Re: New to group - will have tkr

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sandy....I had TKR (right) on August 21st of this year.....I'm just finishing up my PT this month, so any questions you have, just ask away! I'm 56....

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sandy:

Get this book online or at a store.

" Total Knee Replacement and Recovery "

By Dr. Brugioni MD and Dr. Jeff Falkel Ph.D, PT.

Worth its weight in gold IMO. Dr. Falkel had both knees done at the

same time. It's like a workbook and gives you pre + post operation

info and a day by day instuction/info after the operation. Others on

this list will give you tons of advice. It amazes me the number of

subjects that come up.

Don

LTKR Dec 4 (SOON).

[Guest guest]

Don I wish you the best with your knee replacement. Positive attitude

is a key factor. I talked to a friend who had tkr on Tuesday of this

week and she already has gone up and down stairs and had her knee at

100 degree bend. She said it hurt and she needed help. I was

concerned at that bend as my os said that I could tear internal

stitches if I pushed too hard soon after surgery. I can't believe she

can do that so soon.

On Nov 24, 2006, at 8:48 AM, Don wrote:

> Welcome Sandy:

>

> Get this book online or at a store.

>

> " Total Knee Replacement and Recovery "

> By Dr. Brugioni MD and Dr. Jeff Falkel Ph.D, PT.

>

> Worth its weight in gold IMO. Dr. Falkel had both knees done at the

> same time. It's like a workbook and gives you pre + post operation

> info and a day by day instuction/info after the operation. Others on

> this list will give you tons of advice. It amazes me the number of

> subjects that come up.

>

> Don

>

> LTKR Dec 4 (SOON).

>

>

Working for God on earth does not pay much,

but HIS Retirement plan is out of this world.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandy, I've had both knees done, one in Nov of 2005 and one is Feb of 2006. I'm very happy that I had it done. It's not perfect but one heck of a lot better than it was.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandy

Would you happen to be the same Sandy that is a member of the RISG (Reiter's) listserv? I belong to that. Due to arthritis, I'm having a total hip replacement on Tuesday. I'm 41 and active too. (Like you, I can bike, but not walk.) There are lots of lovely people here who will give you advice and support.

All the best,

in NZ

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of SandySent: Friday, 24 November 2006 1:26 p.m.Joint Replacement Subject: New to group - will have tkr

Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee replacemenmt in January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances. I am 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile because of arthritus .... so the surgery.Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be appreciated.Thanks, Sandy

[Guest guest]

, soon, very soon, you'll be getting relief and on your way to a brand new hip w/o pain. I wish you all the best. You take care of YOU and as soon as you feel up to it, let us know how you're doing. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers!

Hugs,

lindy lou

Hi Sandy

Would you happen to be the same Sandy that is a member of the RISG (Reiter's) listserv? I belong to that. Due to arthritis, I'm having a total hip replacement on Tuesday. I'm 41 and active too. (Like you, I can bike, but not walk.) There are lots of lovely people here who will give you advice and support.

All the best,

in NZ

[Guest guest]

Thank you SO much Lindy! I feel as though, even though I am on the other swide of the world that there are people wishing me well. That is fantastic:)

, soon, very soon, you'll be getting relief and on your way to a brand new hip w/o pain. I wish you all the best. You take care of YOU and as soon as you feel up to it, let us know how you're doing. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers!

Hugs,

lindy lou

..

[Guest guest]

No, I am not the same Sandy. It is arthritis that is taking my knee

too. How exciting to be talking to someone from New Zealand. My

favorite vacation ever!

Sandy

>

> Hi Sandy

> Would you happen to be the same Sandy that is a member of the RISG

> (Reiter's) listserv? I belong to that. Due to arthritis, I'm

having a total

> hip replacement on Tuesday. I'm 41 and active too. (Like you, I

can bike,

> but not walk.) There are lots of lovely people here who will give

you

> advice and support.

>

> All the best,

> in NZ

>

> New to group - will have tkr

>

>

> Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee

replacemenmt in

> January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances.

I am

> 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile

because

> of arthritus .... so the surgery.

>

> Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks, Sandy

>

[Guest guest]

No, I am not the same Sandy. It is arthritis that is taking my knee

too. How exciting to be talking to someone from New Zealand. My

favorite vacation ever!

Sandy

>

> Hi Sandy

> Would you happen to be the same Sandy that is a member of the RISG

> (Reiter's) listserv? I belong to that. Due to arthritis, I'm

having a total

> hip replacement on Tuesday. I'm 41 and active too. (Like you, I

can bike,

> but not walk.) There are lots of lovely people here who will give

you

> advice and support.

