Revision TKR Chocolate at midnight<

[dogwheels]

Hi Carol @patient 99 - they charged me an arm and a leg at physio for the silicon heel things I have - I paid up, as I was keen to see exactly what was recommended. I have since bought a second pair on eBay that are less than half the price but look the same. Go for medical grade silicon rubber. These are the ones I have ordered for £8.99.

Very interesting what you were saying about happiness. I am one of those awful, perpetually even tempered people that see fun in most things. My glass is always 100% full, not just half full and I very rarely get upset. I went through the whole TKR and recovery without shedding a tear - even when things went pear shaped at 6 weeks!
I always thought I had a high pain threshold and have said as much on this forum - I don't need much medication and don't make much fuss. But perhaps it is my happiness quotient that helps me pain wise? All I know is that dwelling on negatives only bring you down.

Have a good weekend in sunny Sussex. All my father's family were from East Sussex so I have a soft spot for the area. I am going to my elderly Mum's tomorrow with an abundance of gadgets, in an attempt to enable her to put eye drops in as she is having her cataracts done on Thursday. Think of me - I am just hoping my patience will hold.

XXX

 

[patient 99]

Go for medical grade silicon rubber

thanks will give it a go, although I wonder just how well they will fit my shoes - just have to try.

Chris you are truly blessed to have been born with a positive disposition. There are loads of books on how to acquire such a disposition, and I do think its possible to improve what you've got, but there is nothing that comes close to the real thing (a bit like a god given knee as opposed to a metal one).

You're right that dwelling on negatives only brings you down, but knowing something and being able to change it is quite a different matter. When I worked full time I didn't used to get the morning blues - didn't have time. But I do now. Being alert to it means that I can deal with it, but it requires effort. I never get the morning blues when I'm on holiday, and that's because I have breakfast in the hotel restaurant surrounded by lots of people. I should live on a kibbutz.

My glass is always 100% full,

Is this possible?

 

[Dabber]

@dogwheels your foot sounds extremely uncomfortable and horrid. I don't really like those all in one heels, they look rather clumsy but needs must, they were OK when we were 18 striding out in flowers and mini skirts.

@patient 99 I was told of a lovely thing to do; last thing at night you say, "What was the best thing today, and how does it make me feel?" It's easy to go to bed with negative thoughts and worries.

My physio was impressive. I had a full NHS 3/4 hour and she took copious notes and did copious amounts of investigations on my knee. The lumpyness she said was scar tissue and I should move it around and massage the scar. I have 2 good exercises to do and I can feel them strengthening the muscles. I'm to go back in 2 weeks. All in all a really good appointment and I was more than happy with the therapist, she was kind and thorough. The only problem was I wore a calf length skirt....I always wear a skirt and I had to hitch it up so was waltzing around with a silver frill around my thighs and a huge roll of material round my waist, what waist you might wonder.... I'm sure I looked ridiculous!

 

[patient 99]

I was told of a lovely thing to do; last thing at night you say, "What was the best thing today, and how does it make me feel?" It's easy to go to bed with negative thoughts and worries.

Hi Sue, I actually think its a chemical thing because I don't go to bed with negative thoughts or worries. My mum was like a bear with a sore head in the mornings, but as the day wore on she got more and more human. By 10pm you could ask her for anything and get it. So its probably something in my genes. Nevertheless I am a firm believer in mind over matter. Tonight I will ask myself the questions you suggested.

I am pleased to hear you had a good PT session. Not to detract from what the PTs do, but it has crossed my mind that we come away from these sessions on a real high, but all that has happened it that we have had someone's undivided attention. Someone really listened. Again back to the mind over matter stuff. Bottom line is that it doesn't matter what made you feel better so long as you do.

Putting the clocks back has made such a big change. Its official, its winter and christmas is coming.

BTW how is your son getting on in that dream job he got? And how are your OU studies going?

 

[Dabber]

@patient 99 I'm sure there is a lot of chemical influence in depression too. You're probably right about physio as well, but the exercises seem to make sense as they're certainly stretching in places that haven't been stretched for a long while.

W still loves his work and hopes there'll be a permanent position when he finishes, he's doing very well. We went out on a charter with him recently, I only joined at around tea time but it was absolutely lovely. I saw the sea for the first time in 26 months!

