Re: Calling all TKR's

[Guest guest]

Hi Susie,

As you and I have discussed before I had similiar results to you with the

exception of the meds, and I certainly took less after the surgery than

before. I think you're an exception there and part of that is probably bad

reaction you had in hospital. I had no bruising at all so have no clue about

that.

I also drove as soon as staples were out, 14 days but no clutch for me, I have

enough problems.

As you, I have been concerned reading of all the problems people are having

after this surgery and can't quite understand it. Sure some have failed

surgeries or complications but it seems like a higher percentage of posters than

usual. Not being able to ride a bike after so long for some is something that

I'd like to know more about wondering if possibly our tolerance to pain is maybe

higher than average. I know mine is because of 20 years of chronic back pain and

long term opiod use, and I know from our discussions yours is as well.

And I certainly agree with you about the pain being minor compared to others we

have both experienced, like shoulder surgery.

Take care,

Jeff 

________________________________

From: susiedu <susiedu@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 7:02:58 PM

Subject: Calling all TKR's

  Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many problems

some of you are having after surgery.

  After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin. Nothing.

Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

  I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an ACE

bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath & bag for a

week. So what ?

  I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It hurt.

So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger deal of all

this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared to other

things. Just do it.

    Best to all,  Susie

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

glad you had that experience susie, sorry you have a hard time accepting

that others have very different experiences and choose to use this forum to

ask and answer questions from the common place to the very serious. Hope it

doesn't upset you that I responded.

On Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 6:02 PM, susiedu <susiedu@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

> problems some of you are having after surgery.

> After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin. Nothing.

> Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

> ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath &

> bag for a week. So what ?

> I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

> surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It

> hurt. So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger

> deal of all this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared

> to other things. Just do it.

> Best to all, Susie

>

>

>

--

Diane Thornton

www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

www.lefthandedknitting.net

[Guest guest]

Ihave to step in here, and firstly say, that every one is different in the way

they perceive pain, and also how they were prepared for their surgery.

I went to a PRE-ADMISSION CLINIC before all my joint replacements, we had all

our bloods taken, x-rays and spoke with a nurse, who explained every single

thing about the surgery, from pain to constipation. and anything else that you

might not have thought about.

so I consider myself lucky, but perhaps not every-one has been informed the way

I was.Yet when I came to have my shoulder re-done, I thought I knew it all

this,as this was my 9th replacement, but every surgery is different and we are

also getting older as we progress down the road of new joints. Its also one

thing to have the first joint but let me tell you, its nothing compared to the

second and subsequent joints.

so great if you can get on with it, and say so what, but to others it might be a

big deal. if its not such a big deal then why the need for a support group?

I thought I was well prepared, for this shoulder surgery, but when this last

one was done and I had major complications, then everything is affected, my

mental state, my state of feeling pain. I had so much swelling in my arm that

fluid was seeping from the skin, and I had to wear a towel around my arm. I have

to thank Annie so much for her support as I was feeling the lowest I have ever

felt in my life.

as for driving, well done if you can drive at 2 weeks, I couldn't have with any

of the surgeries, plus one other thing its illegal here in Australia to drive

under 6 weeks, it voids your insurance.

just my 2 cents worth. xx

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane

I'm very glad you responded. I don't think of myself as having a hard time

accepting what others experience. As I said, I'm amazed, concerned & curious

that so many seem to be suffering more.

Susie

>

> >

> >

> > Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

> > problems some of you are having after surgery.

> > After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin. Nothing.

> > Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> > I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

> > ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath &

> > bag for a week. So what ?

> > I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

> > surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It

> > hurt. So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger

> > deal of all this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared

> > to other things. Just do it.

> > Best to all, Susie

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> Diane Thornton

> www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

> www.lefthandedknitting.net

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

Notice that Susie said that she's concerned. She doesn't write that she has a

hard time accepting others experiences but is curious and concerned. Possibly

she shared her experiences as a way to show that all results do not lead to

problems.