>

> All the best,

> in NZ

>

> New to group - will have tkr

>

>

> Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee

replacemenmt in

> January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances.

I am

> 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile

because

> of arthritus .... so the surgery.

>

> Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be

appreciated.

>

> Thanks, Sandy

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Don,

This is the last email I will see until after you are home from your

surgery.

Good luck with it. Hope it works out with text book precision.

Hugs

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

Re: New to group - will have tkr

| Welcome Sandy:

|

| Get this book online or at a store.

|

| " Total Knee Replacement and Recovery "

| By Dr. Brugioni MD and Dr. Jeff Falkel Ph.D, PT.

|

| Worth its weight in gold IMO. Dr. Falkel had both knees done at the

| same time. It's like a workbook and gives you pre + post operation

| info and a day by day instuction/info after the operation. Others on

| this list will give you tons of advice. It amazes me the number of

| subjects that come up.

|

| Don

|

| LTKR Dec 4 (SOON).

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Good luck with it .

Will check how you are going in a couple of weeks.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

RE: New to group - will have tkr

| Hi Sandy

| Would you happen to be the same Sandy that is a member of the RISG

| (Reiter's) listserv? I belong to that. Due to arthritis, I'm having a

total

| hip replacement on Tuesday. I'm 41 and active too. (Like you, I can bike,

| but not walk.) There are lots of lovely people here who will give you

| advice and support.

|

| All the best,

| in NZ

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Margaret and all. Like I said I have learned a LOT from this

group. Will keep you all posted.

Don

>

> Hi Don,

>

> This is the last email I will see until after you are home from your

> surgery.

>

> Good luck with it. Hope it works out with text book precision.

>

> Hugs

>

> Aussie Margaret

> RTHR 1990 revised 2004

[Guest guest]

Yes, Don, the very best to you. I'm sure you will bring a wealth of information and inspiration back this site when you can again be online. We'll look forward to hearing from you. DonnaElaine Poage <meuw@...> wrote: Don I wish you the best with your knee replacement. Positive attitude is a key factor. I talked to a friend who had tkr on Tuesday of this week and she already has gone up and down stairs and had her knee at 100 degree bend. She said it hurt and she needed help. I was concerned at that bend as my os said that I could tear internal stitches if I pushed too hard soon after surgery. I can't believe she can do that so soon.On Nov 24, 2006, at 8:48 AM, Don wrote:> Welcome Sandy:>> Get this book online or at a store.>>

"Total Knee Replacement and Recovery"> By Dr. Brugioni MD and Dr. Jeff Falkel Ph.D, PT.>> Worth its weight in gold IMO. Dr. Falkel had both knees done at the> same time. It's like a workbook and gives you pre + post operation> info and a day by day instuction/info after the operation. Others on> this list will give you tons of advice. It amazes me the number of> subjects that come up.>> Don>> LTKR Dec 4 (SOON).>> Working for God on earth does not pay much,but HIS Retirement plan is out of this world.

Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.

[Guest guest]

, thanks for the encouragement. I am looking forward to

taking a walk. It is amazing how much we crave the simple things that

are out of reach.

>

> Hi Sandy, I've had both knees done, one in Nov of 2005 and one is

Feb of

> 2006. I'm very happy that I had it done. It's not perfect but one

heck of a

> lot better than it was.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Don, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery :-) SusieDon <donavp@...> wrote: Welcome Sandy:Get this book online or at a

store."Total Knee Replacement and Recovery"By Dr. Brugioni MD and Dr. Jeff Falkel Ph.D, PT.Worth its weight in gold IMO. Dr. Falkel had both knees done at the same time. It's like a workbook and gives you pre + post operation info and a day by day instuction/info after the operation. Others on this list will give you tons of advice. It amazes me the number of subjects that come up.DonLTKR Dec 4 (SOON).

[Guest guest]

Judy, thanks for the encouragement. I have been doing water

aerobics too. The decision has been made. I will have the surgery.

It is just a matter of when and what kind of rehap I will do.

Sandy

> >

> > Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee

replacemenmt in

> > January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances.

I am

> > 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile

because

> > of arthritus .... so the surgery.

> >

> > Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be

appreciated.

> >

> > Thanks, Sandy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Donna, you are so right about being " my own worst enemy " - I had

incredibly unrealistic expectations also - I was crushed when I got to

the rehab hospital and saw what a long road was in front of me...

Depressed, and angry with myself - and had no one to " blame " but

myself either, since it was my decision to have the TKRs. Thank

goodness that with the passage of a couple more weeks and some real

progress I realize I AM getting somewhere, and my mood has improved

considerably. I can see I'm getting somewhere.

