Re: Knee replacements - soon!

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy

Do you go to the ortho docs in Berkeley?

Sally

[Guest guest]

Well I gave two pints of blood on my first knee and didn't need it so

this time I opted not to donate and dr. agreed. I didn't need blood

this time either. Giving blood was worse to me than any of the surgery

and it wasn't bad. I just don't like a needle in my arm and see the

blood come out. they did draw a pint in 6 minutes though.

On Sep 26, 2006, at 4:15 PM, Judy wrote:

> I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

> slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeks

> away it is kind of scary.

>

> My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and information

> groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between -

> what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself for

> this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

>

> I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

> group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help or

> advice will be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Judy

> Berkeley, CA

>

>

" If God brings you to it He will bring you through it. "

[Guest guest]

I go to Kaiser in Oakland - I have a doctor there recommended by my

regular Kaiser doctor as well as the orthopedist I saw for my

arthroscopy last May; I feel quite confident in him due to his

qualifications and their recommendations...

Judy

-- In Joint Replacement , Pimentel7@... wrote:

>

> Hi Judy

> Do you go to the ortho docs in Berkeley?

> Sally

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy, I had my right knee replacement done four years ago and it wast't easy I don't understand way a dr would put you through two knee replacements done at the same time I would think it would be harder to walk Well thats up to you I wanted my Hip and my Knee done at the same time it was both done on the right side my dr said no, I had my Hip done 6 years ago .Well I wish you the best of luck and speedy recovery/ SusieJudy <jdytart@...> wrote: I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he isready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th! Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my kneesslowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeksaway it is kind of scary.My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and informationgroups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between -what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself forthis? Especially, to try to calm down a little...I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and thisgroup, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help oradvice will be greatly

appreciated.Thanks,JudyBerkeley, CA

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Wow, both knees at once!...I've met a couple of people who did it

that way & they were both glad afterwards...

I also was scared leading up to my TKR last February,,,actually, I

was more worried about something going wrong before the surgery that

would cause the surgery to be postponed! I was excited about the

actual surgery!

So, since you've got enough information about the medical aspect,

here comes some simple, practical advice...And I hope that those

who've seen me write about this before will forgive my redundancy:-)

1. Buy a couple of cases of bottled water(the 8 ounce size),,,clear

off a shelf in your refridgerator & fill it up with the bottles...You

will be extremely thirsty for a week or two or three and it's a lot

easier to have a bottle of cold water ready than it is to try to get

up, fill up a glass and then carry it back to bed while using a

walker.

2. Forget about books...I went to a used bookstore & bought about 6

novels that I'd always wanted to read & thought that I would have the

time after surgery to finally read them...And yeap, I had plenty of

time,,,but absolutely NO attention span!, which is very common...What

I should have done, was to go to a resale shop & buy a bunch of old

magazines, National Geographic & Readers Digest are great...

3. Buy a few boxes of 'healthy' snack bars,,,Granola, oatmeal,

whatever...You won't have much of an appetite, but will still need

nourishment, & the small bars are good for that.

4. Buy a 'shower chair', something that you can sit on while

showering... & Saran wrap...Since you will want to bath, but not get

your incisions wet, you can wrap your legs in Saran wrap, sit on the

chair & suds yourself up.

5. Buy a pair of slip on shoes with rubber soles, take them with you

to the hospital & use them often...Some people have mentioned tennis

shoes, but they are hard to get into, let alone tie up...I bought

deck shoes & they worked great...Slippers will also work, but they

must have rubbr soles so that they won't slip & slide on tile while

you're walking.

6. Ice packs...Several!...although I prefer packages of frozen peas.

You will need to ice down your knees several times a day, for about

10 minutes at a time, & I would surround my knee on top, both sides &

underneath...Oh what a relief it was!

7. Night shirts... & cut off baggy sweatpants...You'll want some easy

to get into & out of clothing.

8. As morbid as it might sound, make, or update your 'Will'...This is

more for your own peace of mind than out of necessity

Well, that's about the extent of my advice for now...

Best wishes

Bob

>

> I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

> slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeks

> away it is kind of scary.

