Many of you may remember that I had half my bowel removed last year in a big cancer operation. I go into hospital next week for my first check up to see if the cancer has returned or not, and DH goes in a few days later to have both his knees fully replaced .... in the one operation.

It's a very big scary operation, and DH is more than a little frightened by the prospect. He badly needs something done with his knees as it's becoming too painful for him to walk anywhere at all. He has arthritis so badly that when he walks, he has bone grating on bone with every step.

The ortho surgeon was the one to suggest having them both done together. He thinks that because DH is fit that he'll do well, and it would be only half the recovery time in the long run than if he had one done and then went back 3-6 months later to have the other knee operated on. It makes sense, and that's the way DH has decided to go. Thank goodness he's kept himself fit.

However............

When his father was just a little older than DH is now, he had a similar operation. His dad had a big stroke under the anesthetic and died the next day. Needless to say, my DH is rather apprehensive about having any type of bone surgery..... especially as he's already had one mini stroke! I'm not real happy about it myself, but it's a chance that DH has decided to take. It's either operate or not walk again I guess!

With him going into hospital I've had to ask for support services for the first time in my life, as my DH usually helps me at home, but he won't be able to help me for some time! I've made phone calls but everyone has been rather slow in getting back to me. There are things I'll need help with like when I have a shower, as I've had falls in the bathroom, and I'm unsafe by myself. Also, I need rails or a seat with handles so I can get off the toilet by myself. Things like that! There's supposed to be an urgent home assessment in the pipeline, but I'm still waiting for them to get back to me.

I know I can count on everyone here, as I'm going to be needing all of your prayers and support when he has this operation, and at least until I have him healthy and back home again with me!

Just thought I'd let you know now so you can add us both to your prayer list. Every little one has to be a help!