Re: Broke my patella...help!!!

[Guest guest]

Sharon, I'm so sorry, you're in a real jam! Just when you were carrying as much of the household burdens as you could, too. I guess the dogs don't cook?One suggestion would be to go online to someplace like landsend.com & order some of their stretch pants in a larger than usual size. They have corduroy ones with elastic waists, & something called Better Than Sweats, etc. You could get expedited delivery if you want to pay. Or you could get some intrepid shopper to go into a cheap store & get you some loose pj bottoms. Where do you live? We have tons of dollar stores here in the Detroit area, & there's always something in them. We also have Meijer stores, which sell reasonably-priced sweats. Seems like you have to do something, unless

you're just going to make a sarong out of bath towels...As for a bath bench, you need the kind that is called a transfer bench: part of it sits outside the tub so you can sit down & stick your leg out straight, then swing & heave yourself into the tub. Does your hospital have an orthopedic supply store, or a loan closet? Or get on your local Freecycle & ask for one--you'd be surprised how often that works!Best wishes to both you & your husband, & just think how much happier you'll be when all this is over.Barb, 77 yrs. old, RTKR 11/15/05 & RTHR coming 12/08/06

Everyone is raving about the all-new beta.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon

Sorry to hear of your woes. Have you got/could you get hold of a walking stick or crutch, to hold in the hand of your good side?

You will definitely need some skirts - get some longer ones (shop on-line) and to **ll with shaving your legs at present Rather than socks/tights, how about some sheepskin boots to keep warm? Again, shop on-line.

I've had knee arthritis for 13 years, so hope these ideas help a little.

Best wishes,

in NZ

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of Sharon CaleySent: Thursday, 7 December 2006 5:17 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Broke my patella...help!!!

Joined this group cuz my husband is supposed to have TRHR in Jan., and is in bone on bone, and can't do much.Well, I managed to shatter my right knee Sunday and am having surgery next Monday. Neither of us is young, and we live alone, with two big, rambunctiuous dogs.I am at a total loss how to function, as I was doing most of the around-the-house stuff since he can't stand very long.Right now I can put weight on my leg, but am unable to bend it at all.I have a big fat brace on it, and it's winter, and I can't get my long pants over it...if I put them under the brace I can't get them down in the bathroom.I mostly wear jeans, and don't even have any sweatpants....skirts???Then I'll have to shave my legs, and how do I do that? Can't even put my shoes or socks on..Of course, It's Christmas season, so the stores are jammed, and I can't go buy anything.And how the heck do I shower???? Don't have a shower bench, and if I get in and slip...oh, my...Any suggestions? Any and all ideas appreciated.THIS IS NOT FUN!!!!!!!!!!Sharon, who suddenly feels her age...=0)

[Guest guest]

P.S: Re showering, is there anyone (even a local hardware store) who could instal a grab bar in the shower for you? You're going to need one after your husband's surgery in any case and it will help you now.

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of Sharon CaleySent: Thursday, 7 December 2006 5:17 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Broke my patella...help!!!

Joined this group cuz my husband is supposed to have TRHR in Jan., and is in bone on bone, and can't do much.Well, I managed to shatter my right knee Sunday and am having surgery next Monday. Neither of us is young, and we live alone, with two big, rambunctiuous dogs.I am at a total loss how to function, as I was doing most of the around-the-house stuff since he can't stand very long.Right now I can put weight on my leg, but am unable to bend it at all.I have a big fat brace on it, and it's winter, and I can't get my long pants over it...if I put them under the brace I can't get them down in the bathroom.I mostly wear jeans, and don't even have any sweatpants....skirts???Then I'll have to shave my legs, and how do I do that? Can't even put my shoes or socks on..Of course, It's Christmas season, so the stores are jammed, and I can't go buy anything.And how the heck do I shower???? Don't have a shower bench, and if I get in and slip...oh, my...Any suggestions? Any and all ideas appreciated.THIS IS NOT FUN!!!!!!!!!!Sharon, who suddenly feels her age...=0)

[Guest guest]

I managed to shatter my right knee Sunday and am having surgery next Monday. >>> Love your heart Sharon... sorry 2 hear your having such a time... especially with your leg in addition to your hubby's issue~ goes 2 the old saying "when it rains it pores". But... you have to remember the Lord puts no more upon us then He believes we can carry... so even during the worst of times wear a smile & be greatful that He has such faith in your ablity to get through. Just keep the faith better is ahead of ya!

