To Foley or not to Foley ...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2006 11:50:31 P.M. Central Standard Time, ruby2zdy@... writes:

Uh-oh. No. 2. Hadn't thought about that. Seems like they'd give you a laxative, esp. since all those pain killers are constipating. Oh dear, oh dear. I hate having my orifices at the mercy of someone else.

Thanks for the info about using the toilet.

Ann

Glad that I can help. I knew about the #2 thing because I had back surgery before my 2 knees and I got impacted and talk about embarrassing. I couldn't help myself cause I could hardly move my back and I had to get a nurse to basically unstop me manually, it was horrible. Just make sure that you talk about your concern and I think they will also give you Mylanta which is what I took when I got home.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/25/2006 12:09:59 A.M. Central Standard Time, halesmail@... writes:

Now having said this, I am sure there will be some of you who didn't have a catheter, have doctors who don't routinely use antibiotics etc. I am speaking here just as a general rule of thumb, my experiences as a nurse and as a patient who has had two joint replacements although not a knee as yet. Hope the information helps you sort out your choices.

I did have a catheter for a short time after my back fusion but I said I would walk to the bathroom, basically anything if I could get that thing out. I also know that for my back and both of my knees I did get IV antibiotics. I did ask my Dr. if I had to have one for my knees though. He said no and I was so happy. I might have had one if I hadn't of asked, who knows. I think I was asking while they were taking me into surgery, lol.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/25/2006 12:35:57 A.M. Central Standard Time, blueopal@... writes:

LOL, believe me Ann. You won't give a hoot. I

have severe intestinal problems and told em just to

forget the laxatives as they don't help me without

ememas. They didn't mess with me. Just get SunSweet prune juice and drink a glass warmed every morning and you'll be fine

Sherry

Maybe it's because I have had 2 c-sections, 2 scopes on my knee, the back surgery, and my 2 replacements. I'm very paranoid about having control over things. The knee surgeries were a piece of cake compared to my back.

[Guest guest]

FOR KNEE PATIENTS:

The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want inserted while I'm awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to get up, make it to the bathroom, sit on the toilet seat (or, I suppose men could do it one-handed while leaning on a crutch), and get up again. It seems to me that, since they get you on your feet the first day (I've been told), with or without a nurse's help, one could make it to the bathroom. Then, as for sitting, it seems to me that if the new knee isn't bending much, one could just, with help of the walker or crutches and/or nurse, sit down with that leg stuck out. Since they'll (hopefully) have the raised seat, is this all that hard? Then getting up, can't the nurse just pull you up? Isn't that one reason they're nurses?

I understand that some people have trouble urinating after a general anesthesia and that's why they put in a Foley. I haven't in the past -- is that an indication as to how it would be for my upcoming surgery?

So -- if one could be expected to pee normally, and given all the above, wouldn't the likelihood that one would need a catheter be fairly low?

I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were awake? Was it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet, get up, and get back to bed? Would strengthening one's thighs before the surgery help?

Thanks, everyone.

Ann

[Guest guest]

Uh-oh. No. 2. Hadn't thought about that. Seems like they'd give you a laxative, esp. since all those pain killers are constipating. Oh dear, oh dear. I hate having my orifices at the mercy of someone else.

Thanks for the info about using the toilet.

Ann

In a message dated 8/24/2006 11:21:51 P.M. Central Standard Time, ruby2zdyearthlink (DOT) net writes:

I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were awake? Was it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet, get up, and get back to bed? Would strengthening one's thighs before the surgery help?

Thanks, everyone.

Ann

Hi Ann, I would do anything to not have a catheter. They insert them while you out, but with me it just feels like I have to go all of the time. The bed pan is a small price to pay for a sore you know what. I'm not sure but they may have gotten me up in the middle of the night. In the hospital it all runs together. I had no problem peeing but make sure you can go # 2 really soon or you'll regret it. I had to have what they called a Silver Bullet inserted and it really works, lol. When walking to the bathroom with the walker it really wasn't that bad. The hard part was setting down and getting back up. Also, your leg is going to throb so I propped it up on a waste basket or if the nurse didn't give that to me I propped it up on the bracing on the walker. They wouldn't let me go by myself until right when they discharged me. I had to wait for my husband to pick me up, but after they discharged me I was on my own. They did leave me in there to do what I had to do and push the help button when I was gone.

