New here...just sayin' hello

[Hearth_Cricket]

Hi all,
I'm new to this particular TKR forum...but wanted to jump in to encourage and receive support, as needed. My story, short version is this:

Had my second TKR done on my right knee last Tuesday, 8/11/09. Discharged last Friday, 8/14/09...started my first in-home physical therapy exercises today (that went well). In fact my physical therapist said that I'm doing so well that she is going to release me to out-patient physical therapy next week. I'm using a cane around the house...I haven't left the house since I've arrived home from the hospital. I'm sleeping in a recliner downstairs, as I was before surgery. My staples will be removed this coming Friday, 8/21 by the in-home visiting health nurse, and next Tuesday I go out to my out-patient physical therapy for my initiall visit and evaluation.

Even though things seem to be progressing well, I'm finding that I'm getting more depressed this 2nd time around, because I know what's ahead and how long it's going to take to rebound. Oh, I should add that I probably should've had this knee done when I had the left knee done two years ago (next month), but was in denial about the severity of the right knee and simply was "too chicken" to have both done at once...so as a result, I was living in constant dread for two years, regarding this 2nd TKR. I hope that I can encourage others through my experience last time and this time, as well.

I know that I will equally gain support and encouragement and we all know those days come around when we just get those crying jags and just need a shoulder to cry on! Looking forward to getting to know everyone...

Linda
LTKR 9/10/07 and RTKR 8/11/09

 

[Linda2]

Hello from one Linda to another. I was feeling like you about having to rehab again but I have been lucky--this one is going more quickly. I am at 5 weeks today and my extension is 0 and my flexion is 127. I only need my cane if I'm going to be on my leg for an extended time. It will still take time, but I am quite encouraged. I'll be hoping that yours goes more quickly this time.

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Linda. Welcome to the BoneSmart family.

You've been through this before, so you kind of know what to expect. But.....just remember that each knee is it's own "person" and it can be a totally different experience. You are doing so well so quickly, it sounds like you have an opportunity for a fast heal on this replacement. Hope that continues.

The depression sometimes comes with the pain meds and the fact that you are not very active right now. It will improve. Be sure you are resting at any opportunity when you can get a few winks of sleep. Being tired can cause that depression also. But just know that it is a temporary thing!

And smile about the good recovery work you've done so far!!! Awesome!!!! :wahey:

 

[Hearth_Cricket]

Linda & Jamie,
Thank you for the warm welcome...isn't it a great thing that strangers from across the U.S. who have never met can totally relate and empathize to one another over the TKR bond? It never ceases to amaze me how TKR patients are bonded knee-mates (so to speak). LOL

Sounds like everyone here is progressing well and on the mend and I love the positivity here, too.

 

[Jamie]

Cricket....you'll enjoy that we have members all over the world who met and became friends here....Great Britain (our forum nurse, Josephine is from there, along with others), Australia, Canada, as well as folks now and then from other countries outside the US. It is fascinating.....and FUN!!!

 

[Clunker]

Hi Linda,
And welcome to the bonesmarties world.And you have every reason to cry,your doing awesome girl,cry for joy!! This is a really good forum with great answers to lots of questions. And you being a duel knee ,,I am sure you will have much to add.I add very little but I do keep these peeps in line,haha.
I wish you the very best,but sounds like that might be a little late,:hehe:

 

[Hearth_Cricket]

Hi Mark,
Thanks for the warm welcome, as well...so what's your story since you say that you don't contribute much? But, I'm thinking that you're not seeing your value as others do, with respect to TKR experience...

Linda
LTKR 9/11/07 and RTKR 8/11/09

 

[cindy88fan]

Welcome Linda!!! It is so nice here. Everybody is so supportive. Trust me I went through the sadness, wanting to cry and I did and they explained to me that most of them go through this so let it out, you'll feel better. Best of Luck with your recovery and feel free to post anytime, we are all here for each other.

___________
BTKR 7/20/09
Cindy

 

[Clunker]

Hi Mark,
Thanks for the warm welcome, as well...so what's your story since you say that you don't contribute much? But, I'm thinking that you're not seeing your value as others do, with respect to TKR experience...

Linda
LTKR 9/11/07 and RTKR 8/11/09

Jeez Linda ,
I like you allot already,lol.
Now if you could just get Jo and Jamie,and the rest of these ladies on here to see my value.:hehe:
I mostly just joke around on here,trying to get people to smile when they are feeling down. I truly believe the best medicine is laughter,and friends.
I am almost 7 months post, things are getting better all the time. I love hearing success stories like yours.
Now ,when you get a chance,,start telling Jo,Jamie,and the other peeps here,,wow,,that Clunker,aka,Mark,really knows his stuff,

 

[Jamie]

Clunker, Clunker, Clunker.....whatever would we do without your joyous posts. You have value, my friend. Fear not!

 

[Clunker]

Awwww Jamie

You forever will be my super mod!!

