Im So Scared

[boxerlover]

Hello my name is karen I have just had my date for my TKR it's going to be 6th November and Im so scared. I have been reading lot's of posts on the Forum which does make me feel a bit better, but I keep getting very panicky. Im so glad there is a Forum like this because unless this is happening to you people dont seem to understand how scarey it is.
My pain has been quite bad over the last Three Years and I know this is my only option now, I cant really imagine what it will be like being able to walk without the pain (hopefully). It's just nice to know people are going through the same thing and sharing there worries.

 

[Linda2]

Welcome to our forum! I think most of us were scared before our operations--it is a scary idea! It is a wonderful operation, however, and well worth rehabilitation effort. Continue to ask questions; amongst us all we have experienced most of oddities of this adventure.

 

[Max Wallace]

I am glad you are here!

Most of us had the same feelings, I remember lying on the surgery bed being preped and thinking I can still change my mind over and over. I was having both done at once and had several panic attacks. I to had gone for years with pain and limping that it was normal and I could not imagine being pain free. There will be times after the surgery when you will wonder if it was all a big mistake. The day after I had my surgery a PT therapist came in and said that we were going to stand and take two steps forward and two back and that was it for the day. I thought he was crazy but we did it any way and I cannot describe the feelings I had, I stood with no pain and felt my knees were already stronger than they had been in years. I started crying and the tech thought it was from pain until I explained it was from happiness. The third night I had a panic attack from being unable to do for myself. After that night I decided I was going to learn how to get along without any assistance other than a walker. having had both done at once I had to go to a rehab facility for 7 days before going home, it was no picnic but I could see improvements daily. I am almost 1 year post op and this surgery was the best decision I have ever made, at this stage I have no restrictions I ride a bike with my 7 year old 5 miles each day weather permits. I bowl,hunt,play golf, do yard work, hike, give my son piggy back rides, all of the things I had given up for the last 10 years.

I hope this site and the people can give you some peace of mind. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Max Wallace]

I forgot, I to am a boxer lover we have two a 1 year old brindle male 80# named VEGAS and a 7 month old Fawn female 60# named December. I have had several other breeds over the years but the Boxers are the best!!!!

 

[abunnybabe]

Welcome boxerlover, I'm a lab lover. I'm also 10 days away from a RTKR so I'm in the panic stage as well. After reading Max's story I feel better and I hope you do too. It will be so great to be able to enjoy life without knee pain and a limp!
This is a great forum, enjoy your time here, everyone is fantastic.

 

[Dawnie]

Hi Boxerlover and welcome, where are you in the UK, I live in Washington, near Newcastle. I had a BTKR 2 weeks ago and was exactly the same, terrified, doubting, trying to convince myself that I didnt really need it. But at the end of the day it is going to happen sooner or later, and I think you can cope better younger, and it really is not as terrifying as you imagine it to be. In fact, the operation is a piece of cake, so please try not to worry, you will not regret getting it done. XX

 

[beachbum]

Oh, I so know how you feel! My surgery is a week from today, and I am getting, well, let's just say "antsy"!! (my husband has another word for it, but I think it would be censored here!). I know I have to do this, I want to be able to LIVE again.
The good people here have been great, answering all kinds of questions, some I didn't even know I had till I read the posts!!!
BTW, we have a boxer, too, our second one. Max is a huge baby, funniest dog we've ever had - yesterday he grabbed the leash from our neighbor and 'walked' her dog for her, for about 20 minutes. Had the entire neighborhood laughing!

 

[Judles]

Welcome and

 

[Jamie]

Boxer, welcome to BoneSmart! So glad you found our little family. The forum is loaded with folks who completely understand your feelings because they are right there with you or have been there at some point. We support each other. It is a big help to get through the surgery and recovery associated with joint replacement.

You'll never be alone now, hon. There are people online almost 24/7 from all over the world who are willing to share their stories with you and who care about you. So stick with us, we'll get you information and answers to your questions so you won't be scared, and we'll get you through this!! The rewards after recovery are HUGE!!! You'll have your life back.

 

[Josephine]

Karen - even I was scared! I'd get these sinking feelings thinking of all the worst case scenarios that could happen (and trust me, I know a lot more of those than most!) but you get through it. You know it's going to be so much better after the recovery and all is done.

btw - I always ask this of UK members - whereabouts do you live and which hospital are you going in to? (I'm just dead nosy is all!)