[Guest guest]

>

> FOR KNEE PATIENTS:

>

> The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want inserted

while I'm

awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to get up, make it to the

bathroom, sit on

the toilet seat ...................

Another consideration will also be the amount of pain medication that you are

taking.

(Hard to predict ahead of time) If you are taking a lot of pain medication your

stabiliy while

up is not that great. Some people have huge drops in blood pressure after

anesthesia and

surgery and with narcotics added to the mix, your chances of fainting and

falling on the

way to the bathroom even with help are much greater. I think a catherter is

pretty

standard for a big surgery. a knee replacement would be considered a big

surgery. The

amount of urine you produce gives the medical team an idea your kidney function

and of

how well hydrated you are. If all goes well, that is not such a big deal, but if

you get into

trouble on the operating table they will want to know about your output.

Anesthesia

makes your muscles relax..........including the musles that controls urine

coming out of

your bladder.

Many doctors give their othopedic patients IV antibiotics before surgery and for

a day or

so after surgery. The antibiotics will protect you some from a unrinary tract

infection. (the

antibiotics are geared more for organisms that cause bone and skin infection and

not

specifically for a UTI, but it helps some)

Now having said this, I am sure there will be some of you who didn't have a

catheter, have

doctors who don't routinely use antibiotics etc. I am speaking here just as a

general rule of

thumb, my experiences as a nurse and as a patient who has had two joint

replacements

although not a knee as yet. Hope the information helps you sort out your

choices.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the detailed info. Everything helps.

Ann

Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

>> FOR KNEE PATIENTS:> > The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want inserted while I'm awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to get up, make it to the bathroom, sit on the toilet seat ...................Another consideration will also be the amount of pain medication that you are taking. (Hard to predict ahead of time) If you are taking a lot of pain medication your stabiliy while up is not that great. Some people have huge drops in blood pressure after anesthesia and surgery and with narcotics added to the mix, your chances of fainting and falling on the way to the bathroom even with help are much greater. I think a catherter is pretty standard for a big surgery. a knee replacement would be considered a big surgery. The amount of urine you produce gives the medical team an idea your kidney function and of how well hydrated you are. If all goes well, that is not such a big deal, but if you get into trouble on the operating table they will want to know about your output. Anesthesia makes your muscles relax..........including the musles that controls urine coming out of your bladder. Many doctors give their othopedic patients IV antibiotics before surgery and for a day or so after surgery. The antibiotics will protect you some from a unrinary tract infection. (the antibiotics are geared more for organisms that cause bone and skin infection and not specifically for a UTI, but it helps some)Now having said this, I am sure there will be some of you who didn't have a catheter, have doctors who don't routinely use antibiotics etc. I am speaking here just as a general rule of thumb, my experiences as a nurse and as a patient who has had two joint replacements although not a knee as yet. Hope the information helps you sort out your choices.

[Guest guest]

LOL, believe me Ann. You won't give a hoot. I

have severe intestinal problems and told em just to

forget the laxatives as they don't help me without

ememas. They didn't mess with me. Just get SunSweet prune juice and drink a glass warmed every morning and you'll be fine

Sherry

Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

In a message dated 8/24/2006 11:50:31 P.M. Central Standard Time, ruby2zdyearthlink (DOT) net writes:

Uh-oh. No. 2. Hadn't thought about that. Seems like they'd give you a laxative, esp. since all those pain killers are constipating. Oh dear, oh dear. I hate having my orifices at the mercy of someone else.

Thanks for the info about using the toilet.

Ann

Glad that I can help. I knew about the #2 thing because I had back surgery before my 2 knees and I got impacted and talk about embarrassing. I couldn't help myself cause I could hardly move my back and I had to get a nurse to basically unstop me manually, it was horrible. Just make sure that you talk about your concern and I think they will also give you Mylanta which is what I took when I got home.

[Guest guest]

They put the Foley into me while I was in the OR

and took it out on the 2nd day. Usually I can't go

because of the swelling from the foley but I did

fine...thankfully. They cause infections if left in

for a long period of time.

