TKR Everything Comes to She Who Waits

[Jamie]

It happens on BS too actually. Newbies get a lot of support from Management, but as time passes it decreases. It has too, otherwise Management would have to get bigger and bigger.

@patient 99.....I hope you realize that all of our staff here on BoneSmart cares about ALL BoneSmarties - both new and old members. We always want to know when someone is doing well (success stories) or having a bit of a problem. It's true that the BoneSmart forum is growing and it now is pretty much impossible for Jo and me (or any of the staff) to read each and every post every day. But, we recognize that our older members may need to chat with us now and then as well as the newbies.

Any time you want to get our attention, just use the tag feature! That is where you type in the "at sign" @ before the username of the person you want to tag. Like...... @Jamie .... You'll know the tag works when you post your reply and see the tag turn blue and underlined. The tagged member gets an alert and can go right to the post where you placed the tag. Please don't hesitate to use this feature!

Also, we have added staff consistently each year since the forum is growing and we need help finding posts that need staff attention. As you know, many of the posts are members chatting amonst themselves and helping each other, which is something we certainly encourage! But Jo and I routinely discuss how we can best continue to provide the direct support our members want and need. If you have any suggestions, we'd be happy to hear them!

 

[Jamie]

Jamie, could you help please. If you want to message someone, but are unable to tell from their posts which is their personal thread, how can you get round that? For example my thread is Op 22 Feb 2013. How can I tell what your thread is?

Sorry `Lurker coming out of hiding', but I didn't know how to get a message to Jamie.

Jamie I wanted to ask you if I was now at the stage where continuing to hope is pointless. I am almost 11 months post op and I seem to have swopped pre op intermittent sharp pain for post op constant aches and discomfort, particularly when walking. I don't want kind words. I want a frank opinion. If my knee is not going to get any better I need to accept it, come to terms with it and get on with my life as best as I can. What do you think? Carol

This quote is copied from another thread where you posted, Carol.

I have described the procedure to tag someone for a quick response in the previous post. You can find written instructions on how to do this and MANY other functions on the forum under the Help & Info tab at the top of the screen. Just hold your mouse over the tab and select the How To Use this Forum from the drop down menu.

You can also send a private message. That procedure is also explained in the "how to" forum. There is a direct link to message in a drop down menu that appears when you mouse hover over the "Messages" link at the top right of the screen. But....PM's we will encourage you not to use PM's to ask specific questions about your surgery or recovery unless it involves personal information that you don't want on the public forum. We want you to post in your thread so that others can benefit from reading about your experience. It is okay to use a PM if you need to contact a person quickly and have not received a response to a tag.

As for finding someone's threads, you can click on their username, which brings up a profile box. Click on the link to their profile and then on the "Information" tab. You will find a link to all content (posts) by that person as well as another link to all threads started by that person. Again...this information is also contained in the How To Use This Forum section. So.....do some reading there and then let us know if you need any additional help.

About your knee question....tell me a bit more about your pain and how you're getting around. Where do you have pain? When does it occur? What level of pain is it? What helps the pain? What is your normal activity level? When was the last time you talked with your surgeon about it and what did he say?

 

[patient 99]

As for finding someone's threads,

Thanks for clarifying this - now understand perfectly.

tell me a bit more about your pain

There was nothing unusual pre op. My knee started to deteriorate about 15 years ago, but there was no pain and I could do everything I wanted to. As soon as I did get pain I had the op immediately. It supposedly went well - no infection, no serious swelling. The one thing I did have was the tight band feeling - which I was assured would pass.

11 months on I have a reasonable bend (about 120), very little swelling. The problems I do have are that the tight band is still there, this makes walking difficult. Its like I am constantly trying to break free from a tether. This leads to my getting very tired. How I get relief is to take the weight off my feet. Once I put my feet up I get no pain/ discomfort. But it means that I cannot live life to the full. Last week-end I had a little holiday. I was able to do a couple of dances (in a limited way), but then my knee ached, I got a little nerve pain and it felt like the weight of my upper leg was crushing my lower leg. Again as soon as I sat down there was no discomfort. These are the symptoms I get if I spend more than about 2 hours on my feet. I become desperate to sit down.

I've had a fair bit of advice from Josephine and co moderators. I've tried stretching, massage and painkillers. I've tried resting more/resting less. Ted stockings, icing, elevating, water therapy, physio, even a glass or two of wine

I haven't seen my GP or surgeon for sometime. I wanted to wait until the 12 month stage because if I go to them any earlier they will say `give it more time'. But this phrase is beginning to jar. I read a post recently from a Bonesmartie 2 years post op and still having problems!

I am now wondering if what I've got is the best I can hope for. If so, I am just going to have to accept it and live with it - no other choice. But I tell you Jamie, if this is as good as it gets its very disappointing and not anything like what I was promised. I don't want to climb mountains, run marathons or cycle half way round the world. I do want to be able to walk comfortably ie, without pressure, aches, nerve pain.

What do you think? Will I still`get there in the end'? Having asked the question I think I know the answer - NOBODY KNOWS. Sorry for putting you on the spot, but as they say it helps to talk. Carol.

 

[patient 99]

But Jo and I routinely discuss how we can best continue to provide the direct support our members want and need. If you have any suggestions, we'd be happy to hear them!

Perhaps a buddying approach could be considered. When someone joins they are assigned a buddy who is a member of BS Management. Whilst I can see benefits to this idea I can also see drawbacks. May be we should just continue as now. After all if a member needs support/advice all they have to do is tag a Moderator.

Your new approach of grouping people into monthly teams, seems an excellent way of creating mini support groups within the BS umbrella.

 

[Mutley]

Hi Carol. Thought I'd post on your thread as I'm sure mine is in the " Forever moaning, remove out of sight to save others sanity" area!
Basically, saw my surgeon. He is still happy with the knee. ROM by jointly pushing & gritting of teeth was 110 & extension at 5 so much better than I had assumed. The other leg issues are still going to require that word we all love...TIME, but I'd accepted that as things have got better so no reason to doubt that ONE DAY my leg will be rid of these annoying aches & pains. Mentioned the trapped nerve in the other leg/buttock but he doesn't think that is what the problem is, although couldn't clarify what he thought it might be. I told him that this was getting increasingly worse and was now making driving dangerous. ( Well, have you tried driving a Manuel while trying to massage your left buttock? It's not as easy as it sounds you know!) he said he would arrange for me to have a scan but couldn't promise that it would show up anything. Was astounded just 1 week later to receive an appt for an MRI & it's on this coming Tuesday. It does mean a bit of a torturous drive back to Frimley Park but a very small price to pay for such prompt & thorough investigation. I will then see my surgeon in March for a follow up although I'm hoping that when he gets my results, and if something does show up, I might possibly be contacted sooner? Whatever happens, I'm just relieved that he's taken my problem seriously and has been prepared to still help me. Just wanted to fill you in & wish you all well as you approach your one year anniversary. (Carol & Dorothy I believe?) If & when I hear anything I'll let you know. Jaki

 

[patient 99]

@Jamie I have just noticed you had your second TKR just a few weeks after I had mine. I am so sorry to be dropping all my stuff on you when you are only 10 months post op yourself.

How is your knee doing? Carol

 

[kneeper]

I wish I had something helpful for you. I guess you can quiz your doc at your year appointment.

 

[patient 99]

Just wanted to fill you in

Always good to hear from you Jaki. When it comes to Forever moaning I think I get the gold medal <chuckle>. It wont surprise you to hear that I am still trying to find out how long a piece of string is. I now firmly believe there is a conspiracy, and everybody knows the answer but they wont tell me.

So what does your post amount to. Good news with the TKR most definitely, and practical help/investigation for the `nerve' issue in the other leg/buttock. All in all absolutely BRILLIANT news. It will be very interesting to see what the MRI scan shows. Be sure to let me know. If it shows any string - measure it.

I remember you got a new car not that long ago, so an automatic might be out of the question. But an automatic would mean that your left leg wouldn't have to do anything but go along for the ride.

On Friday I went to the hospital for the biopsy results on what was thought to be a skin cancer. It has now been confirmed. So more hospital visits to get it sorted. Unlike TKR I am not anticipating any pain. The biggest problem is that I will have a dressing on my head for several weeks - not a cool look. And I will have a permanent bald patch of about 2 centimetres - again not a cool look. But after TKR everything is a walk/hobble in the park.

BTW how is your daughter getting on with her issues? Carol

 

[1ELISEA]

Sorry that you are not feeling successful; do ask your OS and ask again and again if OS says to give it more time.
Just a suggestion but perhaps physical therapy might be of assistance, here.

 

[Jamie]

My knee is doing just fine. I still do have that tight band when I work it hard or I feel it on stairs. I'm guessing that will go away eventually like it did with the other knee.

In your case, since you are limited with your knee, I think you need to be a bit more aggressive about having someone take a look at it. Make an appointment and see your surgeon. If he insists on wait and see, then ask Josephine for a recommendation of a revision specialist to give you another opinion. There can be some subtle issues with alignment on a prosthesis that can cause pain after the surgery. Many times this can be fixed, but only if you have the right surgeon. It might help to tell @Josephine who did your original TKR and where it was done. She's very familiar with the surgeons out there in the NHS.