Jeff

________________________________

From: Diane Thornton <leftoutknitter@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 8:21:25 PM

Subject: Re: Calling all TKR's

glad you had that experience susie, sorry you have a hard time accepting

that others have very different experiences and choose to use this forum to

ask and answer questions from the common place to the very serious.  Hope it

doesn't upset you that I responded.

On Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 6:02 PM, susiedu <susiedu@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

> problems some of you are having after surgery.

> After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin. Nothing.

> Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

> ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath &

> bag for a week. So what ?

> I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

> surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It

> hurt. So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger

> deal of all this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared

> to other things. Just do it.

> Best to all, Susie

>

> 

>

--

Diane Thornton

www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

www.lefthandedknitting.net

[Guest guest]

Hi anne

I had no pre-admission info, my OS hadn't seen me in 14 months, nobody explained

anything before, during or after surgery. I was in what I call a morphine coma

for 3 days which is why I rebelled when I got home & went straight to Excedrin

only.

I called the OS's office, the local police dept & Farmer's Insurance 13 days

post-op to ask about driving. They said since I was on Excedrin only, who cares

if I drove. I'm in Arizona which may explain a lot. Susie

>

> Ihave to step in here, and firstly say, that every one is different in the way

they perceive pain, and also how they were prepared for their surgery.

> I went to a PRE-ADMISSION CLINIC before all my joint replacements, we had all

our bloods taken, x-rays and spoke with a nurse, who explained every single

thing about the surgery, from pain to constipation. and anything else that you

might not have thought about.

> so I consider myself lucky, but perhaps not every-one has been informed the

way I was.Yet when I came to have my shoulder re-done, I thought I knew it all

this,as this was my 9th replacement, but every surgery is different and we are

also getting older as we progress down the road of new joints. Its also one

thing to have the first joint but let me tell you, its nothing compared to the

second and subsequent joints.

> so great if you can get on with it, and say so what, but to others it might be

a big deal. if its not such a big deal then why the need for a support group?

>

> I thought I was well prepared, for this shoulder surgery, but when this last

one was done and I had major complications, then everything is affected, my

mental state, my state of feeling pain. I had so much swelling in my arm that

fluid was seeping from the skin, and I had to wear a towel around my arm. I have

to thank Annie so much for her support as I was feeling the lowest I have ever

felt in my life.

>

> as for driving, well done if you can drive at 2 weeks, I couldn't have with

any of the surgeries, plus one other thing its illegal here in Australia to

drive under 6 weeks, it voids your insurance.

> just my 2 cents worth. xx

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am responding to Susie's post. Is bladder failure a common thing after

knee replacement, or for that matter hip replacement?

Noreen

[Guest guest]

, the name of my surgeon is Emmett T. McEleney in Kingman, Az. He was

trained back east, scads of certificates on his wall, very calm & at ease with

himself & others. Susie

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

> > > problems some of you are having after surgery.

> > > After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin.

Nothing.

> > > Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> > > I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used

an

> > > ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath

&

> > > bag for a week. So what ?

> > > I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than

before

> > > surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told.

It

> > > hurt. So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a

bigger

> > > deal of all this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap

compared

> > > to other things. Just do it.

> > > Best to all, Susie

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> > --

> > Diane Thornton

> > www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

> > www.lefthandedknitting.net

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

As someone said, everyone's experience is different. My two TKRs were 10 weeks

apart and were very different experiences. I have been going to physio since the

first one at least three days each week and have seen people come and go and

stay. Some have the kind of experience Susie had, and others unfortunately do

not. I cannot say that one surgeon causes less pain or better range of motion

because I had the same surgeon for both...the same type of knee..and yes, I have

experienced intense and prolonged pain before, but nothing prepared me for the

first knee surgery. I had the pre op teaching and was well prepared as far as

facts go. Range of motion is largely dependent on how bad your knees were before

you had surgery, according to my surgeon. Mine are better than they were, and

continue to improve. That is what I wanted, and that is what I am getting.

Chris

> > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

> > > > problems some of you are having after surgery.

> > > > After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin.

Nothing.

> > > > Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> > > > I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I

used an

> > > > ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a

cath &

> > > > bag for a week. So what ?

