TKR Oh Baby feel the (k)need in me - the sequel ..

[dogwheels]

Hello @Nana moon 27 - how are you feeling tonight? I am fine, Gilbert has gone home with his Mum and husband is back from the coast, so all is back to normal now.

In spite of not being able to go out, I had a good time on my own here. I enjoy my own company and both of us quite enjoy a few days apart. It must be so dull for my husband, with me being such a boring blob at the moment. It was nice for him to get away, be out in the fresh air, meet up with his mates and enjoy a sail. He always comes back a much nicer person, and I think we appreciate each other more.

I was only saying on another post that I always thought my husband's awful attitude to illness was due to his dislike of perceived weakness. Only post op did I realise he is actually s**t scared. He was awful while I was in hospital and for the first couple of days I was home, until I twigged. He is so used to me being strong and independent, running the whole show at home, always happy, always accommodating, that the new version was potentially a bit scary. I didn't make a fuss and made sure that he could see that I might be a bit bashed and broken, but that was all. My incapacity was short term and nothing had really changed too much, and most importantly I had gone through this for both of us. After that he was great, and although when my knee seized up he wigged out a bit and blamed me, he soon saw sense and calmed down and has been very matter of fact about it, but kind. I think these men become like little children when the status quo is changed at home, I really do.
Sorry you had an unpleasant evening, I cannot abide badly behaved children - as far as I am concerned there is no excuse. It's just so hard to sit and bite your tongue isn't it?
@TexasTee, I agree with @Nana moon 27 - if you are unsuccessful in wearing wide linen trousers, there is no hope for any of us. What I would give to have long legs and a decent figure! I do so hope that your poor Chloe is much better. I bet she has a really sore tummy.
Well I hope you have a lovely time in Wales NM27 - we will miss you, as I know your signal is a bit iffy there.
Take care, look after yourself and start counting down the days to that OS appointment.

ChrisX

 

[TexasTee]

Wide leg trousers, be gone! I do enjoy being tall though it can be a challenge to find pants long enough - not a huge issue since I live in Texas, it's often much too hot to wear pants anyway!

Chloe is home though I would guess she thought she felt better BEFORE they "fixed" her. She seems quite uncomfortable but I can't say as I blame her. Working from home today and typing with one hand so she is being pet with the other!

Hope you are both feeling terrific today!

 

[dogwheels]

Hello again @TexasTee - I expect you have spent the afternoon ministering to Chloe's every need. Hope she is feeling a bit perkier now (do English mastiffs do 'perky'?).
Gilbert has gone home to his Mum now, but is feeling most put out that the English newspapers are covering stories of feral rats that are 2 feet long! In his youth Gilbert was a big boy (about the size of a small kitten) but he thinks these big rats are just greedy and plain obese.
I have just returned home and am sporting my usual post-hydrotherapy odour of 'Eau de Chlorine' - delightful! I am about to have yet another shower to try and get rid of the ghastly smell.
Give Chloe a hug from me - and have a good evening.
X

 

[TexasTee]

Congrats on another successful hydro session! I need to look into where I can go for that - thankfully my insurance doesn't care where I go so I can make my own decisions rather than be forced to pay out of pocket to get what I need.

Chloe seems to be feeling a bit better - she was pacing the house for hours this am, trying to work what is left in her intestine out as well as panting out the anestesia. What she has NOT been doing is eating anything that she should. I'm trying all manner of bland things - eggs scrambed with rice/ hamburger simmered in chicken stock with squash - ensure and she has turned her nose up at all of them but has deigned to have a piece of bacon, a cookie and some ghee quick fried broccoli. Yes, indeed my dog is spoiled.

I will pass along the hug, she's a big fan...and yes, generally this EM can be quite chipper, she's not a typical mastiff in that but still bounces around like a puppy on a normal day.

Poor Gilbert - feral rats are just not the thing - he's got it good and I'd bet he knows it!!

 

[DogLoverx3]

I'm sorry I didn't know about Chloe @TexasTee but am glad she's back home and on her way to feeling better. Although it goes against the 'bland' diet post anesthesia, I've found that if one of my dogs won't eat a beloved scrambled egg with a bit of cheese on top or devour a bowl of boiled chicken and rice, that I go the completely opposite route and resort to *gasp* stinky canned dog food. I hate the stuff and it's SO bad for dogs, but for the same reasons we hate it is the reason that dogs love it - it stinks to high heaven (and dogs won't eat what they can't smell) and is bad for them - probably the canine equivalent of a big mac. I usually find that the 2nd day after anesthesia is the worst for my 'kids'. I'm hoping she's feeling better and eating by the time you even read this. As I'm sure you're already aware, it much more important for her to drink than to eat. Dogs can go days without food, but not water and if she's not eating, I would give her some unflavored pedialyte in her water.