>

> My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

information

> groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between -

> what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself

for

> this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

>

> I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

> group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help or

> advice will be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Judy

> Berkeley, CA

>

[Guest guest]

Another thing that a must is a grabber for those hard to reach items. I use mine often.Shirleyknow_jack <know_jack@...> wrote: Hi Judy, Wow, both knees at once!...I've met a couple of people who did it that way & they were both glad afterwards... I also was scared leading up to my TKR last February,,,actually, I was more worried about something going wrong before the surgery that would cause the surgery to be postponed! I was excited about the actual surgery!

So, since you've got enough information about the medical aspect, here comes some simple, practical advice...And I hope that those who've seen me write about this before will forgive my redundancy:-) 1. Buy a couple of cases of bottled water(the 8 ounce size),,,clear off a shelf in your refridgerator & fill it up with the bottles...You will be extremely thirsty for a week or two or three and it's a lot easier to have a bottle of cold water ready than it is to try to get up, fill up a glass and then carry it back to bed while using a walker. 2. Forget about books...I went to a used bookstore & bought about 6 novels that I'd always wanted to read & thought that I would have the time after surgery to finally read them...And yeap, I had plenty of time,,,but absolutely NO attention span!, which is very common...What I should have done, was to go to a resale shop & buy a bunch of old

magazines, National Geographic & Readers Digest are great... 3. Buy a few boxes of 'healthy' snack bars,,,Granola, oatmeal, whatever...You won't have much of an appetite, but will still need nourishment, & the small bars are good for that. 4. Buy a 'shower chair', something that you can sit on while showering... & Saran wrap...Since you will want to bath, but not get your incisions wet, you can wrap your legs in Saran wrap, sit on the chair & suds yourself up. 5. Buy a pair of slip on shoes with rubber soles, take them with you to the hospital & use them often...Some people have mentioned tennis shoes, but they are hard to get into, let alone tie up...I bought deck shoes & they worked great...Slippers will also work, but they must have rubbr soles so that they won't slip & slide on tile while you're walking. 6. Ice packs...Several!...although I

prefer packages of frozen peas. You will need to ice down your knees several times a day, for about 10 minutes at a time, & I would surround my knee on top, both sides & underneath...Oh what a relief it was! 7. Night shirts... & cut off baggy sweatpants...You'll want some easy to get into & out of clothing. 8. As morbid as it might sound, make, or update your 'Will'...This is more for your own peace of mind than out of necessity Well, that's about the extent of my advice for now... Best wishes Bob > > I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is > ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th! > Though I have been thinking of nothing else for

months as my knees > slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeks > away it is kind of scary. > > My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and information > groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between - > what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself for > this? Especially, to try to calm down a little... > > I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this > group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help or > advice will be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks, > > Judy > Berkeley, CA >

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

[Guest guest]

You will have a difficult recovery having both knees done at once. I

know a couple who have done this and they advise against it. They said

they needed one " good leg " while the other one was healing. Sure your

OS might say he would do it but he isn't the one that has to get around

after surgery. I would surely reconsider.

On Sep 26, 2006, at 10:40 PM, Suzanne Snyder wrote:

> Hi Judy,

> I had my right knee replacement done four years ago and it wast't easy

> I don't understand way a dr would put you through two knee

> replacements done at the same time I would think it would be harder to

> walk Well thats up to you I wanted my Hip and my Knee done at the same

> time it was both done on the right side my dr said no, I had my Hip

> done 6 years ago .Well I wish you the best of luck and speedy

> recovery/

>                                      

Susie

>

> Judy <jdytart@...> wrote:

>> I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

>> ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

>> Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

>> slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeks

>> away it is kind of scary.

>>

>> My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and information

>> groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between -

>> what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself for

>> this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

>>

>> I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

>> group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help or

>> advice will be greatly appreciated.

>>

>> Thanks,

>>

>> Judy

>> Berkeley, CA

>>

>

>

I am too blessed to be stressed

[Guest guest]

Very good suggestions Bob

On Sep 27, 2006, at 3:46 AM, know_jack wrote:

> Hi Judy,

>

> Wow, both knees at once!...I've met a couple of people who did it

> that way & they were both glad afterwards...

>

> I also was scared leading up to my TKR last February,,,actually, I

> was more worried about something going wrong before the surgery that

> would cause the surgery to be postponed! I was excited about the

> actual surgery!