Sherry

Re: Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

In a message dated 8/25/2006 12:09:59 A.M. Central Standard Time, halesmailaol writes:

Now having said this, I am sure there will be some of you who didn't have a catheter, have doctors who don't routinely use antibiotics etc. I am speaking here just as a general rule of thumb, my experiences as a nurse and as a patient who has had two joint replacements although not a knee as yet. Hope the information helps you sort out your choices.

I did have a catheter for a short time after my back fusion but I said I would walk to the bathroom, basically anything if I could get that thing out. I also know that for my back and both of my knees I did get IV antibiotics. I did ask my Dr. if I had to have one for my knees though. He said no and I was so happy. I might have had one if I hadn't of asked, who knows. I think I was asking while they were taking me into surgery, lol.

[Guest guest]

I had my THR about a month ago, and I insisted on a Foley. I don't do

well with anesthetics or pain meds, so I didn't want the hassle of

being sick, or to have to call the nurses every time I had to go pee.

I had no problems, the surgery was on Thursday morning/afternoon, and

I believe the Foley came out Saturday. I was scared to go to the real

toilet at first, but then they gave me no choice. PT was very good

about being careful while handling it, and I really didn't even feel

it when it came out.

This was my 2nd experience with a Foley, and I would definitely do it

again.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/25/2006 12:27:39 P.M. Central Standard Time, meuw@... writes:

You won't have a bowel movement possible the whole time you are in the hospital. Yes I had to take stool softners whilr taking pain pills.On Aug 24, 2006, at 9:48 PM, Ann wrote:> >> Uh-oh. No. 2. Hadn't thought about that. Seems like they'd give >> you a laxative, esp. since all those pain killers are constipating. >> Oh dear, oh dear. I hate having my orifices at the mercy of someone >> else.>> >> Thanks for the info about using the toilet.>> >> Ann>>

I took this vegetable pill laxative called Senna when I got home and it did the job.

[Guest guest]

Hve the foley it is so much easier that havng to worry about getting to the bath roomIt is just so much easier on all the pain meds couldnt even tell i had it sherrieAnn <ruby2zdy@...> wrote: FOR KNEE PATIENTS: The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want inserted

while I'm awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to get up, make it to the bathroom, sit on the toilet seat (or, I suppose men could do it one-handed while leaning on a crutch), and get up again. It seems to me that, since they get you on your feet the first day (I've been told), with or without a nurse's help, one could make it to the bathroom. Then, as for sitting, it seems to me that if the new knee isn't bending much, one could just, with help of the walker or crutches and/or nurse, sit down with that leg stuck out. Since they'll (hopefully) have the raised seat, is this all that hard? Then getting up, can't the nurse just pull you up? Isn't that one reason they're nurses? I understand that some people have trouble urinating after a general anesthesia and that's why they put in a Foley. I

haven't in the past -- is that an indication as to how it would be for my upcoming surgery? So -- if one could be expected to pee normally, and given all the above, wouldn't the likelihood that one would need a catheter be fairly low? I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were awake? Was it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet, get up, and get back to bed? Would strengthening one's thighs before the surgery help? Thanks, everyone. Ann God bless all our heros PMSM LCPL JOSH India 2nd plt.

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

They will insert it while you are asleep and the reason was they need

to check your urine for any blood and to measure the amount you are

going. Believe me if you need to go quickly you won't make it to the

toilet. The catheter is MUCH easier and for only a day or two until

you muscles start working. Believe me if your muscles aren't working

yet and your bladder is full you will be in pain.

On Aug 24, 2006, at 9:19 PM, Ann wrote:

> FOR KNEE PATIENTS:

>  

> The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want

> inserted while I'm awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to

> get up, make it to the bathroom, sit on the toilet seat (or, I suppose

> men could do it one-handed while leaning on a crutch), and get up

> again.  It seems to me that, since they get you on your feet the first

> day (I've been told), with or without a nurse's help, one could make

> it to the bathroom.  Then, as for sitting, it seems to me that if

> the new knee isn't bending much, one could just, with help of the

> walker or crutches and/or nurse, sit down with that leg stuck out. 

