Become an Insider

TKR SpaceDust's Pre-Op Path

Status
Not open for further replies.
I wasn't fitted for the brace, exactly - these are wrap style with velcro, much the same as less supportive braces, so it was a question of trying on two different braces and getting the one that fit me better.

My surgery is currently scheduled for November 18, so there's only a couple of weeks left to go (gulp!)
 
Cococay said:
Can you remind me of your surgery date?
Click to expand...
Surgery dates are in a signature, that shows below our posts. If you’re coming onto Bonesmart on your phone, rotate your phone and then you should be able to see the signature.
 
Cool trick- I wondered why i couldn’t see the signature. Thank you.
 
So, today was my pre-op appointment. I did labs (bloodwork and urine), got my prescriptions (already picked up from the pharmacy) and made my first PT appointment for a week after surgery, as directed by my surgeon's office. I also got all the paperwork signed. I'll get a call in the next few days to go get the COVID test - it's a drive-thru at the local hospital, so no getting out of the car. I'll also hear where, exactly, I am on the surgical schedule for the 18th sometime next week, although that can shift, I know.

I opted to do outpatient PT, instead of in-home. I don't want my serenity challenged more than it must be when I'm at home - it's my sanctuary and the place I can emotionally rest. Since the clinic is about 3 miles from my house, I'll manage the trip - I did when I had ankle surgery, as well. I've had good experiences with this PT clinic in the past, so I'm not expecting to have to fight them on not pushing me past where I want to go unless things have changed in the last few years.

I won't have to buy an ice machine - it's provided, and it's the same one I'll be using at the hospital.

It's confirmed that I should expect to be a single overnight, with OT and PT the next day before discharge. That is, of course, barring any complications or difficulty in getting my pain under control.

I'm both excited to be done with this, and a bit scared that I'm moving too quickly - but I think the fear is something most people have with these major procedures.
 
I’m glad you're one step closer. You're so close! By thanksgiving you will be telling us how recovery is going!!
 
Hey, Cococay - I'm fine, although my nerves do crop up a bit, as you can probably guess. It's only 10 days away now. I'm busy gathering what I think I'll need for recovery! How are you doing?

Today was a good reminder of why I'm doing this - we were running errands. Nothing strenuous, but it was uncomfortable, then painful, and I barely limped my way through less than 4000 steps before we got home. I took two extra strength Tylenol and put my leg up, but it honestly hasn't really done much - while there isn't a lot of visible swelling, I can feel the puffiness and instability when I stand, and it's still pretty uncomfortable.

Understand that before my knee went to pieces, most days were 10000 steps or more, and while I wasn't "power walking" at least half of those steps would be at a brisk pace. On vacation, it isn't uncommon at all for us to go 20000, 30000, even 40000 steps in a day if we're exploring. I want my life back. I *will* take my life back.
 
Although I have not had mine yet- I believe that it will give you your life back- and better even. Honestly- I think it’s easy to forget as crazy as it sounds- what “normal” is- and though the recovery is long- it’s always moving towards improving. So - I guess- think back to years ago-when you never thought about your knee- when making plans had nothing to do with pain and mobility --that is the end result. Just remember-the decision to do this is based on how your knee impacts your life- not compared to others but for you. And doing this means you will get to live every day without thinking of your knee and without wondering if you should or shouldn’t take action!!
I hope your able to mentally prepare this week and not ruminate to much. I will say to you what I wish I abided by- stay away from doctor google and instead focus on the positive stories and shared experiences... I’m thinking about you.
 
Spacedust!! So similar! I’m 59, scheduled on the 18th, and worry it’s too soon. I’ve had too many surgeries and have always gotten back into life sooner than advised with no issues. I’m concerned about the 10-12 weeks, my work is more physical however. But I’ve had knee issues since I was a kid. That knee has had two menisectomies. I CAN hike, walk, do stairs, work, etc - but it hurts and has slowed me down and caused me to be stiffer- to where my husband says I move like an old lady. I disagree but whatever. Lol.
i got a second gel injection in August and this time it actually helped some - took the edge off it enough where I keep questioning myself. I was actually able to do yard work yesterday with minimal pain. Other days it’s worse. Some days I can do normal steps (it’s not an elegant sight, but I push myself when I can so my muscles don’t totally atrophy ). Some days it’s way too uncomfortable and it’s one step at a time.
My deductible has been met, I figure with Covid and winter I’m not missing too much. I’m tired of being slow, tired of not being able to move normally. I have a 16 year old son - I’m young enough that I want to keep up with him better than I am - I get angry when I think of limping through his remaining years at home - and THEN getting a new knee? THEN I’ll be able to hike normally - when he’s not with me?! But I worry it’s too soon - especially when it lets me do things like the yard work yesterday... and I read about ones saying they knew they were ready when they couldn’t walk anymore... do I really have to get to that point...
 