> > > > I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than

before

> > > > surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was

told. It

> > > > hurt. So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a

bigger

> > > > deal of all this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap

compared

> > > > to other things. Just do it.

> > > > Best to all, Susie

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > --

> > > Diane Thornton

> > > www.knitmentia.blogspot.com

> > > www.lefthandedknitting.net

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Bladder failure isn't common at all as a complication of any form of

joint replacement.

Unfortunately, this list has been taken over in the last few weeks

with people with complications. This is NOT a condemnation of people

posting with problems -- just pointing out that it represents a skewed

base since the overwhelming percentage of people have NO particular

problems after surgery and stop posting because they have moved on

with their lives.

On Jan 5, 2010, at 3:11 AM, nhasior@... wrote:

> I am responding to Susie's post. Is bladder failure a common thing

> after

> knee replacement, or for that matter hip replacement?

> Noreen

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Noreen, I was told by the urologist that it's quite common for the bladder to

" go to sleep " so to speak, after any kind of surgery or overuse of some meds,

like morphine. Susie

>

> I am responding to Susie's post. Is bladder failure a common thing after

> knee replacement, or for that matter hip replacement?

> Noreen

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

And of course we all go into surgery with vastly different medical

histories and at different ages all of which change the risks for

complications and/or alter rehab - which is not to say that there

can't be an explicable flukey complication but that all things being

equal a younger, healthier person is going to have an easier recovery

and be less at risk for complications.

> Bladder failure isn't common at all as a complication of any form of

> joint replacement.

>

> Unfortunately, this list has been taken over in the last few weeks

> with people with complications. This is NOT a condemnation of people

> posting with problems -- just pointing out that it represents a skewed

> base since the overwhelming percentage of people have NO particular

> problems after surgery and stop posting because they have moved on

> with their lives.

>

>

> On Jan 5, 2010, at 3:11 AM, nhasior@... wrote:

>

>> I am responding to Susie's post. Is bladder failure a common thing

>> after

>> knee replacement, or for that matter hip replacement?

>> Noreen

>>

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

My bladder was a little weak for a couple weeks after THR surgery, which I think

was simply a side effect of having a catheter for a couple days. It's been fine

since.

-September

> >

> > I am responding to Susie's post. Is bladder failure a common thing after

> > knee replacement, or for that matter hip replacement?

> > Noreen

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Susie and Jeff,

I do not have a high tolerance for pain. And I would not have made it without

pain meds. And I still use the heavy ones some of the time. Not as often and

not as much, but I told my MD there must be something wrong with me, there were

people on this site who were already on OTC meds instead of prescriptions. That

was a 3 weeks.

He did suggest I start to back off of some of the scripts, and I went home and

stopped taking them. By the second day I was really sorry I didn't " back off

some of them " instead of quitting. It took over a day to get back to where I

could live with it. I was careful after that and did sort of not do as many but

my ability to handle pain levels isn't what either one of yours are.

I have admitted to being a baby about pain. And I have never had a surgery

before in all my 69 years. (I had 4 babies and had them put me out for all of

them. It was very different) I was so glad I had this group and all the

varieties of people who had surgery talking and giving me ideas. I did go to

Pre-op classes and read the book too.

I appreciate all of you. And even those who don't experience as much pain.

Once in a while I bite my lip and say to myself, this will get better and

better.

Donna R

Calling all TKR's

� Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many problems

some of you are having after surgery.

� After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin. Nothing.

Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

� I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath & bag

for a week. So what ?

� I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It hurt.

So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger deal of all

this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared to other

things. Just do it.

� � Best to all,� Susie

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Donna, I'm still chuckling over your admission that you're a baby about pain.

You're a good sport. Jeff & I were used to a lot of pain.

TKR was nothing compared to shoulder. And I mentioned I was so angry when I got

home from the hospital after a 3 day morphine coma, I rebelled & went straight

to Excedrin. I always want my wits about me. This was also my 1st major surgery

(age 66) & I minimized it in every way. Didn't want to be asking for help nor

alarm the kids.

