Revision TKR Chocolate at midnight<

[Toothfairy]

Hi Sue,
Just popping by to say hello and I hope you are ok,
Hugs, Toothfairy x

 

[Dabber]

Josephine well, I was dreading it being lymphodema, but unfortunately it seems to be worse news, potentially.

I was admitted into hospital on 28th Sept straight from "out of hours" and have just come home after 8 days. I had part of a lymph node removed last night for biopsy but as far as they can tell the diagnosis is Lymphoma...cancer of the lymphatic system. I had a CT scan and there are swollen glands throughout with a "mass" in my abdomen.

I'm awaiting the results of the biopsy and if it is Lymphoma, the exact type should be determined within 14 days.

At first I was treated for DVT (in operated leg) although I knew it wasn't that. My poor knee now isn't really getting a "look-in," it was X-rayed on Thursday as I was concerned about swelling over the kneecap, but the whole leg/foot is so swollen it doesn't bend well and aches. I eventually managed to acquire 3 pillows to elevate and my husband brought in disposable ice-packs but as I was, oddly, on a gastro ward I had to go it alone. The thought is a swollen node is pressing on a blood vessel preventing the blood returning.

There was no internet in the hospital so unfortunately I couldn't inform anyone. I'm looking forward to sleeping tonight as I was in a ward of 6, 2 of the ladies having dementia. Thankfully, the 3 other ladies and I got along famously.

My family are rallying round and we're just about coping.

Sue.

 

[robynhood]

Sue I am so sorry to hear your news. What an awful time you are having since your TKR your pacemaker being fitted and now this. We really do take our health for granted dont we. Were you in the Countess hospital. I really don't like that hospital. I'm hoping and praying you get good results. You have been thru so much. Thank goodness your family is there and supporting you. Please keep in touch now you are home. I've missed seeing your posts. Please take care. Sending you hugs.

 

[Dabber]

No, I was in Leighton. In general the hospital doesn't get a good press but I must say most of the staff were lovely, and additionally they'd had new electric beds the day I landed. Someone did say she'd been in Countess and it wasn't as nice.

The big nuisance was I was nil by mouth from 12midnight to 5pm 4 days in a row waiting for what was deemed an emergency operation to remove the node but in the event it wasn't as much of an emergency as other things. The hospital was completely full, people waiting for beds every day.

I haven't been given much information about what happens now, I have stitches to be removed at my surgery first.

 

[Toothfairy]

Dear Sue,
I am sorry to hear that you have been going through such a difficult time.
It must be such a shock for you and your family. It is good that it's been found and they can get on with a plan to treat it.
You have certainly been having much more than your share of health worries.
I will be keeping you in my thoughts,
Sending you a hug and healing wishes,
Toothfairy x

 

[leejaa]

My thoughts are with you and your family. Many hugs and good wishes being sent your way.

 

[Bionic woman2]

Oh NO! SueI am so sorry and I'm crying and I'm praying and hoping for the best.

Get some rest and don't worry about us. Log on when you need company and comfort.

 

[turtle68]

Sue,
My heart goes out to you. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sending as many big hugs as I can your way.

Dorothy

 

[patient 99]

Hello Sue, I've missed you so much. Your news has knocked the stuffing out of me. I just can't get my head around it. So now you have to wait 14 days for more information! How are you getting through the days? How comfortable are you? Have you got the right medication to enable you to sleep etc.?

I will be thinking of you every day and sending you my best wishes. If you feel up to it please message. We just might be able to help in some way. xxx Carol

 

[Dabber]

Thank you for all your kind thoughts. In hospital it was easier to switch off because everyone on my ward was really quite ill. Back home, we'll just have to see. I'm back on codeine phosphate and paracetamol for the wound. We booked a week away next Friday to have a break post TKR but apart from the thought of missing essential appointments etc, I can't get my right foot in a shoe now, it's so swollen.
I feel sorry for my knee, that does sound silly but it's like my child got caught up in something nasty and I can't help it. I don't know whether it's worth booking to see the consultant or the physio for advice. I just know both of these lovely men will be sympathetic but probably unable to advise.
As far as I know we'll be invited to a family meeting with a consultant to discuss findings. Our elder son can probably come with my husband and myself.
Sue

 

[Josephine]

My dear, dear girl - what a horrible thing to happen to you. I don't know what to say. I don't know too much about lymphoma but I hope they get a proper diagnosis soon so you will know where you're at and what's going to happen next.

I don't know whether it's worth booking to see the consultant or the physio for advice.

Truly I wouldn't bother. Your knee will probably relish the rest!

 

[patient 99]

Hello Sue, how are things today? Its weird one day ROMs and tight bands are the focus of our world and then something happens and they are kicked into touch. If you want to talk or pour your heart out or anything and would rather do it quietly, please do not hesitate to send me a Private Message. I can't do much, but I can listen. Carol

 

[Dabber]

I will do Carol thanks, I've been meaning to contact you anyway. I've booked a GP appointment tomorrow for a general chat. I can't do much with the knee with the discomfort of having part of the lymph node removed and the swelling of the leg. It's a nuisance how it still tightens up and needs flexing to get going, not that I'm really "getting going" at all! Taking pain meds again is tiresome too, with the woozy effect.
Dabs

 

[Toothfairy]

Hi Sue,
Take it very easy and hopefully your leg will recover from its latest surgery soon.
I hope your GP is helpful and supportive.
Sending you a hug,Toothfairy x

 

[robynhood]

Hi Sue hope your appointment with the GP went well. Hope you're holding up ok. Sending you hugs x x x

 

[Dabber]

The GP was lovely.

robynhood Toothfairy

I had my dressing changed and have to go again on Friday. Despite being told twice to have the stitches out, there are as I thought, no stitches! The wound is still a little open either end but I can shower now, bliss! I had a flu jab too for good measure. The wound is less painful now and I'm back on occasional paracetamols.

I'm prepping for more hospital stays.....there were no hooks in the toilets/shower so washbags/dressing gowns had to be draped on a chair often with someone's left behind gown on it, or on a yuk!! bin. I'll take a folding coathanger and a washbag with a hook that can be put on a handrail. Who designs these rooms??
Well back to resting....
Sue

 

[turtle68]

Glad your appointment with GP went well and that you are getting plenty of rest.

Sending big hugs your way. Dorothy

 

[Dabber]

Bonesmart cuts out half my words....I also saw the dentist today, she was lovely and kind too. The GP had given me prophylactic antibiotics because of the extra Dx and she gave me a prescription for a special toothpaste and is going to do 3 monthly check-ups.

Josephine My knee seems none the worse for little or no exercise. It's going up and down stairs and I don't think I'll lose any ROM or extension. I go out in the car to appointments without a walking stick but that's pretty much all I do as I'm so tired all the time. I don't drive. The exercise bike is a NO with the groin wound. The knee seems happy enough without being fussed over by me.

 

[Dabber]

turtle68 thank you.

How is the new house?

Sue.

 

[turtle68]

Sue, the new house is coming along nicely and we should be moving in sometime next month. We're loving it and getting very exccited about getting into our place. How are you doing? anymore word about your treatment plan.

Hugs, Dorothy