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Will new knees be good enough?

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Wow Big Gene, I haven't read up on you lately, sounds like you've had a lot longer road than some of us. Guess what?!! Remember you're here with alot of people that are only here to cheer you on and get you through!! :THUMB:
Keep on keepin' on!
Cathy
 
Gene,

The presurgical scrub and nose ointment is sort of like what I have to do for MRSA. The only difference in mine is a bottle of cleanser and I have to scrub very well because of my past. You will be fine, because they found yours before surgery!:WINK1: The soap would not work in my case (not saying that you don't have to scrub well!):th_heehee:
 
Darncat,
Perhaps I've paid some dues, but I see it more as a balaning of the budget. I don't want to jinx it but,perhaps I've earned some credits for the other side. I'd rather look at it that way than as a harbinger of things to come.

In any case I don't think it's right to compare each other's paths and valuue them. Every one here has suffered the effects of arthritis. No one's path has been easy.

The path forward is the one i'm looking at now.

Thanks,
 
Speaking of paths forward, Sonja, yours goes right through a cruise ship vacation that is well deserved. Have fun! Enjoy. T-17 or 18 to new knees.
 
Thank you Gene! I should be packing right now but got sidetracked!:WINK1:

I am so excited about the cruise! I am ready for some fun before I head back into surgery in just over two weeks.:biggrin:
 
Attended Joint Camp meeting/tour this morning at the hospital. I was very impressed with both the presentation, materials and appproach. They do 1400+ joints per year.

They went over all procedures, explainiing exactly what to expect. Reviewed pain management procedures and philosophy and other details including TED socks and stool softeners as well as risks etc.

Patients have a private room with recliner and sofa (folds out if your "coach" wants to stay over). Ice machine, kitchenette and PT area all nearby as well. Does not "look" like a hospital setting at all.

They have a large magnetic board with race cars representing each room. You move your racecar along the track representing laps around the unit.

Coaches are welcome/expected to attend PT sessions and group buffet lunch each day. They have an electronic board in the family waiting area posting where you are in the process. Coach/family was invited encourage to go to the floor/room right after Dr. visit, even before patient arives in the room.

I was very impressed. Ready to get it done.

T-13 and counting!!!
 
Wow Gene - sounds like you will get the royal treatment there! I am sure it will be very motivating having other patients around going through the same thing.

Bet you get that race car revving! You're getting closer!
 
Sounds like the Ritz!
Wish I got my knee done in your place.
I had a horrid experience with my place. ( and I WORK THERE!!!)

I lived on the recliner at home. What a nice touch.
Best of luck
Sandy
 
They say that for the PT session everyone walks but your recliner is brought to the area by the staff and you do your exercises in the recliner.

They kick you out of bed at 7:00am and you live in the recliner. They even have an extra wide recliner for us big guys.

I'm not sure yet wheter this "Joint Camp is like "Summer Camp" or "Boot Camp", but I will soon find out.
 
BigGene said:
They have a large magnetic board with race cars representing each room. You move your racecar along the track representing laps around the unit.

Coaches are welcome/expected to attend PT sessions and group buffet lunch each day. They have an electronic board in the family waiting area posting where you are in the process. Coach/family was invited encourage to go to the floor/room right after Dr. visit, even before patient arives in the room.
Click to expand...
I'm very impressed too! Love those ideas - what a way to encourage people to get going!
 
Cool, BigGene.......you'll have to tell us all about it when you've experienced that wonderful hospital.
 
Today was my final appointment with the PA for the OS. Very uneventful.:yes 4:.

T-11 and counting.
 
Oh, I almost forgot. I do have a question for the Smarties.

At the hospital tour the other day they talked about pain management while in the hospital and not surprizingly talked about the patient pump.

They they asked who was being done by a couple particular docs. One of which was mine and said they those docs do not use the pump but rather use a combination of a long-acting morphine med started very early and then regular supplements as needed.

Today, at the appointment I asked the PA about why the difference in approach.

She said that he recently discontinued the pump because with the patient demand system patients often fell behind the pain curve while asleep or were having to hit the button on a ten minute interval thus disrupting sleep.

She said that this alternative approach was actually more patient friendly avoiding breakthrough and enhancing rest.

It seemed a little counter-intuitive to me initially, but I guess makes sense IF the staff is actually responsive in getting the staff dependant meds distributed.


Is there any experience and or thoughts out there regarding these in-hospital pain management approaches.
 
He's got a point. But considering people usually only have the pump for about 24-48 hrs, a very small point!
 
BigGene said:
They say that for the PT session everyone walks but your recliner is brought to the area by the staff and you do your exercises in the recliner.
Click to expand...

Gene, I was in a knee camp that included PT twice a day and with an average hospital stay of 4 days. I had the mobile recliner in my room and used it only for the afternoon PT sessions. My husband drove the chair to the gym while I walked to and from my sessions.

As for the oral pain meds vs the morphine pain pump, the oral meds worked better for me. It is longer acting and I didn't get behind in my pain management. The staff was very prompt in bringing my meds and ice packs.

As a cyclist I believe my post-op PT went well because of the strengthened quads and hamstrings. I wore a cycling cap to my group sessions and I worked harder with each day that passed. Perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised by your recovery as well.

Good luck with your surgery and if you will, please let us know how you are doing.
 
Sunflower, Thanks for the report of your experience. It sounds like you experieced the same model as I will be experiencing next week. I am also glad to hear that the pain management technique worked well for you as well.

While we are all individuals with unique knees that will do it their way, it is still good to hear your report. I certainly am trying to remain positive about the rehab/recovery.

Welcome to the forum.
 
Thank you BigGene. It will be nice to hear of your recovery experience when you get on the other side. When I was being wheeled into the OR I gave 2 thumbs up to hubby and could not WAIT for my new knee. When I awoke in recovery a smile slowly crept across my face and I was at complete peace with the surgery. Looking back I just can't believe how smooth it all went. Someday all too soon you will have your stories to share as well.
 
I am ready. I wish they would call and say they have a spot tomorrow. Waiting these last days is torture.

My biggest fear now is not the surgery it's fear of a a cancelation, an infection, a sudden vacation for the OS. You get the picture.

Anxiety is never rational, is it?
 
You need a long bike ride. Seriously! You will feel less stressed afterwards and will be able to put things in better perspective. :thumb: FWIW, I had pre-surgery jitters too and asked my prayer partner to pray for me and it helped tremendously. :yay:
 
Hi Gene!

It won't be long now and you and I can both begin celebrating "one more step" towards a pain free life!

Don't worry, your surgery will be here fast enough and then you can start the business of working towards a great future!:biggrin:
 
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