And have no fear? Thats kind of how I ended up in a forum like this,I maybe could have used some fear,lol

Thank you Jamie,that was sweet,,,now where do I send the check?

 

[sykeRN]

Hi Linda--Welcome to Bonesmart! I am one day ahead of you--my surgery was 8/10. I can't believe I'm on my second week (as my PT says). I'm also doing quite well--I feel great so far and my knee bend is 110 (home PT)-- and yesterday I was on my exercise bike peddling for 5 minutes (along with other exercises)---I thought I'd won the academy award-I was that excited!!!

Do hope you will keep posting at Bonesmart. This is a great forum and wonderful people. I used to read this forum a year before joining and finally joined in June---I felt very prepared for my LTKR and thank God for all this wonderful help. I know your experiences will also help others. Take care. Nancy

 

[Texas]

Morning Linda...Ah dont worry about the past we need to get you better now and smiling......I Know well you do to its a bummer sometimes. I would try to go sit outside and see that there's life going on out there......Im glad your 1st knee went so well. I hope this one gets even better........Post anytime we would be happy yo talk come the social part were we jut chat........You dont have to sit and think.......Good Luck to you. join in....You;ll be better in no time.... Oh and Welcome......

 

[Judles]

Hi Linda! Today's a new day! Hope it turns out to be a very good one for you! (0)

 

[Hearth_Cricket]

Morning TKR Peeps!
Everyone has been so warm and welcoming and that is just the greatest feeling, isn't it? I mean, having a great feeling after TKR is a godsend, after all!

I woke up depressed again this morning...I'm thinking it's the pain meds (again)...plus I'm seeing my son off to college again on 8/30 (just 12 days away). I'll snap out of this, I know...it's just that my body doesn't feel like snapping out of it, right now...if that makes any sense at all?

I'm icing as I type...thinking I should be paying some bills when I get done this and also a shower this evening would be nice. Not much else on the agenda today -- it's a free day without physical therapy visit. But, I'll do my exercises later on...fun to be had.

 

[Texas]

Well congratulations to your son...I know it stinks for you.....You will get out of that funk it stinks.lol......Aw the bills will be there unfortunately they dont go away.....Ice cream always helped me......lol.....I hope you do have a better day......And your right its probably the pains meds it was unreal how it got to me.....But we are all here for ya hang in there you are never alone...........

 

[tooyoungforthis]

Good Morning Linda,
I am just 3 1/2 weeks from having my left knee revision and I am to the point of being tired of the pain,also I say to myself why did I do this operation in the summer, I love the summer and miss going out and doing things that you cant do in the winter. I cant even get to water my flowers in the boxes and around the trees and when I was in the hospital and rehab. my hubby just forgot to water so most of my flowers are gone. I am waiting for the home health aid and PT to come Have a pain free day, Peggy

 

[Hearth_Cricket]

Well congratulations to your son...I know it stinks for you.....You will get out of that funk it stinks.lol......Aw the bills will be there unfortunately they dont go away.....Ice cream always helped me......lol.....I hope you do have a better day......And your right its probably the pains meds it was unreal how it got to me.....But we are all here for ya hang in there you are never alone...........

Now there's the most exciting thing that I've heard yet...ICE CREAM! LOL Yes, I had some last night and it is such a soothing balm to the spirit! LOL

And the bills, well, I really should pay them in a little while...I don't want to be late on them...but it will be one step closer to getting back to my old routine, I guess. LOL

 

[Hearth_Cricket]

Good Morning Linda,
I am just 3 1/2 weeks from having my left knee revision and I am to the point of being tired of the pain,also I say to myself why did I do this operation in the summer, I love the summer and miss going out and doing things that you cant do in the winter. I cant even get to water my flowers in the boxes and around the trees and when I was in the hospital and rehab. my hubby just forgot to water so most of my flowers are gone. I am waiting for the home health aid and PT to come Have a pain free day, Peggy

Hi Peggy!
I just had comment on your post...I had the same thoughts about surgery during the summer...but initially, my surgery was scheduled for the second week of September. I was vacationing with my family down at Ocracoke Island (Outer Banks, NC), in late June, when my OS's office called to say that my OS couldn't operate that week, that he would be speaking all over the country (he does that a lot). So, I had to change my surgery date. Rather than put it off later, I opted for last week because the aquatic therapy pool that I want to use for out-patient therapy is outside (not enclosed)...so I knew that I needed to have the surgery done in the warmer months.

I planted all sorts of flowers, too, and I have four front window boxes filled with a glorious mixture of color...and I would never have planted so many flowers, had I known that I'd be moving my surgery date up...luckily for me, my loving husband has been watering them all for me...and I feel so badly, because had I had my surgery in September as initially planned, they would've been petered out and watering them wouldn't have been necessary. But Tom has been a doll watering them all and they look great...but it really adds to his list of things to do when he comes home from work. I think I'll try to do some watering next week if the knee allows...

 

[Judles]

Well look at it this way......now you'll be on the road to recovery that much sooner!!! (0)