Unexpected Benefits of TKR preop planning

[Simon]

Well I just came across an unexpected benefit of planning for surgery -- you finally clean out the pantry, freezer and refrigerator of all those things pushed to the back or other lost. Now this might just be for those that live alone as the rest of you might have others in the house that don't let things hide for long. I found that alot of the items in the emergency supplies (I live where there is alot of snow and you stock up for winter just like one does when you live in California waiting for an earthquake to hit) outdated and stuff that got pushed back in the freezer. Well all of them ended up in the trash which it did make it easier to clean the refrigerator.

Well this is day 2 without the mega aspirin and we have been having rain, bad combo. Tylenol does nothing. Then again mowing 1.5 acres sure did not help but it was a dry day and cool and the grass was getting very tall. The biggest problem is that alot of it is sloping. I do have someone coming to take care of the parts I can't reach. Well back to house cleaning. I don't think I will mention it to the doc taking care of the nonunion foot fracture as he wanted me to me non-weight bearing on that foot.

Simon

 

[JenniferG]

Simon, you are being bad. Take care of that foot. Glad the out of dates found the trash. You want to be in the hospital with KR not food poisoning. We have those times when the fridge and cupboards get cleaned out. Usually when there is more month than money. So if you are stopping asprin & nsaids you must be within 10 days or less of surgery. Are you excited? Are you packed?

 

[Simon]

JennifeG

Yes we are getting close, BTKR is on June 3rd. Since I live so far away and the early time I have to be at the hospital I am going down on June 2nd and staying at a hotel within walking distance of the hospital.

Not packed but I did go out to buy some new shorts, additional undies as the washer is downstairs, and a few other things I needed. The only thing I didn't get was a robe could not see wasting money on something that I will use only a few times. I always wear an oversize Tee Shirt and sweats to bed so I think I will be ok (another reason to buy some better looking shorts). Biggest problem is not being able to get a straight answer from the insurance company about inpatient rehab so I don't know if I should pack for 4 days or 10 days. I don't have anyone that could drop off extra clothes as it is a 3 hour drive to the hospital which means a 6 hour round trip and then there is gas!


Simon

 

[1jt@atime]

Simon, you probably don't need a robe in the hospital anyway, especially not a long one as it would get in the way. I normally just sleep in a t-shirt and wore t-shirts and gym shorts during the day in the hospital and put on the good ole hospital gown at night. It was just easier to wear their wonderful, stylish gowns. Ha! They are easier to deal with in the hospital like it or not. I wouldn't invest in different clothes if I were you, not even for rehab if you end up going there. Be comfortable.

I noticed some in the hospital at PT wearing makeup and nice outfits like they were on a shopping trip or something. Not me! I was not there to impress anyone. I wanted to rest and get better. I believe in going natural. I mean, come on! Makeup? Maybe others disagree.

I only live 35 miles from the hospital and it should only take an hour to get there but it can take as long as 3 hours. The traffic here in northern VA is outrageous. Staying nearby is a good idea though you probably still won't get any sleep.

 

[Simon]

IJT

Thanks. I am just like you comfort first. I don't wear makeup and have never used it. I had to buy shorts as I owned only 1 pair that I used mainly when I went to the doctors. Due to previous surgeries as well as gaining weight I would not go out in shorts. I just bought some pretty basic shorts as I was also thinking about PT once I got home.

Traffic in Nortern Virigina reminds me of the traffic in Los Angeles where I use to live. Here in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, 6 cars is a traffic jam. The main problem is if you have to across the state you use state highways which go through towns so you always have to slow down.

Simon

 

[JenniferG]

Rehabs usually have a laundry and they will wash your clothes, if you want. Personally I would pack for longer and not need it. I packed for 7-10 days and ended up going straight home. I also bought stretchy elastic waist capri pants, like 5 pair. So glad! I've used them right along, even at PT outpatient. They had plenty of room in the legs for the swelling and I was able to hike them up over my knee scars when sitting.

 

[Weezy]

The best thing I bought was some men's cotton knit gym shorts with an elastic waist AND drawstring. Fabulous! I wore them in the hospital with a big tshirt, and have lived in them here at home. comfy, easy in and out, easy to wash.

For me, those hospital gowns always seem to pull around the neck or shoulders, and I was much more comfy in a tshirt, and the shorts helped me feel more "normal" as I was doing the in-hospital pt and getting in and out of bed.

Weezy

 

[Jamie]

I agree Weezy....that's what I wore non-stop for weeks! Well, of course....not the same pair of shorts and t-shirt....I did have a couple of sets so they could get washed! LOL

 

[Weezy]

lol...washing! Yup. If I had to do anything over again, I would have gotten about 4 or 5 pair of those shorts instead of just two! Would've been easier on hubby who was always making sure I had clean clothes upstairs to change into--I couldn't get downstairs to our bedroom and the laundry until this weekend.

bottom line....the more comfy clothes rotations = better, in my opinion.

Weezy

 

[ship4]

The best thing I bought was some men's cotton knit gym shorts with an elastic waist AND drawstring. Fabulous! I wore them in the hospital with a big tshirt, and have lived in them here at home. comfy, easy in and out, easy to wash.

