Right TKR at 50 on September 17th

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possum_here

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Hi, I am in the process of my pre-operative stages. Have completed my Xray of my right full leg and MRI of the right knee. I am having a Visionaire knee replacement here in Australia on September 17th. From what I understand my knee is being prepared in USA and then sent to Australia.

I have had my chest xray and full blood count and all came back. I had to see a Specialist to say all was ok to go ahead with the surgery yesterday and I passed his tests.

Next is pre-op admission clinic and then back to see the surgeon, blood test again and then admission to the hospital. I live in the country and will be having my operation in the Private Hospital here.

I stumbled on this site last night and I am so pleased to have had time to read several of the posts so far.

I am nervous but that is normal, I know it is going to take months to recover so I am not thinking any quick here at all. As a Physiotherapy Assistant I know all the exercises I assist patients with so I have already started preparing myself now.

It is always good to know how things feel normally so to gauge after surgery.

I have had previous arthroscopic surgery to both knees but the problem is my right more then the left. I have had two surgeons operate on the right knee the last Specialist did an arthroscopic repair which took me a full 12 months to recover from. So I am unaware of what he did inside but I couldn't squat, kneel on the right for almost a year. Painful recovery.

I have bone on bone now, osteoarthritis that keeps me up all in pain and discomfort. Heat therapy works well to give me a little relief, but cannot handle cold therapy at all for the pain.

I am allergic to many drugs morphine, codeine, paracetamol, and a huge range of other meds. So I am apprehensive about complex pain management after the surgery. I will discuss all these concerns with the pre-op clinic and again with the Surgeon and my GP.

I have started to prepare my hospital bag as they stated I should be in from 7 to 10 days. I like to be organised so thought no use leaving everything to the last minute or expect someone else to do this for me.

I started preparing some meals and freezing them down as well. I have adult sons who have all moved out of home so I really need to rely on myself and being forearmed is my motto.

I went to the local Mobility Store and have made a list of items I will purchase and a couple I will hire for a short period. At this stage I would be interested in what other's felt they needed the most and what they didn't.

I am 5 ft tall so just thought I'd tell you that in advance :)

Looking forward to keeping up with everyone and talking to you all.

So hi from Australia.
 
Hi Possum, looks like you are well prepared. :) Seems you're in the right profession for Knee Replacement. Having a clue is definitely a plus! I was clueless. :what: Thankfully there's Bonesmart. It will be a comfort to you as you recover. This site has it all, there's sympathy/empathy :console2: , knowledge of do's :yes: and don'ts :no-fin: , information :sos: and even comic relieve. :loll:

I'm having my second knee done on September 17th, so I'll see you in Medicinal Lala-land. :egypdance: :rolleyes: :spin:

I hope you are able to find a medication or combination that will work for you. If you don't already know, you'll learn from this site that pain management is a big part of recovery. Someone should be along shortly with a bunch of links to helpful reading material.

Welcome and good luck with your knee(s) :flwrysmile:
 
Thanks Bionic Woman2. I know finding Bone Smart was wonderful. I intend on stalking the site as much as I can. I do not have all the answers but I am always open to asking and being well informed doesn't hurt anyone. I know from past experiences I am horrible with surgery. I have problems with my veins being too small so I tissue a lot from having an IV placed, after multi attempts I am bruised so badly. I refuse to have a catheter placed until I am asleep have had a few bad experiences with nursing staff placing them incorrectly.

Require medication for vomiting after surgery so they usually give this pre op. Constantly have to remind staff I am allergic to medications which they always try to get me to take. I wear my allergy red tag but they always try to give me panadol or panadiene and when you remind them you are allergic they question you. I really find this annoying as if you are allergic to medication, the nursing staff should not question you as to why you think you are and try to give you medication that is wrote in RED. So I do not take ANYTHING unless they tell me what it is.

So tell me what are you having done? And you are just a year older than me so that is cool. You are in USA :)

Actually on the lighter side I will on Australia Day in January celebrate being Australian and on 4th July I will now celebrate being a little American ( well my knee will be as it's being made there) so I will after Sept 17th not be able to say I am 100% Auzzie and I will appreciate the joining of two countries for the safety of my better health.

See I am trying to be positive
 
I have problems with my veins being too small so I tissue a lot from having an IV placed, after multi attempts I am bruised so badly

I have tiny veins too, and mine like to roll and play "hide-n-seek" when the nurse tries to stick me. I'm big bone-ded in my hips/thighs, but I have tiny wrist and ankles. I call myself The Bride of Frankenstein. :yikes: Are you familiar with that U.S. movie? I'm gonna have to catch you up on some U.S. things as you are to be part American shortly. :heehee:
I bruise easily as well and it takes several tries and spots on my arms/hands to insert an IV. Once when I was in labor, I got aggravated because the nurse couldn't find my vein AND I WAS IN LABOR. :doh: When it was time for my epidural the Dr thought I would be difficult and move around. I was like TAKE AN AX AND PUT IN MY BACK, I DON'T CARE! He was surprised at how well I behaved. :angel: I'm not a difficult patient, I just have small veins and need someone that knows how to draw blood/insert IVs on different types of veins. I'm always amazed and pleased when someone gets it in on the first try.