My next goal is to get off the pain meds as much as possible and be

able to drive and get to appointments and do some of my shopping.

Hubby's been great but he needs a break...

Judy

> >

> > Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee replacemenmt in

> > January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances. I am

> > 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile because

> > of arthritus .... so the surgery.

> >

> > Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be appreciated.

> >

> > Thanks, Sandy

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.

>

[Guest guest]

Yep, I asked myself a couple times why I went through with it. :-) Especially in the first 24 hours. But, mostly I've looked ahead. We just have to keep thinking spring. Even the 3-month milestone, coming up next week, isn't my magic number unless something dramatically improves over the next week. And I don't think it happens happen like that. Baby steps. One day at a time. Be careful when you do get our there. My daughter and son-in-law took me on my first grocery-shopping trip at four weeks. I used the motorized cart. Still, before I was satisfied I was done, I had to leave because I was exhausted. I did drive a few days later, and people seem surprised by that. Until I got the feel of it, I only drove slowly on the town streets. I sat in my driveway and practiced moving my leg and hitting the brake. It was the easiest of my challenges. But just to be safe, I

didn't go further than five miles outside of town until I drove to my son's for Thanksgiving. Judy <jdytart@...> wrote: Donna, you are so right about being "my own worst enemy" - I hadincredibly unrealistic expectations also - I was crushed when I got tothe rehab hospital and saw what a long road was in front of me...Depressed, and angry with myself - and had no one to "blame" butmyself either, since it was my decision to have the TKRs. Thankgoodness that with the passage of a

couple more weeks and some realprogress I realize I AM getting somewhere, and my mood has improvedconsiderably. I can see I'm getting somewhere.My next goal is to get off the pain meds as much as possible and beable to drive and get to appointments and do some of my shopping. Hubby's been great but he needs a break...Judy> >> > Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee replacemenmt in > > January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances. I am > > 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile because > > of arthritus .... so the surgery.> > > > Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be appreciated.> > > > Thanks, Sandy> >> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.>

Everyone is raving about the all-new beta.

[Guest guest]

I wanted to insert a caveat to the message below. For those of you who have surgery coming up, please don't be concerned about my remark about "the first 24 hours." I have promised not recount my saga again. Briefly: I awoke from surgery to pain and then had a broken connection to my pain drip, among other things. It was not your typical experience, but rather 's Law in full force. Others here talk about waking up feeling nothing. And at first -- usually 24 to 48 hours I believe -- you will probably be on the pain drip with the ability to hit it every so-many minutes. It's strong stuff. I hope I didn't worry anyone with that remark. I'm not through it yet, but I am thriled to have new, strong knees that will allow me to live a normal life again.Donna Hart <ohdonna_68@...> wrote: Yep, I asked myself a couple times why I went through with it. :-) Especially in the first 24 hours. But, mostly I've looked ahead. We just have to keep thinking spring. Even the 3-month milestone, coming up next week, isn't my magic number unless something dramatically improves over the next week. And I don't think it happens happen like that. Baby steps. One day at a time. Be careful when you do get our there. My daughter and son-in-law took me on my first grocery-shopping trip at four weeks. I used the motorized cart. Still, before I was satisfied I was done, I had to

leave because I was exhausted. I did drive a few days later, and people seem surprised by that. Until I got the feel of it, I only drove slowly on the town streets. I sat in my driveway and practiced moving my leg and hitting the brake. It was the easiest of my challenges. But just to be safe, I didn't go further than five miles outside of town until I drove to my son's for Thanksgiving. Judy <jdytartsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Donna, you are so right about being "my own worst enemy" - I hadincredibly unrealistic expectations also - I was crushed when I got tothe rehab hospital and saw what a long road was in front of me...Depressed, and angry with myself - and had no one to "blame" butmyself either, since it was my decision to have the TKRs. Thankgoodness

that with the passage of a couple more weeks and some realprogress I realize I AM getting somewhere, and my mood has improvedconsiderably. I can see I'm getting somewhere.My next goal is to get off the pain meds as much as possible and beable to drive and get to appointments and do some of my shopping. Hubby's been great but he needs a break...Judy> >> > Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee replacemenmt in > > January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances. I am > > 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile because > > of arthritus .... so the surgery.> > > > Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be appreciated.> > > > Thanks, Sandy> >> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.> Everyone is raving about the all-new beta.

Everyone is raving about the all-new beta.