For me, those hospital gowns always seem to pull around the neck or shoulders, and I was much more comfy in a tshirt, and the shorts helped me feel more "normal" as I was doing the in-hospital pt and getting in and out of bed.

Weezy

Weezy,
I am going in for BTKR on 6/18. I too have purchased mens elastic waist exercise shorts. I have 5 pair. Glad to know they worked out great! I plan on wearing them all summer.
Thanks for the good word on them! I was also told to bring a zip up warm up jacket to put on after PT. Did you find you sweat a lot and needed it for the chill after PT? Just wondering as packing is my next project to tackle.....
I have already planned meals for the next 7 weeks or so once I am home after spending 4 days in the hospital and 2-11 days in the rehab hospital. I will continue to run my family child care business with the help of a parent for the summer. All the talk I read on another string about pets under feet, I will have 9 children under foot! LOL!!
Thanks again,
Crystal aka ship4

 

[Rowdy66]

I like to feel a bit more feminine than men's gym shorts provide for and luckily I sew so I made 15 pairs of shorts similar to the men's gym shorts only more A legged. I used scraps of fabric that were colorful and bought a few yards of pretty, bright colored cotton lycra, and bought big tee shirts to go with them in pretty colors for spring. I think it depends on the person and whatever makes them comfortable. I was supposed to go into a rehab facility for a week after surgery but fortunately ended up being able to go straight home. I had both knees done and feel I am doing well. Today I was tired but was able to put a chicken in the oven to bake for dinner and help my hubby clean up the kitchen. I am showering on my own and pretty much taking care of myself and I can see progress everyday which makes me feel good. Still have some swelling but understand that is pretty normal and that it will come and go for many weeks or months. I will be two weeks post-op tomorrow and am able to walk without my walker for bit more everyday, just feel more secure with it close at hand.

I have a question for you guys, how many of you got the ice water circulation pads that go on top of your knees? I got two and they have been marvelous here at home as they really eliminate us having to buy about 40 pounds of ice a week to ice my knees and back. They still use ice, don't get me wrong, but we are amazed at how long the ice lasts in the water. This really is an amazing system and we were amazed we got to bring it home. The nurses told us that they throw away a ton of them as most people do not bring them home from the hospital and they cannot be reused on another patient.

Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend and that this was a safe and restful day for our troops protecting us all over the world. Rowdy

 

[Weezy]

Re warm up jacket...I don't know! Personally, I'm usually NOT chilled and never felt the need of one; however, if you tend towards being chilly, I would certainly be inclined to take one.

Most nights in the hospital I never even had blankets on--just my shorts and tshirts; same thing at home. My hubby swears that its my Norwegian and Scottish blood--I could survive an ice age but would die in the tropics! He's always cold and I'm always hot. Who says opposites don't attract??

Weezy

 

[Weezy]

Rowdy--what a great idea, making your shorts and pretty tshirts! I sew too, but I never even thought about making something pretty...and I'm betting it would have cheered me a bit. I did make a bathrobe/housecoat to take, but only wore it once, so it was pretty useless. Haven't even worn it here at home since my shorts and tshirts are more comfy and easier to wash.

However, now that I'm getting back to the land of the living, I AM going to make a batch of nice looking shorts to wear for the rest of the summer. I'm discovering that I do NOT like the feel of long pants over my scar and numb area yet, so I'll spent the summer in shorts. I've got a lot of nice twill with a little stretch and a great shorts pattern I made years ago--easy to whip up and guaranteed to fit well.

Weezy

 

[JenniferG]

When I was in the hospital I was never chilled but I think I had the room that was always hot at the end of the hall. Even staff and visitors would complain when they were in there. I got a fan from the nurses. Certainly won't hurt to pack and bring one.

 

[beachcomber]

I have a question for you guys, how many of you got the ice water circulation pads that go on top of your knees? I got two and they have been marvelous here at home as they really eliminate us having to buy about 40 pounds of ice a week to ice my knees and back. They still use ice, don't get me wrong, but we are amazed at how long the ice lasts in the water. This really is an amazing system and we were amazed we got to bring it home. The nurses told us that they throw away a ton of them as most people do not bring them home from the hospital and they cannot be reused on another patient.

Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend and that this was a safe and restful day for our troops protecting us all over the world. Rowdy

HI Rowdy! I am so glad to hear you are doing so well! I have one of the Polar Ice machines you must be talking about and it (and the toilet extender) have been my best friends these past few months. In fact, I am sitting here right with my knee wrapped up and icing. We freeze ice in cottage cheese and cool whip containers and the big chunks last a long time.

I had a 'scope procedure to remove some torn cartilage in my other knee a week ago so have been back to the "ice and elevate" stage with you this week!

I drove to the cemetery about 20 miles away to put flowers on Kory's grave today. Driving really hurts my knee, but it was something I wanted to do. There had been others there before me--- many flags and flowers. It is good to know that his sacrifice has not been forgotten. May God bless and protect his fellow soldiers....

Take care and keep getting better! You are doing great!

Carolyn