Scheduled Consult with OS

[Bluetechseeker]

taylornewknees, thank you! Its weird, but I sleep flat on my back every night. I kink one leg so it's bent sidewise, they look like a number four. I've never been able to sleep on my side, though. Since finally making the decision to have surgery, it's been almost impossible to get really comfortable - if sideways, I have a pillow between knees but can't stay that way long, if on my back it hurts the back of my knees now. This will be interesting to see what actually works AFTER surgery.

I'll definitely be asking about the antibacterial soap, too. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Bluetechseeker]

Well, called my manager this afternoon to let him know about my surgery. He was driving with my Business Development Manager, and had me on speaker. So, both bosses now know, and are being very supportive and encouraging They've offered a phased return as well, basically whatever I'll be ready to handle, I can. I'm in sales so I have the luxury of doing a lot from home and this will be the perfect time to take advantage of that. It's all downhill now, less than a month away. At least the time will pass quickly, what with closing the work year out and the holidays.

AND - NO grandbaby yet!! Daughter is overdue now, her midwife said she's showing signs of high hormonal shifts and figure she'll "pop" this week for sure (her due date was the 7th, so she's thoroughly miserable). I'd like to spend a long weekend with her and Eleanor before surgery, geez, she better kick it into high gear!

 

[Bluetechseeker]

I'm officially a granny!! My 5'2, 110# daughter gave birth to Eleanor Joan thus morning at 1223 hrs, ELEVEN POUNDS, 20.75" long! Eesh, 100% natural birth at home, too. I need some of my daughters inner strength and single minded determination, that's for sure. Mom and baby are good, I'm all snuggled up with Eleanor right now. I'm so glad she arrived before my surgery so I can enjoy these early days with her!!


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[referee54]

My congratulations to you and to your family!!

I need some of my daughters inner strength and single minded determination, that's for sure.

Nonsense!!! I am sure that they got their toughness from you!! You will be fine!

I'm so glad she arrived before my surgery so I can enjoy these early days with her!!

Think about ho w much fun ylu will hve when yo can enjoy your grandchildren without any arthritic knee pain!

 

[czak57]

Congrats! So happy for you and your family!

 

[Jozilla]

Congratulations to all! Your daughter had to come from strong stock to say the least! Blessings and prayers.


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[Bluetechseeker]

Thank you, everyone!! Daughter and baby are doing great!! I spent so much time snuggling with Eleanor, it was wonderful. I'll be going back up (she's a seven hour drive away) this weekend, but that'll be the last trip for a while. I'm hoping my dad will go up with me to see everyone, he won't do the trip alone. The kids said they won't be down until early summer, so it's going to seem like an eternity until I see them again!

Tomorrow is my pre-surgical testing and pre-registration at the hospital. I checked, and they don't seem to have a joint school or anything like that. Of course, they could have something totally independent and not listed, wouldn't be the first time that happened. My largest questions are regarding pain management and deciding the anesthesia that would be best for me.

Wow, less than three weeks away now!! Time has been FLYING for sure!

 

[Bluetechseeker]

Ok, had the pre-surgery registration and consult today. I didn't meet with the anesthesiologist, that won't happen until directly before surgery. They will be having me use two CPM machines while in bed, I'll be having PT afterwards while in the hospital, probably staying about five days. They gave me a new kind of antibacterial wash (Chlorhexidine Gluconate - CHG) to use night before and morning of, took a nasal swab to test for MRSA, did blood type and match, and went over all the restrictions prior to. They said I could continue with Tylenol up until directly prior to surgery if I needed to. They've provided literature on preventing an infection before and afterwards (no shaving!), discussed the pain assessment scale, pain management, managing constipation, and level of activities at home (I will be having a CPM at home as well). During surgery, they'll be suctioning my own blood, filtering, then giving it back to me as well. I'm fortunate in that I'll have a private room, hubby can stay as long as he wants

The nurse seemed impressed on how informed I was and asked if I'd been reading I told her YES!! And gave her this site information telling her how invaluable all of the support has been preparing for surgery.

 

[taylornewknees]

Congratulations on your granddaughter. Enjoy every moment!
Sounds like you are well on your way for surgery - prepared in every way possible.
All the best for the season!

 

[Bluetechseeker]

Merry Christmas from sunny Florida Well, my "to-do" list is almost "to-done", hee, hee. Found out about the January 6 schedule date for BTKR, went on a belated honeymoon to Costa Rica, my utterly beautiful granddaughter was born and I've been there the last two weekends totally loving being granny, Christmas is now here, next is New Years (we really don't do anything other than stay up and bring in the New Year together), then, THE BIG DAY

Time is rolling by SO FAST!! I didn't really expect it. I thought it'd drag by even with everything we've had on our plate. But, it's almost upon me. I'm so thankful that it's right around the corner. Each day that passes just makes it clearer it's definitely the right decision at the right time. Especially this last month, my knees have been utterly miserable, staying so swollen and sore I can't hardly stand it.

Hubby gave me a wonderful recumbent bike for recovery, a great computer tray to use as well, then included royal blue walker balls for his "hottie" wifey - yeah, he's got a sense of humor alright

Next weekend will be full of getting my hair done, mani/pedis for hubby and I, doing the necessary grocery shopping, and packing a quick bag for the hospital. I like having things all orderly and knowing what's coming up so it'll help settle my mind doing all the last minute prep.

