Sharon, Be careful please as Vicodan is a hydrocodone and is highly addictive. I don't think you'll have a problem but just wanted you to know. It can cause weird dreams. Please read the insert for side effects and reactions. There is internet info on side effects at: www.RXPO.net/ or www.drugs.com/vicodin.html Tomanip

Hi Donna and Irish, Total knee replacement is not for sissies. IT HURTS LIKE HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've had both of my knees replaced (not at the same time) and am glad I did so, but for the first 3 months each it was pure misery. I hated my therapist, but because he didn't give up on me I now walk normally. A friend who had hers done the same day has had nothing but trouble with hers. She refused to move at the begining and didn't do her exercises!!!!!!!! She now has a bad limp and stiff leg. Do you have the ice thing that looks like a cooler with a hose and a pad attached? It holds ice water and works with gravity. You put it on the knee for 20 min at a time especially after therapy and exercising. It's fantastic. Way later(4 months out) I used it with ho****er, or I'd soak .Taking your pain meds 30 min before therapy helps. Just don't try to drive after taking them. Tomanip

Hi Irish, Things are still going well. I'm walking without a cane like a normal person for the first time in years. No pain, just some stiffness and, of course, I want to scream every time I have physical therapy. Here's my take on knee replacement surgery. It's great. It has changed my ability to function in a wonderful way, BUT it's not for the faint of heart. Sort of like WLS, but not exactly. It takes a similar big commitment to changing your lifestyle. The surgery takes care of the pain. That bone on bone feeling disappears immediately, but the surgery doesn't take care of range of motion. That takes work with physical therapy. And it's not comfortable. Sometimes I want to hit my PT, but I know he's doing good things for me. It was definitely more painful than WLS, but they've improved a lot on pain management since I had my other knee done 6 years ago. All in all, it's really been worthwhile. Think about it seriously. I'm sorry you're so uncomfortable right now. That swelling sounds awful. Here's some prayers going out for you to get some relief. Donna

HI Irish long time now see. I was denied the gastric bypass but BCBS approved the Panniculectomy. Which I paid a little extra to have my upper muscles tightened to help support my body more so the lower back muscles do not have to work as hard. (This nerve block did little to help) But when I had the Tummy Tuck (after what i paid extra it was turned to full tummy tuck) I have NOT had one pain in my back! They removed 11.7lbs from my lower ab that hung (I have photos on the internet of before and after) I was even able to stand in the kitchen last sunday for 5 hours cooking while before I could NOT even load a dishwasher without sitting in my computer charge rolling around the kitchen. This surgery has been a small miricle. None of my other joint I have artheritis in besides my right ankle (which was broke in 5 places so I guess it should hurt) has bothered me since. It also healed my bladder problem I was going to have to have surgery on as well. If you need any information you are more than welcome to call me 205 647 0554 (I have a hard time typing a lot due to having hemroid surgery the second week of october) But I would love to give you information I know you have worked hard to get to where you are at and there maybe be more options for you now. But I have also heard that insurance is going to stop paying for reconstuctive surgery after the first of the year for patients that have had WLS. So you will need to act fast if you have BCBS. Call me if you want. Angel Hugs and Thank You So much for your information! Kim

Glad things are going ok with you. My right knee stays swollen and I have to have fluid drawn off every month. I am due this friday again. I weighed last friday and had a gain of 8 lbs but the dr said it was probably due to my foot and both knees swollen to the point that my pants are so tight I have to wear joggers and it looks like I have double knees that hit against one another. I hate to walk when I am like this cause it is so tiredsome. I have to use a cane daily. Irish