@dogwheels , you were in the pool right after surgery? That's nutty. I've never heard of that regimen before. I wasn't allowed to submerge my knee for 4-5 weeks. While I'm sure that you had some lovely plastic contraption (saran wrap/ziplock baggie) protecting your incision, most surgeons in the US go for land lubbing exercises first before progressing to water ones ..... interesting......

Anywhoo, I am apparently procrastinating again, but wanted to check in on my favorite mermaid!

 

[Ellejay]

As someone who doesn't have pets I've enjoyed reading about Gilbert and Chloe, I hope that she is eating properly now and is feeling better. Dear Gilbert is obviously so well loved, there can't be many rats as spoiled as he is, bless him. My daughter used to have a rescued Parsons jack Russell - they are the ones with the longer legs - he was so gorgeous, we had him to stay with us whenever she was working nights, which was 7 nights a month. I loved having him, and he would come here if I was on school holidays whilst she was working. He wasn't a young dog when she got him and inevitably he died and left an enormous dog shaped hole in all of our hearts. Because we travel so much now we said we couldn't commit to having a canine visitor all these odd nights, and as she is still working shifts she just has her two house rabbits now. They are lovely but just not the same.
Grandson is just waking so I must go - last day of four today, I have loved it and will miss his little call of "Manmaa" whenever he doesn't know where I am.
Have a lovely day everyone

 

[dogwheels]

Awww.... @Ellejay - your grandson sounds a real sweetie pie. It's been hard work for you but it must have been lovely having him all to yourselves for a few days.
@TexasTee - hope Chloe is feeling a wee bit better today and that her 'naughty but nice' food treats made her happy. My Nan always said 'a bit of what you fancy does you good' and I am sure that applies as much to animals as humans.
Poor old Gilbert is off to the vets tonight (he hates it too and seems to turn into a constant pooping machine as soon as the car enters the car park there). He is such an old gent now that his little lungs get quite congested as he doesn't move around very much. He was quite wheezy when he was with me, so daughter is getting him checked over. Really hope it isn't bad news ..... hopefully they will put him on a low dose antibiotic for the rest of his days to help with the respy problem.
It is odd isn't it @DogLoverx3 about the differences in treatment here, especially regarding hydro? But I think that the regimen at my hospital is quite unique even in UK. The incision was only steri stripped and then had a waterproof dressing enclosing the whole thing - it worked like a dream so we could shower, go in the pool ..... everything from the get go. It's only a tiny hospital and morning hydro is for the knee and hip in-patients. Everyone gets wheeled across there, all looking a bit worse for wear - the last thing you really want is to get your swimmers on and splash about in the water ....you just want to sleep! However the instant freedom and feeling of normality in the water is great, but it is so tiring. I think that's why they do it - guaranteed peace and quiet for a couple of hours once everyone is back in their rooms! What really makes me laugh is that my OS operated on the Queen's knee a few years back - I wonder if he made good old Lizzy jump up and down in the pool afterwards? Somehow I think not, but the image is a good one
Well I hope you all have good days today and well-behaved knees!
X

 

[Jozilla]

Glad to read about everyone's life! Yes we must be getting there or learning how to deal better with pain. I love reading about Chloe and Gilbert. I have a miniature pincher Stella and big cat Pun living with me as well as my daughter and family. Her fiancés house while in the mountains was ruined during superstorm Sandy. The have been here about one and a half years. We do have separate living areas so we are lucky that Me and hubby have plenty of room and love. I got my haircut short (it was quite long) and colored last week, came home and thought my grandson who is one would not recognize me. He was fine but Stella who is getting old growled at me. So funny she does not growl at anyone and is a big mush. We were all hysterical. That is funny about the swimming. I also was told no swimming for six weeks. I believe they were afraid of infection. I need my other knee done but am putting it off till the end of August or September because I cannot Imagine recovering all summer and not swimming! This surgery is all about being ready psychologically as much as physically. I am not quite there yet. Everyone have a lovely day - will catch up later!