I am at a total loss how to function, as I was doing most of the around-the-house stuff since he can't stand very long. >>> Welp I'm sure it's bound to be difficult in your situation~ if you have a church that you attend... try contacting the preacher 2 see if some of the members might be willing 2 drop by 2 help you out. Anything would help at this point. With you both being down... you might want to consider contacting your local social service office to see if there is a program available for in home care / cleaning assistance etc. In our area they offer meals on wheels, house keeping, home health nurses etc. to those who qualify financially or are older with limited help during times of surgery etc. If they don't have such programs in your area... I'm sure a case worker would be able to help direct you to assistance.

I have a big fat brace on it, and it's winter, and I can't get my long pants over it... if I put them under the brace I can't get them down in the bathroom. >>> Only thing I can recommend is that you send someone to get ya some skirts etc. that would work. Where there's a will THERE IS A WAY Sometimes just takes sometime finding the right solution.... but you'll get it~

Then I'll have to shave my legs, and how do I do that? Can't even put my shoes or socks on.. >>> Beings as my restrictions are for my life time~ I've learned to adapt... you just have to be determined and remove that nasty lil "C" word from your vocabulary... after all it is what will limit your life most if you permit it to. Beings as your husband is going to have hip surgery & your currently having knee issues... you might want to consider speaking to your physician to see if they'll write you prescriptions to cover the costs of a "grabbie snatcher", sock assist etc. which would at least benefit you NOW and your hubby later. If doc isn't up for it... then I'd certainly look into buying some~ might be more help to you & worth it's weight in gold regardless of whether insurance will cover the cost or not! I deal with a company online... because their more cost effective then other medical supply stores in our area... check in your area... you might be able to find a better deal for yourself too.

North Coast Medicalhttp://www.beabletodo.com/StoreFront.bok

As to leg shaving.... get you a 5 gal. paint stick from Lowes. Two pony tail holders (or rubber bands) and a schick slim twin razer (*works the best for this purpose!). Carve out a lil notch for the razer blades head to rest in at the end & attatch it to the stick with the ponytail holders. Place one toward the top of the razer just below where the color change is on the handle ON THE DOTS (*it stablizes & ensures no movement) And to secure it from pulling away as you shave place the other pony towards the very end of the razer to keep it in place & from moving left to right on ya. I use extended handle sponge to apply my shaving cream & POOF done just as quickly as it was when I could bend to do it. Just make sure when you first start using it... your careful~ it does take some getting used to... but works like a charm.

Of course, It's Christmas season, so the stores are jammed, and I can't go buy anything. >>> So play picture it this year. Do a lil cut & paste from magazines... you can shop online or via catelogs instead of lugging through the stores~ GRANTED your not likely to get all items in time for actual Christmas delivery in dealing with some companies & it this close~ but you'd be surprized at how well some will work out for ya. That's where the "picture it" comes into play. I always buy a bag of hersey's kisses in various favors.... and if it's something you know your not gonna get in time.... place the picture of what you've got coming in a card to your loved one... with a lil note that says~ "it's on it's way... lil under the weather for shopping these days.... but enclosed are lots of kisses to tid ya over". It's different & some just get a real kick outta the thought for enclosing the candy & could careless they actually have a gift coming. OR~ the next time your at the grocery get the things to give "gift jars" as presents... those are pretty nice & simple to fix too. AND FOR THE RECORD~ you can fix them in the holiday ziplock baggies and their just as cute! But don't matter what you decide to do... it's a lil imagination & the will for WANT that makes it happen~ "C" word seldom does much of anything.

how the heck do I shower ???? Don't have a shower bench, and if I get in and slip...oh, my... >>> If your that worried about the in & outta the tub deal~ then sink it. Once upon a time bathing was a luxury... and instead of tubs & showers people had bowls & pictures to do the duty with. Just wash up from the sink & then wash your hair separately.