 

[Nancyo]

Hello boxerlover and welcome!
You have found the right place believe me. Look around the forum and you'll find all sorts of answers and then some. We even have a cooking thread which is wonderful.
I'll give you a hint that helped me out. I started a journal and am still keeping it. Writing down all my feelings, fears, efforts and goals. I can still look back and see the ups and downs of what happen daily. It also helped to see how far I'd come and where I thought I needed to go.
You are really not alone in your fears. We all get the shakes and the heebie-geebies. Please post often and let us know how your doing. We care.
Blessings to you~~
Nancyo

 

[tom67]

Hi Boxerlover, you couldn't ask for a better Forum, or a better bunch of people
to answer your questions, or concerns, or just be there for you, like Jamie said
nearly 24/7! Best of luck! Tom

 

[boxerlover]

Thankyou all for such a lovely welcome, think I will be hanging around for a while, Im so glad I found you all, I feel better already. I have read lot's of your Story's and feel I can now face this Surgery with a bit more knowledge and know there is lot's of help on here thankyou.

Max and Beachbum I have had 3 Boxers all Rescue sadly they are no longer here, but when Im back on my feet I cant wait to get another.

Hi Jo and Dawnie.
I live in Stockport just outside Manchester. I have Family in your neck of the woods, my Brother lives in Monkseaton near Whitley Bay, and my Nieces live in Heaton Newcastle. Jo Im having my Op at the Spire Hospital in Manchester it use to be called Bupa, I am an NHS Patient though they take so many on through the new Choose and Book System. Not many people know they do this but I work in the NHS so I had this Information. The OS is Mr Phalankanter he is from North Manchester General.

 

[Texas]

Good luck Karen we will all be here for ya........even from way over here...lol....)

 

[boxerlover]

Thanks Texas :thmb:

 

[calling_all_angels]

Karen,
It is so nice to me you. Being a little worried and scared is normal it is a big step you are taking, a leap of faith so to speak. But it will be wonderful for you when you start to be able to do things that you have not been able to do for a while. And if you have question or just want to talk we will be here.

 

[cindy88fan]

Boxerlover...Welcome to BoneSmart! I think every single one of us was scared. It's a major surgery you are facing. But always look on the other side...you will be able to walk without pain! Now isn't that worth having the surgery...You bet it is. If I had to do it all over again...I would in a heartbeat! So feel free to post, cry, vent anytime! We are all here for you! Take Care!

 

[Judles]

Boxerlover! I've been having trouble posting>>>what I wanted to say was hi boxerlover from a poodle lover! You've come to the right place!! Be ready for a wonderful support group! You'll never find a more caring group! Good luck and look forward to hearing from you!! :thmb:

 

[Josephine]

Jo Im having my Op at the Spire Hospital in Manchester it use to be called Bupa, I am an NHS Patient though they take so many on through the new Choose and Book System. Not many people know they do this but I work in the NHS so I had this Information. The OS is Mr Phalankanter he is from North Manchester General.

Oh I know the "Choose and Book". Only when my GP first mentioned it, with her strong NE accent, I thought she'd said "You'll need to go to Chewsenbuke" and thought it was a place! :hehe: Took me ages to realise what she'd really said. For those who think we're dotty, C&B is a system whereby your GP gives you a code and you can log onto the hospital's appointment system. You get to see all the empty slots in clinics to which you've been referred so you can select the one that most suits. You enter your name and it's done! So you could get an appointment for next week or even, if you're really lucky, tomorrow! I once got my appointment for 4 days hence. Was certainly quicker than the post would have got there and filtered through someone's in-tray!

We also get people booked into the local BUPA hospitals.

Couldn't find that surgeon on a Google search so can't comment. But North Manchester General has a reasonable rep so far as I know. That's in Crumpshall, right?

So what specifically are you scared about? Do tell and then we can all help.

 

[boxerlover]

Hi Jo
LOL at your chewsenbuke:hehe:

I spelt the Consultants name wrong it's Mr Phaltanker and North Manchester Gen is in Crumpshall.
I have to admit I was terrified of having Surgery to be honest I should of had my Surgery last Friday but chickened out stupid I know it would have all been over now, thats when I started looking on this website, and am so glad I feel a lot calmer now reading everybody's posts and realising most people have had the same fears as me.

It's the ususal fears the G A I wont wake up!!!. Its going to be really painful. Infection, Blood Clots etc etc but just being able to write them down on here makes me feel better.