Counting down til 2nd September

[ditzy dinah]

Absolutely! We're stronger together. I'm scared enough as it is, I have never had major surgery before, and I sometimes think I must be mad to be willingly subjecting myself to this....it's gonna be no walk in the park, that's for sure! It is great having the support, information and experience of everyone on this site. Makes you feel not alone in going forward, and taking this leap!! :iagree:

 

[ditzy dinah]

Although my heels are not high as my knee aches too bad. do others have that problem?

Oh absolutely! Haven't been able to wear heels for a few years now. I live in Birkenstocks in the warm weather...so comfortable, and so supportive of your feet! I don't want to put on anything else! and they make them in so many different styles and colours, I've got several pairs...keep buying them on ebay. When it is too cold to wear them outside, i still wear them inside as slippers!!

I have two weddings coming up

Great if you are having your surgery first! I just cannot cope with social gatherings of that nature just now...all the standing up while mingling...I just can't cope with it, my legs ache so and I have to sit down with the grannies, and that makes me feel bad.....hopefully not for much longer....son and one daughter not married yet, so hopefully I will be on better form by the time that they do!

elevated leg cussion and maybe another poof for the lounge.

Good choices! I have bought the leg raiser cushion, bought it from Amazon, so have had it delivered. A little retail therapy before surgery...just what you need. Last Friday was my birthday, and everyone but me was working, so I took the bus into York, did a little clothes shopping, and had tea in the poshest tea room in York! I was ready to sit down! York is a very compact city, and the bus stopped right in the shopping area, so i didn't have to walk far. I really enjoyed it! So hope you enjoy your day too!

 

[ditzy dinah]

I bought a lovely blouse yesterday to wear in hospital

I've been shopping for hospital wear too! Got a couple of new nighties, and a couple of pairs of shortie pyjamas..got to look decent for the visitors! Now just got to sort out some shorts and t shirts for the PT as per instructions. am supposed to take in trainers, and full slippers, but it is still summer here, and i don't wear shoes and socks until past October! and I never wear full slippers! So I'm taking in a new pair of Birkenstocks, as slippers, and a pair of outdoorsy type full sandals, for the PT and hope I don't get told off! I means what's the point of spending out for uncomfortable trainers that I will never wear??

 

[possum_here]

Happy Birthday for the other day

 

[ditzy dinah]

Thanks! My husband met me after work and we went for a meal...Nice...My age changed automatically on this site...clever huh?

 

[possum_here]

As a Physiotherapy Assistant the reason for shoes and slippers with heel support is to limit your chance of a fall.
Having a well fitted shoe offers the foot stability. I don't wear gym shoes either and I am not taking any with me as I simply do not wear them. I do have shoes that offer non slip good arch support and I can put my feet in without bending so that is what they get.

Do you get to do hydrotherapy? I might look at a few pair of swimmers and wear with shorts. heaven forbid me in a swimmer I do not want to scar people for life lol

 

[possum_here]

I had a lady from York in a swap with me a few years ago we made trading carding. She was a stamper and I a scrapbooker. I was a scrapbook teacher for many years here in Australia. I think I will start doing more as life got busy and I stopped. It is very relaxing, do you do any crafts?

 

[ditzy dinah]

Do you get to do hydrotherapy?

No I don't think that is part of the package, but I think swimming would be good therapy as I recover, so I may well take a trip to the local pool and/or check out some aqua/aerobic classes when I am fit enough.

I do have shoes that offer non slip good arch support

I'm struggling to think of shoes I might have that are easy to put on that might have that. The Birkis and the sandals have v. good arch support, I guess that's what makes them so comfortable. The sandals I am thinking of are very sturdy, and have adjustable velcro straps, so I hope they would be considered stable enough!

do you do any crafts?

Have always been interested, but do not seem to make the time to really get into anything..it's always maybe when I retire. I do knit however, and with the advent of grandchildren, not quite two years ago, have had the incentive to pick it up again! I've got some simple projects lined up for my recovery, that won't take too much brain power to follow...I'm expecting to feel pretty dopey!!

 

[ditzy dinah]

I have been spending the weekend getting sorted out for the big day, just a week to go from tomorrow! I've been deciding which clothes to take, been buying some small size toiletries, etc etc, don't want to take in too much stuff, as I know there will be little room to store anything! I have been giving my bedroom a good clean out and sort out in the process! The "nesting instinct" I guess.

