Having knee surgery

Hi all BB friends and newbies,

       I am having a total knee replacement on Monday the 14th. I'm usually not nervous before surgery, but for some reason I am this time. Also having an endoscopy on Wednesday the 16th will I'm in the hospital. Feels a  lot like when i had my gall bladder problems. It's been removed and they don't grow back.lol.   My sis wants me to do my first 2 weeks as in-patient rehab because she is gone 9 to 10 hours a day. Obviously, I don't want to do that. My friends said they will set up a schedule so they can make sure I'm okay and help as needed.

    I will be missing chats for a while. Take care of yourselves.  Mag   

Hi, Mag,

I'm glad to hear of your surgery... not that you have to have it, rather that I know it will serve you well.  I have friends who've had it.  In fact, one friend just had her 2nd replacement in 4 months and she is doing very well!  

Based on what I've heard, it's important that you strengthen the muscles around your knee as much as possible prior to surgery.  In-patient rehab is the best way to go for recovery but, not necessary as long as you do what's required which is working the leg.  There is a "machine" that can help you at home that is put on your leg for 2-3 hours a few times a day.  Be sure to check with your doc on that and use it if it is available.  I've heard it is a tremendous help. 

You'll be surprised at how much better it is for you!  I wish you the best!

Warm regards,
Diana

Diana,
   Thanks for replying. That sounds like good advice. I'll let you know how it goes when I feel well enough to get on line. Thanks for being my friend    Mag

Mag, I am glad you are able to have that knee surgery!
has this been an ongoing issue?
you will do great, glad you have help lined up

Cindy,

    I will be glad to get this done. My knees have  been bad for 11 years. My doctor in Indiana said I wasn't old enough to have it done.  By the time I found an ortho down here my weight had ballooned. He said I needed to lose 100 pounds before he would do surgery. I'm way below that in my weight loss journey, Thanks for the encouragement.   Mag

Hiya Mags.  Congrats on finally getting that knee taken care of.  I am sure that it will be worth it in the long run.  I work in a REHAB hospital and have worked with the knee replacements.  Most of them having both knees done at the sametime.  Anyways I want to just point out that it is important for you to have PT ASAP after surgery.  It will help so much with your recovery.  While inpatient is not always the most wanted choice, it should be considered. We use a machine called a CPM (contiunous passive motion machine).  It is worn for a few hour a day to help with the ROM and mobility. Alot of my patients say they love wearing it, although its not 100% pleasant, because it helps their knee from getting so tight.   Not sure if u can get that for home, but it is an awesome machine.  Sounds like u have tons of support and if  you can get your PT at home or transport to therapy, then sounds like u have a sound  plan.  I wish u the best.  let me know how it goes.

Hugs
Fran

Hi Fran,

   How are things going with you? The doctor already said I would be using the machine for 2 hours 3Xs a day. I'm having a femoral block. What can you tell me about that? I think that is what I'm nervous about. And fear of the unknown in rehabbing the knee.   Good to hear from you.    Mag