@MariaB we're two halves of the same surgery, maybe? I'm getting the left done, and you're getting the right - together, we're bilateral :)

It's always easy to second guess. It's harder to stay the course, sometimes. I am GOING to do this. The only thing that would stop me is if we suddenly had another COVID lockdown or some other health issue prevented me. I'm determined. I don't want to just continue to deteriorate. If I'm going to be in pain anyhow, I want to be healing, not disintegrating!

Best of luck to you this week while we're getting prepped for the big day!
 
I’ll be anxious to hear how it goes for you - hope we’re both on the side of ”easy” recoveries!
 
I sincerely hope both of you do well. It maybe be hard but you have to have patience recovery takes time. There is no point in overdoing it after surgery whether its doing therapy at home or outpatient your knee will let you know w/o question if you did too much. Take pain meds as prescribed if you wait till your pain its going to take longer to feel better the idea is to manage the pain not let it get out of hand. Use an ice wrap trust me on this, ice does wonders with pain and swelling. A word of warning do not have ice directly on skin or for long periods of time. I made the mistake awhile back and almost got frostbite. Be grateful to friends or family that offer help the first week is the worst after it will be hard but you can manage.
Best of luck.
 
I'm scheduled for my pre-op phone interview with a nurse from the anesthesiologist's staff tomorrow, and my COVID test is on Friday morning. It's getting ever more real.

My knee was very well-behaved yesterday, but today it's being a petulant child again. I'm so ready to move on from this!
 
Today was NOT a good knee day. Not at all. I think there's some meniscus shrapnel hung up in the joint, and it has been painful and annoying. I'm so ready to be done with that!

Today was, as I mentioned yesterday, the pre-op phone interview. It lasted about 20 minutes, and there wasn't anything unexpected about it on either side, so we just made it a pleasant conversation. One more thing completed on the checklist. Next up, the COVID test!

I'm focusing on preparation for the next few days. I've ordered a walker and a cane, as well as some comfort items like a Lounge Doctor pillow and a backrest pillow so I can sit in bed and use my laptop if I'm so inclined. Already have a laptop table. I have a long shoehorn for times when the hubs isn't available to assist me with getting my slip-on shoes on, and I'm prepped with a strap to help me move my leg around if it is being uncooperative. Already have a few things like a long-handled loofah and a handheld showerhead.

I've ensured I have plenty of shorts, loose sweats and shoes that are a little oversized. I also have a couple pairs of jeans that are a bit more wide legged (most of my jeans tend to be a closer fit) once I decide I can wear them again!

I'm debating whether I will need a shower chair. I didn't need one when I had surgery on my ankle a few years ago, and that was non weight-bearing - our shower in the master is only about 1 meter by 1 meter, so the walls are handy, and the floor of the shower is not slippery. I think I'll be fine as long as my husband is there when I'm showering.

I've already picked up my prescriptions and will set up my medication timer soon.

Since my husband and our housemate (our "brother from another mother") are both work-from-home, I'm not worried at all about pet care, meals, etc.

We don't have a couch downstairs, but what we DO have is 5 theater style recliners, so I think that will be fine. I have pillows and a blanket to make a nest down there as desired.

I will be bringing a Polar ice machine home with me from the hospital, I'm told.

Is there something I've forgotten that everyone considers essential?
 
It sounds like you are well prepared. I never needed a shower chair, I didn’t have room for it anyway. I was shakey, but I was able to stand long enough for a quick shower at home 2 days after surgery, and from there on after.
 
My surgery got moved up a week. I got a call saying they had a cancellation a week before my scheduled date, so I took it. I said to my friend, I wonder why that other surgery got cancelled, and her reply to me was, someone more scared than you? :heehee:
 
Jockette said:
I said to my friend, I wonder why that other surgery got cancelled, and her reply to me was, someone more scared than you? :heehee:
Click to expand...

Hehe, I thought that might be the case at first, but no - I actually know the reason, and the information was volunteered at the end of the call, I didn't ask! Some specialized equipment needed for a surgery on Tuesday was not arriving until Tuesday afternoon, so the scheduler called on the chance I would be willing to swap days.
 
Spacedust said:
I'm debating whether I will need a shower chair. I didn't need one when I had surgery on my ankle a few years ago, and that was non weight-bearing - our shower in the master is only about 1 meter by 1 meter,
Click to expand...
I didn't need a chair or stool in the shower, but I was glad of a chair to sit down on while I dried myself.

Initially just having a shower will tire you out and you'll probably need to have a rest afterwards.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Corganics CBD
Active Antimicrobial Hydrogel

Staff online

  • benne68
    benne68
    Staff member since February 4, 2022

Members online

Total: 2,734 (members: 2, guests: 2,732)

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom