Hi
Toothfairy, lovely to hear from you. I keep meaning to post and update my thread but something always takes over.... probably a good sign of health
sorry you haven't received you op date yet. I remember the first time around I went 4 months before my op and it was irritating not knowing when. I found the most irritating thing, was being told by the nurse and then the Registrar that each one would sort out my concerns about my blood pressure. I needed to be first on the list because without eating and drinking my already low blood pressure sinks terribly. The admissions lady actually managed to get me 2nd on the list but even by then there were major concerns and it took me 2 days to get back to my low/normal level. I am about to write to my surgeon tomorrow to raise my concern with him so hopefully cutting out the same problem happening again.
I've got my preop on the 24 Sept and in on the 7 Oct. I am beginning to have thoughts about it coming round again
but it is more about, can they get me off the strong pain medication the day after surgery so that I don't spend 2 days throwing up! I want them to remove the pump and only have me on my arthritis medication (arcoxia) and paracetemol. Hopefully, if the op has gone as well as the other one, I wont have very much pain sitting around.
It is a pain for both of us (excuse the pun!) to go through it again but I have my sites constantly on March 2013 when I am hoping that if things aren't perfect they will be fantastically better than the years before. I am completely resigned to going with the flow as before. I've been stocking up on books from local charity shops (24 to date) and have lots of material in the house if I want to do anything. I bought a little tapestry to try out too. As I have to go back to work part time from week 4 and full time from week 6 I will rest as much as possible. I found it took me another 4 weeks after my return to work to feel more comfortable in the knee and have more energy to get through the day. 6 weeks goes so fast and things continue to improve all the time.
You were always so good about exercising. I found I couldn't do much on the bike or walking for quite a while. Not because of terrible pain but I had a spot at the side of the knee that used to burn after a small amount of walking and the same after cycling. If I did too much it got worse so I carried on doing things that would increase my ROM such as cleaning, washing, shopping, gardening, working - sliding across the room on my chair, such a great work out for strength as I had to "push off" so to speak. So I didn't have to stop anything really. At about the 5 month mark I was happy to cycle and walk as far as possible. I just wish my last bit of ROM would come. I used to notice it improving every 2/3 weeks but the last month it has been very slow. There is about 8 inches to go until it goes back to my thigh but I had such a bad ROM in the first place I know it is all muscular.
Did you have any tightness problems? I have a sore lower back sometimes, also the back and side of legs on and off. When I finally managed to get on the floor I started using my rubber ball (slightly smaller than a tennis ball) religiously and it has improved the tightness no end. I am sure it helps with the ROM too.
the worst thing about doing all this again is not working and earning money. It took me some time to get my diary booked up again with clients and then August hit (usually the worst month in the summer as people are on holiday). Now it will be no money again and then by the time I can get into my stride with clients it will be Dec and Jan (also the worst months). There isn't anything I can do but go with the flow and hope things get better next year. No xmas presents this year so hopefully I won't get too bored and start buying on line
Do let me know when your date is. I hope they let you know soon. A private hospital will be great and I am sure everything will be fine. At least we know what it all entails. I know it could be different as each knee is different but being on this site, lets us know what we can expect. Most importantly, you know that everything does get better especially when weird and wonderful pains come along. Your problem will be holding back
Just imagine though, next year you are going to feel fab. Also, I think you said that work was a pretty unpleasant place to be.... so stepping out for a while is a good thing. I am sure you will be "done" before me but we will probably be in "confinement" together. How nice, a familiar face to speak too.
My step mother had a knee done yesterday. I did find it odd that family ignore the advice of someone who has had the op and will only listen to what the hospital say. Well..I suppose that's life.
anyway, better rush as Mikel (my son) is coming for lunch with his partner (Jay) and they are bringing Jay's mother to meet me for the first time! My mother is coming too and I have realised that I really don't have enough veg for the lamb roast and will have to go out in the disgusting rain to Tesco's. Potatoes to peel and tables to lay. gosh I hate cooking
Hope you are having a lovely weekend and everyone else out there who has managed to read through this very "Me" post.
big hugs Rosie xxx