> Since they'll (hopefully) have the raised seat, is this all that

> hard?  Then getting up, can't the nurse just pull you up?  Isn't that

> one reason they're nurses?

>  

> I understand that some people have trouble urinating after a general

> anesthesia and that's why they put in a Foley.  I haven't in the past

> -- is that an indication as to how it would be for my upcoming

> surgery?

>  

> So -- if one could be expected to pee normally, and given all the

> above, wouldn't the likelihood that one would need a catheter be

> fairly low?

>  

> I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter

> inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were awake?  Was

> it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet, get up, and

> get back to bed?  Would strengthening one's thighs before the surgery

> help?

>  

> Thanks, everyone.

>  

> Ann

>

>

" If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed. "

[Guest guest]

You won't have a bowel movement possible the whole time you are in the

hospital. Yes I had to take stool softners whilr taking pain pills.

On Aug 24, 2006, at 9:48 PM, Ann wrote:

>  

>> Uh-oh.  No. 2.  Hadn't thought about that.  Seems like they'd give

>> you a laxative, esp. since all those pain killers are constipating. 

>> Oh dear, oh dear.  I hate having my orifices at the mercy of someone

>> else.

>>  

>> Thanks for the info about using the toilet.

>>  

>> Ann

>>  

>>

>>

>> In a message dated 8/24/2006 11:21:51 P.M. Central Standard Time,

>> ruby2zdy@... writes:

>>>

>>> I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a

>>> catheter inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were

>>> awake?  Was it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet,

>>> get up, and get back to bed?  Would strengthening one's thighs

>>> before the surgery help?

>>>  

>>> Thanks, everyone.

>>>  

>>> Ann  Hi Ann, I would do anything to not have a catheter.  They

>>> insert them while you out, but with me it just feels like I have to

>>> go all of the time.  The bed pan is a small price to pay for a sore

>>> you know what.  I'm not sure but they may have gotten me up in the

>>> middle of the night.  In the hospital it all runs together.  I had

>>> no problem peeing but make sure you can go # 2 really soon or you'll

>>> regret it.  I had to have what they called a Silver Bullet inserted

>>> and it really works, lol.  When walking to the bathroom with the

>>> walker it really wasn't that bad.  The hard part was setting down

>>> and getting back up.  Also, your leg is going to throb so I propped

>>> it up on a waste basket or if the nurse didn't give that to me I

>>> propped it up on the bracing on the walker.  They wouldn't let me go

>>> by myself until right when they discharged me.  I had to wait for my

>>> husband to pick me up, but after they discharged me I was on my

>>> own.  They did leave me in there to do what I had to do and push the

>>> help button when I was gone. 

>>

>>

>

The Bible is the only book in which the Author is always present.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/25/2006 4:15:38 P.M. Central Standard Time, ruby2zdy@... writes:

When I was in the hosp. recently after falling off a ladder, they had me pee in the toilet, but there was a pan under the seat, so that's how they got my urine to check for volume & whatever else they were looking for.

Ann

Yeah, I've done that also. I think it was with my c-sections.

[Guest guest]



When I was in the hosp. recently after falling off a ladder, they had me pee in the toilet, but there was a pan under the seat, so that's how they got my urine to check for volume & whatever else they were looking for.

Ann

Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

They will insert it while you are asleep and the reason was they need to check your urine for any blood and to measure the amount you are going. Believe me if you need to go quickly you won't make it to the toilet. The catheter is MUCH easier and for only a day or two until you muscles start working. Believe me if your muscles aren't working yet and your bladder is full you will be in pain.On Aug 24, 2006, at 9:19 PM, Ann wrote:

FOR KNEE PATIENTS: The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want inserted while I'm awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to get up, make it to the bathroom, sit on the toilet seat (or, I suppose men could do it one-handed while leaning on a crutch), and get up again. It seems to me that, since they get you on your feet the first day (I've been told), with or without a nurse's help, one could make it to the bathroom. Then, as for sitting, it seems to me that if the new knee isn't bending much, one could just, with help of the walker or crutches and/or nurse, sit down with that leg stuck out. Since they'll (hopefully) have the raised seat, is this all that hard? Then getting up, can't the nurse just pull you up? Isn't that one reason they're nurses? I understand that some people have trouble urinating after a general anesthesia and that's why they put in a Foley. I haven't in the past -- is that an indication as to how it would be for my upcoming surgery? So -- if one could be expected to pee normally, and given all the above, wouldn't the likelihood that one would need a catheter be fairly low? I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were awake? Was it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet, get up, and get back to bed? Would strengthening one's thighs before the surgery help? Thanks, everyone. Ann "If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed."

