Hick is easier to catch these days. He's moving slower, due to the injury to his left knee when he fell on the sidewalk of Bargain House several weeks ago. He said his knee hurts on the back outer side. I thought he had a meniscectomy on both knees many years ago. He said only on one knee. He forgets which one. The other had something taken out because of fluid. I remember going to appointments with him, and waiting to drive him home after the surgery, but the details escape me.
Anyhoo... I said the pain sounded like a cartilage issue. I asked if his knee felt unstable, like it might collapse. He said yes! So I said it could be a cruciate ligament, which is there to hold the bones together. Hick saw his doctor. Had an X-ray. Had an MRI. Then got the call from his doctor on Friday.
Hick has a degenerated meniscus, and a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He didn't even say "Thank you" to Doctor Val, for her astute diagnosis! Can you believe it?
Hick is not a good listener. He couldn't tell me what a degenerated meniscus is. I suppose that's not the cartilage that was removed! Although I've had my left knee lateral meniscus removed twice. My doctor said at the time that it can regenerate part of the rim, and that's what tore again. Could be the truth (and not just a dodge to avoid malpractice, heh, heh).
Anyhoo... Hick said his doctor is referring him to an orthopedist. She thinks he will start with a brace, and physical therapy. That must be the standard of care these days. For old geezers like Hick, anyway. It's not like he's a professional athlete who needs immediate surgery to regain his competitive edge.
In other news, Hick was ready to rent an apartment. He got an anonymous phone call naming the prospective renter, with advice not to rent without consulting the local police department. Hick passed that info on to his superior, who investigated, and said not to accept that possible tenant, due to a record of peace disturbance. Hick followed instructions. He said to me he wondered how disruptive a person of that age could be.
Maybe that's a good thing. If Hick got calls to come diffuse a situation, he's not in any shape to kick anybody's rumpus. Being kind of a one-legged man right now with his injury.
Never a dull moment with Hick between work and life. Hoping his knee feels better with treatment.
ReplyDeleteThe Pony and I hope so, too! We need to get Bargain House finished!
DeleteAs I recall, Captain Ahab was a one-legged man and he kicked rumpus. Well, until he went overboard. (And I've yet to read the book.)
ReplyDeleteI suppose that was good, until it wasn't! I have not read the book, either, but I hear it's a whale of a tale...
Delete"He said to me he wondered how disruptive a person of that age could be."
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you about my neighbour A, who is older than me, possibly 80 or close to it. Drug user. Has a brother P, who arrives unannounced, stays overnight, then the fighting starts. Yelling, accusations, throwing things and crashing into walls, doors, furniture, they have even been brawling out on the grass like drunken teens. So many times I called the police but the brother often took off before they arrived. I no longer call the police, just lock my doors and leave them to it.
Hick is doing the right thing.
Yes, I think Hick dodged a bullet with this rejected tenant.
DeleteHe could have at least said thank you for knowing knee anatomy! Physical therapy is looming large in my immediate future. After our trip, the intestinal adventure made me be absent, then my back decided to attack me. I am still taking steroids and muscle relaxer which makes me a little goofy. Only 3 more days of steroids, so I guess I will bite the bullet and go.
ReplyDeleteI know! Hick's doctor only works one day a week, but I'm here every day!
DeleteHope you are feeling better. Though you will no longer have an excuse for being goofy.