>

> So, since you've got enough information about the medical aspect,

> here comes some simple, practical advice...And I hope that those

> who've seen me write about this before will forgive my redundancy:-)

>

> 1. Buy a couple of cases of bottled water(the 8 ounce size),,,clear

> off a shelf in your refridgerator & fill it up with the bottles...You

> will be extremely thirsty for a week or two or three and it's a lot

> easier to have a bottle of cold water ready than it is to try to get

> up, fill up a glass and then carry it back to bed while using a

> walker.

>

> 2. Forget about books...I went to a used bookstore & bought about 6

> novels that I'd always wanted to read & thought that I would have the

> time after surgery to finally read them...And yeap, I had plenty of

> time,,,but absolutely NO attention span!, which is very common...What

> I should have done, was to go to a resale shop & buy a bunch of old

> magazines, National Geographic & Readers Digest are great...

>

> 3. Buy a few boxes of 'healthy' snack bars,,,Granola, oatmeal,

> whatever...You won't have much of an appetite, but will still need

> nourishment, & the small bars are good for that.

>

> 4. Buy a 'shower chair', something that you can sit on while

> showering... & Saran wrap...Since you will want to bath, but not get

> your incisions wet, you can wrap your legs in Saran wrap, sit on the

> chair & suds yourself up.

>

> 5. Buy a pair of slip on shoes with rubber soles, take them with you

> to the hospital & use them often...Some people have mentioned tennis

> shoes, but they are hard to get into, let alone tie up...I bought

> deck shoes & they worked great...Slippers will also work, but they

> must have rubbr soles so that they won't slip & slide on tile while

> you're walking.

>

> 6. Ice packs...Several!...although I prefer packages of frozen peas.

> You will need to ice down your knees several times a day, for about

> 10 minutes at a time, & I would surround my knee on top, both sides &

> underneath...Oh what a relief it was!

>

> 7. Night shirts... & cut off baggy sweatpants...You'll want some easy

> to get into & out of clothing.

>

> 8. As morbid as it might sound, make, or update your 'Will'...This is

> more for your own peace of mind than out of necessity

>

> Well, that's about the extent of my advice for now...

>

> Best wishes

>

> Bob

>

> >

> > I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> > ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> > Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

> > slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeks

> > away it is kind of scary.

> >

> > My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

> information

> > groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between -

> > what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself

> for

> > this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

> >

> > I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

> > group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help or

> > advice will be greatly appreciated.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Judy

> > Berkeley, CA

> >

>

>

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

[Guest guest]

I have spoken with others who had both done at once. I do not see how one would deal with getting on and off the toilet and showering if you do not have one good leg to use.

Al Welch

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Elaine PoageSent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 9:24 AMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: Knee replacements - soon!

You will have a difficult recovery having both knees done at once. I know a couple who have done this and they advise against it. They said they needed one "good leg" while the other one was healing. Sure your OS might say he would do it but he isn't the one that has to get around after surgery. I would surely reconsider.On Sep 26, 2006, at 10:40 PM, Suzanne Snyder wrote:

Hi Judy,I had my right knee replacement done four years ago and it wast't easy I don't understand way a dr would put you through two knee replacements done at the same time I would think it would be harder to walk Well thats up to you I wanted my Hip and my Knee done at the same time it was both done on the right side my dr said no, I had my Hip done 6 years ago .Well I wish you the best of luck and speedy recovery/ SusieJudy <jdytart@...> wrote:

I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he isready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th! Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my kneesslowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeksaway it is kind of scary.My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and informationgroups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between -what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself forthis? Especially, to try to calm down a little...I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and thisgroup, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help oradvice will be greatly appreciated.Thanks,JudyBerkeley, CA I am too blessed to be stressed

[Guest guest]

Hi again Judy,,,,

All of my rambling was based on my assumption that you will have a

Hubby or Child who will be willing to help you get through this,,

If you have Them, then golly, do both of those knees at the same time!

If you don't have Them,,,well,,,in that case you might be better off

doing one knee at a time...

Bob

> >

> > I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> > ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> > Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

> > slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few

weeks

> > away it is kind of scary.