[Guest guest]

I went through 2 hip replacements, and didn't have a catheter inserted either time, nor did any of the other patients in my room either time (3 in a room). As a guy, it was easy to use the urine bottle at night... on the day after surgery, I made it to the john with a walker, and managed one-handed while standing on one leg. After that, I had no problems. Each toilet had a seat riser next to it, you could ask a nurse or aide to put it on if you needed it.

Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

mdavison@...

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Elaine PoageSent: 25 August, 2006 7:24 PMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

They will insert it while you are asleep and the reason was they need to check your urine for any blood and to measure the amount you are going. Believe me if you need to go quickly you won't make it to the toilet. The catheter is MUCH easier and for only a day or two until you muscles start working. Believe me if your muscles aren't working yet and your bladder is full you will be in pain.On Aug 24, 2006, at 9:19 PM, Ann wrote:

FOR KNEE PATIENTS: The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want inserted while I'm awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to get up, make it to the bathroom, sit on the toilet seat (or, I suppose men could do it one-handed while leaning on a crutch), and get up again. It seems to me that, since they get you on your feet the first day (I've been told), with or without a nurse's help, one could make it to the bathroom. Then, as for sitting, it seems to me that if the new knee isn't bending much, one could just, with help of the walker or crutches and/or nurse, sit down with that leg stuck out. Since they'll (hopefully) have the raised seat, is this all that hard? Then getting up, can't the nurse just pull you up? Isn't that one reason they're nurses? I understand that some people have trouble urinating after a general anesthesia and that's why they put in a Foley. I haven't in the past -- is that an indication as to how it would be for my upcoming surgery? So -- if one could be expected to pee normally, and given all the above, wouldn't the likelihood that one would need a catheter be fairly low? I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were awake? Was it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet, get up, and get back to bed? Would strengthening one's thighs before the surgery help? Thanks, everyone. Ann "If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed."

My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com.

[Guest guest]



Yeah, It's called I & O... intake and output. They measure the

CC's of Pee and look for blood.

Sherry

Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

They will insert it while you are asleep and the reason was they need to check your urine for any blood and to measure the amount you are going. Believe me if you need to go quickly you won't make it to the toilet. The catheter is MUCH easier and for only a day or two until you muscles start working. Believe me if your muscles aren't working yet and your bladder is full you will be in pain.On Aug 24, 2006, at 9:19 PM, Ann wrote:

FOR KNEE PATIENTS: The choice to have a Foley catheter (which I definitely do NOT want inserted while I'm awake) seems to hinge on how difficult it'll be to get up, make it to the bathroom, sit on the toilet seat (or, I suppose men could do it one-handed while leaning on a crutch), and get up again. It seems to me that, since they get you on your feet the first day (I've been told), with or without a nurse's help, one could make it to the bathroom. Then, as for sitting, it seems to me that if the new knee isn't bending much, one could just, with help of the walker or crutches and/or nurse, sit down with that leg stuck out. Since they'll (hopefully) have the raised seat, is this all that hard? Then getting up, can't the nurse just pull you up? Isn't that one reason they're nurses? I understand that some people have trouble urinating after a general anesthesia and that's why they put in a Foley. I haven't in the past -- is that an indication as to how it would be for my upcoming surgery? So -- if one could be expected to pee normally, and given all the above, wouldn't the likelihood that one would need a catheter be fairly low? I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter inserted -- did you have to have one put in after you were awake? Was it hard to get to the bathroom, sit down on the toilet, get up, and get back to bed? Would strengthening one's thighs before the surgery help? Thanks, everyone. Ann"If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed."

[Guest guest]

I was given stool softeners while in the hospital, but even so, I didn't go at

all until after I

got home, 5 days later.

