New Here - MRI shows severe arthritis

[Pescara]

@wings I too liked my OS from day 1. He knows I need both knees done but is cautious. He wanted me to wait until I thought I had recovered from the first one. I put up with shots, silicone and everything else from my GP and him. Last time I saw him on a Tuesday I was in surgery on Friday. He gave me no chance to back out lol. You will be so happy once it is done.

 

[PolarBear60]

At the four to six week mark, I was more than ready to have the second one done. For various reasons, I'm waiting until April to have it done, but you should be ready then.


Jean

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

 

[bdink21]

@wings Well that's awesome that you like and trust this OS. That's soooo important. I felt the same way about mine when I met him. I would love to get my knees done close together but can't afford to be out on 60% disability for that long. The soonest I can do my right knee is January. September will be here before you know it!!

 

[wings]

I received the call today telling me the arrival time for Tuesday., Sept. 15. Be there at 7:00.

So during these past weeks, I've completed the pre-op assessment and prepared myself and our home as much as I can. There was one purchase I made that I was less than happy with and that was an elevating wedge from Amazon. Someone posted about using a folded body pillow and that feels great at this time. The removable shower head with a six foot hose is going to be great post op.

I've searched out dust bunnies (nudge @Braunzie) and made my recovery area as pleasant as possible. Installed a couple of dimmer switches and hooked up TV, AppleTV in area where there was no cable outlet. Works great! Made PT appointments, picked up parking permit.

This weekend is last presurg visit to the beach. I'll be busy here. Then home again to do another dry run in the recovery nest.

The preop support here has been great.

 

[Pescara]

WOW 2 days earlier. At least you don't have to get @4:30 am like I did but didn't get much sleep any way. Please let me know how you are when you can. I will be thinking of you and pray for a speedy recovery and not much pain. Remember the mantra, rest, elevate, ice and take your happy drugs on time

 

[swmrgirl]

You're almost there @wings! I hope you're enjoying the beach this weekend. Thinking if you and wishing you ease and comfort in surgery and recovery. I'm four weeks behind you, so we'll have much to chat about.

 

[Braunzie]

@wings - Enjoy your weekend! Hopefully you will have good weather! You're almost there!

 

[Pescara]

@wings Have a great time at the beach. The OS told me salt water is great for the knees. Just remember to wear some kind of beach shoes so walking on the sand can be easier

 

[Pescara]

@wings Are you all packed and ready to go? I will be thinking of you and see you on the other side. I was nervous until they gave me the happy drugs to relax me. I don't even remember saying goodbye to my hubby and was asleep before I even got to the OR. I didn't remember anything until the next day. Hubby said I talked to him after the recovery room but have no memory of it!

 

[wings]

Beautiful weather. I enjoyed my time at the beach with the exception of all the stairs at the house.,I was able to get in a short bicycle ride. I'm back home now. Later this afternoon we will check into hotel close to the hospital. just a few little odds and ends to take care of at the house. The big thing today will be to pack. I appreciate the support.

 

[Pescara]

@wings You will always have my support. You have done so much for me. I treasure our friendship even if we have never met. I will always be here for you. Ahhh WOW. A hotel. Take advantage of it and take a long bubble bath. It will be your last for a bit! Ours is so deep I still can't get in and out so showers for now. Have a great time and enjoy a wonderful dinner. Before surgery I remember asking the doctor if he had a good night's sleep. Lol. Next week after I have my back done we can be in misery together and trade notes. Ice and your recliner will be your best friends.

 

[Braunzie]

@wings - I agree with Pescara. Make the most of tonight and enjoy the hotel.. You will be fine. As I'm sure you've heard at least a dozen times here, if not hundreds.. the most important things to do in your early recovery is to rest, ice, elevate and take your meds BY THE CLOCK. THAT will be your job. If you do those things, you should be able to avoid real pain and just have to endure a bit of discomfort. The next thing to remember is to not over do it with PT and any other activity, especially early on. Remember.. MARATHON.. You will have lots of friends here to support and encourage you along the way. I'm sure you will do WELL!!!

If I don't get back to you before tomorrow, best of luck! I will keep you in my prayers that all goes well and that you have a smooth road to recovery!! Looking forward watching your progress!!

Hugs, my friend!!

 

[KarriB]

Braunzie is right, ice, rest, elevate, take meds as prescribed, let me add, don't feel guilty about doing nothing. Taking it totally easy and leg up is the best way to avoid swelling and begin ROM. I'm sure tomorrow will go well and you'll have that "new" pain.

 

[wings]

I've returned to my pre-op thread to comment on one of my purchases.

Amazon product ASIN B000EWVP80
I purchased this step stool with handle to make it easy to get into our high bed. It has been extremely useful in my rehab. I use this more or less as a lever. I sit on the bed and turn the step stool so the handle is facing me and then place my left foot on the step. Then I pull the top of the handle towards me, stopping and holding when I feel the stretch. As your flexion improves you can inch the step closer to you to increase the flexion.

This has been very helpful in the self-directed portion of my physical therapy.

Again for any patients waiting for their TKR, the surgery and recovery have been much easier than I anticipated. It's not a walk in the park, but I've been very pleased with how things have gone. I have my right knee scheduled for November 12.