TKR What I did on my summer vacation

[Suz]

Your flexion is wonderful-!! YES-!! Glad you were able to sew another outfit- sorry about hitting that table again, 'whew'! We need a written note posted somewhere close by- *warning*, corner of table very dangerous to baby knee'- lol!

I hope you have a restful sleep tonight! Glad things are moving along in your recovery @birdwatchr!

 

[birdwatchr]

@Suz
Yeah, I need a sign in large print and bright red!!! But I enjoyed doing it and it kept me busy. I need something TO DO!! Can't do any more until I know these things will fit! Sleep is another thing though.

Knee ached and throbbed last night and tramadol did not touch it. It is still bothering me this morning. Could not sleep for the longest the past couple of nights. Had a bad thunderstorm yesterday, so don't know if that had something to do with it. I apparently don't notice it, but others have told me I seem to be in more pain when it rains. I know cold weather bothers me tremendously.

For those having apprehension over PT, here's what I do: Since the therapists are apparently reporting back to the physicians, I do go to outpatient PT. I do the exercises they tell me to do unless it hurts. When I tell them it hurts, they are like OK - let's do something else then. On the days I am home I do very little formal exercise. I will go out on the deck and practice steps or I will get on the treadmill and walk the equivalent of a quarter mile slowly. I might do heel slides to work on bending my knee. I might do as many stretches as I can that I was doing before surgery - I can no longer do some of them because of surgery, but I am hopeful it will come back eventually. I still ice and watch TV to remain resting. But I am also starting to do "busy things" to keep from getting so bored. My busy things consist of coloring, sewing, and right now, looking for proof that I can have dependents on my health insurance! I've done the laundry since day one - it involved walking to the washer and putting everything in, then resting somewhere; walking back to put everything in the dryer, then resting somewhere; and getting everything out of the dryer and taking it somewhere to fold where I could sit. I did NOT do the dishes, as it required standing for 20-30 minutes. I still don't so them, although I am asked how long am I going to milk this surgery. Standing is not my forte and hasn't been for a long time, especially with additional back problems. So I find things to do that don't require a lot of standing, or standing for a long period. All in all, I mix the Bonesmart therapy with the PT therapy and pretty much do it as I want to. Some days I don't so much at all. This past weekend was one of those times. I was exhausted, so did very little and rested. I still don't go to places like Wal-Mart. If I go to a store, it will be a small one like Hobby Lobby and I only go to 1-2 stores at a time. I go in and get what I need and that's it. We've started going out to eat again, usually on Saturday. I drive to PT, but nowhere else. I can get in and out of my car fine now, but I just don't feel up to being out for a long time or walking through a store just to browse. If I am already out for PT, I might stop at the post office and mail the bills, etc. Just that type of stuff. I try not to overdo it.

I am still freezing cold and am tired of being made fun of because I have blankets on me and it is summertime. Air is still set at 80 for the majority of the time, and 81 at night time. I do have it set at 79 for supper time due to using the oven. I still fall asleep for about an hour trying to watch TV, especially on PT days. Energy level is still pretty low. But all in all, for 6 weeks out, I guess I am doing well. I've had a few problems crop up, but they've pretty much been dealt with. So... to all my buddies out there.... this too will pass!

 

[sistersinhim]

It sounds like you have the right idea and it's working for you. That's what counts! There is a way to take care of household duties and still not overdo. Baby steps, then rest, etc. You are in good company with being cold. Is it because of the surgery or because of the icing or both? Who knows, but most of us are complaining about it, too.

 

[kneeper]

We need a written note posted somewhere close by- *warning*, corner of table very dangerous to baby knee'- lol!

The only good thing about the numb area is I found it hurt less to hit the coffee table.

 

[birdwatchr]

@kneeper
That might be why I didn't scream this time. The right (outer) side of my knee is numb, while the left (inner) side is extremely sensitive and can't stand to be touched! I still have to watch when I put ice on it. And the incision still doesn't like sheets/blankets on it either. I need to see if I can post a picture of the incision. It looks pretty good.

 

[birdwatchr]

Here is my knee after 6 weeks. The pinkish spot right smack in the middle is a stitch that would not dissolve, but finally came out this morning. Now that spot doesn't hurt anymore. The pinkish spot to the right appears to be another stitch - this one doesn't bother me. Top of the knee is swollen from the pocket on the outer side that has filled with fluid over the past several years. It still appears to be fluid filled. (Second worst pain.) The lower left is where it was bone on bone and still hurts like crazy. No pain pill has been able to reach it. I thought that particular pain was the one that would go away, but it hasn't. (First worst pain.) No complaints about what surgeon did, just that my knee is taking forever to heal. (I know, I know - you all warned me about that!! LOL) I can be very patient with some things, but apparently I'm not with this knee. Incision is only 4 inches long, so I'm happy there. I'm now only doing PT when I'm at the PT office. I just do whatever around the house at home, with resting and ice; nothing "formal". (Just a little step work on deck and treadmill when I feel like it.) I can walk "normally" as long as I take my time - no cane or walker in house. Outside I use cane just like before surgery. It is definitely better than it was the first couple of weeks, but still needs more healing. I go back to the actual doctor on Tuesday. Will be interesting to see what he says. Glad I'm not seeing the PA this time.