RTKR - 9th December, 2013

 

[dogwheels]

Hi @Jozilla - it's a beautiful day here today, lovely and bright but still a bit chilly. This afternoon we are going to the Garden Centre for a quick look round and to try and buy some night-scented plants for my daughter's cute little garden. She loves smelly plants! Currently she has honeysuckle and has just bought a jasmine so we thought we would treat her to a couple more. Thankfully she seems to have 'green fingers' like her Dad and Nan - and doesn't take after me who kills everything just by touching it.
How sad about your daughter and her fiancés house - such a terrible thing to happen. However it must be nice to have your family and your grandson with you and watch him grow up, those early years are so precious.
I had to laugh about your Stella's reaction to your new hairdo. Ha ha - animals are so funny. I have to admit to being a cat person more than a dog one - but all animals are great in my book. Cant get too worked up about fish or birds, although we had both when we were living in Indonesia - I need furries that I can stroke and make a fuss of!
It is odd about the water therapy, I was told that public pools were not allowed until the incision was completely healed and scab free. I'm assuming that there is extra chemical in the hospital pool - perhaps I'll ask on my next visit, as I am nosey and would like to know.
Well enjoy your day and talk later
X

 

[TexasTee]

@dogwheels @DogLoverx3 @Ellejay @Jozilla Thank you for your kind thoughts for Chloe - she did finally eat the scrambled eggs and a bit of the burger last night and scrambled eggs again today so hopefully she'll feel more herself. I was able to work from home yesterday to be her nurse but had to come into the office today. Below is a picture of her after returning from the vet...it looks more like an after photo to a college party!

Ellen I'd never have considered offering her canned dog food - she has eaten raw food since she was a puppy so the idea didn't even occur. I'll keep that in mind in case she goes off food again - the occasional big mac won't hurt her!

 

[dogwheels]

I have just come back from taking my car for a spin for the first time post op. It felt fantastic to be independent and free. I told my husband I would just drive around the roads near home, but it was as much as I could do not to take off for the whole afternoon. I felt NORMAL!
It is faintly ridiculous for me to be so pleased, especially as the TKR was so long ago, my operated leg is my left and I have an automatic ...... but remember that I had just been cleared to drive by my OS at 6 weeks when the ****** knee seized up and wouldn't bend. I know I could have driven in an emergency, even when it wouldn't bend - but it was so painful to sit. However, as bending has increased over the last few weeks I am more comfortable sitting for any length of time, and therefore will not be a road hazard, fidgeting or shifting positions while driving. To top it all, I have a 4 x 4 and I also didn't need to lower the suspension to haul myself in. Yay for me!
I intend driving myself to physio tomorrow - about 25 mins drive, and that will do for now ......

 

[TexasTee]

Congratulations and it's not at all ridiculous for you to be pleased, that's a major hurdle and you did it!!

 

[TexasTee]

Oh! and I'm wearing my Sperry sandals - they are awesome! Stay snug to my foot and the rubber bottom is so much nicer on the tile halls than the normal sandal bottom. I already ordered another pair!

 

[Ellejay]

Congratulations on your drive! I understand exactly how you are feeling @dogwheels, I remember my first drive post op, it felt just wonderful, freedom at last. Although I can't walk anywhere at the moment, luckily I can still drive, if that was taken from me I would go round the bend.

 

[dogwheels]

Shame on you for rubbing it in @Texas Tee! (I'm glad the sandals are nice though). I wouldn't mind, but I looked up the old rental contracts and it was Sperrys that rented my house the other summer. I could have waived the rental and taken payment in shoes!!
I am still trying to decide the best way to go with them - have to decide which I like the most for starters. I really like those cute broderie anglais style white espadrilles.

In the midst of shoe indecision, I have ordered some fake tan with the intention of making myself look a little more healthy (don't suppose you ever have that problem where you are). Even if we had some decent sunshine I would be unable to get myself down onto a sun lounger at the moment. Every year I buy the latest fake tanner that promises that it doesn't smell of biscuits ....... but it always does! Still, I will keep on trying ...... I so miss living in Asia and the Middle East - I had such a fantastic tan then.

Hi @Ellejay - so sorry that you are in so much pain with your other knee. It would be good to have the OS look at it ASAP. After putting up with the post-TKR recovery it's a bummer that the other knee is stopping you enjoying the results of your surgery properly. Shame on you for using up all your data allowance too. You will have to go Bonesmart Cold Turkey when you next go away.