Arianne

>

>

> Uh-oh. No. 2. Hadn't thought about that. Seems like they'd give you a

laxative, esp.

since all those pain killers are constipating. Oh dear, oh dear. I hate having

my orifices at

the mercy of someone else.

>

> Thanks for the info about using the toilet.

>

> Ann

>

>

> In a message dated 8/24/2006 11:21:51 P.M. Central Standard Time,

ruby2zdy@...

writes:

> I'd like to hear about people's experiences who didn't have a catheter

inserted -- did

you have to have one put in after you were awake? Was it hard to get to the

bathroom, sit

down on the toilet, get up, and get back to bed? Would strengthening one's

thighs before

the surgery help?

>

> Thanks, everyone.

>

> Ann

> Hi Ann, I would do anything to not have a catheter. They insert them

while you out,

but with me it just feels like I have to go all of the time. The bed pan is a

small price to

pay for a sore you know what. I'm not sure but they may have gotten me up in

the middle

of the night. In the hospital it all runs together. I had no problem peeing

but make sure

you can go # 2 really soon or you'll regret it. I had to have what they called

a Silver Bullet

inserted and it really works, lol. When walking to the bathroom with the walker

it really

wasn't that bad. The hard part was setting down and getting back up. Also,

your leg is

going to throb so I propped it up on a waste basket or if the nurse didn't give

that to me I

propped it up on the bracing on the walker. They wouldn't let me go by myself

until right

when they discharged me. I had to wait for my husband to pick me up, but after

they

discharged me I was on my own. They did leave me in there to do what I had to

do and

push the help button when I was gone.

>

[Guest guest]

Eeuuwww!,

This is why I never go on-line around dinner time...But it is also the

same reason that I keep on checking in...There is always so much to

learn!!!!

Bob

>

> Yeah, It's called I & O... intake and output. They measure the

> CC's of Pee and look for blood.

>

> Sherry

>

[Guest guest]

Bob -- you still eating? They also weighed my poop & sorted through it looking for blood & God knows what else. Maybe to see if I'd eaten any contraband food?

Ann

Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

Eeuuwww!,This is why I never go on-line around dinner time...But it is also the same reason that I keep on checking in...There is always so much to learn!!!!Bob>> Yeah, It's called I & O... intake and output. They measure the > CC's of Pee and look for blood.> > Sherry>

[Guest guest]

Ann, if your legs are not working well above or below the knee where

you really need stregnth is in your arms, shoulders and core. This

helps you move around more easily, using walker or crutches, getting

in and out of bed or chairs, and off and on the toilet with help of

the hand rails. -Barb

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann,

Haven't lost my appetite yet...Still can't quite sleep through the

night though... & am prone to moments of crankiness...

Bob

>

> Bob -- you still eating?

[Guest guest]

Since I have 2 months before the surgery, I thought I'd do daily arm/shoulder strengthening exercises, and also build up the quads as much as I can under the circumstances, and stretch the quads & hams. I thought those thing might prepare me better for getting around & getting back on my feet after surgery & increase ROM after healing. What do you think?

Ann

Re: To Foley or not to Foley ...

Ann, if your legs are not working well above or below the knee where you really need stregnth is in your arms, shoulders and core. This helps you move around more easily, using walker or crutches, getting in and out of bed or chairs, and off and on the toilet with help of the hand rails. -Barb

[Guest guest]

Yes any exercises that you can do for your knee will help a lot. I was still having therpy on my right knee in June and my therpist knew I was going to have the left knee done in July. They told me to the same exercises Iwas doing on the right to do on the left. It would make it easier on me and so far it has. ShirleyAnn <ruby2zdy@...> wrote: Since I have 2 months before the surgery, I thought I'd do daily

arm/shoulder strengthening exercises, and also build up the quads as much as I can under the circumstances, and stretch the quads & hams. I thought those thing might prepare me better for getting around & getting back on my feet after surgery & increase ROM after healing. What do you think? Ann Re: To Foley or not to Foley ... Ann, if your legs are not working well above or below the knee where you really need stregnth is in your arms, shoulders and core. This helps you move around more easily, using walker or crutches, getting in and out of bed or chairs, and off and on the toilet with help of the hand rails. -Barb

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.