Another thing I did was to make a ring binder full of information for my husband and daughter. I printed out all the good advice on recovery from Bonesmart, the mantra, the 5 P's , the No Pain No Gain Myth, pain chart, and so on, plus all the information from the hospital and from my surgeons website. With everything altogether, I will not have to fight my case with anybody! If I am too dopey to argue, I can just show my folder! Might even show it to the Physio too!

I also thought I will take in one of those "Healthy Back Bags" . I find the one I have very useful when I am travelling and am wearing a rucksack I can wear this across my body but on my front, so that when I am travelling I have easy access to my passport tickets etc. I thought this would come in really handy in hospital, as I can have access to my ipod, phone, wipes, change and other small neccessities. Then I can leave my handbag at home!

This next week I am sure is going to fly by! Tomorrow is a bank holiday here, and I am back at work on Tuesday for 3 days. On Friday I have to go to the hospital for a further routine blood test. Then its a nail biting weekend, and D day will be here!

I hope all of you having surgery next week go well, I will be awaiting all your recovery posts! I'll be right after you and will look forward to joining you on the other side!

 

[Bionic woman2]

Hi Dinah, just popping in to see how you're doing as your prepare for your big day. Looks like you got all your duckies in a row. I think the best thing did was join Bonesmart BEFORE your surgery. You have your support system and tons of info. Yep, you're already starting out a step ahead of those of us that found the site afterwards.

Don't forget to take a pic of your old knees, so you'll have something to compare your new million dollar ones to.

 

[I'm so ready]

Don't need too much clothes for 3 days. I just got 2 pairs of shorts with tops and my tennis shoes for when I need to be up. Daughter can bring more if I need it. Wishing smooth sailing and will be watching for you on other side. Will post date when I know.

 

[ditzy dinah]

Don't forget to take a pic of your old knees, so you'll have something to compare your new million dollar ones to.

Hi RaQia, thanks for checking in! Good idea ...I have just done it! Really funny taking a picture of your own legs!! ha ha..but it is really amazing you can really see how misshapen and fat they are. You can really see my two inner lumps! and you can clearly see how bowlegged I am! I'm not as markedly so as some to be sure, but it is definitely noticeable and is much worse now than ever it was. Did you take pictures of your knees too? You've got one of each now! One straight and one still lumpy! Soon you will have a matching pair! If I can figure out how to do it, I'll load the pic onto my computer and see if I can post it here.

I've been reading your recovery thread, and see that you have had a pretty much meltdown couple of days. It is really hard taking on this surgery, when you are working full time, still raising a teenager, and have no significant other to support and care for you...no wonder you feel down at times with all the struggle, and just want to get back to your capable self again. I know how hard it can be. I was left at 47 with 3 at home, the youngest of whom was 7. I had to go from 30 hours a week working to full time,,,and then I took on some studying too! I has supported my ex through all his studies, and that was the thanks I got! So it was my turn! It wasn't a walk in the park, I had teenage girls, and all the trials and tribulations that that brings... But I got through it...I found a good man, and after the girls had left home we set up home together....and later on married...6 years now. It hasn't been all plain sailing, he had kids too, and his son was something else! but that is another story. I didn't have this arthritis problem then though! But you will get through this, and then with patience your new knees will bring you a new lease of life, and who knows what opportunities may await you in your bright new future!!?

 

[ditzy dinah]

Don't need too much clothes for 3 days.

Yeah, you're right Ready, but you know what it is like...I'll probably take too much I always do! I'm thinking what if Iam in a couple of more days than I expect to be? Can't rely on DH to bring in the right stuff..oh no oh no. He can just take the dirty stuff home!!

Thanks for your good wishes...hope all goes well with you, and I will be looking to hear about that date when you get it, hope it won't be long now...Let's get this show on the Road!!

 

[Bionic woman2]

Thanks Dinah, sounds like you can definitely relate to my struggles and the the solo act. yep, nothing like supporting someone to get on their feet and being left holding the bag. I'm so glad you found a good one, an athletic good one two. You give me hope. (happy tears) I bet he's already got your exercise routine planned out. that can be a good thing as long as he knows when to push and when to stop. There's a movie called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and in it they had the "Push, Pull Men." That's gonna be his new job, knowing when to do what.

It hasn't been all plain sailing, he had kids too, and his son was something else! but that is another story.

Yikes on the step-children, working with kids and having two of my own, I understand how that can be a slight problem.

Did you take pictures of your knees too?

