Bilateral TKR Journey Continuing June 4th, 2012

[Janet2012]

Janet,
Thank you so much for calling drug interactions into light! I heard it from all sides yesterday, and I hope I can spare others by having them think about using over the counter pain killers with meds they are using! You shed a lot of light on the subject in my post yesterday, and I really appreciate it!

Sonja, sometimes people don't think about it (as you know), but as well as over the counter drugs, it is also true for supplements and vitamins. Many of them increase bleeding, among other things. I have an excellent list of supplements and potential side effects that was a pdf from a leading knee surgeon here, one I did not go to, but got off his website. I don't know how to get it from my reading list on the iPad into a post here, but it would be a good one for the library. I need to email it to someone who can post it. For instance, I had to stop taking Melatonin for sleep prior to surgery, but it was okay to use Benedryl if I couldn't sleep. Who would have thought of that? They gave it to me again after surgery.

 

[Janet2012]

Well, I'm stretching my wings just a little! I've been hesitant to leave my comfy, safe nest here, where I can keep my feet up and knees iced. Last night we ventured over to my daughters, an easy place to be, but while there I took on the random bathroom challenge, with success! Granted, she has a new comfort height toilet, and there was a cabinet to put one hand on. Today, I had hubby drop me off at my Mah Jongg group where I was able to sit in on some games while he drove out to the OS's office to pick up a prescription. I was probably there for 1 1/2 hours, which was a little long to sit with my knees bent, but it was nice to get out and they were all amazed with my nice walking. The chairs have no arms, but I managed to hang on to the back of another chair. Back to my nest now!

 

[Morning Glory]

Good for you! Sure feels good to get out of the house, even if just for a little while. I used to play Mah Jongg years ago, it was a lot of fun but I have totally forgotten how to play.

 

[BLAKQUEEN]

Janet, I hadn't thought about the bathroom thing if I were out visiting WOW
Kim

 

[BLAKQUEEN]

Janet I am 5 weeks out and I too am having trouble on the foot pedal bike that PT brings with him, I can't get my stiff lt. knee to go around; not til it warms up!!!!! I have some significant pain, more after PT and at nite, been waiting for a week for my script for my meds to be ready Just got my cane today, still not too sure!!!!!
Kim

 

[Janet2012]

Janet, I hadn't thought about the bathroom thing if I were out visiting WOW
Kim

Lol! Yes, I realized that I could only be away from home as long as I didn't need the bathroom! Rather limiting for a while! So I think first thing when I am elsewhere is to check the logistics in the bathroom, and that will determine how long I can stay.

 

[Janet2012]

Another first today, after coming home this afternoon, elevating, icing and napping, we went out to a restaurant for the first time! Chose a place I knew we would get quick service at so we weren't gone very long. Turning a corner, very slowly and very carefully! A lot of this is being off the Oxycontin that made me want to do nothing.

 

[bottomshollow]

Ah, Janet, turning those corners

! I have been amazed at your patience and how you've taken things slow and easy and seem to be progressing very well. You are an inspiration to others out there in the midst of this thing we call recovery (when we aren't calling it unprintable things). So cheers for you

to keep up the good work.

 

[Janet2012]

Ah, Janet, turning those corners! I have been amazed at your patience and how you've taken things slow and easy and seem to be progressing very well. You are an inspiration to others out there in the midst of this thing we call recovery (when we aren't calling it unprintable things). So cheers for youto keep up the good work.

Thanks! It was worth going to MJ today to see everyone with their jaws dropped in amazement at my carefree walking around the table as I showed off my new knees! That only lasted until I had to sit down of course...

 

[RestAssured]

Hi Janet! It is wonderful you are doing so well!
Let's see, on the 7th will be two months, and I would be doing a lot better if I had taken it nice and easy.
I can say that after getting off the Motrin, the scar healed up and is not breaking open anymore! I don't have a balloon for a leg, and I am slowing down, and taking it easier! How's that for progress for a (as Judy puts it, Fox in the Hen house)!

 

[Jacky48]

Janet, you're look'n good kiddo! Being off that OxyContin does wake up your mind and makes you want to do something. I'm starting to get antsy too, thank goodness I have PT at 11:00 that should settle me down for the rest of the day! I did do 4 loads of laundry though yesterday along with elevating and icing all day, and it did take all day! Nice and slow!
Keep up the good work kiddo!

 

[Janet2012]

After my first day out actually doing anything, as modest as sitting in a chair is, I have to say I got up feeling swollen today, so I'm elevating and icing until time to go to PT. I certainly didn't do too much, but it's clear that I'm still, as expected, at the stage of needing to recuperate from everything I do. Good timing as a reminder of that as I have three things this weekend. Saturday evening is the priority, so I am NOT going to go on Sunday as I'm sure I should just stay off my feet and ... Elevate and ice. Saturday daytime is a fun thing at my son's, but I will likely pass on that as well, send hubby, and save myself for Saturday evening. That will be at someone's house, so I should find a place to put my feet up now and then, at least. I'm only going because it is a reunion of a few of us that lived in Brazil and became friends there during the 90's. I'd hate to miss it! The best thing I can do is prioritize and not try to do it all!

 

[bottomshollow]

Very smart girl! (You still know everything, Janet). Why don't you take your wedge to prop your feet up on while you're sitting around talking Saturday night. I'm sure your host will accommodate you--and then you'll enjoy yourself that much more. Just a thought. Judy

 

[Janet2012]

Not a bad thought, but my wedge is pretty cumbersome and really only works well laying in bed. It's less than 10 minutes from home, so if I feel like I'm in over my head, hubby can run me home and go back without me. Heck, she'd let me go lay on her bed, for that matter!

 

[Jacky48]

You have yourself a great plan there Janet! And it's all in the planning! You are right to rest up today for tomorrow's reunion! Sounds like great fun! I hope PT treats you well today and doesn't zap your energy too much!

 

[Janet2012]

Oh, there's nothing like that post PT nap! Although it was more of a eyes closed rest today than the Where am I? hard sleeps while on the Oxycontin!

I haven't worn my TEDs since coming home, but I'm thinking I might wear them tomorrow evening for our get together, as I'm sure to be on my feet more regardless of my best plans. It's hot out, but hot enough we will probably not be venturing out of the air conditioning, so they shouldn't make it much worse. I don't find them uncomfortable. Jacky, you are right, planning is critical!

 

[RestAssured]

I am so excited that you are getting to meet up with your friends from Brazil! That must have been an awesome experience living over there!

 

[Jacky48]

Wearing the TEDs is a great idea because even though you feel great you never know what it will feel like when you get home, and that's where it really counts! Have a great time Janet, there's nothing like meeting up with old friends!

 

[Janet2012]

I am so excited that you are getting to meet up with your friends from Brazil! That must have been an awesome experience living over there!

It was, and it is so nice to see these friends. It's quite a shared experience, and we become fast friends and family to each other when we've left all our friends and family 5000 miles behind for a while! But it is odd, too, in that everyone moves on and you end up with your friends living all over the world or country, so I miss having those close friends around.

 

[reetpteet]

Sounds like a lovely evening you have planned, reunions are special. Have been thinking of you & your TEDs & wondering about your lovely pedicure. Can't wait to paint my toenails again, I always have them painted in the summer, but it would be wasted under the TEDs.
Have a great time, thinking of you