PT really changed my pain to average & I knew it was making that new knee do

its job.

Yes, it'll get better & better. Best, Susie

>

> Susie and Jeff,

>

> I do not have a high tolerance for pain. And I would not have made it

without pain meds. And I still use the heavy ones some of the time. Not as

often and not as much, but I told my MD there must be something wrong with me,

there were people on this site who were already on OTC meds instead of

prescriptions. That was a 3 weeks.

>

> He did suggest I start to back off of some of the scripts, and I went home

and stopped taking them. By the second day I was really sorry I didn't " back

off some of them " instead of quitting. It took over a day to get back to where I

could live with it. I was careful after that and did sort of not do as many but

my ability to handle pain levels isn't what either one of yours are.

>

> I have admitted to being a baby about pain. And I have never had a surgery

before in all my 69 years. (I had 4 babies and had them put me out for all of

them. It was very different) I was so glad I had this group and all the

varieties of people who had surgery talking and giving me ideas. I did go to

Pre-op classes and read the book too.

>

> I appreciate all of you. And even those who don't experience as much pain.

Once in a while I bite my lip and say to myself, this will get better and

better.

>

> Donna R

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

Susie is the only person I've heard of that didn't take any pain meds so there's

nothing unusul about needing them. I took them for 6 weeks post surgery,

although they were less than I was taking previously. I wouldn't back off taking

anything until you're comfortable with the progress you've made. (sorry Susie).

Everyone has a different tolentance for pain and a different reaction to the

surgery and if you've never had a surgery then you are going to have, certainly,

a different reaction than someone like me who has had pretty much every body

part operated on in my life.

Jeff

________________________________

From: Donna Rae <rae900@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Tue, January 5, 2010 2:08:07 PM

Subject: Re: Calling all TKR's

Susie and Jeff,

I do not have a high tolerance for pain.  And I would not have made it without

pain meds.  And I still use the heavy ones some of the time.  Not as often and

not as much, but I told my MD there must be something wrong with me,  there were

people on this site who were already on OTC meds instead of prescriptions.  That

was a 3 weeks. 

He did suggest I start to back off of some of the scripts,  and I went home and

stopped taking them.  By the second day I was really sorry I didn't " back off

some of them " instead of quitting. It took over a day to get back to where I

could live with it.  I was careful after that and did sort of not do as many but

my ability to handle pain levels isn't what either one of yours are.

I have admitted to being a baby about pain.  And I have never had a surgery

before in all my 69 years.  (I had 4 babies and had them put me out for all of

them.  It was very different)  I was so glad I had this group and all the

varieties of people who had surgery talking and giving me ideas.  I did go to

Pre-op classes and read the book too. 

I appreciate all of you.  And even those who don't experience as much pain. 

Once in a while I bite my lip and say to myself, this will get better and

better.

Donna R

Calling all TKR's

� Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many problems

some of you are having after surgery.

� After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin. Nothing.

Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

� I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath & bag

for a week. So what ?

� I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It hurt.

So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger deal of all

this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared to other

things. Just do it.

� � Best to all,� Susie

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hey guys, I have a friend in Redmond, Oregon who just had her 2nd THR. The

first was 4 months ago...she managed on Ibuprofen for several days & then went

straight to Tylenol. I'm sure many more people skimp on pain meds than we

realize. Susie

>

> Hi Donna,

> Susie is the only person I've heard of that didn't take any pain meds so

there's nothing unusul about needing them. I took them for 6 weeks post surgery,

although they were less than I was taking previously. I wouldn't back off taking

anything until you're comfortable with the progress you've made. (sorry Susie).

> Everyone has a different tolentance for pain and a different reaction to the

surgery and if you've never had a surgery then you are going to have, certainly,

a different reaction than someone like me who has had pretty much every body

part operated on in my life.

> Jeff

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry Susie, but wow, this is about the most discouraging advice someone

suffering pain after joint replacement could read. " So what? " " Work through it? "

These statements don't sound concerned or curious to me, but challenging and

smug. If I would have read this posting when I came to these pages for help, I

would have signed off and cried. I have heard of a very few people who have had

your experience, including my brother. But overwhelmingly,the TKRs I met on

these pages, in PT and at my wellness center and pool weren't as fortunate as

you.

