Nervous but anticipating TKR

[referee54]

I need to figure how to quote people!

It is very easy to do---left-click and drag the mouse over the section you want to quote, then go to the reply box, and you will see the "Quote" box---click on that, and your quote will appear.

 

[bottomshollow]

@Derby, maybe this will help you with quotes. Use the "Quote This Message" to reply to a post only when there is a post or several posts on another topic between your post and the post you want to respond to and you need the entire post to be quoted.

You can quote a sentence or a section of a post by simply highlighting it and clicking on the "Quote Me" oblong that appears in gray at the end of the highlighted selection. This is frequently a better choice than quoting a whole post. You can use this feature in several different post by a member if you want to respond to things in multiple posts. When you go to the dialogue box you will see "Get Quotes and in parenthesis the number of quotes. Click on that when you want a quote inserted into your post.

 

[suzzee2000]

@Jozilla I sure do hope we have classes here!! I need it too! @Derby My surgery is March 10th. So we can watch each others recovery and support each other through it all!! I hope my OS has some type of classes as well. My husband and daughter think I'm over reacting for constantly being on Bonesmart and trying to learn and figure everything out!! My little nieces and nephews are 4-6-7-& 9 so there is no way they are old enough to take care of themselves...and I truly are their main caregiver. I am in the process of working everything out with back up help on that end. My husband is self employed and is in construction. As long as this WINTER weather stays he will be home...I've told him I need him to be here at least until I can get home from the hospital/rehab!! My 22 yr old daughter is also full time in College so she won't be able to be here when they get home everyday from school/pre-school....

This type of surgery is totally different than almost anything most of us have gone through.I am happy that this forum is here---I found it 1 1/2 months into my recovery---and the more we can help educate and inform those facing TKR's or BTKR's the better folks can understand and anticipate what to expect.

I'm glad I found Bonesmart too and especially before my surgery! This place is a God send for sure. I know you are right..... this surgery is nothing like any of us have ever been through. I have never had any type surgery in my life. I have always been so healthy..except these knees of course!

I was told that I would hear from the hospital about possible pre-admit tests and to consult with the anesthesiologist. I haven't heard from them. Is is common for it to be at the last minute?

I was told from my OS assistant that they like everything done within 2 weeks of the surgery so you still have plenty of time. I have my appointment set up with my GP on the 28th and will wait for the hospital to call and schedule the EKG and what ever else they need.

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!!

 

[suzzee2000]

You can quote a sentence or a section of a post by simply highlighting it and clicking on the "Quote Me" oblong that appears in gray at the end of the highlighted selection.

Thanks for that valuable info!!!! I never saw that little quote me box before!!!!

 

[icep707]

Hey Suzze . Heres a tip post op. Im sure you will have your home prepared for your surgery with post op home aids and all . So basically try to set up your room like a hospital room. Everything within arm distance. I had to rearrange a few things nothing major though. Also work out your upperbody. You will need it. You sound healthy , that will help. Best of luck. Ill check in on you !

 

[suzzee2000]

@icep707 Thank You for getting my mind on my room!!! Since I read your post, I've been working on having my bedroom so close to the conveniences of a nice hospital room it's scary! It's going to be perfect for my recovery I can even stand up, lean forward and have my hands on my bathroom door!! I am working my upper body as much as I can because I have noticed since I started back to school, and can't do the outside chores like mowing, gardening and etc over the past year I was getting weak!! I'll continue checking on you too! Thanks again!!!!

 

[icep707]

Thats great Suzy! The more you are prepared the better. Dont tell Josephine this but I have to taper off the meds 7 days out. They make me constipated , nauseas and appetite lose, didnt even want to drink water. And all I want to do is sleep , elevate and ice ALL DAY. since pain is nowhere near I feared I have to do it. I have tramadol, celebrex, oxycontin and oxycodone and extra strengh tylenol. If I take as prescribed I might as well be a zombie since pain is manageable I have to lower dosage atleast. Im no superman, believe me , but it works so far. Ill be in touch

 

[kneeper]

It's all such an individual thing. The important thing is to listen to your body--which you are doing.

 

[BigBend]

By the time I went to my primary care physician, my knees were both so shot she said there was no treatment short of btkr. OS agreed. At one time, perhaps, other treatment might have lessened my pain. Not now. I was relieved they didn't make me do worthless therapies - not that I'm thrilled tkr is the only solution! In short, it probably depends on whether shots or other therapies can buy you time. I say, embrace the inevitable!

 

[suzzee2000]

@BigBend ...I did the exact same thing!! My 1st visit with the OS...He basically told me I was done ...nothing else will work except BTKR so here I am preparing away...When is your surgery???

I say, embrace the inevitable!