> >

> > My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

> information

> > groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in

between -

> > what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself

> for

> > this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

> >

> > I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

> > group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help

or

> > advice will be greatly appreciated.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Judy

> > Berkeley, CA

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I still would not do both knees at the same time. I would think

therapy would be harder. Any walking would be harder. I wanted both

done at once but my OS said no way and after having the one done I was

very thankful I did not have both done at once.

On Sep 27, 2006, at 4:39 PM, know_jack wrote:

> Hi again Judy,,,,

>

> All of my rambling was based on my assumption that you will have a

> Hubby or Child who will be willing to help you get through this,,

>

> If you have Them, then golly, do both of those knees at the same time!

> If you don't have Them,,,well,,,in that case you might be better off

> doing one knee at a time...

>

> Bob

>

>

> > >

> > > I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> > > ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> > > Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

> > > slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few

> weeks

> > > away it is kind of scary.

> > >

> > > My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

> > information

> > > groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in

> between -

> > > what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself

> > for

> > > this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

> > >

> > > I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

> > > group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help

> or

> > > advice will be greatly appreciated.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > > Judy

> > > Berkeley, CA

> > >

> >

>

>

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

[Guest guest]

I had both done at the same time. I had help from my

husband with the tub and you get really inventive. Good

upper body strength helps.

I did very well and recovered quickly unfortunately

one knee will have to be replaced because of it is too

loose whatever that means. If I had to do it over again

I would have both done at the same time again. Hopefully

my left one is A-OK and won't need to be pulled

out. Failure is 1 in 300 from what I was told.

Sherry

RE: Knee replacements - soon!

I have spoken with others who had both done at once. I do not see how one would deal with getting on and off the toilet and showering if you do not have one good leg to use.

Al Welch

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Elaine PoageSent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 9:24 AMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: Knee replacements - soon!

You will have a difficult recovery having both knees done at once. I know a couple who have done this and they advise against it. They said they needed one "good leg" while the other one was healing. Sure your OS might say he would do it but he isn't the one that has to get around after surgery. I would surely reconsider.On Sep 26, 2006, at 10:40 PM, Suzanne Snyder wrote:

Hi Judy,I had my right knee replacement done four years ago and it wast't easy I don't understand way a dr would put you through two knee replacements done at the same time I would think it would be harder to walk Well thats up to you I wanted my Hip and my Knee done at the same time it was both done on the right side my dr said no, I had my Hip done 6 years ago .Well I wish you the best of luck and speedy recovery/ SusieJudy <jdytartsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote:

I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he isready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th! Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my kneesslowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few weeksaway it is kind of scary.My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and informationgroups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in between -what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself forthis? Especially, to try to calm down a little...I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and thisgroup, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help oradvice will be greatly appreciated.Thanks,JudyBerkeley, CAI am too blessed to be stressed

[Guest guest]

I also had both knees done at the same time - and would do it again. I got around fine on a walker for the first few weeks. I was lucky to have my daughter come and stay with me - I don't think you can be alone for the first week home. My OS was very strict about spending most of my time lying down to minimize swelling. That helps with the pain also. I was only "up" about 4 times a day for 30 mins each. PT came to the house 3X a week.

[Guest guest]

I agree 2 at once is fine, go for it, 1 surgery, 1 recovery time

no stress put on remaining damaged knee for a period of time

My OS said I would not come back for the 2nd TKR if I had one done at a time and he is right

Has a R TKR done 4 weeks ago and it was so much harder second time around and 10 years between them

-- Re: Knee replacements - soon!

I also had both knees done at the same time - and would do it again. I got around fine on a walker for the first few weeks. I was lucky to have my daughter come and stay with me - I don't think you can be alone for the first week home. My OS was very strict about spending most of my time lying down to minimize swelling. That helps with the pain also. I was only "up" about 4 times a day for 30 mins each. PT came to the house 3X a week. __________ NOD32 1.1782 (20060928) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com__________ NOD32 1.1782 (20060928) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com

[Guest guest]

Something must be wrong with me. I didn't think either of my tkr's

were bad at all and I' m the biggest chicken there is. I had prayed

for calmness before surgery and I went in with low for me blood

pressure. They were amazed and I was too at how calm I was both times.

I think the surgeries for me were a piece of cake. I live with lots

of pain every day in fact my back is all buggered up. Hurts a lot more

than my knees ever did after surgery.