I came to this group three years ago after double knee replacements. I was in

desperate pain, unsure if I was recovering as I should because I was comparing

everyone's experience to mine and worried about taking my pain meds. Some very

wise people in this group told me there would be days when I regressed, strongly

urged me to take my medication so I could give 110 percent to physical therapy

and also brought to my attention that I may have scar tissue. I did, and

identifying it early enabled my PT to knead it out (sometimes with tears running

down my face)and me to avoid going under the gas again.

I listened when I was told not drive too soon and strongly caution post-op

patients against until you have your doctor's release. I didn't drive for one

month and then practiced before I went out on the highway to be sure I could

react quickly and safely. I also remember something about a liability issue for

post-op patients. I can't remember so can't go into it.

I learned drug addiction and drug dependency are two very different things. Yes,

your body easily becomes dependent on current pain meds but it's all we have

now. You must take what you need to recover and regain flexibility. And when you

don't need it, wean off. I had to take pain meds for three months and designed

my own weaning plan after reading what others suffered when their docs took them

off cold turkey. I never had one withdrawal symptom.

(Interesting that you didn't begin PT until 19 days after. I started day one and

was in an intense, inpatient program by day five.)

One of the most important things I learned is you can't compare your experience

to anyone else's.

And what is pain tolerance? It can't be measured because no one knows what

another is feeling. After I had double knee replacements, my brother worked up

the courage to have his knees replaced. He had put it off for way too many years

because he had suffered when he wasn't medicated properly after a simple gall

bladder operation and had developed a fear of pain. He is 11 years older than me

and a big guy. We both had the same surgeon, who considered my brother at

greater risk and therefore recommended doing one knee at a time. Still, we all

expected his recovery to be more difficult than mine. It wasn't at all. He had

no bruising, little swelling, minimum pain and was off his meds in a few weeks.

The question of pain tolerance never came up. We visited each other during

post-op our and during our recoveries; it was obvious we had very different

levels of pain. However, he never achieved his flexibility goals, and I

surpassed mine.

Though we both inherited osteoarthritis from our mother, mine is throughout my

body and it was a toss-up then whether to replace the knees or hips at the time.

I also have fibromyalgia. Perhaps these were factors in my pain, perhaps not. I

blew through two long, difficult labors using natural childbirth methods and no

drugs and worked through the pain of aggressive exercise programs. It was a

family joke that I literally went into surgery laughing and my big

Harley-driving, former athlete and sheriff deputy brother went in very

frightened. What was critical is that despite the levels of pain we had great

attitudes during recovery -- remembering our mother as a role model in dealing

with pain and me also learning from members of this group.

I am very proud of the way I recovered from knee replacements. Now here I am

again, facing hip reconstruction and replacement. And ready to learn all I can

from the experiences of the wise people here at the Joint Replacement Group.

I've been referred to a special surgeon because of the reconstruction for hip

dispalsia. I canceled an appointment today because of the snowy weather and icy

roads here so don't yet have a lot of information. However, this time I'm way

ahead because of the game because I'm on this site before and not after surgery.

Donna

>

> Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many problems

some of you are having after surgery.

> After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin. Nothing.

Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath & bag

for a week. So what ?

> I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It hurt.

So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger deal of all

this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared to other

things. Just do it.

> Best to all, Susie

>

[Guest guest]

Donna, I'm sorry if you found my comments discouraging. The opposite was my

intention. I don't cry about anything. To me, the TKR was long-awaited & I've

already mentioned why I used Excedrin only for pain. I've had far worse pain

than the TKR.

I called the PD, Farmer's Ins. & my OS on day 13 to ask about driving. They

said fine. I had to get to the urologist to have cath & bag removed. I am a

widow, live alone & have no help at home.

Starting PT on day 19 post-op meant I had to hustle, so I did. Yes, it hurt.

Jeff posted a 123 bend & that gave me a goal. I worked harder & got to 127 in a

hurry. I felt I needed to push thru it all & become independent asap. Stubborn !