THIS IS NOT FUN!!!!!!!!!! who suddenly feels her age... >>> You just remember to count your blessings Mrs.Sharon... and realize regardless of what is or isn't ahead of you in this life~ your will & determination means the difference in your living or exsisting. Your only limited by your want to achieve! Keep your chin up~ it'll get better... if you do nothing else for yourself.... get that "C" word outta your vocabulary! It'll bring ya down quicker then anything! Well walking 2 ya... & hope how soon your feeling better.

[Guest guest]

SassyLou -- you are remarkable!

hugs,linDUHlouTRHR 1/22/2007

I managed to shatter my right knee Sunday and am having surgery next Monday. >>> Love your heart Sharon... sorry 2 hear your having such a time... especially with your leg in addition to your hubby's issue~ goes 2 the old saying "when it rains it pores". But... you have to remember the Lord puts no more upon us then He believes we can carry... so even during the worst of times wear a smile & be greatful that He has such faith in your ablity to get through. Just keep the faith better is ahead of ya!

I am at a total loss how to function, as I was doing most of the around-the-house stuff since he can't stand very long. >>> Welp I'm sure it's bound to be difficult in your situation~ if you have a church that you attend... try contacting the preacher 2 see if some of the members might be willing 2 drop by 2 help you out. Anything would help at this point. With you both being down... you might want to consider contacting your local social service office to see if there is a program available for in home care / cleaning assistance etc. In our area they offer meals on wheels, house keeping, home health nurses etc. to those who qualify financially or are older with limited help during times of surgery etc. If they don't have such programs in your area... I'm sure a case worker would be able to help direct you to assistance.

I have a big fat brace on it, and it's winter, and I can't get my long pants over it... if I put them under the brace I can't get them down in the bathroom. >>> Only thing I can recommend is that you send someone to get ya some skirts etc. that would work. Where there's a will THERE IS A WAY Sometimes just takes sometime finding the right solution.... but you'll get it~

Then I'll have to shave my legs, and how do I do that? Can't even put my shoes or socks on.. >>> Beings as my restrictions are for my life time~ I've learned to adapt... you just have to be determined and remove that nasty lil "C" word from your vocabulary... after all it is what will limit your life most if you permit it to. Beings as your husband is going to have hip surgery & your currently having knee issues... you might want to consider speaking to your physician to see if they'll write you prescriptions to cover the costs of a "grabbie snatcher", sock assist etc. which would at least benefit you NOW and your hubby later. If doc isn't up for it... then I'd certainly look into buying some~ might be more help to you & worth it's weight in gold regardless of whether insurance will cover the cost or not! I deal with a company online... because thei! r more cost effective then other medical supply stores in our area... check in your area... you might be able to find a better deal for yourself too.

North Coast Medicalhttp://www.beabletodo.com/StoreFront.bok

As to leg shaving.... get you a 5 gal. paint stick from Lowes. Two pony tail holders (or rubber bands) and a schick slim twin razer (*works the best for this purpose!). Carve out a lil notch for the razer blades head to rest in at the end & attatch it to the stick with the ponytail holders. Place one toward the top of the razer just below where the color change is on the handle ON THE DOTS (*it stablizes & ensures no movement) And to secure it from pulling away as you shave place the other pony towards the very end of the razer to keep it in place & from moving left to right on ya. I use extended handle sponge to apply my shaving cream & POOF done just as quickly as it was when I could bend to do it. Just make sure when you first start using it... your careful~ it does take some getting used to... but works like a charm.

Of course, It's Christmas season, so the stores are jammed, and I can't go buy anything. >>> So play picture it this year. Do a lil cut & paste from magazines... you can shop online or via catelogs instead of lugging through the stores~ GRANTED your not likely to get all items in time for actual Christmas delivery in dealing with some companies & it this close~ but you'd be surprized at how well some will work out for ya. That's where the "picture it" comes into play. I always buy a bag of hersey's kisses in various favors.... and if it's something you know your not gonna get in time.... place the picture of what you've got coming in a card to your loved one... with a lil note that says~ "it's on it's way... lil under the weather for shopping these days.... but enclosed are lots of kisses to tid ya over". It's different & some just get a real kick outta! the thought for enclosing the candy & could careless they actually have a gift coming. OR~ the next time your at the grocery get the things to give "gift jars" as presents... those are pretty nice & simple to fix too. AND FOR THE RECORD~ you can fix them in the holiday ziplock baggies and their just as cute! But don't matter what you decide to do... it's a lil imagination & the will for WANT that makes it happen~ "C" word seldom does much of anything.

how the heck do I shower ???? Don't have a shower bench, and if I get in and slip...oh, my... >>> If your that worried about the in & outta the tub deal~ then sink it. Once upon a time bathing was a luxury... and instead of tubs & showers people had bowls & pictures to do the duty with. Just wash up from the sink & then wash your hair separately.

