I started this journey the first week in March and have finally been scheduled for the left knee replacement July 16th. Had several complications that needed addressed (cardiac, basal cell carcinoma on nose, and flare)
Now that everything is either negative, had surgery, and under control we can start on the knees. I'll have the other knee replaced approximately 5-8 weeks after the first surgery.
I'm frantic, angst has set in big time but am trying to control it. Being on Codeine every 4-6 hours so I can walk or move is helping the angst, but it's still lying right under the surface.
My surgeon specializes in knees and does 6-8 a week. I feel really comfortable with him. He came highly recommended and I've talked to a dozen of his patients and everyone seems to have had good results. I volunteer at the senior center so I'm around the elderly quite a lot. I guess I'm more frightened of complications like a clot, infection, RA flare, or not having the knee work the way it should. My primary and RD have a treatment plan ready if I flare, but with all the pain meds I'll never know if I flare or not!
Just have to buck up and face it. At least post op I'll have Demerol, Morphine, and who knows what else. With my luck I'll have to go to detox post-op!!!! I know if you need the pain meds then the chance of addiction is less. Keep reminding myself of that.
Probably won't be on the forum much after the 16th. I'll be in the hospital for 3 days, and all day continuous motion, and PT each day for a month. Along with a home healthcare aid for a week. It's going to busy around our house for a month.
Just needed to share as part of my journey. Lindy
Lindy...Sounds like you have a good surgeon, so try not to worry too much. I know though, if you're anything like me, it doesn't matter...you'll worry...I'm sure most of us are like that.
I sure hope this makes a huge difference for you and you'll look back at this and be so happy you had it done.
Sending good vibes your way!!
Kelly
Good Luck LinB. I can certainly understand your anxiety. But you are in good hands. Sounds like your Surgeon is one of the best.
Prayers for you and yours.
We will miss you while you are gone.
Mmmmmm.....morphine!It does sound like you have a great team set up! I think it's normal to be anxious beforehand, but try not to worry too much - I know, easier said than done... Take care and best wishes on a super speedy recovery.
Good Luck Lindy. I hope your surgery goes very well. Sounds like your surgeon, Primary and RD have things under control and have prepared for any forseeable problems. I think you're in good hands.
My husband had his second knee done last November and is doing extremely well. He was out golfing less than 3 months later. However, he doesn't have any other issues to cause any problems, other than osteoarthritis in his thumb and lumbar spine. He really pushed the PT after both knee surgeries and regained use much faster than they expected.
It sounds like they are going to do your second knee pretty quickly after the first. Just make sure you feel up to handling a second surgery that soon.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gentle hugs and blessings,
Nini
Good luck Lindy, I'm sure you'll do great. Try not to worry, docs take a lot of precautions these days as far as clots and developing an infection. They want you walking as soon as possible. They had me up the same afternoon walking. I'm still rehabing from my 3rd knee replacement (revision) from 6 weeks ago. I really pushed the PT and now I'm almost back to normal. I've been off the cane for 2 wks. now and was happy to be walking without any aid since I've been on crutches since mid December. I'm glad you're having the other knee fixed so soon. Having 1 good knee and 1 bad knee kinda inhibits your rehab walking wise. I had both of my knees done 8 wks. apart and I'm glad they were done so close together.
Once again, good luck and you'll be fine. Be sure to take your pain meds before PT. (Just a tip!)
Best of luck to you Lindy. It sounds like you have everything in place as far as surgeon, primary, RD, & PT, so just try and relax between now and the 16th. And best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Gale
Eat chocolate while laid up, I heard there is this RA website that really recommends chocolate - take care and you will be in all our thoughts and prayers - keep us posted.I wish you much good luck. My mother had her right knee replacement done 2 weeks ago and did not want to do her PT and then lost her balance and ended up cracking her tibia. Her repair surgery is next week but she is in horrible pain and things are not looking too good at this point at all.
Please follow all advice and much good luck to you. Many people go through the surgery and all works out fine, just not my family.
jode
Thanks everyone for the encouragement. Binge, I plan on pushing the rehab - I'm glad that you've done so well. It's inspiring. My PT will become my new best friend.....or I'll hate them because of the torture.
Nini, I plan on shopping at 30 days and golfing at 90 days. I figured shopping was a good incentive. I've been putting this off for a long time but I really want to get back on the golf course. My husband wants his golf partner back.
Jode, I'm really sorry about your mom's accident. I know that it's been a grueling time for you and your family and most of all your mom. Did she fall and hit her leg or did she just twist. I plan on being extra careful. My only worry is having the cats underfoot. I'll be using the walker in the house and it will probably keep the cats away. Sort of like the lion tamer and the chair. Lindy
You have a wonderful attitude and that is most important. Mom lost her balance and corrected herself and when she did that she used her surgical leg.....we will see how all will turn out when she has her 2nd surgery next week.
I am sure you will be fine...LION TAMER! lol
jode