^^Ditto^^

@icep707 thanks for stopping by....I see how well you are doing and I know what you mean about the meds and etc....I hope I can do as well as you!!

 

[icep707]

Ill be honest with you. I prepared for the worst. I was thinking that my lower leg would fall off. Not knowing the process. Also feared leg log None of that happened. Also feared uncontrollable pain, beyond the touch of medication. Heck these meds work but the side effect is a different story.im willing to deal with discomfort / pain than being doped up like that. Thats my decision. Now if the pain get past a point that makes me whimper ill take a oxy , im on tramadol and other stuff . I can stand on my own after 5 days without the walker but always with the walker in front of me. Just to check the stability . Its stable. You will be so glad you have found bonesmart. You will be ahead of the game. You will read horror stories but thats such a minute minority. if anything u will not want to do too much too soon. ive read a few recent bilateral threads where they are back to work in 7 weeks and wonder why they get home in alot of pain and have to call in sick. Do you have a work deadline ? Big support team ?? And I think we already touched base on pre op exercises, build upperbody strengh.!! Start stool softeners now. Or fiberous diet. Thats a big issue with the meds. be confidant not scared

 

[BigBend]

Suzzee, my surgery is set for April 3. Re: the question about pre-admit test: I see the anasthesiologist on March 11. I'm fuzzy about when other pre-op appointments will be. I expect a couple of days before surgery to have blood tests, stress test especially because of the BKTR, etc but that hasn't been made clear yet. I'm just doing what you are doing - trying to educate myself, prepare my house and my body and steady my nerves!

 

[suzzee2000]

Ill be honest with you. I prepared for the worst.

I have been doing the same thing too!! That way I won't be too disappointed!!!!

Do you have a work deadline ? Big support team ?? And I think we already touched base on pre op exercises, build upperbody strengh.!! Start stool softeners now. Or fiberous diet. Thats a big issue with the meds. be confidant not scared

The only work I have is general house work and major work load right now is College. But, all of my Professors have given me the go ahead to start working ahead on everything. I do have a few online courses as well so I believe I will be able to do some here at my house after a week or so... My husband is self employed (weather has prevented him from working) so.....He has offered to help with the children late every day so I can stay at the school and get extra work done!
I have a great support team at home as well as a great support team with extended family and friends on my plan B emergency team too! lol....Even tho I have 4 little ones that live with me I have back up babysitters and 2 married sons and daughter-in-laws within a 15 minute drive if I need them. Since most of my friends are "older" like me and have no children I've asked a couple if they would mind giving me a ride to the store rehab or whatever if I need it and they said yes!!!

I have been trying to cover ALL my basis so when I have my surgery I can rest and heal. I am going to do it because I want to get well so I can live the rest of my life the way I want!

This site has been a true God send and I for one am so thankful for the dedicated people who run it moderate it and freely give their time and support so we can get the information and run with it!!!!

Yes we did touch base on the pre-op exercises.....As far as stool softeners go, I've thought about starting them before I go in for surgery but I was going to wait until the week before I have surgery...Don't you think that would be good or should I really start now??

 

[suzzee2000]

Suzzee, my surgery is set for April 3

Ok great then you have time to keep reading! I will be about 3 weeks ahead of you so I will make sure I keep everyone updated on how things are progressing! I'm really glad you are educating yourself here on bonesmart!!! GOOD GOING!!! Hang in here! Everything will be ok!

 

[Karringtyn]

so happy you have your date now!! I am 8 days out and though it hurts...I am happy..glad I did it....

 

[suzzee2000]

@Karringtyn Thanks for the support! Yes I see you got to go home and are doing pretty well and I'm very happy for you! Also good to hear you are glad you had the surgery!!! Thanks for stopping by!!

 

[BigBend]

Suzzee, I seem to get lost in some of these discussions and can't always tell who is saying what and when.! But I now see you have your surgery the day before I go in for my pre-op, three weeks ahead of my surgery. So, here is my request: DO WELL!!!!!!! I will be following your progress and, even though I know we all have our own, individual recoveries, I won't be able to stop thinking that you are where I will be! So, go get 'em!

 

[suzzee2000]

here is my request: DO WELL!!!!!!!

OK I WILL and I hope to have great reports for you!!!

Suzzee, I seem to get lost in some of these discussions and can't always tell who is saying what and when.!

I know what you mean by getting lost I still do but I have a feeling we will both be pros at it before it's all over with!!!
I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow...last time before surgery....I have a list of questions a mile long for him but hey I can't help it!!! I will report back and give you scoop!!!

 

[BigBend]

I'll be interested in your questions, as well as the answers! I never feel like I'm asking enough/right questions. Looking forward to a full report.

 

[suzzee2000]

@BigBend you got it! Full report asap!!!!