On Sep 28, 2006, at 6:13 PM, Vaux wrote:

> I agree 2 at once is fine, go for it, 1 surgery, 1 recovery time

> no stress put on remaining damaged knee for a period of time

> My OS said I would not come back for the 2nd TKR if I had one done at

> a time and he is right

> Has a R TKR done 4 weeks ago and it was so much harder second time

> around and 10 years between them

>  

>  

> -- Re: Knee replacements - soon!

>  

>

> I also had both knees done at the same time - and would do it again. 

> I got around fine on a walker for the first few weeks.  I was lucky to

> have my daughter come and stay with me - I don't think you can be

> alone for the first week home.  My OS was very strict about spending

> most of my time lying down to minimize swelling.  That helps with the

> pain also.  I was only " up " about 4 times a day for 30 mins each.  PT

> came to the house 3X a week. 

>

>

> __________ NOD32 1.1782 (20060928) Information __________

>

> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.

> http://www.eset.com

>

>

> __________ NOD32 1.1782 (20060928) Information __________

>

> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.

> http://www.eset.com

>  

>

" Relying on God has to begin every day as if nothing had yet been done. "

[Guest guest]

Well, I donated my first pint of blood yesterday - the actual

procedure didn't bother me so much as the nurse - she was grousing the

whole time about my small veins and how she wasn't sure she could get

the blood, and then when the blood was flowing (rather slowly), she

was staring at it constantly and making remarks about how it might

stop anytime - I get this kind of talk pretty often from people who

have to draw my blood or put in an IV, and it gets old pretty fast -

Maybe they say all these things just to cover themselves if things go

wrong, but it makes me feel like I've been " bad " , like it's my fault

my veins are small - and it also doesn't instill much confidence in

the person doing the procedure. Hopefully when I go back to give the

second pint I will not get this person again.

Judy

-- In Joint Replacement , Elaine Poage <meuw@...>

wrote:

>

> Well I gave two pints of blood on my first knee and didn't need it so

> this time I opted not to donate and dr. agreed. I didn't need blood

> this time either. Giving blood was worse to me than any of the surgery

> and it wasn't bad. I just don't like a needle in my arm and see the

> blood come out. they did draw a pint in 6 minutes though.

>

[Guest guest]

Well, my point of view is - I can do it once and get it over with - I

have talked to a number of people who had both done at once, and I'm

sure it's harder at first, but it has seemed to work out just fine for

them. One plus is that after 3 or 4 days in the hospital I'll go to a

rehab place for another week or 10 days - giving me time to

concentrate totally on getting better with experts around me all the

time, rather than at home putting a lot of extra work on my husband

and having to motivate myself to do my exercises...

Judy

>

> Hi Judy,

> I had my right knee replacement done four years ago and it wast't

easy I don't understand way a dr would put you through two knee

replacements done at the same time I would think it would be harder to

walk Well thats up to you I wanted my Hip and my Knee done at the same

time it was both done on the right side my dr said no, I had my Hip

done 6 years ago .Well I wish you the best of luck and speedy recovery/

> Susie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Bob for having a positive reaction to my post - I do know it

will be harder with both knees, but I just want to get it all over

with - I have been obsessing about this for the past year as I have

more and more pain and can't do the things I enjoy. I know two people

who have had the same doctor I'm going to have and they have nothing

but positive things to say about him and his " handiwork. " Plus he has

the most wonderful nurse who has spent a lot of time with me going

over everything in great detail and answering the questions I keep

coming up with.

Yes, I'm also paranoid that the surgery could get postponed - I was

upset in the grocery checkout line when the clerk kept coughing - into

her hand - which she then picked up my items with... I do water

exercise at a nearby pool but I will probably only go another time or

two - just to not expose myself to a lot of extra germs.

Thanks,

Judy

I really appreciate the suggestions you have made and have jotted them

down on my " to do list " .

>

> Hi Judy,

>

> Wow, both knees at once!...I've met a couple of people who did it

> that way & they were both glad afterwards...

>

> I also was scared leading up to my TKR last February,,,actually, I

> was more worried about something going wrong before the surgery that

> would cause the surgery to be postponed! I was excited about the

> actual surgery!

