The second joint replacement is a bit like childbirth—if you have more than one, you'll likely forget the initial experience. The first week after surgery is just as well forgotten. Hours of vague greyness, environmental pain, and then there's the discomfort. Not at all noble like pain, but a bit whiney, moany and unpleasant. Not only are you sent home with staples in your leg, medications that cause nausea, flat hair, and your baggiest clothes; you are required to wear thigh-high TEDs—nurse-white, girdle-tight stockings that require two battle-hardened Nurse Kratchetts to force them up your poor legs.

I had some insightful comments to make about the whole hospital experience, but I took a pill a bit ago and can't remember what they are.

However, I do know that I I feel better every day and have renewed appreciation for sweet Bob, my two sisters, and all those supportive friends and family members who have wished me well.