I loved starting the OU course, it's a great challenge but I'm going to do the first assessment and defer for 12 months. it takes me twice the time of everyone else to do the work with tiredness and brain fog and I want to tackle the house and garden this year, they take me 4 times the time, and also restart my French lessons, so I'm putting the OU on hold until I have more stamina. I'm also enjoying little breaks, Budapest is late Nov by the way. You asked me some other questions, I replied then the reply vanished as bonesmart reset something or my laptop reset it, morale is an 8 mostly. Yes, I get used to tests, I see my consultant today for scan results and yes, I still have to be careful about germs but I can go out and about with caution.

Will update after today's appointment.

 

[Nana moon 27]

@Dabber

I wish you good luck with your results today. I will be thinking of you. I sincerely hope that all goes well xxxx

Love Nana moon 27 xxxx

 

[busylizzie]

@Dabber,

I hope your scan results today are good. You look to have got a good NHS physio. They are so variable. I got a student after this last surgery and so was at a loss how to treat me .

 

[dogwheels]

Hi @Dabber - I'm also hoping the test results are what you want to hear today and so glad that you got some benefit from your physio session. I laughed at the thoughts of you with your skirts around your nether regions, as I did just the same in my early days of physio, to save having to get changed. I felt rather like when I was in infant school and we used to tuck our petticoats in our knickers ......... I resisted the urge though!

Thanks for the kind words about my heel. Compared to what you put up with so graciously, my annoying foot is nothing.

@patient 99 - the inserts are amazingly versatile. I had them in a pair of ballet pump style shoes to start off with (physio disapproved strongly of my footwear, even though they were the Clarks ones with a proper sole and tiny heel) and they didn't show at all. Yesterday I had them in knee length boots and they worked just as well. BTW - I truly think that the craze for unsupportive soft ballet flats is going to cost the NHS dear in years to come, with joint problem presentation. There have been a host of articles about it recently.

All this talk about depression and happiness is fascinating. Way back when hubby was at work he used to be like Jekyll and Hyde at the weekend. I slowly discovered that about 4pm on a Sunday he would change from being Mr Nice Guy into an unreasonable horror. It was truly weird. Sometimes we would be out enjoying ourselves or busy doing something and suddenly he would start to be absolutely horrid. After I had responded suitably I would notice it was 4pm. I am sure he was subconsciously 'preparing for the pressure of the week ahead.
The mind and the power of it is absolutely amazing.
I wondered, do you have a bit of SADs thing by any chance? I only ask because you mentioned the inevitability of winter with the clocks going back and all. My hubby is like that - 'Oh no, Winter is on its way' - whereas I am jumping about (slight exaggeration there) saying 'Oooh - cosy fires, wintry smells, warm clothes and boots and Christmas ....' Poor man, we are so different - but 35 years says it works.

Anyway ladies - nice to chat, but must get on.

XXXX

 

[Dabber]

My scan result was excellent, thank you so much for all the good wishes. There is no disease progression and the appendix is mysteriously back to normal!

I go ahead with my 4th Rituximab maintenance therapy next Monday, that as far as I know will be a subcutaneous injection as opposed to a 4 hour infusion into the veins.

 

[robynhood]

So pleased to hear your news. You're always so cheerful and sympathetic to others. Nice to hear you have good news


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Nana moon 27]

Oh @Dabber things seem to be looking up for you at last. I've over the moon about your appendix. How nice for you to have good news for a change. You must be chuffed to bits!

Love Nana moon 27 xoxoxo

 

[patient 99]

H Sue, what great news and it couldn't have come at a better time - christmas just round the corner and your Budapest hols coming up fast. I was just thinking back to how you were last christmas. As far as its possible to tell with virtual reality I think things seem far far better for now. Keep practicing it makes perfect. xx

 

[patient 99]

. I am sure he was subconsciously 'preparing for the pressure of the week ahead.

Hi Chris, what did your husband do to combat it? Sometimes I think its enough to recognise what's happening and then you are better able to, if not beat it, side-step it.

I don't suffer from SAD directly - at least I think I dont. My morning blues isn't seasonal. But I do think the lack of sun adds to feeling a bit low. The last few days have been glorious and I've made the very best of them. I've been in the garden a lot and out at my dancing club a couple of times a week.

So long as I wear my elastic calf support my knee is pretty good, but take it off and its quite another matter. I hate not knowing why I need it. I wonder could it be placebo. I have very little swelling, so don't think the support is keeping that at bay. Is the key in the word `support'. But that just takes me full circle ie, why is it uncomfortable without the support. I have decided to keep my December OS appointment. Hopefully he will give me some answers (without the need for more surgery).