THIS IS NOT FUN!!!!!!!!!! who suddenly feels her age... >>> You just remember to count your blessings Mrs.Sharon... and realize regardless of what is or isn't ahead of you in this life~ your will & determination means the difference in your living or exsisting. Your only limited by your want to achieve! Keep your chin up~ it'll get better... if you do nothing else for yourself.... get that "C" word outta your vocabulary! It'll bring ya down quicker then anything! Well walking 2 ya... & hope how soon your feeling better.

[Guest guest]

SassyLou -- you are remarkable! >>> Awww ty ty LinDuhLou muchly greatly appreciated Although I'm sure not all would vote the same as you on this subject. <giggling> Can't keep'm all happy though~

[Guest guest]

Thank you all so much for your help!

My surgery is Monday, and I am slowly learning to adapt.

One more question, if I may...

What is the best way to get into/out of a car with your (right) leg

totally straight and in a brace (unable to bend knee at all).

I am having a really hard time now, and after surgery I'm sure it will

be harder. Front seat with seat back all the way? Bad leg in first or

second (there isn't enough room and I wind up smushing it and it hurts

like heck) Back seat from left side? Right side? Bad leg in first?

Drag bad leg in after sit down and scootch in?

Right now it all hurts, so any help would be wonderful!

Sharon,

Mighty thankful for one good leg and two good arms and hands!

=0)

[Guest guest]

>

- if I was my husband, he drives an automatic with 2 feet, one for

the accelerator and one for the brake, then I'd be okay, and I know

many people who do drive in this fashion so the braking is done by

the left foot.

> ann

>

>

That's what I did when I broke my right foot. I drove with my cast

on and my right foot (mostly toes) on the gas pedal, and used my left

to brake. Took me forever to learn to do it the 'real' way when I

was okay again..

I'm trying to figure out if I could stretch my right leg across the

front seat and then drive with my left.

People with only one leg can learn it...why couldn't I??????????

Sharon, getting more and more creative....

=0)

[Guest guest]

>

> That's where the leg lifter comes in so handy. It's about $10. Unlike

a dog leash, it's stiff. You reach right down, hook your foot and swing

it over.

I have been using a crutch for a leg lifter.

I just turn the crutch upside down, stick my foot firmly over the

armrest, hold onto the other end and lift. Supports my leg and keeps

it straight.

When I'm sitting in the doctor's office I rest my foot on the crutch

armrest and prop my leg up on the other crutch.

Works for me!

[Guest guest]

---Lindy, the letter L is a 90 degree bend. Consider the long

vertical line your torso and the shorter horizontal line your upper

legs.

I have a resurfacing and I can bend any way I want to. I do

exercises and bend over and touch my toes, sit Indian style, sleep

any way I want to. I'm so glad I didn't have to have a THR. Best of

luck to you. ..... Maxine

In Joint Replacement , " lindy "

<everyothername.istaken@...> wrote:

>

> so i've been reading these books about hip replacement and last

night again read about the precautions afterwards. so if i'm to

understand it correctly, i have to sleep with my legs apart, i can't

ever let my knees touch, i dare not cross my operated leg past the

midline of my body, etc., etc. this all sounds so undoable. and it

says not to bend the body more than a 90 degree angle (i don't even

know what this looks like; 90 degrees) when sitting -- can i put my

operated leg up on a footstool? it sounds very frightening -- like

if i do something wrong, i'll end up with a popped joint and i've

also read how terribly painful that is. i really should stop

reading already.

> hugs,

> ~ linDUHlou ~

> RTHR/1/22/2007

>

>

> I have been using a crutch for a leg lifter.

> I just turn the crutch upside down, stick my foot firmly over

the

> armrest, hold onto the other end and lift. Supports my leg and

keeps

> it straight.

> When I'm sitting in the doctor's office I rest my foot on the

crutch

> armrest and prop my leg up on the other crutch.

> Works for me!

>