Update - My Knee

I went to see an orthopedic doctor last week. He took x-rays of my left knee, pressed all around my kneecap, asking if this hurt, did this hurt. Well, you keep pressing long and hard enough, yeah, it's going to start to hurt. His diagnosis was this: Patellofemoral Syndrome. In laymen's terms, normal wear and tear and inflammation around the kneecap. The solution: a cortisone shot to ease the discomfort, a pamphlet that demonstrated exercises that I should do, a Rx for an anti-imflammatory meds, a knee brace and an appointment to see him in 3 weeks. I can't do any running but I can walk on the treadmill and workout on the elliptical. So there goes my 5k training until my knee starts getting better.

So I'm going to continue walking on the treadmill and doing my exercises. Hopefully my knee will be in better shape at my next appointment.

These are the ugly hospital shorts I had to wear when I was having my knee x-rayed. Not cute.

Side note: I will never get another cortisone shot ever again. That was the most painful experience in my life! I've had an epidural and wasn't in that much pain! My knee didn't feel better until the next day.

Conversations with Darrius #179

Today Darrius had a dentist appointment. Nothing serious; just a cleaning. He has a cavity (of course) and has to go back next week to get it filled. Darrius is excited because he's getting nitrous oxide. He looks forward to the laughing gas whenever he goes.

We leave the dentist, hop in the car and head home. We're listening to the radio, talking about Lady Gaga and homework. I know; it was a weird conversation. So, we're cruising on Fairfax County Parkway, on our way back home when Darrius asks me this:

"Why do guys lean back in their seats when they're driving?"

Me: Most guys do it to try to look cool, I guess.

Darrius: To look cool? Why do they want to look cool while they're driving?

Me: In case they see a cute girl in the car next to them.

Darrius: Oh my gosh. That is so stupid.

Me: Well, girls do it too. Maybe not lean back but probably make sure they're looking cute when they're at a traffic light. You'll be doing the same thing when you're older and driving.

Darrius: No I won't. I'm not going to be leaning back, trying to look cool so that I can get girls.

Me: You say that now, but just wait. Once you're a teenager with a driver's license, that's all gonna change.

Darrius: No. I already know I look good so I don't need to do that to get girls.

This is where I bust out laughing. I laughed until my stomach was hurting. Thank goodness the traffic light was still red.

Me: No you didn't!

Darrius: Yes I did. (laughing) Some people would say that's cocky but I'm just confident.

He gets that from his uncle (my brother).

Mr. Confident getting a fluoride treatment.