New, and stressing out!

[beachbum]

I just wanted to jump in and introduce myself.
I got a surgery date yesterday, Oct. 20.
Right now it looks like I will be having a total knee replacement of my right knee. Dr. is going to look hard at the left knee as the day gets closer, and I may have both done.
I have been reading your posts for about a month, but now that I have a date I am beginning to freak out!

 

[JudyS]

Welcome Beachbum

I remember well the day I got the surgery date for my hip , I found this forum and did start freaking out.
You have a while to go, I hope this forum helps you to calm down and look forward to the date!!
judy

 

[cripplenomore]

Hi Beachbum! Welcome to Bonesmart! Please listen to the people on this site. They have been through it all and give really great advice! I had my LTKR 5 weeks ago yesterday. I was panicking as it got closer, but after my Bonesmart friends reassured me, I felt much better about it. And, they were right! It wasn't nearly as bad as I feared. The pain was less than the pain I had before surgery. So, please don't panic! All will be well. Just follow your doctor's advice, and talk to your Bonesmart friends. Best wishes, Paula :wub:

 

[Judles]

Welcome Beachbum! Yep! I know how you feel about getting your surgical date! I didn't even FIND Bonesmart until AFTER my hip replacement so you;re WAY ahead of the game! You have some time to breathe so read the threads, ask any questions and just take it EASY!!!:thmb:

 

[Max Wallace]

Welcome Beachbum!

A little advise if you need both done get a twofer it's the best decision you will ever make. I had both done at once and returned to work in 7 weeks. I am now about 8 months out and loving every minute of it. i know it's a big step but well worth the results. my primary surgeon said he would do two at once with another surgeon the he worked with very extensively. my primary was right handed and the second was left handed they did both at the same time 2.5 hours under. At this writing I cannot tell the difference between the two. When they were first done one would flex better and one would extend better but they finally caught each other. PT was tough but take plenty of meds and it's not so bad.

Good luck!

 

[Nancyo]

Hello Beachbum and welcome to our forum!
You'll find that we are just ordinary people with common issues of hip/knee replacement surgeries and the like. Don't be afraid or shy to ask any and all questions as with the lot of us....someone has an answer or an idea. We are a very solid group with the goal of making everyone comfortable with their upcoming surgery.
I can assure you that no matter what your question, we WILL find an answer.
Bless your heart, you are "freaking out" just like the rest of us did so let us help you with it. I swear that at the top of your doctors surgical sheet there is a box entitled "freaking out?" with the place for a check mark. LOL Just kidding!
Please post often and let us know your progress, feelings, and symptoms. You have found the absolute best place on the web you can be for loving caring folks who want to help. Once again, welcome to our forum.
Blessings to you~
Nancyo

 

[Judles]

Haha! I would've loved filling THAT part out, Nan! Oh soooo true!:hehe:

 

[beachbum]

Yep, checked that box! And the one that says "puts on the chicken suit when needles come out" :hehe: (the IV is the worst part of surgery for me - just hurry up and knock me out!!)
I got a cortisone shot (shot my blood pressure out the roof and gave me a 4 week migrane)
Had the synvisc injections - had a good 2 weeks! Had them in June and it's about gone now.
I am a 2nd grade teacher, and decided to take this school year off, so I have plenty of time to recover.
Thanks for the kind welcome - I know I'm in good hands now

 

[calling_all_angels]

Beachbum,
It is so nice to meet you. Needles are never any fun, but at least that part is over fast.
There are alot people here that will try and help you with your concerns and question's.
And since you have been reading for awhile you all ready know about Jamie and Jo.
So welcome come on in and enjoy yourself.

 

[sykeRN]

Hi Beachbum--welcome. This forum is the place to be. I am having a LTKR (left total knee replacement) on 8/10. I first started to view this forum (often) for about a year-finally joined recently. Synvisc injections did not work at all for me (given in April 08) and after the OS (surgeon) told me I would need a knee replacement--he up and moved! So--I spent a year researching knee surgeons again. Now I am FINALLY scheduled-of course my knee had gotten worse in one year--and I already have been told my R knee is not far behind the bad L knee! I do have a good OS-he uses computer guided surgery and a DePay replacement joint.

When I heard my date I too was stressed for a day but now as I get closer to surgery--actually I am calmer. This forum is a wealth of information and great people. Keep posting! Nancy

 

[Sticker Lady]

Beachbum--

Welcome! You're in the right place--people here are the BEST. I had BTKR in May and it's not a walk in the park, but it is worth it. Taking the year off from school will be a blessing since you won't be pressured to do too much too soon.

For now, the best thing is to hang out with us--we're lots of fun--and start doing some pre-op exercises. Everything you do to strengthen your quads and upper body will benefit you after surgery.

Best of luck!
Irene

 

[Josephine]

Wow! Took a year off - that was a good move! As for the freaking out - well even I did that! In fact, when the surgeon came to see me to mark my leg and get the consent signed, I seem to remember saying "My knee isn't really that bad, is it?" I think I was hoping he would say "Truthfully? No, not really!" and I could be off home like a flash! Instead he just gave me an old fashioned look as said "Well, it's not going to get any better." and my fate was sealed!

Freaking out is part of the territory! Just sit back and let the days roll over you! Before you know it, you'll be home and half way through your PT!

 

[Judles]

Jo.....that must mean we're ALL kinda freaky!!!!

 

[Josephine]

You betcha!

 

[Texas]

Hi Beachbum Welcome. You couldn't have come to a better place. You are so never alone here. We are always here to help you. I have seen others with 2 done sometimes do better then others with 1 done....lol...Not all of course but the 2 eezs seem to work out really well. So if it comes down to it you will have alot of support here....Good luck and remember though if you need it done please dont wait and sit in pain that wont go away the surgery pain will...Good Luck and continue to post...

LOL Jo I did to even this morning. ...to cute....

 

[Motherofmany]

Hi Beachbum and welcome. This is an excellent book to read and keep for reference. My local library had it, so I was able to check it out and recheck it. I am thinking about getting one for my reference. It can answer a lot of your questions.
Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation: The Knee Owner's Manual (Paperback)by M.D. Daniel J. Brugioni (Author), Jeff Falkel Ph.D. P.T. (Author)

Blessings,

 

[Josephine]

That book is on our recommended reading list! Book reviews