completely blown away by her charm and ability to make everyone there feel welcome.  When I had a minute with her we talked about making biscuits.  I am trying to master them.  She told me she had made a video on her method during the recent snow storm in New York and to check it out.

Wow, what a wonderful lady.  Marty and I were both totally thrilled to meet her.  She has two fans for life.  If you have a chance to see Carla Hall in person do it!