I hope they get your cocktail right. :martini: Nothing like being nauseous after knee surgery... I know. :sick: I didn't throw up after mine but I felt like I was and I had a Bobble-head for a few days. A week after my surgery I went cold-turkey for one day and didn't take anything. I needed to flush the hospital meds out of my system. While I was in the hospital they did give me a anti-nausea patch. It was quite helpful, but when it wore off.... it wore off! :rolleyes: :eeeuw: I'm going to ask for a to-go patch with my next surgery. :) By the way, I had Partial Knee Replacement on my right knee and I am hopefully doing the same on my left knee on 9/18. My OS is shooting for partial, but if it looks like i need a full when he gets in there, that's what it will be. :shocked: I'm hoping for partial because I'm familiar with that recovery. On this site they say there's no difference, and every recovery is different. I'm just hoping for what I'm familiar with, as I have to go back to work 10 weeks afterwards. It will be hard, but doable from what I can tell from this one... Fingers crossed and praying. :bow:

I'm gonna go to bed now, I've been fighting sleep like 2 yr old. :happydance:

Have a good day/evening/night :flwrysmile:
 
I hear what you are saying, there is nothing worse then having a canulla put in that is the wrong size. My veins just collapse, they are tricky little things LOL. The nurses and doctors are all over confident and when I tell them unless you are really good at getting this find someone who has more experience. I have gone under with the surgeon using gas and wake with an arm looks like it is black and blue from so many failed attempts. I think they feel it safer for them if they do it whilst I am asleep.

The left arm is the better of the two so I do not even put the right arm out for them to try. Guess after 30 operations in my life my veins have had enough and so like yours they like to play hide and seek :ok:

I had an epidural with my second son's C-section. It didn't work I could feel everything so the though of another makes me immediately think nope just knock me out. I think I am having a general with a femoral nerve block. I know I will be sick, so I ask for the nausea drugs to be on board before they wake me. Not a great experience vomiting on waking, nope not good at all.

I will be lucky to get a day with the IV I just tissue and then they want to jab me again. It is worse when they leave the butterfly in with nothing attached.

I had a heart attack at work in the middle of my shift in January and I suffer from hypertension (long time). I stopped all my meds two months ago and when I had to have my blood test last week thought woops I am going to be in trouble with everything elevated. So I went and had my scripts filled and started them again over the weekend. Totally expected the doctor to read me the riot act but my blood work was great. Here I was stressing for no reason but have decided to stay on the meds now until after the surgery just in case and review them all after the recovery stage.

Now I am going to be part American I do think I should celebrate Independence Day. I will have to find out what state my knee comes from :rofsign:. When I told my family they thought I was mad. I said I am looking at the positive points. So where are you from?

My Dad had a heart attack 1 week post op after his right TKR. Threw a clot and he ended up with a stent. He has 2 more heart attacks since but timed away.

I had returned home which is 10 hours from him, so I was driving like crazy to get to him. I'd been through his hospital and stayed at the hospital accommodation its a house set up for families who do not live near. I organised his home to have home help etc and was only home 2 days when he had the heart attack. I blamed myself for leaving him and felt like the worst daughter ever. However my brother who lives across the road with his 2nd wife hadn't been doing anything to help him after I left. His gf has her own place is useless and he was up cooking her dinner when it happened.

So even though I am experienced and understand the procedures, it is still a little daunting as it is me this time not someone I am caring for. Having the help for myself is another thing.

I look forward to my new
 
I am curious what mobility aid you are planning on using after your TKR.
Is there a list somewhere on the forum of items others have felt were a must have?

I need to reply on organising my equipment prior to surgery so any assistance here would be appreciated.
 
welcome aussie.jpg
possum_here, so pleased that you have joined us here on the forum and that you started a thread of your own.
I have some reading for you! The first set is essential reading, the second and third are useful and the fourth is just good information, but you will need it all.

Group A
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Progression of activity for TKRs

Group B
How Long Does Healing Take ......
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevating your leg to control swelling and pain
Using ice
Constipation and stool softeners
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

Group C
Knee Replacement - Where Am I in Recovery?
So What Is It Going to Take? The Five “P’s” of Knee Recovery
Work “Smarter” and not “Harder”
About recovering a knee - from one who knows!
Some suggestions for home physio (PT) and activity progress
Myth busting: The "window of opportunity"

Group D
MUA (manipulation under anaesthetic) and adhesions
It's never too late to get more ROM!
It's Worth the Wait for ROM
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it

Please don't be overwhelmed by the list. The articles are not lengthy and contain information that will answer many questions and help you make your recovery much easier on your knee and on you.

I also want to share the BoneSmart mantras with you. Following them to the letter will assure you of the best possible recovery.

- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist - to do it to you
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!

I have found an avatar that I thought you might like to use. It is already sized to fit perfectly as I have tested it. On a PC, just right click on the attached picture and "save image as" in your picture files. Then hover your mouse of your user name at the top of the page and from the drop down menu select "Avatar". The click the browse button and find the picture in your files and double click it. Then click "Okay"and you are done. On an iPad, hold your finger on the image and you will be presented with the options to copy or save the image. Choose 'save the image' go to your user name, top of screen and select Avatar and then choose 'existing choice' and apply and bingo you have your new avatar.
possum 9.jpg


If you are not interested, my feelings will not be hurt. I just enjoy doing this when the opportunity presents itself.

We are here to help in any way we can: answering questions and concerns; supporting and encouraging you from start to finish; giving you a place to vent, whine, complain if you need to; sharing experiences with one another; and having fun and some laughs along the way.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.
 
Hi Donna! Best wishes for an uneventful and restful recovery! You are going to have an international knee! :flwrysmile:
 
Thank you Bottomshollow I love the possum.
Have been reading as much as I can on the site today, it is really great.

Gaborik2013 thank you for your kind wishes for an uneventful and restful recovery. International knee lol
 
Try looking in the library. There's a good source of information there. Two things I needed was an elevated toilet seat and a walker. You will possibly need a seat for your shower as well.
 
Toilet seat riser with handles, walker, cane,( I also used crutches) , bench seat for shower or tub, and make sure you have a good mattress! I bought a new one as ours was old. Best thing I ever did! You will be flat on back for weeks when you sleep, and you will love a good supportive mattress!
 
Possum, I live on my own and had to do my first knee almost solitary except my brother and his wife came and stayed for a few days. However, they are older now and have health issues themselves so for my next knee, I shall be totally alone. You might like to read the potted version of my recovery to see how I did! Knee recovery - UK style
 
I thought I would be well informed and prepare myself for my hospital stay and recovery period. This lead to changing rooms around so I had easier access to get in and out of bed.

I had these idea's, someone might laugh but here goes

For hospital
I have my toiletry bag, nighties, 3/4 summer weight pj pants wide legs with tshirt tops, dressing gown, underwear. Loose fitting track pants and tshirts for when the Physiotherapist takes me. One piece swimmers as we do hydrotherapy and a pair of board shorts.

I am having my hair coloured and cut the day before surgery and my they will straighten it for me. I have got hair ties to pull my hair up when it starts to look like it needs doing again. I will probably use the laundry tub to wash my hair once I am home if I find being in the shower too long a bit difficult.

Someone mentioned about having their toe nails cut (hadn't thought about that) so a little pamper will be to go and have a foot spa at the local salon the day I have my hair done. Cannot have nail polish done as surgery like no polish.

Leaving all jewellery at home except my watch. DH can bring my earrings in which I will put in after surgery but will leave bangles and rings until I get back home. I do like my bling but in hospital with drips and everything it is better at home.

Fill my car up with fuel on the day before surgery Dh can drive his own car but mine is lower to the ground for safe sitting into and getting out of after the surgery and to use for emergencies or to go to Physiotherapy program once a week for 8 weeks (part of the schedule the OS gave me)

Arrival at home equipment shower chair, over toilet frame with hand support, I have a 4ww with brakes for when I am a little more stable but will use crutches forearm support one's then have a cane. I have a grabber but thinking I might get another one.

I have a tummy bag for anything I might need when I go out instead of my handbag. cannot see me managing the hand bag with crutches.

Mobile phone I just pop it in my bra so wont change that LOL.

Phones will purchase hands free as there is no way I will be able to get up and down to the main phone but most people call me on the mobile (cell).

Icing will be done by putting them into sleeve I made already with velcro straps. I have different sizes and flexible.

Medication is all in a beauty case all kept together as I already take a handful twice a day so it works keeping it together.

Pillows, have plenty for height adjustment on recliner and for in bed.

Slippers with non slip sole also closed in and easy to slip on do not need a shoe horn. Also day shoes can be put on without assistance. Guessing no heels for a while :(

Stocking up on household items general things like toilet paper. Even bought wet ones for the hospital to just feel fresher.

will add to list as I think more or have bought more :)
 
I bought a new mattress yesterday for my bed. Slept on it last night I got the plush but I was so sore this morning hopefully tonight will be better lol. Gazelle and Dee thanks you have given great thoughts too.
 
Donna, it takes a bit to adjust to a new mattress for me. I hope yours get there soon!
 
Thanks Trish I have had the same mattress for a long time so I am hoping the new one will take only a couple of nights to get used to it.
 
I am just an organised kind of person. I like to be prepared as I do not have family close by and although I am the kind of friend that goes out of her way for everyone else, I tend to find I am alone when I need help. So rarely ask and so become super organised.

Pretty upsetting actually that I can rely on one person "ME". I am not going to let myself down.

I am heading out shopping shortly for more goodies :)
 
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