By the way, other people in PT were tipping over, could barely move because of

the pain meds they were taking. Too zonked to do the full round of exercises.

Best of luck on your next surgery. Susie

> >

> > Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

problems some of you are having after surgery.

> > After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin.

Nothing. Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> > I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath & bag

for a week. So what ?

> > I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It hurt.

So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger deal of all

this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared to other

things. Just do it.

> > Best to all, Susie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Susie

I have to admire your spunk! 3 yrs ago,when I started my surgical journey I had

the same spunk..I faced 3 surgeries..I was determined to put my life back in

order. 1st surgery was repair of tears in achilles tendon.  No wt bearing for 8

wks put me in a wheelchair for 8 weeks and not being able to do things myself

when I wanted to was the hardest. (i.e. waiting to get help to shower daily)

pain was minimal, therapy and scar tissue,,well, I got thru...surgery 2, a year

later, decided to have my torn rotator cuff fixed...Eye opener there let me tell

you.Got thru it, cried in therapy for awhile..That surgery took the wind out of

my sails,but still, have 2 knees to go...Surgery for bltkr scheduled for Feb

1st,,,scared to death,thinking I will only do 1 at a time,,well last week after

scrubbing my kitchen floor ,I thought it was dry, rushing around to empty

dishwasher, I slipped and fell fracturing my elbow...Feb 1st knee surgery is

postponed, and as of now

Im ready to throw in the towel..

Your spunk is commendable and I have to work hard to try to get a little spunk

of my own back...to face knee surgery.

Please keep posting all of your spunk and positiveness is so appreciated!

[Guest guest]

Hi Karla,

If you got through rotator cuff surgery you'll do fine with the tkr, there's

really no comparison in pain and difficulty, at least in my experience and that

of others I've discussed this with.

Good luck,

Jeff

________________________________

From: karla wilson <sassiepa2222@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Wed, January 6, 2010 11:04:33 AM

Subject: Re: Calling all TKR's

Susie

I have to admire your spunk! 3 yrs ago,when I started my surgical journey I had

the same spunk..I faced 3 surgeries..I was determined to put my life back in

order. 1st surgery was repair of tears in achilles tendon.  No wt bearing for 8

wks put me in a wheelchair for 8 weeks and not being able to do things myself

when I wanted to was the hardest. (i.e. waiting to get help to shower daily)

pain was minimal, therapy and scar tissue,,well, I got thru...surgery 2, a year

later, decided to have my torn rotator cuff fixed...Eye opener there let me tell

you.Got thru it, cried in therapy for awhile..That surgery took the wind out of

my sails,but still, have 2 knees to go...Surgery for bltkr scheduled for Feb

1st,,,scared to death,thinking I will only do 1 at a time,,well last week after

scrubbing my kitchen floor ,I thought it was dry, rushing around to empty

dishwasher, I slipped and fell fracturing my elbow...Feb 1st knee surgery is

postponed, and as of now

Im ready to throw in the towel..

Your spunk is commendable and I have to work hard to try to get a little spunk

of my own back...to face knee surgery.

Please keep posting all of your spunk and positiveness is so appreciated!

     

[Guest guest]

Karla, so so sorry you fell & fractured your elbow. I'm sure the torn rotator

cuff was the worst & you got thru it. I broke my right arm at the shoulder joint

2 yrs ago & never knew such pain. I took Ibuprofen for 2 wks til I broke out in

hives & weeping sores on my face. Good-bye Ibuprofen, hello Excedrin. My face

went thru the passenger side windshield 30 yrs ago, almost lost my left eye. I

can't remember how many sprained ankles I've had, crutches for weeks.

Car accidents, danger every day when I was a heavy equip. operator for many

years...I'll spare you the gory times, things I saw.

I want to say that recovery from accidents is different from planned

surgical repairs such as joint replacements.