[Guest guest]

while watching that "live" TKR surgery online, i also learned that pain meds are administered directly into the nerve bundle nearest the joint replacement, which helps with the immediate pain one has upon awakening after surgery -- and there are other meds also injected during surgery to eliviate as much pain as possible and then as you said Donna, the pump afterwards. i know i'm going to be in pain, but i'm trusting nothing more than i can handle.

lindy lou

I wanted to insert a caveat to the message below. For those of you who have surgery coming up, please don't be concerned about my remark about "the first 24 hours." I have promised not recount my saga again. Briefly: I awoke from surgery to pain and then had a broken connection to my pain drip, among other things. It was not your typical experience, but rather 's Law in full force. Others here talk about waking up feeling nothing. And at first -- usually 24 to 48 hours I believe -- you will probably be on the pain drip with the ability to hit it every so-many minutes. It's strong stuff.

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna sorry to here you are having a tough time....my sister had a bad back for a number of years and was on heavy pain meds, then had surgery and had to wean off them....for some reason she starting using vitimin B50 - maybe our online pharmacist can tell us why B50 ... regards, Donna Hart <ohdonna_68@...> wrote: Great outlook, Judy! Looking forward to spring is so sensible. I was my own worst

enemy when I started recovery for BTKRs because of my unrealistic expectations. Since I was told I could return to work in six weeks, I thought I should be a-okay by then. The heavier pain meds I was given in the beginning allowed me to do stupid things like shop on crutches. Which I think I happily reported here. Duh. I still get scarred and then I get depressed, which scares me. But, I try to stop that cycle when it starts by doing my exercises, getting some rest and putting the ice wraps on. Sometimes I still have to have a cry or hear my surgeon or physical therapist tell me I'm progressing. I have a feeling that with all the emotion I've experienced, that I should expect to have to wean myself off my current pain med. What I've read here helps me know I'll deal with that when it comes time. But thank goodness for this page. I get my dose of reality and reassurance almost every day here. Sandy, you can bike 30 miles? That's terrific. You are obviously strong physically and in attitude. You will do well in recovery. I found this page after surgery when I went searching for answers because things were not going as I expected. I wish I had looked before. Though I p Warm regards, DonnaJudy <jdytartsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Sandy, I am 66, and always considered myself to be very active untilmy arthritis appeared on the scene several years ago. I continuedwalking as much as possible, hiking only possible by taking painmeds... Took up water exercise as a substitute, and was VERY unhappywith the limitations on my activities... So, on October 20th I hadbilateral TKRs, which was a much more grueling experience than Iexpected. But now, 5 weeks out, I am improving noticeably every day -walking with the aid of one crutch indoors, getting on my recumbentexercise bike again, starting to daydream about walking and hikingagain - by the spring, for sure... Just stick with it, do what yourPT tells you, and do not take how you feel the first couple of weeksas a forecast for the rest of your life!Judy>> Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee replacemenmt in > January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances. I am > 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile because > of arthritus .... so the surgery.> > Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be appreciated.> > Thanks, Sandy> Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.

Make free worldwide PC-to-PC calls. Try the new Canada Messenger with Voice

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna, I used to drive I think it was ten years ago I think when you give up driving it takes something out of you :-) Well thats good you are still driving do not stop in less you really have too . SusieDonna Hart <ohdonna_68@...> wrote: Yep, I asked myself a

couple times why I went through with it. :-) Especially in the first 24 hours. But, mostly I've looked ahead. We just have to keep thinking spring. Even the 3-month milestone, coming up next week, isn't my magic number unless something dramatically improves over the next week. And I don't think it happens happen like that. Baby steps. One day at a time. Be careful when you do get our there. My daughter and son-in-law took me on my first grocery-shopping trip at four weeks. I used the motorized cart. Still, before I was satisfied I was done, I had to leave because I was exhausted. I did drive a few days later, and people seem surprised by that. Until I got the feel of it, I only drove slowly on the town streets. I sat in my driveway and practiced moving my leg and hitting the brake. It was the easiest of my challenges. But just to be safe, I didn't go further

than five miles outside of town until I drove to my son's for Thanksgiving. Judy <jdytartsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Donna, you are so right about being "my own worst enemy" - I hadincredibly unrealistic expectations also - I was crushed when I got tothe rehab hospital and saw what a long road was in front of me...Depressed, and angry with myself - and had no one to "blame" butmyself either, since it was my decision to have the TKRs. Thankgoodness that with the passage of a couple more weeks and some realprogress I realize I AM getting somewhere, and my mood has improvedconsiderably. I can see I'm getting somewhere.My next goal is to get off the pain meds as much as possible and beable to drive and get to appointments and do some of my shopping. Hubby's been great but

he needs a break...Judy> >> > Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee replacemenmt in > > January and