 

[Josephine]

When someone joins they are assigned a buddy who is a member of BS Management.

With 10,000+ members? We only have 2 admins and 4 mods! And I generally average about 6 hours a day/7 days a week on here as it is! And Jamie's not far behind that.

Your new approach of grouping people into monthly teams, seems an excellent way of creating mini support groups within the BS umbrella.

It's not new, Carol. We've been doing that for nigh on 4 years!

After all if a member needs support/advice all they have to do is tag a Moderator.

Exactly!

 

[Jamie]

Your idea about the buddy system is exactly why we created our monthly teams, Carol....so we're on the same wavelength there!! Jo's right about trying to pair up staff with members. It would be unworkable for us. We have a lot of variety with our members too. Some really only want some info and contact now and then. Others prefer a running dialogue with people to get them through. There would be no way of knowing which is which when they first sign on. We'd run the risk of wasting valuable staff time trying to check up on folks who at best didn't need or want that contact and at worst would think it rather harassing!

That's what I meant when I said Jo and I (and others on the staff as well) talk about this constantly and we're always bouncing ideas around. So far, this process we have in place seems to work best for the majority of members. We're always open to ideas, though, so if you think of something, we'd love to hear it.

 

[turtle68]

Carol, I won'T be dancing in any high heels. You asked about the average here at Sweetgrass. My guess is it would be about 65. Many people here still work and are baby boomers planning ahead while the market is so good. We're finding out the exercise classes are not for woosies, one of the favorites is line dancing although I don't attempt to do that. Many talented people here, drama club, musicians, artists, etc.

As far as these knees of ours go, I think I'm starting to accept if this is as good as it gets so be it. Bought a few clothes today and told my husband that at I didn't feel a bit bad for enjoying what felt like a reward for all my misery when I had no appetite. It's really fun to shop for clothes 3 sizes down.

@Mutley it's good to hear from you and thanks for your 11 month anniversary wishes. Glad to hear your TKR results we're okay and that you're getting a response and hopefully, some resolution for the pain in your left buttock. Nerve pain is the worst. Look forward to hearing from you soon with the results of your MRI.

Dorothy

 

[Celle]

@patient 99 Hi Carol,
About your idea of assigning staff to posters - I've noticed that some Forum Advisors and other regular posters seem to follow people and advise them, according to the operation they have had, or the problem they have. I know that I chip in and offer my advice or viewpoint if a person has a question or a problem related to my own experience. I then keep on looking at that person's posts, to see how she/he is getting on.

For instance, I always look first at threads where the poster has had a PKR or Revision, then I go on to look at other threads where I have already posted. I will offer new posters the general BoneSmart advice, if they have not already received it. I will also tag another poster who has had similar experiences to the poster.

So, I think it is happening to a certain extent, but informally.

 

[patient 99]

I chip in and offer my advice or viewpoint if a person has a question or a problem related to my own experience. I then keep on looking at that person's posts, to see how she/he is getting on.

An excellent approach. All the forum advisers, moderators etc do an amazing job. I have total respect for all of you. Carol

 

[patient 99]

@Dabber I received your email, but it didn't appear on BS! We were talking about the coolest thing you had ever done, and you said it was home tutoring your son. Wow I can see why you chose this, particularly as he went on to do so well. Well done Mum.

 

[Dabber]

That's my doing, I was going to edit it
Yes, it was a great time, apart from the obvious we met some wonderful people through forums who've remained good friends, it opened up a world of opportunities, of friendship and travel.
The second cool thing I did, that I'm sad I probably won't be able to continue with is started an Open University degree. The OU has changed now though, there are hardly any older people doing courses for pleasure because of the new fee structure and reduction of courses.
Dabs.

 

[patient 99]

The second cool thing I did

Miss Susan you were only supposed to have one cool thing, now we are in to cool thing number 2. No doubt there is a 3, 4 and more.............. Oh alright as its YOU, just keep them coming.

I did a Masters degree at the age of 45. I thought that was cool as I didn't even have an O level.

 

[patient 99]

@Texas Turtle lost the blues. Hi Dorothy I went for a shoe fitting today. I was really pleased. Not only were they very comfortable, but they looked quite stylish. I get the finished pair on 19 Feb. 11months post op today. Where does time go. Not long now for your cruise - you lucky duck. Can't you smuggle a few of us on board. As there's 80 sweetgrass people, a few more wouldn't notice. I know Dabs wouldn't say no and Bionic and New Knee are up for anything.

Hope your doing well. Hugs Carol

 

[patient 99]

Dorothy, just noticed you're on line and wanted to say hello in real time. HELLO DOROTHY. Its nearly 10pm here and I'm feeling a bit tired, so I will now say NITE NITE DOROTHY.