TKR Staying Positive

[Andypandy]

@Oldped you really are going through it. Pray you can get the right meds soon. Your stomach sounds similar to mine, only certain antibiotics, no anti inflammatories, so many painkillers not suitable, goes on and on. Not needed when you have your knee recovery to deal with. Sending hugs and fairy dust

 

[EalingGran]

I’ve read about the vaccine, great idea, not yet available in US

Sorry you have a Klebsiella infection that's proving difficult to treat. UTIs really wear you down. I tried everything before the vaccine and it definitely has helped. I also tried Hiprex- although not so sure whether that made much difference for me.
I think some people in the US are buying Uromune from Mexico. It's a bit of a performance as it has to be refrigerated and you have to spray it under your tongue for 3 months but it is great to feel better. I am not sure how long the vaccine will last- hopefully at least 2-3 years.

 

[Oldped]

At last a glimmer of good news. My tests for infection in my knee are negative. I’m getting a referral to a research program at Mayo Clinic on scarring in knee implants. A big relief for now.

 

[Oldped]

@sistersinhim , thank for your advice. I think today I’m finally feeling better, after 3 antibiotics. I’m not using wipes, (except sometimes on kitties) and I to use feta Phil. I like their lotion, body wash, face wash and lotion. I used to recommend it to my patients.

 

[beralc]

How are you doing @Oldped ?

 

[sistersinhim]

I am so glad you're feeling better. UTIs are awful. Now, back to your normal knee's healing.

 

[Oldped]

@beralc , slowly feeling better, a3 different antibiotics in a row were not nice to my gut, I think I got a mild gastritis. I’ve been very tired, little appetite, at least took my mind off the knee. Getting some energy back, feel like moving a bit more. We got big snowstorm yesterday, about a foot of heavy wet snow. Hubby got stuck checking on our rental property, fell and hurt his knee, had to get tow truck. Now we’re both gimping around, thank goodness 24 yr old son is living with us! So it goes, we must deserve some brighter days. Hope you , @Andypandy , @westiemom

 

[Oldped]

Are coming along, it’s been a long winter.

 

[Andypandy]

@Oldped pleased you are now over uti. Not so good for hubby hurting himself, handy having your son around. We have had beautiful weather here, hope it stays. Will let you know how I get on, fingers and everything crossed xx

 

[Oldped]

Sending you hugs and best wishes and lots of ice cream, it will go fine.

 

[beralc]

@Oldped our surgeries certainly test all your coping strategies! For me the surgery itself hasn’t been the problem so much as my body’s reaction to it. Sounds like it’s the case with many of us that without the added problems infections etc recovery would have been a whole lot easier. Hope you and your husband get some respite. Here’s hoping now the UTI’s better you can start to see some light at the end of the tunnel too

 

[beralc]

Just realised I’m 8 weeks post surgery today!! Feels like 8 months

 

[sistersinhim]

I remember that feeling well! Before long, though, you'll look back and realize that you are so much better than you were. Remember, arthritis gets worse, surgery healing gets better!

 

[Oldped]

@Andypandy @beralc @westiemom, How are you all? I’ve been struggling a bit, now have gastritis from antibiotics, poor appetite, can’t eat much. I did manage a short walk outside, knee still very stiff. I’m waiting for referral, don’t think I can do another op because my stomach won’t tolerate meds they recommend
(steroids, celebrex). So trying to just go day by day, look for little positives. I keep hoping for improvement, going to have a massage for scar tissue at end of week. Being sick the last month has really set me back in regaining strength. I keep hoping for improvement. Hope you are all doing ok.

 

[Layla]

Good Evening Oldped,
Sorry to read you're now struggling with gastritis. I hope you find speedy relief and your stomach starts feeling better with rest and the right care. Wishing you a return to comfort and good health soon and hope you enjoy your massage at the end of the week.
@Oldped

 

[EalingGran]

Sorry you are having such a tough time. Glad you were able to walk outside though. Hope the massage helps.

 

[beralc]

@Oldped I’m on a good run at the moment fingers crossed that continues.

I’m really sorry you’ve got additional problems now, I know it’s tough feeling like everything is being thrown at you quite apart from original surgery. Are you able to take anything to ease the gastritis? I find yoghurt and kefir are great for that and will restore the gut lining along with probiotics.

Enjoy the massage I’m sure that will help anyway

 

[Oldped]

@Andypandy ,@beralc , sounds like you’re doing well, not much going on here. Still struggling with stomach issues, had labs: CT yesterday, results ok. Have stomach scope next week. This has taken my mind off my knee, figure I won’t get back my old life, but still have a good life. I’ve lost more weight, but don’t want to lose anymore. At least we’ve had warmer weather.

 

[beralc]

Great to hear from you @Oldped. It sounds like things are still a struggle for you. I’m glad the scan was ok hopefully the scope will show more cos it’s better to have a concrete answer for the issues you have.
I was saying less than 2 weeks ago I couldn’t see me ever recovering but suddenly things are moving forward, it seemed to happen overnight so don’t give up.
What’s your recovery like in terms of the actual op now?