With your constant sunny attitude you must be a real tonic to family/friends.

 

[patient 99]

morale is an 8 mostly. Yes, I get used to tests, I see my consultant today for scan results and yes, I still have to be careful about germs but I can go out and about with caution

Sue morale of 8 is impressive. I would love an 8 <grin>. I am going to have to start taking what ever you and @dogwheels are on. Will you wear a mask when you're on the plane going to Budapest? All that recycled air is so unhealthy. My sister got a dreadful cold when we were on holiday and she swears she got it on the plane. Have you had your flu jab?

I'm pleased to hear your son's job is working out - sometimes dream jobs don't live up to expectations. Not being sure if he will be kept on must be stressful. There's a programme on tv `You Can't Get The Staff'. Its rich/titled people looking for good staff. One woman wanted somebody who was good at cooking, cleaning, office work, driving a tractor, looking after horses etc. etc. Rate of pay £15 an hour. No other wonder they have trouble finding people.

 

[dogwheels]

Hi @Dabber and @patient 99
Ooh yes the awful germy nature of planes. Sue and I have already spoken about that. I actually heard that masks are of little use. As soon as the material gets damp it allows germs through (or some such). There was an article in the Daily Snail the other day about 'Plane Health' https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/...-guide-staying-healthy-germ-free-flights.html - it makes for some stomach churning reading.

Hubby did nothing to avoid his Sunday 4 o clock strop, Carol. We just recognised and tiptoed around him. Did quite a lot of that when he was working - glad he retired at 49!! He's so much nicer stress-free.

I would think that your dancing will help the old endorphins Carol and perk you up when you are a bit down. When my daughter was doing her Masters she suffered with awful clinical depression. (We recently came to the conclusion that this was largely caused by the hearing loss she had diagnosed a few months ago). Anyway she was told to get outside and do physical exercise. She said it really helped. She also had a SADs lightbox.
Hope all goes well with your OS appointment in December. Whatever function that calf support of yours is fulfilling - you obviously still need it. Better that than be uncomfortable and not as mobile, but I hope your OS can shed some light on the issue.

Hubby had a fascinating 'knee-shaped' conversation with a friend when he was sailing at the weekend. She has a PhD in Bio mechanical Engineering and specialised in orthopaedic joints and their efficacy. She was asking after me, and then went on to say that lots of Orthopods are great surgeons/doctors but their skills with the tools needed for large joints (ie drills, saws, hammers) are not so good. Her observations were that they did not seem to feel they needed too much instruction in the 'carpentry aspects' - and for the sawing, drilling and fixing, a skilled chippie would probably do better! Ooops ...

BTW - had the tests I mentioned last night. Echo was fine, heart strong and healthy thank goodness. The treadmill test was hilarious, especially after 18 months inactivity, a 10 month old knee and an Achilles problem. The knee was fine but after 10 mins with increasing speed and incline I was very pink and puffed. BP a bit up. Going to eat bland food for a while and hope things calm down again.

XXX

 

[new knee in June]

@Dabber
Dearest Sue,
What wonderful news on your scan Our prayers from across the pond have been
Answered Continued good health into the New Year & beyond
Love,
Diana

 

[patient 99]

Hi Sue and Chris, I read the article on combating germs when flying. Much of it I knew, but the bit about positioning the air con nozzle so that it blows air just in front of your face is new to me and makes sense.

they did not seem to feel they needed too much instruction in the 'carpentry aspects'

Its frightening. How could such intelligent men be so arrogant.

had the tests I mentioned last night. Echo was fine, heart strong and healthy thank goodness.

This is certainly a good thread to be on right now. Everybody is getting good results. Don't like the sound of the bland food however. Does it really have to be bland to be good for you?

 

[Nana moon 27]

Hi @Dabber

I'm just soaking up this positivity and healing on this post....lovely!!!

Love Nana moon 27 xxx

 

[patient 99]

Hi Sue, have you been into Social Room lately? Diana has started a new thread about preparing for christmas. You gotta add your 2pence worth.

 

[Nana moon 27]

I was told of a lovely thing to do; last thing at night you say, "What was the best thing today, and how does it make me feel?" It's easy to go to bed with negative thoughts and worries.

This is so lovely. This is very helpful. Thank you for sharing this x x x

How did it go with the Rituximab? Xxx

Love Nana moon 27 xxx