2 weeks away!

[cindy88fan]

I'm having BTKR July 20th. I thought I was ready, wasn't scared at all...actually was really excited knowing that within a few months I would be walking normally again. However, my cousin's wife just had one knee done June 8th. She just went back in July 1 to have repair work done because I guess she got an infection. They said this happens occasionally when you have rumatoid arthritis. I have this along with spurs and no cartlidge. How common is it to get an infection? Is there things you should do to prevent this. I'm getting scared now.:pnc:

 

[Texas]

Hi Cindy and Welcome If you look around here. I have seem some infections but really with all the peoople in this forum, I have only seen 6-7 thats just me. I wouldnt worry really I think it is rare. I know it does happen.You just think about how better you will be. Everyone is different and heels diifferent. Please dont look at other people and compare. I did that before but I know everyone is at their own pace......Im glad you joined post anytime we would all like to help you. Do whatever your Dr tells you ice, elevate take your medicine and you will be fine....it is a big surgery but well worth it...Sorry about your cousins wife. I hope she is doing better and gets well fast...

 

[cindy88fan]

Thank-you! You made me feel better!

 

[calling_all_angels]

Cindy,
It is normal to worry about these thing when someone close has it happen.
But it really is not common. It is sad that it happens to some people. I think that Jo or Jamie can set your mind completely at ease with all the facts and stuff like that. So just keep your eye and mind on the prize. Being about to walk without so much pain.

 

[Clunker]

Hi and welcome Cindy.
I like the way you think Cindy,keep that positive attitude. The chances of infection are there,,but if you take the thousands of knees done the percentage is very very low.And yes in a few months you will be walking much better then you have in years.I also had bone on bone,no meniscus,and even had a few problems after surgery. But I am 5 months post,and I can walk and bike and even go places where I use to shy away because of knee pain. I am betting your best days are ahead of you Cindy.

The only place I struggle yet with my new knee, is when my wife wants me to go shopping,,,wow,,does my knee act up then!!l:hehe:

Very good luck Cindy!!

 

[Jamie]

Cindy, try not to worry about infection. While it is a shame about your cousin's wife, infections really don't occur very often. There is nothing you can do to safeguard yourself....except not to worry, of course! I don't have exact statistics, but I'm thinking you are more at risk of having a car accident on the way to the hospital than you are of getting an infection from the surgery. The percentage is that small. So focus back on the good stuff....what all you'll be doing with those new knees. Take the time you have to get all the home prep done....prepare and freeze some meals, stock easy-to-prepare food, get stool softeners, plan where you can get your naps day and night, get gel packs or an ice machine...you know...THAT stuff is what should be on your mind now.

We're here, though, if you need a boost as the time gets closer!!

 

[cindy88fan]

Jamie, You said get stool softeners, I only have 10 inches of my colon left. Will I need that? I already go 6-8 times a day with no strain at all. Cindy

 

[Josephine]

Quite probably not then! But we tell that to all our new members!

 

[Jamie]

Well, maybe not. Some people don't and I could see how you might fall in that category. If you have someone who could make and emergency drug store run for you if you DO need them, I'd say wait and see. If you don't have someone with you, then I'd get some "just in case".....if you have the problem only stool softeners or prunes will do the trick.