I'm home!

[Sandy R]

Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers... they worked!

Surgery was on Monday morning and today is Wednesday and I came home a little after noon today. My extension is "0", my flexion on the CPM machine is 50 but here I am sitting a my computer right now and both feet seem to be at about at about the same angle. My OS doesn't use staples... only steri-strips. And, since it's minimally invasive, my scare is about 4" in length. Except for the fact that I haven't had a BM yet, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm taking a 1/2 vicodin every 4 hours and that seems to be doing it for me. Once the PT comes, I might have to up the dosage. I came home with crutches but I'm walking quite well on my own at home. I'm sure going out will be a different matter and then, the hospital PT said to buy a cane, if only so people don't bump into me. So, I've felt better in my life but all in all, I think I'm doing pretty good.
Sandy

 

[Simon]

Great to have you home.

Try Miralax for the BM problem I use the prescription version as stool softners/Senakot did not work of me. It can take a few days to work but it is very effective. Also drink lots and lots of water which can be problem as you keep making trips to the bathroom but it is worth it.

Simon

 

[edk]

Everyone on narcotics has BM issues stool softeners are the way to go.

One of the things I did while I computed is put your feet on the floor and
slide forward on the seat pushing your flexion ROM. Easy way to increase
it while you do other stuff.

My scar is bigger than yours.

Good luck

 

[1jt@atime]

Everyone on narcotics has BM issues

EXCEPT ME!!!!! I'm not telling my secret cause you don't want to know!

Sandy, You are doing terrific already! I had my first knee done the hard way, with the langer scar and the second knee, the MIS way. MIS is definitely THE WAY to go! You will be shocked at how well you do compared to many here on the forum and it sounds like you are already finding that out. I had less swelling, a MUCH faster and easier return of ROM, and a quicker return to walking without an aid the MIS way. The soft tissue recovery seems to be about the same, overall, with both recoveries.

Hang in there! Karen

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Welcome HOME - Sounds like you are doing great! REST, REST, REST.

I am soooo jealous! 4 inch scar - WOW! (When it is sealed all the way up - and they ok you to use something on the scar - Vitamin E oil works great!!!!)

Congrats on the new baby knee!

Marianne

 

[Nursepair]

Welcome to the "Other Side" Sandy, glad you are doing so well. Take the stool softeners, just sayin as GAT would say.

 

[JudyS]

Wow Sandy

This is great. Home already and feeling pretty good. Congratulations. Be sure to rest.
Judy

 

[Linda2]

I'm happy to greet you here on the other side. Keep up with those stool softeners!

 

[pedders]

Well done Sandy keep taking the painkillers regularly and rest plenty
Pam x

 

[hess]

I've been watching for a post from you! Isn't MIS great? Don't be a hero, though. Pain meds are our friends, and whatever you do, DON'T forget the stool softeners (you'll be a sorry girl)!!!! I'm so glad you are doing so well, remember this feeling, it will carry you through a lot! Welcome to the other side!
Hess

 

[dw6928]

Welcome HOME - Sounds like you are doing great! REST, REST, REST.

I am soooo jealous! 4 inch scar - WOW! (When it is sealed all the way up - and they ok you to use something on the scar - Vitamin E oil works great!!!!)

Congrats on the new baby knee!

Marianne

Marianne, The American Dermatological Society has issued a statement no longer supporting the use of Vitamin E for scars. If you look at earlier threads in this forum, you will find some links.

 

[Sandy R]

Am I ever stoked! The home PT came today and thinks I'm doing remarkably well. She was very happy with my extension and I can already sit with the knee at a 90 degree angle. I took a shower this morning and washed my hair, without needing to sit down. The 1/2 vicodin every 4 hours seems to be doing it's work... the pain is manageable. And, the stool softners have done their work... success! Now, all I have to do is get my iron level back to normal. DH went shopping today and beside meat, I'll be eating spinach and raisins at every meal.

Hess... MIS is amazing. I give my OS all the credit with how well I'm doing.

And, a special thank you to all of you. You've all been so supportive. It's really helped knowing I could talk to others who have had similar experiences. You're the best!

Now, I'm going to take a nap... Sandy

 

[Simon]

Sandy

Try to take some Vitamin C with your spinach. I have an on going problem with anemia and am off and on iron supplements all the time and my doctor prescribes Vitamin C with them. The pharmacist said if you take iron/vit c supplements do it on an empty stomach.


Gald you are doing so well.

Simon