I didn't do a before pick per say, although I'm sure I can find oodles of pics of "the knees" covered before surgery. It won't be a close up either. I did however post a pic on the badges of honor page. Can't wait to take a pic of the matching pair in my micro mini skirt.

Gonna try to wind down now and get some sleep... we'll see

 

[lovetocookandsew]

Hi Dinah. How goes it? Are you prepared and ready? I know this is a stressful time for you and I am thinking about you and pulling for you. I also took a picture the other night of my fat swollen knee-ugh...can you spell U G L Y? Today I am in Reno, Nevada, and could barely walk around. There was an earthquake, which knocked out the elevators in the casino here. We are on the 8th floor and had to go down 8 flights of stairs (16 sets as there are two sets per floor, as I found out). Since I can't walk down the stairs like an adult, I had to hobble down like a 2 year old. I made it-it wasn't easy, but I did make it. But I paid for it all the rest of the day. Sigh. Let me know how goes it. Hugs, Kim

 

[mrs cricklewood]

I am having my knee replacement on Sept 2nd too ! I am really enjoying reading through all the different posts on this forum..it is making me feel abit better..but I am still worried about the pain factor as I have the most pathetic pain threshold !

 

[muddy paws]

The only clothes I have with me are a pair of gym shorts, my under garments and a t- shirt for going home. I have spent my few days here in a hospital gown with their grippy socks. Worked great! I did bring my IPad,my phone ,my nook, a toothbrush, and dental floss. I put all of it in a small duffle bag in my husbands car, then when my surgery was over , hubbie brought that small bag up to my room and I had everything I needed. .

Good luck to you Ditzy Dinah with your upcoming surgery. I cant wait to see you on the other side.

Jen

RTKR August 26th 2013
Left knee meniscus /MCL in march 2013

 

[ditzy dinah]

Don't forget to take a pic of your old knees

Well here you are! Raquia a picture of my OLD knees...took me ages to work out how to put this on here, and once I had done so I couldn't work out how to make this picture any smaller, so apologies everyone, it's kind of in your face eh? However it was a good idea to do this, and I guess they are not too dissimilar to many of yours fellow pre op bonesmarties! Of course as I took this picture myself looking down, my knees look disproportionately fat, and my feet tiny in comparison, but you get the picture! You can clearly see my inner Lumps, and my bandiness (bow-legs), which is just getting worse and works. Hopefully the next picture I can post in the Badges of Honour will be of two straight legs with knee shaped knees!! I'm looking forward to seeing normal looking knees again!

 

[ditzy dinah]

as long as he knows when to push and when to stop.

I hope he does, that's what I'm about to find out!!

Are you prepared and ready?

Hi Kim! Well I'm trying to get there! Actually I just about am. I've got my bag packed! I've just got to pack my "goodie" bag, filled with items of amusement, magazines, kindle, ipod, ipad, knitting, radio, and anything else I think I could possibly need...1/2 of which (or more) I probably won't look at, as I will be too zonked, or busy with the physio to have the time or inclination. However it makes me feel better to have them to hand. Other than that, I have got most of the equipment I will need, what I haven't got hopefully the OT dept will lend me! This weekend I will get my living room ready. Move the easy chair out, and the recliner in, with some extra pillows, blankets, and an over the bed table...so I should be all set! gulp!...

I also took a picture the other night of my fat swollen knee-ugh...can you spell U G L Y?

Sure I can, just look above at mine! The surgeon was right when he said I have a matching pair wasn't he?

We are on the 8th floor and had to go down 8 flights of stairs

Oh poor your! That sounds just awful...don't know how I would have managed that!! It's just things like that when you find you can't even manage a few days away in comfort, that you decide something has to be done, don't you? I am just like you, I go down stairs that way...it's embarrassing isn't it? Especially when you are with others, and they have to wait.

Let me know how goes

I will, and thanks for your concern!

 

[possum_here]

Well I hadn't even thought of taking a photo of my knee's now but actually it is a great idea. I will be able to scrapbook a layout when I get the chance with a before and after LOL.

Good luck everyone with surgeries approaching. Sounds like I am taking half the house for my week. I actually have decided to have two lots so DH can bring the second bag later as required.

I have not thought of the clothes to wear home yet, something easy and loose. Maybe a skirt and top as I haven't worn a skirt in the longest time, seem to live in pants or 3/4. NEVER wear shorts with short bowlegs I just couldn't wear them not even at home when no one would see me.

We are about to go into Spring here so are you summer?