 

[birdwatchr]

Too much pain over the weekend. Went from lower back all the way down to my ankle. Yesterday I tried it with only my "homemade excedrin" (one 500 mg aspirin + one 500 or 650 mg tylenol = one excedrin minus the caffeine!) A soda will provide the caffeine if I need it. My back has been killing me on top of everything else. Bedtime was horrible. Took a hydrocodone. I'm bored too.

Go back to work in 3 weeks. UGH! I like my job, but not looking forward to training a new person again. Found out, she was the first one to call about position and got hired over the phone! Seriously? And she's never done this type of work before. I hate that. I think I won't be helping so much, at least at first. If it's not the sit down talking type of help, she'll be up the creek for a while, so to speak. I am not going in there to do manual labor of cleaning out years of junk just so she can make it "hers". Been there, done that; no more. And then it gets junked up again for me to start all over. I truly believe we should just toss the stuff that is out of date, no longer used, etc, and take it out of the system (I can do that part sitting down). We have calculators that have just sat there for the past 7 years. They bought new ones. So why do we keep the old ones? And they are stored in the library, of all places. They used the library budget to buy these things and we can't buy new books for the kids. Same with poster printers, and ink cartridges. No one's allowed to use them, we are not to "advertise" we have them, but book money was used to buy them. I don't agree with the practices. I'm too old for this!!

Gotta go find something to do! Trying to keep busy with little things that need doing.

 

[Floridagal]

Sounds like you are doing great! I am only a couple of days behind you. I'm sorry about that government red tape that is stressing you. We don't need stuff like that in our lives these days.

 

[birdwatchr]

@Floridagal
Yep - doing all right! Kind of looking forward to going back to work - in the sense that I'll have something to do, but kind of like staying home too. Summer breaks are never long enough! I'll have to watch the knee though. The first day we are always holed up in the cafeteria sitting on benches going over procedures! I'm hoping to take a chair over this year. Haven't been able to sit on those benches in years. I get so sore and then I can't walk back to the library. Have to find a place to store some ice too. I just hope my new co-worker is nice and easy to get along with. Last one was kind of bossy. This will be the 4th one in 8 years. I've got about 3 more years to go.

 

[sistersinhim]

If she isn't nice then just kill her with kindness and give her great big smiles! I hate training someone. It makes the job twice a slow and having to explain every little detain is a pain. I did find if I told a person why I did certain things the way I did, that it seemed to stick with them longer. Good luck!

 

[birdwatchr]

@sistersinhim
Yeah, I think I learned with the last one! You'd think they could at least get someone who has at least worked in a library before! And to get another elementary teacher?? I bet the kids ask me again "why does the new lady talk to us like we're babies in elementary school?" All I can tell them is I don't know. True, middle schoolers can be a handful, but they do NOT want to be talked down to like they are still in elementary school! And they will let you know if you are doing it! The last one was very bad about that. Speaking of which, the opposite will be true of our assistant principal - she was transferred to elementary school for next year, and she really yells at the kids. I can just see it now..... The first time she yells at those little babies!

So... I saw the doctor this morning. First words out of his mouth were why was I still using my cane? Um... because my knee is not the only body part that has been invaded with arthritis??? He likes my knee and said out patient is really the way to go. He sees where those who had their surgeries done in a hospital are way behind people who have outpatient surgeries. (Don't know where this came from) I got an A+! He said the therapist had kept him informed of my progress and that 120 is fantastic. Also to stick with it until I feel 100 per cent. Don't think insurance will pay for it that long! I asked what kind of implant I got - it's a Smith and Nephew something. He said he had told me before surgery, but I sure don't remember discussing it. He also asked if I still loved him! I told him I probably always did. (Last time I saw him, I told him he was my BEST FRIEND! rather sarcastically!! It got him laughing!) Wants me back in 6 weeks - but had I known he meant with the PA, I would have said something to the effect of NO! That's all right, I'll get her to write the notes I need about wearing athletic shoes and sitting whenever I need to. Make her work for her paycheck! Maybe she'll even be nicer then.

He said he knew I would do well with outpatient surgery and that the anesthesia team really looked out for me. Didn't tell him it was probably because of my previous experience with general anesthesia that I reminded them about! But the team was fantastic. He asked if I had all the paperwork in order. What paperwork, I asked? To go back to work. Um.... For all practical purposes, they don't really know I had surgery, even though they were aware of it. And for all they know, surgery was cancelled! He said he wasn't going to touch that. So.... anybody know what paperwork I might need to go back to work? I would think the dr would provide it.

Last night was horrible starting at about 2AM. My whole body hurt and I could not get comfortable or get back to sleep. This makes 2 nights in a row. Had to get up and take a hydrocodone. Took about an hour to get to a bearable place. I got cleared to get into a body of water, so I think tonight I will try to get into the tub and soak in a hot bath. I may not be able to - not sure if I can get out! I better try it without water first! It's a whirlpool, but I haven't used it in a while.

