uva55
post-grad
@birdwatchr sounds like you had a fun, busy weekend...you can find coloring books on Amazon for a really good price.
TKR What I did on my summer vacation
- Thread starter birdwatchr
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Suz
graduate
I love going into Michaels and Hobby Lobby but I always bring home more projects to add to my already growing list-lol! My sister uses Michaels coupons allot and tole me recently they never refuse then when she orders online. Just thought I would throw that out there in case it might help in the future!
newlybionic
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
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If you have an IPAD there are some free apps for coloring. I have used that one so I can't lose my crayons/pencils! 
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
@uva55 @Suz
Thanks. I don't shop online much, but hubby does. I'll ask him, especially since he has decided to get into coloring too! Suz - I have the same problem at Joann - I always come home with so many remnants. Right now I can make grand daughter clothes out of the larger pieces, and I finally decided what to make her from 2 pieces I had. Needed elastic and thread. Making her a summer outfit.
@newlybionic
Don't have an IPAD, but I do have a tablet. I'll look through google for something. I don't usually think of the playstore - hubby always has to remind me when I want a game or need something for my phone! Then he has to help me navigate!
Still haven't heard back from dr office. I'm hoping they will renew the tramadol. It seems to be helping some and seems to have less side effects on me than oxycodone. Went up and down the deck steps twice today the normal way. I think I used my hips more going down, but the steps are not steep and there are only 6 of them, so I figured it would be good practice. Catching up on recorded shows. Didn't watch much TV over the weekend.
Thanks. I don't shop online much, but hubby does. I'll ask him, especially since he has decided to get into coloring too! Suz - I have the same problem at Joann - I always come home with so many remnants. Right now I can make grand daughter clothes out of the larger pieces, and I finally decided what to make her from 2 pieces I had. Needed elastic and thread. Making her a summer outfit.
@newlybionic
Don't have an IPAD, but I do have a tablet. I'll look through google for something. I don't usually think of the playstore - hubby always has to remind me when I want a game or need something for my phone! Then he has to help me navigate!
Still haven't heard back from dr office. I'm hoping they will renew the tramadol. It seems to be helping some and seems to have less side effects on me than oxycodone. Went up and down the deck steps twice today the normal way. I think I used my hips more going down, but the steps are not steep and there are only 6 of them, so I figured it would be good practice. Catching up on recorded shows. Didn't watch much TV over the weekend.
KarriB
Former BoneSmart staff member
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If the oxy binds you Miralax can be helpful. I used it once only and then I was ok. I'm glad the Tramadol is working for you, it did nothing to help me. if they review your husband will probably have to pick up the script from the dr. office.
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
@KarriB
ER told me to use metamucil, but I have used miralax before, so keep that in the back of my mind. I can pick up prescription tomorrow at PT if needed. They actually said they could call it in last time. I didn't think they could anymore. I just wish they would let me know. It's been 4 hours, and even though I have a couple of days, I don't want to run out.
ER told me to use metamucil, but I have used miralax before, so keep that in the back of my mind. I can pick up prescription tomorrow at PT if needed. They actually said they could call it in last time. I didn't think they could anymore. I just wish they would let me know. It's been 4 hours, and even though I have a couple of days, I don't want to run out.
KarriB
Former BoneSmart staff member
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My transition care nurse suggested Miralax because the softeners weren't working at all. It had been nearly a week.
You definitely don't want to run out of pain meds.
You definitely don't want to run out of pain meds.
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
Nope - and the softeners did not work for me either, apparently, or I wouldn't have ended up in the ER! It was a week for me - and got so painful that I could not sit at all. Went to PT and could not sit on their table to do the exercises. One of the other girls came by and asked if I was ok, and I said yeah. She said "liar!" That's when I decided - she's right and I don't want to be here! So I told the PT guy and I wanted to go home. The following week I was much better able to do the exercises and sit and all. This has really been an experience! I've been told I need foot surgery, and that if I think knee surgery is bad, foot surgery is even worse. Not looking forward to having my foot checked out again. Right now I am looking into new shoes for the new school year, with people recommending it after surgery.
