My Dad’s knees

Yesterday my mom told me that they finally got an appointment for my dad to get his knees looked at.  This is a huge praise, and I am thrilled.

My dad has had bad knees for a long time, but it probably wasn’t until we were in college or just after that it became bad enough that he couldn’t hide it anymore.  They’ve steadily deteriorated over the years until now, at 57, he can’t walk down steps without bracing all his weight on the railing, he can’t walk from one end of town or the mall to the other without being in serious pain, and he can’t make it through the day without popping pain relievers like candy.

A little over two years ago, he was referred to a knee doctor, but it didn’t go well.  That doctor refused to consider knee replacement until Dad was at least 60; he said it was just arthritis, so he’d only consider options like cortisone shots and braces.  So Dad stopped seeing him.  Two years ago.

Of course, the knees only got worse.  But a couple of days ago, my mom called another doctor recommended by a lady in C-ville (their age) who already has had one knee replaced.  After speaking to a not helpful receptionist, my mom was transferred to the actual doctor’s office.  And she was told that the first doctor’s methods were a bit outdated and they would happily see Dad.  They even had an appointment for today, which Dad couldn’t take, so they scheduled for next Tuesday.  My mom laughed outright; she was expecting this to take a month or more to get started.

So I am just overjoyed for my dad and my mom.  I am praising God for helpful doctors and fast appointments, and we are praying that my dad will soon be able to walk like he’s 57, instead of like he’s 85.  Maybe, by the time little J can walk, his Papa will be able to play with him like he really wants to.  And hopefully, in the near future, my parents will be able to walk together at a normal pace and do normal things again.  It will be a wonderful thing to see!

Happy Friday!