Enjoy your holiday, everyone. My thoughts are with all of you providing such wonderful support and encouragement, for those going on this new journey with me, and for each and everyone on the other side.

 

[Ziggysmom]

Merry Christmas! You sound like you are more than ready! I remember that last week before the surgery...my knee was just killing me...by the time I got to the hospital, I was more than ready to get the show on the road!

As concerns your mani/pedi, you might want to check with the hospital about it...I was told absolutely no nail polish on fingers or toes, in addition to removing all jewelry, no deodorant/perfumes, etc. Every place is different, of course, and I wanted to get the tootsies all dolled up for the occasion...oh well....

 

[jeano]

Pedicures especially are a good way to get an infection...honestly, I'd pass on that. Typically no nail polish preop so as not to mask cyanosis (blue color indicating poor oxygenation) which shows up first in nail beds, or so I was taught a million years ago in nursing school.

 

[Bluetechseeker]

@Ziggysmom and @jeano, I should've been clearer. The mani/pedi was planned for the removal of polish, definitely not putting more on. The hospital said NO color on toes, finger nails didn't matter since I'm having knee surgery (they said clear was fine). But, to be safe I just removed it myself and will use the pumice stone if needed on my feet this week. Definitely don't want to do anything now that can open the door to infections!! Thank you.

 

[icep707]

Yeah, time doesnt slow down for anyone. You sound very informed , prepared and ready. Everything will be fine. Congratulations on being a grandmother. My son made me a grandfather 4 years ago and I wasnt really ready to be called gramps by all my co workers. I still have jet black hair so it took some time to embrace that. A bilateral is a tough surgery to recover from but fortunately for you , you have a very supportive husband. Best of luck. Im pre op till February 10th..

 

[Bluetechseeker]

@icep707 thanks for the words of encouragement I'm in total wind down mode right now getting ready for everything. I'm SO excited about being a granny!!!! I'm missing Eleanor something terrible already, though. I know I won't be able to make the trip for a while, and they won't come down until at least late Spring/early Summer <sigh...> At least I had the last couple of weekends to smoosh her all over.

Best of luck to you as well. Feb 10 will surely be here before you know it. I do better if I plan for worst case scenarios, so I think I'm mentally prepared to begin recovery. If I'm fortunate enough to just breeze right along, YAY, if not, at least I'm prepared for it. This waiting time has given me all that much more opportunity to prepare, that's for sure

 

[newkneesNH]

I willl keep you in my thoughts Bluetechseeker. You are a reader like me, always educating myself before surgeries, etc. I am having BTKR January 23rd. My pre-op is tomorrow. I wonded if you can tell me what you packed for the hospital, I want to be prepared too. Best of luck to you. Hope to hear from you soon.

 

[Bluetechseeker]

@newkneesNH thank you! I haven't officially packed anything yet, but am mentally making my list. I'll be packing next Sunday evening. I'm planning on taking basic toiletries, my ipad and phone, maybe my robe. The nurse at my pre-op said not to bring clothes or slippers as I simply wouldn't need them, suggested the robe for when I'm up and around. I'd thought maybe some crocheting, but I think that's a bit ambitious for in the hospital. She said whatever I wear in, I'll wear out, just make sure it's comfortable. Hubby will take my Kodiak unit in, then have walker with him when I'm getting discharged.

I'm paking some protein bars made with flax (they look like oatmeal bars) so if I'm "forgotten" at all, I'll have something on my tummy to take with all the meds. My last surgery was a horrible experience because I was pumped full of all kinds of stuff, but had nothing to eat or nibble on and ended up horrendously sick and with a migraine. The nurse kept telling me a tray was coming, but it never showed up, it was miserable. Hubby's going to keep them on their toes, but I'm pretty paranoid about it.

It's certainly coming down to the wire now After this past month or so, I'm SO ready to have the surgery done. Daily activities are really difficult now, with even more constant pain and swelling. And boy, have I been TIRED! I guess it must be energy drain given the drastic degradation I've had these last couple of months. You're definitely right around the corner as well And definitely keep reading and preparing yourself!! I know I'll be living on this forum this week, re-reading all the articles and post op threads. I definitely like being prepared and having a good idea of what to expect rather than going in blind.

 

[newkneesNH]

Funny how hospitals differ. I was told to bring clothes and slippers as they said after 48 hours I would be up moving and soon getting dressed with help daily. They will decide on day 4 or 5 if I will go to a rehab hospital close by or go home. I don't know anyone having BTKR that went home in 4 days. What have they told you?

 

[Bluetechseeker]

My doctor said to expect a stay of 3 - 5 days, and I'll be up either that afternoon or first thing the next day, so we'll see how everything falls into place. I've been watching videos on YouTube where folks are having TKR as an outpatient procedure! I can't even fathom that!! My hubby works from home, so he's there to help when needed. My surgeon said that was a factor in coming home afterwards rather than a rehab center (I'm glad, because I'd far rather be at home!)

 

[bottomshollow]

Hope you and yours have had a wonderful Christmas holiday with lots of family fellowship and sharing of gifts and lots of good food to eat.


I’ll be looking for you at the BoneSmart annual New Year’s Party. It’s been a very eventful year for most of us---and will be a very eventful year coming up for others of us looking forward to surgery in the new year.


Remember to bring food and drink to share---and pictures are always appreciated and loads of fun to share.


SEE YOU AT THE PARTY!!!!!

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