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birdwatchr,
Glad you are feeling better, nothing better than the poop fairy finally visiting.
Sorry you may need foot surgery. There have been other members who have avoided foot surgery after TKR, with improved alignment their feet were better.
Glad you are feeling better, nothing better than the poop fairy finally visiting.
Sorry you may need foot surgery. There have been other members who have avoided foot surgery after TKR, with improved alignment their feet were better.
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
@Pumpkln
That is good to know. Second opinion doc said he couldn't tell from the one xray I brought that I needed surgery, and wanted to know how the first dr figured I did. He did his own xrays, and told me he needed to do a CT scan. Then he realized I was soon to have my knee done, so told me it was not an emergency; get the knee done, come back a couple of months later for the CT scan, and he would take it from there. Been off my feet for so long now, it feels okay. But he at least gave the comforting thought that it was not an emergency and I could wait.
That is good to know. Second opinion doc said he couldn't tell from the one xray I brought that I needed surgery, and wanted to know how the first dr figured I did. He did his own xrays, and told me he needed to do a CT scan. Then he realized I was soon to have my knee done, so told me it was not an emergency; get the knee done, come back a couple of months later for the CT scan, and he would take it from there. Been off my feet for so long now, it feels okay. But he at least gave the comforting thought that it was not an emergency and I could wait.
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
Got my granddaughter's outfit cut out, but will sew it tomorrow. Knee and back are tired of standing and knee wants ice, so I don't want to overdo it. Am making a matching outfit for her doll too. Saw at Michaels little bracelets that may match the fabric of the top. Think I'll get them to go with it. They were just $1 a piece. The top is a tiny elephant print.
Still nothing from doctor's office on the tramadol. So much for them saying email is the fastest way to get in touch with them! Will ask about it tomorrow when I go in for PT.
Still nothing from doctor's office on the tramadol. So much for them saying email is the fastest way to get in touch with them! Will ask about it tomorrow when I go in for PT.
I hope that your knee surgery has healed your foot problem. Wouldn't that be a blessing; a two for one!!
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
@sistersinhim
Yes it would! I figure I'll go in around Labor Day to have my foot checked out and see what it's up too. Most of my pain is "come and go" pain. It's hard to describe when the pain is not really there while at the dr office. My hand surgery was like that - they asked my pain level right before surgery - I really had none. I have a lot more than I ever had now, and sometimes I wonder if my knee will be like that too. It sure seems to be heading that way! And that I will NOT be happy with!
Was able to ride bike today with ease and a little faster in PT. Went over to the other side to ask about my prescription, since I never heard back. They wrote it out and did not tell me before I left, so I get all the way home and there is a msg that I can pick it up at the front desk. So I call back, and ask them if they can't call it in like they did before since I am already home. So hopefully they will. Overall, I seem to feel mostly okay. Sometimes the pain is unbearable, but it goes away after a while and calms down. Incision is looking/feeling better, although it still itches at the one stitch that has not dissolved yet. Practiced on the deck steps yesterday. I think I used my hips more to go down than my knee though. So maybe things are finally looking up! Oh yeah, bending is up to 115 now! YAY!
Yes it would! I figure I'll go in around Labor Day to have my foot checked out and see what it's up too. Most of my pain is "come and go" pain. It's hard to describe when the pain is not really there while at the dr office. My hand surgery was like that - they asked my pain level right before surgery - I really had none. I have a lot more than I ever had now, and sometimes I wonder if my knee will be like that too. It sure seems to be heading that way! And that I will NOT be happy with!
Was able to ride bike today with ease and a little faster in PT. Went over to the other side to ask about my prescription, since I never heard back. They wrote it out and did not tell me before I left, so I get all the way home and there is a msg that I can pick it up at the front desk. So I call back, and ask them if they can't call it in like they did before since I am already home. So hopefully they will. Overall, I seem to feel mostly okay. Sometimes the pain is unbearable, but it goes away after a while and calms down. Incision is looking/feeling better, although it still itches at the one stitch that has not dissolved yet. Practiced on the deck steps yesterday. I think I used my hips more to go down than my knee though. So maybe things are finally looking up! Oh yeah, bending is up to 115 now! YAY!
