This is THE day ....

[Josephine]

Finally I know for certain that I need my knee to be done. It's been a good time since diagnosis Jan 06, been able to do pretty much anything I wanted in that time except for a few episodes. But they got better and I really thought it might go on that way indefinately! Silly me!

So yesterday I went shopping for a new settee and was amazed to find I was walking without aids and did a good shop in the supermarket as well. That plus 40 min drives there and back. I was amazed.

Until around 2am when almost anything I did in bed in the way of trying to get comfortable was painful. I ended up coming downstairs for some pain pills - first time I've ever had to do that! Managed to get a bit of sleep but now feel zonked 'cus of the pills! Knee still hurts but strangely, is fine when walking and I can do the stairs without any hindrance whatsoever.

So I'm sitting here with my legs up on the settee and my TENS machine buzzing away. Boy, what a wonderful invention! And I just heard from the surgeon's secretary that she's left him a letter to say I'd rung (this morning) and hopes he'll get to it very soon.

Hey ho! Was inevitable, I suppose!

 

[Linda2]

I'm sorry to hear you need to have the surgery, but you know that our prayers and support will be with you. I sure understand your hesitation. I need to have my other knee done, but I'm in no hurry, either!

 

[Nancyo]

Jo,
I hate to hear that you are going to have to go through the surgery. As you have said so many times before, at least we now have these surgery's to help us. I know that when you've been in the medical profession as long as you have you know all the in' and out's of the surgery and what it takes to get it done. You have a ton of friends who love and support you and if you need any help around the house I'm sure at least half of us would hop a plane and be there to help you in no time at all.
We love and respect all you have done for us and I'm sure many prayers will be offered in your behalf. Please keep us informed and updated as to where you are in the process. We care and we are all here for you.
Nancy O

 

[Jamie]

Jo....I guess we all knew this day would arrive. I think you are brave to get on with it. It's quite different when it's YOUR knee and not someone else's!! But you know it will be better and we'll all be here for you and soon enough you'll be dancin' in the streets. Hugs to you from Kansas!!!! ....Jamie

 

[Josephine]

It's quite different when it's YOUR knee

Ain't that the trufe! Thanks so much for all your nice messages.

 

[JudyS]

Jo now that you have made the decision I hope things move fast for you., Yes you will have so many of us praying for you. I am sending thoughts for a quick apt with the best doc there is for you.
Judy

Yes, I would fly over and help you if you needed it.

 

[JenniferG]

Jo, you'll be OK, you've got us. ;-) (uh oh!) Man how i remember the pain of just sitting. You can be a spring baby and out and about walking for Spring, Yeah! At least you have the sense to use those pain pills.

 

[Nursepair]

JO, poor you!! Hope it all goes ahead soon. If we do get to the UK in the spring (possibly April) I will come and see you!!

Try using a body pillow at night, that really helped me during recovery. Take the greatest of care dear Jo. Love and ((((HUGS))))) Sue xoxoxo

 

[Judles]

Oh Jo!
Doctors are supposed to be the WORST patients, but I hope you get relief soon and just get this over with! Then you'll be able to get on with your busy life like you always tell us!
We're here for YOU!!!!

 

[JenniferG]

What kind of moderator will you be on all those pretty pills? (Insert loopy face here) This will be fun.

 

[Jamie]

Jen....you are wicked! But I have to admit I wondered the same thing.....where will Jo's brain go when she's on the happy pills???

 

[Josephine]

Don't you worry, I can still moderate! But .... will I still be able to give advice! If you see me advising people to stand on their hands with their head in a bucket of water - you better say something!

 

[dovcar2000]

Oh Jo...so sorry to hear that but like you tell us............keep up with the pain pills so we will all be telling you the same.
At least you have us all here cheering you on ...hugs Carol

 

[lnich]

Jo--

How do you know that you won't quickly recover from this episode, as you have from all the previous episodes? How do you know that this is really THE day???

I need to know, for I scheduled TKR several months ago because of a bad episode, but then postponed/cancelled it when then pain got better. How will I know if a have a future episode that it's really THE ONE?

All the best,

Lois

 

[Josephine]

Because ... this episode has now been unrelenting for about 6 weeks, it's getting worse, I'm having to take pain killers every day and last night I got little sleep because of the pain all night - which has gone on into today. I also find that everyso often I have to bend my knee to its full limit and at first I can't. I have to force it in stages until it's fully bent and it hurts!!

All of this has never happened before and even if it does settle down (which I doubt) next time it will only be worse. I'm already curtailing my activities to prevent exacerbation; using the electric cart at the supermarket, using a crutch, limiting my outings, etc.

Enough's enough.

 

[Nancyo]

Don't you worry, I can still moderate! But .... will I still be able to give advice! If you see me advising people to stand on their hands with their head in a bucket of water - you better say something!

Yeah, like we want pictures of this event! I'll just bet your advice will be by rote.... (some things are just ingrained by now don't ya know!) I'll bet they will tube you just to hush you up during surgery!!

Nancyo

P.S. Tell them to count the sponges!

 

[1jt@atime]

See....Jo's already on drugs so we already know shes not going to get totally loopy!
I'm sorry to hear that you will have to go through what we're all here for but before you know it, you'll be rid of the pain. Is it just one knee, Jo?

 

[Sandy R]

Jo, sorry your facing the surgery but if you're anything like me and some of the rest of us, you've got to be relieved. You know all the questions and the answers, you'll do fine. Hey, if you didn't live across the pond, you'd have lots of us bringing over casseroles.

We all wish you well... Sandy

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Oh Jo -
I am so sorry that your day finally came - I remember that revelation well. But.... just think how much better it will be when it is all over. I really can tell you it has been well worth it - and I was a slow poke with all the pt and rom. Just wait till you wander down an aisle in the supermarket and you no longer hold on to the cart for dear life!
You have been there for all of us--- I know we will be here for you! Can you do internet from your hospital bed????? What will we do without you for a few days.... I am sure we will manage but just remember we will be here for you when you get home!
Warmest wishes (from the very cold state of AK)
Marianne

 

[richfriz]

For me my day came when I was doing some shopping. The pain got so bad I just abandoned the trolley and hobbled to my car where I broke down! I knew then something had to be done

4 weeks later I woke up in hospital with 2 new knees

Good luck and all the very best!!!