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Four weeks to go

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Doug

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I'm 55 and facing my ninth knee operation. Finally they are going to replace it on Jan 17. Even though I'm a veteran of knee surgeries I have to admit I'm more than a little apprehensive about this one. I'm so glad I found this site tonight. Many of you have already answered the slew of recovery questions I've had. I've read the many medical sites but I wanted personal experiences.
I've got to loose weight but it is the hardest task I've ever encountered.
Thanks to all of you for your posts. It is really helpful.
 
When is it, doug? I'll put you on my prayer list.
 
I'm scheduled for Jan 17. And I do appreciate your prayers.
 
They are yours, my friend.

Some day you must let me tell you how I came to know the Lord in the operating room! I always thought it was neat that He sought me out in an OR!
 
Well tell away. I'm sure it is interesting. In the short time I've been reading this site, I've already come to the conclusion that you are an angel!
 
I very much enjoyed it and the info on the banners and the various colors.
I'm down to just over two weeks until surgery and am about to go crazy with the wait.
I've been hitting the gym and having great workouts if preperation for the big day. I know it sounds crazy but I am looking forward to the rehab.
 
Masochist!

But seriously - I do pray it all goes well.
 
Hi Doug,
Your're right on schedule, doing the TKR when you are at the point that you are looking forward to it. The cathater doesn't hurt men either. Actualy they want you to drink a lot of fluids and even give you fluids for the first 2 to 3 days so it's really convenient. They also baby you a lot doing whatever they can to make you comfortable. This is one hosp floor where if you call them, they come right away.
We'll be here for some TLC when you're out.
 
Thanks for the encouragement. I had to teach a four hour class today and I am now laid up with ice and taking pain pills.
The Dr. said I would be in the hospital three days. I've made the mistake before of begging to get out early. Got home and was in such pain I really regretted not having my angelic nurses around ...This time I'll shut up and they'll have to throw me out.
I'll try and sign on as soon as I can so that hopefully I can help out others that are in line for the tkr.
This site has been fantastic. I will definitely give it to my Dr. for others to refer to.
 
Hi, Doug! I had my TKR in August, which was my 7th knee surgery, so I can totally relate to your situation. I'm 60. Some of the best advice I got from a friend who had TKRs on both knees was to set the CPM at 90 degrees right from the start. She figured this out with her second knee and found she recovered her ROM much quicker. So when I was in preop, I asked my surgeon about setting the CPM to 90 as soon as they hooked me up, and he agreed it would be a good idea, since my leg would be numb from the nerve block and spinal (I opted for a spinal instead of a general). Once the numbness wore off, I found I needed to dial back the flexion, but it really did give me a jump start. Once you get home, I'd strongly encourage you to use the CPM as much as you can throughout the day and night. You'll have less pain, and you'll regain your ROM all that much sooner. However, one mistake I made was NOT getting up often enough throughout the day to maintain my overall strength and endurance. So do get up and work on your crutch walking every couple of hours. I ended up getting weak as a kitten, which became a real problem. At the same time, you do NOT want to push yourself too much. Listen to your body and do what it tells you to do. Don't be afraid to take your pain meds - this is NOT the time to be macho and tough it out. The more you fight the pain, the harder it is to heal. Hope that helps. Best wishes for a successful outcome.

Linda
 
Thanks for the advise and believe me I'll do my best to follow it. It may sound perverse but I've worked out all of my adult live and played in contact sports which is a major reason I'm in this position with my knee. I actually am looking past the surgery and looking forward to the challenge of rehab. I know I'm weird. For me I will make it a competition with myself.
I am a little nervous about the surgery and stay in the hospital but I'll just have to get over it.
I do look forward to posting on this forum afterwards and helping folks like you have done me.
Thanks much.
 
Anything you want to talk over with me, doug? I can tell you lots about what happens in hospital.
 
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