Suz
graduate
WAHOOOOOO!! That's WONDERFUL!!
Suz
graduate
@blissful, if we follow the Bonesmart mantra's daily- we'll get there sooner! Just that you're able to go outside at 5-days out is amazing! The only place I went at 5-days was to the restroom & back! My bored mind tried to tell me I was the ONLY one here not recovering fast enough. Wish I had known then what I know now-!!
You bend is great! You should be thankful! Hopefully, PT will call your prescription in for you. And that all your pain will disappear!
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
Prescription called in and and picked up, after someone forgot to get it on the way home from work! Disappointment that it is only for 10 days and I don't go back to the dr for 12 days. I sent them email this morning about it. Guess I'll just go back to using aspirin like before surgery.
Got granddaughter's outfit done. Turned out cute. Will work on the doll outfit today. Hardest thing was sitting in chair with back killing me. Leg worked the foot pedal of sewing machine just fine. Think I'll try to work on her quilt next.
Next week's PT will be just 2 days like this week. I may not be going back to 3 days a week afterwards, if this arrangement works out just as well. Only thing is, that's the only place I can work on the bike. That seems to be the most beneficial for me. Most of the other exercises feel too easy. I just wish I could bend like I did before surgery! Patience is not the forte of active people! I'm nowhere near as active as I used to be, but I still like to be able to move around and do things when I want.
Originally thought I would be able to get back into running after replacing my knee. Very disappointed to find running is the first thing on the no-no list! What they stay I will be able to do, I'm not into, unless I can get someone interested in bike riding and can find a place to ride.
Might try to pull some weeds from garden area after getting sewing done. I probably need some sunshine and vitamin D! That's the one thing I don't get when school is in session. Get there at 6:45 and leave at 6:15 - both in darkness. Been thinking about how to change some things in the sewing class I teach for ASP. (As in consequences when they don't follow the rules and drive the machines like a race car!) I've started making them rip out their stitching when they sew carelessly like that. For the free form pillow, I'm a little more lax - as it's usually their first project and doesn't matter as much. For anyone interested, you take a print bandana, get a co-ordinating solid color bandana, and sew them together, leaving an opening about fist size so you can stuff it. Then sew up the opening. I call them Bandana Pillows (I know, very original title!). Very popular with the kids and I've gotten a couple of boys to sew one. Course, after this the boys usually disappear from class! I'm always looking for projects that are easy that are also of interest to middle schoolers. Surprisingly, they are not interested in making cell phone covers, etc. They like the pillows and drawstring bags the best. Those seem to be easiest to start off with. My biggest problem is the repeat kids a year or two later. They are not really interested in making clothing, and I can't find projects that they are interested in that are a little more challenging. Pillows made from a pattern with a zipper are good, but once they are done with that one, I'm lost. They like bags, but most need supplies we don't have the money for. I also have to put a lot of work into it by making each project a kit. They don't like to follow directions, and are not good at cutting it out themselves, etc. (Reasons they are in the program to begin with.) Any ideas anyone may have are fully appreciated!
Time to get started on my sewing project! Ice has pretty much melted on knee.
Got granddaughter's outfit done. Turned out cute. Will work on the doll outfit today. Hardest thing was sitting in chair with back killing me. Leg worked the foot pedal of sewing machine just fine. Think I'll try to work on her quilt next.
Next week's PT will be just 2 days like this week. I may not be going back to 3 days a week afterwards, if this arrangement works out just as well. Only thing is, that's the only place I can work on the bike. That seems to be the most beneficial for me. Most of the other exercises feel too easy. I just wish I could bend like I did before surgery! Patience is not the forte of active people! I'm nowhere near as active as I used to be, but I still like to be able to move around and do things when I want.
Originally thought I would be able to get back into running after replacing my knee. Very disappointed to find running is the first thing on the no-no list! What they stay I will be able to do, I'm not into, unless I can get someone interested in bike riding and can find a place to ride.