>

> So, since you've got enough information about the medical aspect,

> here comes some simple, practical advice...And I hope that those

> who've seen me write about this before will forgive my redundancy:-)

>

> 1. Buy a couple of cases of bottled water(the 8 ounce size),,,clear

> off a shelf in your refridgerator & fill it up with the bottles...You

> will be extremely thirsty for a week or two or three and it's a lot

> easier to have a bottle of cold water ready than it is to try to get

> up, fill up a glass and then carry it back to bed while using a

> walker.

>

> 2. Forget about books...I went to a used bookstore & bought about 6

> novels that I'd always wanted to read & thought that I would have the

> time after surgery to finally read them...And yeap, I had plenty of

> time,,,but absolutely NO attention span!, which is very common...What

> I should have done, was to go to a resale shop & buy a bunch of old

> magazines, National Geographic & Readers Digest are great...

>

> 3. Buy a few boxes of 'healthy' snack bars,,,Granola, oatmeal,

> whatever...You won't have much of an appetite, but will still need

> nourishment, & the small bars are good for that.

>

> 4. Buy a 'shower chair', something that you can sit on while

> showering... & Saran wrap...Since you will want to bath, but not get

> your incisions wet, you can wrap your legs in Saran wrap, sit on the

> chair & suds yourself up.

>

> 5. Buy a pair of slip on shoes with rubber soles, take them with you

> to the hospital & use them often...Some people have mentioned tennis

> shoes, but they are hard to get into, let alone tie up...I bought

> deck shoes & they worked great...Slippers will also work, but they

> must have rubbr soles so that they won't slip & slide on tile while

> you're walking.

>

> 6. Ice packs...Several!...although I prefer packages of frozen peas.

> You will need to ice down your knees several times a day, for about

> 10 minutes at a time, & I would surround my knee on top, both sides &

> underneath...Oh what a relief it was!

>

> 7. Night shirts... & cut off baggy sweatpants...You'll want some easy

> to get into & out of clothing.

>

> 8. As morbid as it might sound, make, or update your 'Will'...This is

> more for your own peace of mind than out of necessity

>

> Well, that's about the extent of my advice for now...

>

> Best wishes

>

> Bob

> --- In Joint Replacement , " Judy " <jdytart@>

>

[Guest guest]

Good suggestion, Shirley - I actually have one - my husband has a

zillion hats hanging in the stairwell and got a grabber so he could

reach the ones that were too high - so I'll just take it over...

Judy

Hi

[Guest guest]

Judy,

I get the same problems. When in for surgery, they poke one place and fail and then they poke another. When I had my TKR done they drew blood to cross match and type and then the person came back in preop just before they were going to take me away and said the blood had hemolized and was not good so she poked me again. I have one place on my right arm that i refuse to let them poke as it always fails to work.

Al Welch

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of JudySent: Friday, September 29, 2006 11:38 AMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: Knee replacements - soon!

Well, I donated my first pint of blood yesterday - the actualprocedure didn't bother me so much as the nurse - she was grousing thewhole time about my small veins and how she wasn't sure she could getthe blood, and then when the blood was flowing (rather slowly), shewas staring at it constantly and making remarks about how it mightstop anytime - I get this kind of talk pretty often from people whohave to draw my blood or put in an IV, and it gets old pretty fast -Maybe they say all these things just to cover themselves if things gowrong, but it makes me feel like I've been "bad", like it's my faultmy veins are small - and it also doesn't instill much confidence inthe person doing the procedure. Hopefully when I go back to give thesecond pint I will not get this person again.Judy-- In Joint Replacement , Elaine Poage <meuw@...>wrote:>> Well I gave two pints of blood on my first knee and didn't need it so > this time I opted not to donate and dr. agreed. I didn't need blood > this time either. Giving blood was worse to me than any of the surgery > and it wasn't bad. I just don't like a needle in my arm and see the > blood come out. they did draw a pint in 6 minutes though.>

[Guest guest]

Yep, have a hubby who is already very helpful doing all the stair

stuff for me - Like I posted here somewhere, being in rehab because of

having both knees done is actually a plus because I'll get a lot more

help for another week or so.