Afterwards I went to the courthouse to get son's birth certificate. Can't get it 'cause it has a hold on it. Lady asked if I ever had anything done with it. I said yes, they had my name wrong and I got it corrected.... back in 93-94! So I can't get it until the hold is taken off. So I have to make another trip after she calls to say the hold has been taken off. Never heard of a hold on documents before. On the way out, the security guard said he had his knee done three years ago and was free of all pain in 5 weeks cause he went to PT 7 days a week. Don't think I'll be believing that! And yes, I set off the alarm, but it could have been my cane. My other son wants to know if I set off the alarm!

 

[newlybionic]

I was on short term disability for my revision. The only thing I needed from my OS was a note saying I could go back to work at 100% capability. Nothing else.

 

[birdwatchr]

@newlybionic
Thanks. I thought it should have come from him. But if I'm not on disability or anything, I'm thinking I'm okay. Course, if someone wants to make an issue of it, I'll email them to get something faxed over. That's how I had to get the athletic shoe note when the new principal decided we had to have medical excuses. And boy did I get every doctor I had been to to fax one over!!

 

[birdwatchr]

Question... yesterday I was fine, but one of the pains I woke up with last night goes down the outer side of my butt. Kind of feels like a pulled muscle, but I have no clue what I could have done? Would that be part of the muscles that work the knee? I'm not picturing it, but.... you never know. I did no exercises yesterday, just laying around trying to watch TV and falling asleep. Oh, I did walk the treadmill slowly, (1/4-1/2 mile) but I've been doing that.

 

[newlybionic]

Have you ever had problems with sciatica? I learned from my chiropractor last week that is an area that can be affected by that. I used to think it had to go all the way from back to ankle but there are a lot of areas that can individually be affected.

 

[birdwatchr]

Not been diagnosed with it, but was told I'd need my hip checked after knee fixed. Foot is first though. Hurts to walk. It did go from my back to my ankle this morning at 2! Don't know how I could "get" it though.

 

[newlybionic]

I just found out today that you can have pain in different areas after an epidural or spinal. This is in according to the chiropractor I saw today after discussing it at length.

 

[kneeper]

You might have moved funny or something. The body gets weirdly sensitive in non knee areas post tkr...
Unless you had to get a note from your doc for your employer to take off, I don't think you'd need a note to come back. It sounds like you're a school librarian so probably not on contract in the summer anyway...

 

[birdwatchr]

@kneeper
Thanks for the info. Could not for the life of me figure out what I could have done. Yesterday I used my heating pad on it and by lunchtime I could walk around relatively pain free. I may have also taken something for pain - don't remember now! But it is much better. Yeah - I'm classified, not certified. They like to remind me that I am the lowly little clerk. Not everyone feels that way, but a lot do. At least the principal knows I can run the library even though I don't have a degree. I've thought about getting one - we can get it for free in Georgia at a state school after age 62 - but with it taking about 2 more years, and then I retire, I feel like why bother? I wouldn't really get to use it. And I really learned everything on the job all these years. Degrees are overrated in a lot of fields. Not to mention the debt they leave you with.

Have a different PT person this week - he asked if I was doing squats yet. I said I haven't done squats in years. And I didn't intend to do them in future years either. Besides, everyone tells me I do them wrong. He says you're doing them today! So he shows me how to do them and says it's just like sitting in a chair. I told him that's not how I sit in chairs. He says sure you do. I'm like NOPE. You should watch me! Next thing I know he's looking over at me and asked a question about my so called good leg. Then he says to stop doing them. TOLD YOU I CANNOT DO SQUATS!!!!! Next time you'll listen! Anyway, I have learned from this site they are not appropriate for this time in my life! So glad my regular person will be back next week.

When I got home from the dr the other day, I thought, wait, he never asked me how I was doing or what my pain level was! So because I was sidetracked with his talking about out patient being the way to go, I forgot some of my questions. That was one I didn't write down. Didn't think I would need to. For the most part it's aspirin and tylenol with an occasional prescription med. Night time still is the worst pain at around 2-3 AM. Haven't gone outside to practice the steps in a few days. Stayed off the treadmill too, just to make sure it wasn't causing the extra pain. Don't need extra pain on top of everything else. Too many pinched nerves to help in that area!

Well, this is the 7 week status. Doing more around the house. I tackled some clothing I don't wear anymore yesterday. That was about it for me. Found an old photo album that got me sidetracked! I was cute when I was little!

 

[Floridagal]

I'm glad you spoke up to that PT. I'm lucky to have PT's who listen to me. My sister-in-law was a school media specialist and spoke very highly of the women who worked with her. One took over the library when she retired and was going to school for a degree. I agree with you that it would not be worth it with only two years before you retire. My sister-in-law also had some of her benefits yanked out from under her right before she retired. She thought about suing but didn't. Life isn't always fair. After hosting my reading group and not sleeping I am tired. Learning to pace ourselves is an important lesson. Oh, ya. I was cute when I was three years old. Too bad it didn't last!