Prague & Knee Surgery

Chris and I went to Prague during his Fall break (the British are so much more sensible about providing breaks during the school year!).  He wrote a great blog article on his blog site, which is http://travelguychris.blogspot.com.es/2015/11/a-few-more-highlights-of-prague-and-new.html .

Here are just a few additional observations about our trip there.  Prague is an amazing and beautiful city.  The oldest part of the city is paved with cobblestones, ancient churches, building and squares, unique stores and many restaurants with delicious food.  AND it is filled with tourists like Chris and me.  We were there in the Fall, so I could tell that the city could accommodate many more tourists than were there at the time we visited.  Many restaurants had few people sitting at their tables and we could get into most sites easily with no line.  Even so, sometimes in certain places the number of tourists was overwhelming.  I likened the Gothic-style Charles Bridge, started in 1357, as the Rambla of Barcelona, because all the tourists seem to live on that bridge, with many tour groups stopping beside the many statues on the bridge, causing huge massive jams trying to walk from one side to the other.  I can't imagine what the city would be like in the middle of the summer with even more hordes of tourists.

But besides the tourists, Prague was magical for us.  It's probably one of the most romantic cities in Europe and the changing of the Fall leaves made it even more beautiful.  It was the perfect backdrop for us to continue to grow, learn, live, and deepen our relationship.  Feeling so close to Chris, it's hard to believe that I could feel any closer, and yet that happened on this trip.

One Last Small Hike Before Surgery

I went on an hike (more like a long walk) the weekend before my scheduled knee surgery.  It was an enjoyable walk with some friends besides the Besòs River, which more or less defines the northern border of the city of Barcelona.  We then had a pleasant meal nearby at the home of one them.



Knee Surgery

Last Thursday I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee to repair the torn meniscus that was found from an MRI.  Last August, on my trip to Amsterdam, I began to experience swelling and pain there, which did not dissipate after returning home.  I decided to see a specialist, who thought it might be interior torn meniscus and ordered the MRI, which confirmed his initial diagnosis.  I scheduled surgery on Nov 5.  It turns out that there was a lot of torn meniscus, which he removed.

I am now confined at home and can get around using crutches and my office chair, which has wheels on it.  For Post-Op, this doctor uses Growth Factor treatment to help repair and regenerate the meniscus and worn cartilage, which I received my first treatment last Monday.  I am expected to get two more treatments and then some physical therapy.  The doctor initially said that my recovery time will be about 1 1/2 months.  Unfortunately, this treatment is not recognized in the U.S. but I thought it was worthwhile doing and will be paying for this on my own.

This is the first major medical procedure overseas.  So far, my Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance is working well.  I had to tell them in advance about the procedure.  But it still takes constant vigilance and communication with the provider and insurance company.  The surgeon's office has been patient with the mysteries of working with a foreign insurance company and will be submitting the invoice and my medical record to them.  BCBS says it takes around 30 days to process and pay.  Later I will be billed for the difference (my copay).  Fingers crossed!

Great Support!

A visit from some of my friends

Chris, of course, has been a tremendous support before, during and after the operation.  I have also had the immense outpouring of support from friends both here and in the U.S.  I have had many offers from my friends here to help me with my food shopping and some will even cook for me!  I have had some very nice visits from friends, which has been very enjoyable and lessens the sense of loneliness and claustrophobia.  I feel very fortunate indeed!!