Might try to pull some weeds from garden area after getting sewing done. I probably need some sunshine and vitamin D! That's the one thing I don't get when school is in session. Get there at 6:45 and leave at 6:15 - both in darkness. Been thinking about how to change some things in the sewing class I teach for ASP. (As in consequences when they don't follow the rules and drive the machines like a race car!) I've started making them rip out their stitching when they sew carelessly like that. For the free form pillow, I'm a little more lax - as it's usually their first project and doesn't matter as much. For anyone interested, you take a print bandana, get a co-ordinating solid color bandana, and sew them together, leaving an opening about fist size so you can stuff it. Then sew up the opening. I call them Bandana Pillows (I know, very original title!). Very popular with the kids and I've gotten a couple of boys to sew one. Course, after this the boys usually disappear from class! I'm always looking for projects that are easy that are also of interest to middle schoolers. Surprisingly, they are not interested in making cell phone covers, etc. They like the pillows and drawstring bags the best. Those seem to be easiest to start off with. My biggest problem is the repeat kids a year or two later. They are not really interested in making clothing, and I can't find projects that they are interested in that are a little more challenging. Pillows made from a pattern with a zipper are good, but once they are done with that one, I'm lost. They like bags, but most need supplies we don't have the money for. I also have to put a lot of work into it by making each project a kit. They don't like to follow directions, and are not good at cutting it out themselves, etc. (Reasons they are in the program to begin with.) Any ideas anyone may have are fully appreciated!
Time to get started on my sewing project! Ice has pretty much melted on knee.
KarriB
Former BoneSmart staff member
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The OS didn't tell you about running before surgery? Walking is ok, I enjoy swimming and biking, but both are inside sports most of the year. I got a recumbent bike after my TKR and ride it everyday.
OP
OP
birdwatchr
graduate
@KarriB
Nope - not that I remember - I read it online, so I knew. Still disappointing though. OS really didn't tell me much of anything. I got my info about the pain from the anesthesiologist. OS did tell me I would not be able to bend my leg as far as I was used to after surgery. I probably didn't ask him stuff like that because I had already been reading on this sight and others and felt very educated. In fact, when I went to the class at the surgery center, they told me not to watch any utube surgeries; only the websight they listed (which did not work) - I told her "too late"!!! I had already watched several utube surgeries 'cause I wanted to know exactly what was involved. This subdivision is nothing but hills, so I would imagine walking it will be off limits for a while. If they start a walking club at school this year, several teachers will walk the halls and a little bit outside, maybe I can join them. I'm already a little concerned about our bomb drill where we have to walk uphill to the "north 40". It'll be too far for what I will be able to walk. I've already told them I'll take my chances with the bomb! Last year they had the drill twice. First time, principal told me to stay where I was (about half way); second time I had to walk the whole thing. It was rather difficult. I'll just have to be satisfied that I can walk when it's all over and done with!
Nope - not that I remember - I read it online, so I knew. Still disappointing though. OS really didn't tell me much of anything. I got my info about the pain from the anesthesiologist. OS did tell me I would not be able to bend my leg as far as I was used to after surgery. I probably didn't ask him stuff like that because I had already been reading on this sight and others and felt very educated. In fact, when I went to the class at the surgery center, they told me not to watch any utube surgeries; only the websight they listed (which did not work) - I told her "too late"!!! I had already watched several utube surgeries 'cause I wanted to know exactly what was involved. This subdivision is nothing but hills, so I would imagine walking it will be off limits for a while. If they start a walking club at school this year, several teachers will walk the halls and a little bit outside, maybe I can join them. I'm already a little concerned about our bomb drill where we have to walk uphill to the "north 40". It'll be too far for what I will be able to walk. I've already told them I'll take my chances with the bomb! Last year they had the drill twice. First time, principal told me to stay where I was (about half way); second time I had to walk the whole thing. It was rather difficult. I'll just have to be satisfied that I can walk when it's all over and done with!
