June 8: new R knee for me

[celynda]

Today's question is how to manage pain before surgery. My current NSAID is meloxicam which just takes the edge off so I can function. I've just learned I need to stop taking it 7 days before Surgery. When I called the OS about it, they said no exceptions and to use Tylenol for the week. They even called in a Rx for Tylenol Extra Strength. huh?

Working is going to be a bear. To top it off, I am driving 6.5 hours to see my nephew graduate from Princeton. In addition to the really long drives, there will be lots of walking and I am supposed to manager with just tylenol????

Question: any idea how risky it would be to stop the NSAID 5 days before surgery instead of 7? If I did this, I could at least get though the trip.

The kicker is I deliberately scheduled the surgery AFTER the graduation so it wouldn't interfere...


RTKA scheduled for 8 June

 

[PolarBear60]

For me, I tapered off so it wasn't like a cold turkey stop, and that helped. But I still was reminded for two weeks of ALL the little aches and pains Tylenol masked.


Jean

LTKR (Stryker Triathlon): 21 April 2015
Right Knee Arthroscopy: 25 July 2006
Left Knee Arthroscopy: 10 February 2005

 

[Mike_in_Pain]

celynda, I would listen to your doctor about when to stop taking the NSAIDs. They want all of that out of your system because it thins your blood. They don't want to bleeding out on the operating room table. If your blood is too thin they will postpone your surgery.

I know how bad the pain can get without the NSAIDs because I had to stop taking them as they were destroying my kidneys. I am now taking Tramadol which is not perfect but it gets me through the day. Maybe you can ask your doctor for Tramadol?

 

[referee54]

For example, will the recliner still be my best friend or could I graduate to the couch and ottoman

The recliner---with lots of pillows---was my fortress during the early days of my recovery from the BTKR---but others have used the couch or the bed. I loved the recliner as I could sleep, eat, watch TV, etc---and it was very comfortable for me---but each to his or her own.

The recliner has been my friend, but if you have all those options

:iagree:

I spent a week in rehab and was still on narcotics for three weeks after. I tried to write lesson plans from rehab for my substitute teacher and attend a phone conference, but could not concentrate very well.

That was my problem, as well---I also taught, and I tried to either write lesson plans or grade essays, and the pain meds (Oxycontin) made me not only very drowsy, but also reduced my attention span to maybe 5-7 minutes.

 

[celynda]

Two weeks out from surgery and so far so good. Pre-op at hospital on the 28th and medical clearance on the 4th.

While I think I'm logistically ready for the surgery mentally I'm not so sure. I just got back from Florida where I left my dogs (two female Shih Tzu) with a friend to take care of while I am in the hospital and going through rehab. I sure am going to miss them but I know they're in a better place. It was hard coming back into the empty house. I'm not sure how long it will take until I'm fully capable of walking them again. I'm thinking at least six weeks; but it could be even longer. I'm not sure what I would do without such a good friend.

I bought a tub transfer bench but it's too wide for my tub so I'm sending it back and will try a stool instead.

Hope everyone in the U.S. had a nice long weekend.

Christa.




RTKA scheduled for 8 June

 

[KarriB]

Wise decision sending your dogs off to a friend. Mine was close by so we could visit, but someone was there to keep her off my leg. Amazingly, she seemed to sense something was up and sniffed my knee quite a lot. : )

 

[referee54]

When I returned home after my BTKR, My four dogs---all rather large labs---understood that I needed space and they, as a "pack", kept their distance from me. I believe that our dogs intrinsically know and understand what we need.

 

[celynda]

It'll be interesting to see how they react after being away from home for 6+ weeks. I've checked in and they seem to be doing just fine. I'm starting to count the days.

My next challenge is getting through a 7 hour drive to/from Princeton to see a nephew graduate. It's going to be a long three days on nothing but Tylenol.

 

[TC15]

I am also having surgery on June 8. I send best wishes your way.

 

[celynda]

The Princeton trip was great except for the weather: rainy and cold. The pain was tolerable.

Surgery is scheduled for 1:30 p on Monday, the 8th. It was originally at 0700. Found out last week, I'm being laid off 30 Jun. going to be really hard finding a new job while on disability.




RTKA scheduled for 8 June

 

[Angel1978]

Prayers for you. Best luck for sugury. Hang in there. Soon you will be on the road to recovery pain free. I know it's hard thinking about the job. Let that be your last thought. You need to focus on positive.

Knee replace is roller coaster. But u can do it. Set your own goals. It's your recovery. Don't let no one hurt you. Don't do it if it hurts. I'ce rest elivate as much as you can.

The recovery depends on you../ it's your recovery no one else's. Each persons recovery is different. Some heal and progress faster than others. But it's your own recovery. Take your time for the recovery to be a success.

Xxxxx best regards,and luck. Hang in there. Soon you will be doing the things this wretched knee took away from you:::


FaithMitchmommy
PKR December.1,2014
TKREV MARCH.2,2015

 

[celynda]

The countdown has begun. 1st of two showers with Hebiclens tonight. Bags are mostly packed. One for hospital: toiletries and small knitting projects, and a few comfort snacks (chocolate). One for rehab: clothes, shoes, more knitting, etc. Also bringing diet coke as only Pepsi is available in rehab facility.

48 hours from now, I'll be sleeping (or not) with my new bionic knee. I think I'll call it Claire.


RTKA scheduled for 8 June

 

[iivesfam5]

Good Luck tomorrow @celynda!!! I hope Claire is good to you!!!

 

[kneeper]

Best wishes for tomorrow. See you on the recovery side!

 

[Angel1978]

Best wishes tommrow. Xxx look forward to reading your recovery. Remember were all here!!! Xxxx soon you will be on the road to a pain free life.


FaithMitchmommy
PKR December.1,2014
TKREV MARCH.2,2015

 

[celynda]

@Jamie,

My second knee is scheduled for Sept 14. Do I start a second thread or continue the original?

Thanks, Christa


RTKA 8 June 2015

 

[Jamie]

I would start a new recovery thread for that second knee. It will be easier to keep things straight that way. September is right around the corner and you'll be on your way in no time!!!