I'm feeling a bit low right now

[Sandy R]

I had a good rapport with my OS's office scheduler... she said she would give me a closer surgery date (then Sept. 29th) as soon as there was a cancellation. Thursday, I found out she'll be out of the office until July 28th. I spoke to the person taking over for her while she's gone and she had no clue I was waiting for a cancellation. Once I filled her in that I had cancelled my July 21st surgery date because I needed a crown, I was told I better resign myself to the Sept. 29th date, that the chances of a cancellation are slim. I feel like the wind's been knocked out of me! I'm in pain all the time... the anti-inflammatory meds only work for a couple of weeks and then I have to go off them, wait a week or so then go back on, to get any relief. And, when I'm on them, they only take the pain down enough for me to do what's absolutely necessary. The OS gave me cortisone injections twice but that worked for less than a week, so there's no sense in going that route again. I'm normally an active person and my outlook is usually bright... but this past year my level of activity has gone down and down and I hate it. Sept. 29th is looking very far away!

 

[JenniferG]

Sandy, it will be OK. You know the old addage, it happens for a reason. And these last weeks will fly by. Keep on them any way, call every week to remind them your open for any cancels. And "Prepare for rain". ( 2 farmers desparately needed rain for their planned crops. Both went home and prayed to God that it would rain. Only one then went out and planted his seeds. Which farmers truly trusted God to answer his prayer. Pray and prepare for rain.")

 

[beachcomber]

Sandy,
Use this time to prepare for your surgery and rehab. Strengthen the muscles that support BOTH of your knees. I can't remember if you are a bi-lat or single--- but the stronger you are going in, the faster and easier your recovery will be. For many of us weight is an issue due to the forced inactivity brought on by our OA. Every extra pound we carry exerts 4 extra pounds of pressure on our knees. If that is an issue for you--- it gives you time to lose a few.
And if there is a cancellation (maybe some other poor soul will need a root canal!) you will only be the better for it. I hope it will be sooner....

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Sandy
Hang in there! When I found this board I was like 6 weeks away from my surgery date and had been waiting for like what seemed years just to see the OS (my daughter broke her wrist and I focused on her instead of me this spring). Now - less than 48 hours from now I will be done! PLan things to keep you busy. I at first though family vacations would be no fun becuase of the pain of the oa, but with lots of ice and ibuprofen I had a very good time. Time sure passed quick. This weekend worried me as well - but it is already Saturday night. We have my 3 year old neice for the night and we are planning to get some dinner to break up her time b4 bed. Tomorrow I have the last of my cleaning to do - We drop the kids back to my sister-in-laws tomorrow afternoon. Originally we were going to see a movie - but my other half and I have decided to come home and make dinner and spend the night with eachother at home! Just try your best to keep busy and become one of us here on the board. I have spent a lot of time reading and posting which also seems to make time fly by a bit faster.
Marianne - 36 1/2 hours till the other side!

 

[Sandy R]

I'm so happy I found this board. My thanks to all of your for your support. My husband is great but he had his 2nd TKR this May (his right knee was done last Dec.) so he's still dealing with his own pain. The 2 of us are really in "pain overload"... not easy for either of us. Jennifer, I intend to call the OS office weekly to remind them I want a earlier date. Beachcomber, I don't know what a bi-lateral vs. a single means... I'm doing a total knee replacement of my right knee. And, thank goodness I don't need a root canal... only a crown. Monday will be the prep work and July 28th will be the finished product, exactly one week after my original surgery date! My husband and I walked after dinner tonight and it felt so good. Strange, but when I walk at a faster pace, it doesn't hurt quite as much. Marianne, my prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Let us know how you are.

 

[beachcomber]

Sandy,
Bi-lateral=both knees at once. Glad that is not you! I meant that you never know when someone *else* might have to postpone their surgery for a root canal or something. Unfortunately, for many of us our teeth are having problems as well as our knees and the two definitely do not mix when contemplating TKR! If someone else cancels you could benefit!
Hope all goes well for you as you wait.

I'm so happy I found this board. My thanks to all of your for your support. My husband is great but he had his 2nd TKR this May (his right knee was done last Dec.) so he's still dealing with his own pain. The 2 of us are really in "pain overload"... not easy for either of us. Jennifer, I intend to call the OS office weekly to remind them I want a earlier date. Beachcomber, I don't know what a bi-lateral vs. a single means... I'm doing a total knee replacement of my right knee. And, thank goodness I don't need a root canal... only a crown. Monday will be the prep work and July 28th will be the finished product, exactly one week after my original surgery date! My husband and I walked after dinner tonight and it felt so good. Strange, but when I walk at a faster pace, it doesn't hurt quite as much. Marianne, my prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Let us know how you are.

 

[Simon]

SandyR

Try some ice on the knee. I know what you mean about aspirin/NSAIDS only taking the edge off as that is how mine went.

Like the others said try and exercise to build up the knees as it does help in the rehab.

Hope you find something to keep you busy till surgery.

This forum is great so you can always drop a note on those bad days.

Simon

 

[hess]

Sandy,

Try to look at the positive (I realize that this may be difficult.) You will have extra time to get stronger, and more prepared for surgery! Lots of ice will hopefully help. Things do happen for a reason, and often we do not know what the plan is. Just try to go with it, and like Jennifer said, keep on the OS office to see about a cancellation! Good luck to you, and I'll keep you in my prayers!!

Hess

 

[AlaskanTKR]

I agree with the lots and lots of ice - What did we do before Icemakers in the door of the freezer???? I managed 3 weeks of travelling with only ibuprofen and lots and lots of ice each night! Now that I am home I have been able to sit way more and try to get as much of th eheat and swelling out as possible. Think positive thoughts - Your day will soon be here!
Marianne