My knee replacement is scheduled
Oh Lora! I know how much you dread doing this, but I also know how much you've been suffering, so I'm happy to know you'll soon be feeling much better for the long term. There are so many positives about your decision such as;
You'll be able to go for long walks with the new puppy once your knee is stronger.
You'll most likely feel safer knowing you can run or kick your way out of danger which might lower your ptsd anxiety.
You'll be able to get more exercise, so you can eat more of your favorite foods.
You'll have access to more interesting places.
No more bone on bone pain.
You can set off airport alarms and watch the TSA freak out.
See? So many pluses! I know you can handle this because you have backbone!
Happy Hugs,
Kat
Thanks, Kat. Setting off TSA alarms, LOL...
Yes, MANY reasons to get it done... and it HAS to be done at some point. I really am quite weary of taking pain meds at least twice a day every single day, and the limp feels like it is permanent (or nearly so) these days.
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
Hi Lora, Wonderful news! Congratulations! I am 3 weeks out from my hip replacement. I won't lie, it has been extremely challenging. However, most of the issues I have had revolve around my too-scared-to-adequately-control-pain-with-narcotics surgeon and a very untimely error with my insurance that has left me unable to see my PCP for alternative relief. I have to say, the actual hip joint pain is sooo much better. It seems like a lot of my extended pain is from muscle compensation for the past 3 years and physical therapy is helping with that pretty quickly.
As far as you dissertation work goes, you will most likely need to take a few weeks away from it. I intended to get a couple of my publications and grants finished, but I have not had the focus yet. I think I will be able to dive in within the next week since I feel I have turned that corner from thinking I was not going live through it to knowing that I will eventually survive. I know it was a good decision. Good luck to you!!!
I'm so glad to hear you're doing well! One of the things I worry about a bit is the surgeon not adequately giving me pain medication, not only because I've been on Vicodin for so long and know I have a tolerance, but also because he does a lot of sports injuries and those young kids heal faster than those of us "of a certain age"!
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
That is EXACTLY the problem I have been having and the only thing that has made it difficult. I would recommend if you aren't already being treated at pain management, you develop that relationship so that after your release from the hospital, your pain can continue to be handled by your pain doc. Also, arrange to to have a PCA machine so you can control your pain relief. They did not do that for me off the bat so I struggled for a day before getting adequate relief. The time while I was on the pump was a relief.
If you can handle to pain, try a switch to Tramadol or Nucynta before your surgery so you will recover a little of the sensitivity to narcotics. You will be surprised by how quickly the joint pain is gone so it makes it easier to deal with the other pains from the surgery. I am happy to hear you are on your way to getting this done!
Glad you will finally get some relief. Had my left knee replaced 6 years ago, and is the best thing I ever did. I never used a walker, only crutches. Went back to work after 5 weeks, using a cane.
This year was the right hip that was replaced. The thought of having that surgery had me freaking out as the re-hab for the knee was intense. Hip surgery was a piece of cake compared to the knee.
I wish you the best, just make sure you keep bending it so you get back to the 90degress that they want. Oh and the TSA, is easy, you will just be getting a pat down as your "after market" part will set off the mag. The surgeon might give you a card that says you have a replaced knee, trust me when I say TSA does not care. Know this as I was a TSA supervisor.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Highest weight 285, day of surgery 265, current weight 209, and holding steady.
Rats! I was sort of looking forward to "freaking out the TSA" by setting off an alarm, LOL.
Yeah, I am trying NOT to think about rehab. Until it actually happens. Yikes!
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
You'll be glad you had it done once you get through the first few weeks. I had both of mine done at the same time about 5 years before my RNY. Two great helpers I had were (1) my daughter, an RN, stayed the first 5 days and insisted on doing things by a strict time schedule and (2) my stationary recumbent bike that the home physical therapists got me on immediately. Knee replacement, like RNY is totally worth going through.
Congratulations on your new puppy!
Shirley
HW-280, SW-240, CW 136