Take care
X

 

[TexasTee]

Sorry @dogwheels! I was just so happy that I found cute shoes that I wore 9 hours today and walked all over the universe and no pain from shoes...heaven...the second pair is a very low wedge with an ankle strap...all is not lost on the pencil skirt front.

Super sorry to hear about the continuing worsening of your knee @ellyjay - I hope that you are able to get into the OS soon and see what's what. I recall that before my first meniscus surgery I couldn't walk more than a few feet without it swelling so out of proportion huge that I was unable to bear weight on it. The surgery at least stopped the insane swelling even if it couldn't do anything for the bone on bone pain. Wishing you all the best!

 

[Ellejay]

Thank you all for your lovely messages of support, I was at my wits end when I last posted, the pain was horrid, Diclofenac made no difference at all, but the strange thing is that there is no swelling, so I suppose a NSAID isn't going to help. I will let you know what the hospital says and how soon I can see the OS.
My tan wasn't too bad, seven weeks in the south of France last summer, then a good summer here, then three weeks in India before Christmas kept it going. All the health professionals I've seen recently are always surprised at the colour of my legs, but it is definitely fading now, we need some sunshine and lots of it!
You have both made me curious about these shoes, I am a Hotter fan through and through, just about all of my shoes are from them, but I am going to have to investigate Sperrys now.
I am meeting a girl friend fro lunch today, we taught together years ago. She was always a very large lady but for the last six months ( yes - over winter) has discovered Boot Camp keep fit classes. They are really tough, all outdoors, she hated the gym but loves this and the difference in her is amazing, she has lost so much weight. My knees wouldn't cope with the tough exercises and all the running, I'm amazed she has done it but it has been so worthwhile. Her whole personality has changed, she is a widow, and was very depressed, but now she is happy, bubbly - literally a new woman. I am looking forward to today's lunch, but not being the short fat one with a stick.
Speak later, enjoy whatever you are all up to today xxx

 

[dogwheels]

Good morning @Ellejay. I do hope that lunch with your friend today will take your mind off your knee a bit and that it will behave nicely. What an achievement for your friend, you say she is widowed, if her personality and appearance have improved so much from Boot camp, she wont remain unattached for very long. My knees and back are aching just thinking about all that running.

I am driving myself to physio this morning - if another member of the family tells me to be careful I will scream! I keep telling them that the TKR has not impaired my driving ability and I don't have to use that leg.

I woke up this morning and realised it is 12 weeks exactly since the op - sadly I am no further on than I was at 6 weeks. I am literally doing this recovery twice over. Two lots of sedentary 6 week recoveries have taken a toll on the waistline - I have been having a sneaky look at @TexasTee's Paleo diet ....... seems quite drastic, but if I am not allowed to move about more soon, drastic measures will be needed!

Well I must get up and get moving. Talk later
X

 

[Ellejay]

Happy 12 week aknneeversary. Enjoy your drive and good luck with the physio. Two recoveries just isn't fair, let's hope that once summer is really here you will be mobile and active.I was just beginning to use the gym, walk fair distances and start Pilates again so I had some hope of losing weight at last, but bam! I'm back to doing nothing again. I didn't even risk going to the pool this morning, walking is so painful, but I know the water exercises are so good for the TKR knee. Never mind - good news - I can see the OS next Monday. That's not long to wait for an appointment, so I'm very pleased. His clinic was full, but I was told he will see me before clinic starts, ( I knew he was a nice man ). So with a PT appt. this Thursday, the OS on Monday and the GP next Tue surely someone should be able to sort my knee out??????

 

[dogwheels]

I'm so pleased you have got that appointment Lyn - even just knowing that the OS will be looking at it very soon will make you feel a bit brighter and a bit better. As you say, what with OS and GP all ministering to you, hopefully they can sort out a plan of action that will have you feeling a lot more comfortable and in much less pain, very quickly. Definitely tell them your plans for France and then they can advise/medicate accordingly.

So much for good dietary intentions, I was a bit grumpy about the 12 weeks thing this morning - I came down for breakfast and didn't realise that husband had used up all the cereal .... even my emergency box! I therefore faffed around for a bit and then deciding I should eat something before I set off for physio, had an enormous coffee and a piece of carrot cake. Yum! I think instead of the 'minute on the lips, lifetime on the hips' maxim - I will change it to 'Moment of glee - not good for the knee!' ............ do you think it will catch on??

Enjoy lunch with your friend and catch up later
X