Judy

-- In Joint Replacement , " know_jack "

<know_jack@...> wrote:

>

> Hi again Judy,,,,

>

> All of my rambling was based on my assumption that you will have a

> Hubby or Child who will be willing to help you get through this,,

>

> If you have Them, then golly, do both of those knees at the same time!

> If you don't have Them,,,well,,,in that case you might be better off

> doing one knee at a time...

>

> Bob

>

>

> > >

> > > I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> > > ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> > > Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

> > > slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few

> weeks

> > > away it is kind of scary.

> > >

> > > My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

> > information

> > > groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in

> between -

> > > what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself

> > for

> > > this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

> > >

> > > I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

> > > group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help

> or

> > > advice will be greatly appreciated.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > > Judy

> > > Berkeley, CA

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Elaine, I asked my doctor's nurse if he thought I was making a mistake

to do both at once, and he thinks it will be fine - he said the doctor

would not have agreed to do them both at once if he thought I was not

a candidate for that. Hope he's right! But anyway, I'm optimistic.

I get quite a bit of exercise and was always a very active person till

this crept up on me, and I have no other big health problems.

Judy

> > > >

> > > > I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> > > > ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> > > > Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my

knees

> > > > slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few

> > weeks

> > > > away it is kind of scary.

> > > >

> > > > My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

> > > information

> > > > groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in

> > between -

> > > > what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare myself

> > > for

> > > > this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

> > > >

> > > > I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and

this

> > > > group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help

> > or

> > > > advice will be greatly appreciated.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks,

> > > >

> > > > Judy

> > > > Berkeley, CA

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

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

>

[Guest guest]

Sherry, good luck to you and I hope the knee that's bothering you will

be fixed easily and quickly - How long after you had the procedure did

this problem show up?

I'm working on getting my muscles as toned up as possible.

Judy

>

> I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise he is

> ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October 20th!

> Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my knees

> slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few

weeks

> away it is kind of scary.

>

> My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

information

> groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in

between -

> what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare

myself for

> this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

>

> I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and this

> group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any help or

> advice will be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Judy

> Berkeley, CA

>

>

>

>

>

> I am too blessed to be stressed

>

[Guest guest]

, thanks for the encouragement. Supposedly after my hospital and

rehab stay they will also be sending home health/PT around for a

while. I'm hoping by the time I get home I'll be using the walker

fairly well.

How long ago did you have yours done? How long was it before you

could get around without the walker?

Judy

>

> I also had both knees done at the same time - and would do it again.

I got around fine on a walker for the first few weeks. I was lucky

to have my daughter come and stay with me - I don't think you can be

alone for the first week home. My OS was very strict about spending

most of my time lying down to minimize swelling. That helps with the

pain also. I was only " up " about 4 times a day for 30 mins each. PT

came to the house 3X a week.

>

[Guest guest]

well Judy I wish you the very best recovery and am anxious to hear how

it goes.

On Sep 29, 2006, at 11:56 AM, Judy wrote:

> Elaine, I asked my doctor's nurse if he thought I was making a mistake

> to do both at once, and he thinks it will be fine - he said the doctor

> would not have agreed to do them both at once if he thought I was not

> a candidate for that. Hope he's right! But anyway, I'm optimistic.

> I get quite a bit of exercise and was always a very active person till

> this crept up on me, and I have no other big health problems.

>

> Judy

>

>

> > > > >

> > > > > I just saw my orthopedist this afternoon and to my surprise

> he is

> > > > > ready to replace both knees in just a few weeks - October

> 20th!

> > > > > Though I have been thinking of nothing else for months as my

> knees

> > > > > slowly got worse and worse, now that it is suddenly only a few

> > > weeks

> > > > > away it is kind of scary.

> > > > >

> > > > > My time will be filled with going to physical therapy and

> > > > information

> > > > > groups and giving blood and gosh knows what else, but - in

> > > between -

> > > > > what should I be doing and what do I need to do to prepare

> myself

> > > > for

> > > > > this? Especially, to try to calm down a little...

> > > > >

> > > > > I've read a lot about knee replacements, books, websites, and

> this

> > > > > group, so I know peoples' experiences vary widely. But any

> help

> > > or

> > > > > advice will be greatly appreciated.

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks,

> > > > >

> > > > > Judy

> > > > > Berkeley, CA

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

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

> >

>

>

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace

of God will not protect you.