am looking for someone with similiar circumstances. I am > > 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile because > > of arthritus .... so the surgery.> > > > Just trying to learn about expectations. Any info will be appreciated.> > > > Thanks, Sandy> >> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited.> Everyone is raving about the all-new beta.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your kind words, . I know that I'm getting there. :-) Today, I start back to the pool after two weeks. I have no doubt that will give me a boost. Yes, I would be VERY interested in how the B50s might help. Thanks, again! Donna <momaca2002@...> wrote: Hi Donna sorry to here you are having a tough time....my sister had a bad back for a number of years

and was on heavy pain meds, then had surgery and had to wean off them....for some reason she starting using vitimin B50 - maybe our online pharmacist can tell us why B50 ... regards, Donna Hart <ohdonna_68 > wrote: Great outlook, Judy! Looking forward to spring is so sensible. I was my own worst enemy when I started recovery for BTKRs because of my unrealistic expectations. Since I was told I could return to work in six weeks, I thought I should be a-okay by then. The heavier pain meds I was given in the beginning allowed me to do stupid things like shop on crutches. Which I think I happily reported here. Duh. I still get scarred

and then I get depressed, which scares me. But, I try to stop that cycle when it starts by doing my exercises, getting some rest and putting the ice wraps on. Sometimes I still have to have a cry or hear my surgeon or physical therapist tell me I'm progressing. I have a feeling that with all the emotion I've experienced, that I should expect to have to wean myself off my current pain med. What I've read here helps me know I'll deal with that when it comes time. But thank goodness for this page. I get my dose of reality and reassurance almost every day here. Sandy, you can bike 30 miles? That's terrific. You are obviously strong physically and in attitude. You will do well in recovery. I found this page after surgery when I went searching

for answers because things were not going as I expected. I wish I had looked before. Though I p Warm regards, DonnaJudy <jdytartsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Sandy, I am 66, and always considered myself to be very active untilmy arthritis appeared on the scene several years ago. I continuedwalking as much as possible, hiking only possible by taking painmeds... Took up water exercise as a substitute, and was VERY unhappywith the limitations on my activities... So, on October 20th I hadbilateral TKRs,

which was a much more grueling experience than Iexpected. But now, 5 weeks out, I am improving noticeably every day -walking with the aid of one crutch indoors, getting on my recumbentexercise bike again, starting to daydream about walking and hikingagain - by the spring, for sure... Just stick with it, do what yourPT tells you, and do not take how you feel the first couple of weeksas a forecast for the rest of your life!Judy>> Hello, I am new to the group. I will have total knee replacemenmt in > January and am looking for someone with similiar circumstances. I am > 53 and active. I can bike 30 miles, but cannot walk 1/4 mile because > of arthritus .... so the surgery.> > Just trying to learn about expectations. Any

info will be appreciated.> > Thanks, Sandy> Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited. Make free worldwide PC-to-PC calls. Try the new Canada Messenger with Voice

Check out the all-new beta - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

You are right. You will find that the pain is quite bearable right

after surgery because you are given pain meds directly to the spine.

It's after they take you off that and put you on the standard drip

that you begin to sample the real pain, but they keep it within

reason. Just make sure your surgeon is in touch with the house staff

so that the proper medication dosage is administered.

Good Luck,

Alan

>

> while watching that " live " TKR surgery online, i also learned that

pain meds are administered directly into the nerve bundle nearest the

joint replacement, which helps with the immediate pain one has upon

awakening after surgery -- and there are other meds also injected

during surgery to eliviate as much pain as possible and then as you

said Donna, the pump afterwards. i know i'm going to be in pain, but

i'm trusting nothing more than i can handle.

> lindy lou

>

>

> I wanted to insert a caveat to the message below. For those of you

who have surgery coming up, please don't be concerned about my remark

about " the first 24 hours. " I have promised not recount my saga again.

Briefly: I awoke from surgery to pain and then had a broken connection

to my pain drip, among other things. It was not your typical

experience, but rather 's Law in full force. Others here talk

about waking up feeling nothing. And at first -- usually 24 to 48

hours I believe -- you will probably be on the pain drip with the

ability to hit it every so-many minutes. It's strong stuff.

>

[Guest guest]

alan, the doctor did tell me today about the epidural. the gal who scheduled my surgery told me he's very very concerned about his patients being in pain, so hopefully after the epidural comes out, he'll give me something good for the pain. ;-)

lindyYou are right. You will find that the pain is quite bearable rightafter surgery because you are given pain meds directly to the spine. It's after they take you off that and put you on the standard dripthat you begin to sample the real pain, but they keep it withinreason. Just make sure your surgeon is in touch with the house staffso that the proper medication dosage is administered.Good Luck,Alan