Cold and Knee replacement

[maggy]

It's so funny to think of all of us in such different weather conditions. My PT told me yesterday to make sure I got a little ice pick attachment for my cane as it's very snowy and icy in southern Ontario. It's been quite a bit below 0 C. for the past while. Since my surgery I've been feeling cold a lot so I've been dressing in layers even for around the house.

I can't imagine trying to cope with the hot temperatures you're having lately Chris. I'll take the snow any day!

Mag

 

[aussie]

I'm a bit spoilt really, we have a pool in the backyard so I'm not feeling it too much. I guess we are used to it too. I would like to experience a white Christmas though. Our Christmas days are usually very hot and humid.

I think the heat has been better for recovery.

Chris

 

[dovcar2000]

Hi Aussie...I agree the heat would be a lot easieer to recover then here in Ontario where Maggy lives...
I found after the operation I was so cold...(Nov. 10/08) In the house I had the temp way up and dressed extra warm. Some times in the afternoon after my exercise session I would have to get back into the shower to get warm.
Maggy I still use my ice pick on my cane when I go out ...but I do not use it in the house and have not for a long time.
The worse thing about having surgery at this time of the year in our weather is you cannot get out to walk around the block as the roads are just to slippery..so when I get the other knee done I will plan it for the spring.
At least that way you could get some good exercise in and speed up your recovery time..
Have a great day...hugs Carol

 

[execk2]

Here in Quebec -17C this morning. To walk outside (we live at the bottom of a ski resort so the roads are snow covered all winter, hard packed) in my community we bought these ice pick elastic thingy's that fit over your boots. They were $15.00 at the local pharmacy and I think I saw them in a Canadian Tire catalogue before Christmas.

They are like these: broken link removed: https://www.walkonice.com/gultra.html

Just make sure you take them off when you get in the house, slips like mad on tiles...

 

[maggy]

Oh to be floating around in a pool on a warm, sunny day! I'm just picturing it Chris.

Today was -24 C but beautiful and sunny and the snow is still nice and fresh so I decided I take the plunge and go downtown. I'm 4 weeks post-op and have had enough of depending on my husband for everything. So I took the bus and subway and went for a doctor appointment and met my son for lunch as well. It was so great to be out on my own. Thank goodness the escalators were working in the subway (to go up) and I managed quite well. My knee was a little stiff and sore by the time I got home but I was happy to know that I could get around on my own and walk a few blocks at a time.

Hope I don't pay for it tomorrow!

Mag

 

[Roo73]

I have never been this sensitive to the cold before even with OA prior to surgery. It took me awhile to figure out that the change in barometric pressure AND the cold affect my knee now. IL has been pretty cold the past few weeks and I sure do know it. If I miss one dose of Aleve, I sure notice! And I have also broken out my vicodin periodically if I ache bad enough. My OS says the sensitivity might improve as I heal - but maybe will never completely go away. I have my 6 mo check up next week, so I can see what he thinks. I like his PA better though. The OS is brilliant and the best around here but I swear the man has never been in pain in his life! His PA has had shoulder surgery so at least is sympathetic and has constructive suggestions! And welcome, Sticker. This the best place to be if you need answers and encouragement. I recommend this site to EVERYONE who is even considering joint replacement and I told my health insurance coordinator all about it and she was very impressed on her first visit.

 

[calling_all_angels]

Mag,
Wow!!!!!!!!!! You did all of that. Did you use a cane or anything???
I need to pick up the pace.
^i^

 

[aussie]

I agree with Calling "WOW", good on you Mag.

I'm watching the nightly news here, and just heard that tomorrow Australia will be hotter than the Sahara in fact hotter than anywhere else on earth.

If you need to find me, I'll be hiding inside with the air conditioner!

Chris

PS. Calling I love your little angel. Very cute.

 

[Weezy]

chilly in the morning, then it warms up in the afternoons here in the Pacific NW.

Loribee! Where in the Pacific NW are you? I'm in Seattle.

Weezy

 

[maggy]

Yes Calling, I did use my cane, and made use of elevators and escalators when they were available. I don't have a main floor bathroom at home so I think having to do the stairs many times a day at home has really helped. I also dressed in layers and that made me quite comfortably warm. I felt like a little kid by the time I was dressed and ready to go.

I'll admit I was kind of nervous before I left and made sure I had "bail-out cab money" on me but I had had such a bad day the day before and just craved the sun and my independence. I think taking my time, not rushing and stopping to sit when I needed a break made it doable. Somehow, being out there made me forget about the knee thing for a while and that was a welcome state of mind!

It really marked a step forward. Try it when you feel ready!

Chris, hope your AC holds up! Those are unbelievable temperatures.

Mag

 

[aussie]

Thanks Mag,

Yes it held out and lots of swimming. I spent all day at an athletics carnival today, but it was ok in the shade. I have absolutely nothing to complain about, in Victoria at least 750 houses have been lost in bush fires and last count 108 people had died this weekend. Kind of puts everything in perspective doesn't it.

Chris