My journey began when my son was born with a congenital birth defect of his

left foot & leg. I was 18, had to be strong thru all his years of orthopedic

surgery, pain, wheelchairs & crutches. Then helping 3 loved ones die of

cancer...enough. I really believe " that which doesn't kill us makes us

stronger. "

You have been thru a lot & I know you'll get your spunk back when you need it

for the TKR's. Best, Susie

>

> Susie

>

> I have to admire your spunk! 3 yrs ago,when I started my surgical journey I

had the same spunk..I faced 3 surgeries..I was determined to put my life back in

order. 1st surgery was repair of tears in achilles tendon.  No wt bearing for 8

wks put me in a wheelchair for 8 weeks and not being able to do things myself

when I wanted to was the hardest. (i.e. waiting to get help to shower daily)

pain was minimal, therapy and scar tissue,,well, I got thru...surgery 2, a year

later, decided to have my torn rotator cuff fixed...Eye opener there let me tell

you.Got thru it, cried in therapy for awhile..That surgery took the wind out of

my sails,but still, have 2 knees to go...Surgery for bltkr scheduled for Feb

1st,,,scared to death,thinking I will only do 1 at a time,,well last week after

scrubbing my kitchen floor ,I thought it was dry, rushing around to empty

dishwasher, I slipped and fell fracturing my elbow...Feb 1st knee surgery is

postponed, and as of now

> Im ready to throw in the towel..

>

> Your spunk is commendable and I have to work hard to try to get a little spunk

of my own back...to face knee surgery.

>

> Please keep posting all of your spunk and positiveness is so appreciated!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Susie

No problem. I'm sure your intentions were good. But perception is reality, and

obviously I'm not the only one in this group who perceived your " advice " as

possibly being detrimental for the average patient. And you just did it again --

talking about never crying and putting down the people “zonked out†in your

PT room.

Perhaps those patients were over-medicated? I was never zonked out. Neither did

I see anyone who was, including 80-something Rose, an inspiration to all of us.

We laughed and talked and pushed each other through the pain along with our

therapists. We attended all meals together. The we rested...I couldn't wait

after two hours of PT and one hour of occupational therapy. I saw great

attitudes and determination, including my own.

I don't cry often either, but I'm certainly not ashamed of it. When the tears

flowed once or twice when my therapist was working out the scar tissue. I could

have taken the easy way out, gone back to the hospital and have it broken up

under an anesthetic but I chose what I thought was best for me. Just like

childbirth...what is best for me is not necessarily best for others. (Other

people on these pages did not have a choice when they had scar tissue.)

Crying is a signal that a patient is in a lot of pain or is concerned about

recovery and needs to talk through it with the surgeon or physical therapist.

Lucky for me I had great people in this group who could put my mind at ease.

I am single and was back to work by week five with medication. And my co-workers

were thrilled I was back and taking on my share of the load.

But I did have help. What a valuable lesson in learning to be HUMBLE that

was...having to accept help for the first time. When I left inpatient PT, a

lifetime friend came to stay for a week. We are closer than ever after that week

together laughing and sharing memories. People from my pool, who had been

through joint replacement, brought food and drove me to PT. My children and

grandchildren cleaned the house, took me out for some R & R and decorated my

house for Christmas. That was the best...we had a blast. I was so proud of my

children and the way they are raising my lovely, compassionate grandchildren.

That Christmas I wrote notes and bought small gifts for the people who had

helped me. I wrote to all the people on this page who had shared with me. I

remember feeling more gratitude and Christmas spirit than I ever had before.

I still strongly discourage anyone from driving too early.Heaven knows it is so

tempting to be independent and go where you want when you want. But it's not

just the meds, but your physical ability to react. If you are sued, no doctor,

police or insurance company broker is not going to assume liability and testify

in court they told you it was okay to drive. You will be liable for damages and

perhaps hurt someone in the process.

Susie, I just found it interesting you started PT so late. I just never heard

of it, except in the case of a member of this group who remains a friend, who

was going downhill after surgery with no therapy. We urged her to get into PT

immediately. She did, began to improve immediately and is recovered today.

Perhaps it is the way it is done where you live? The mindset of the medical

community in my region is that it is critical to begin with the hospital

therapist and then immediately move into an aggressive inpatient or outpatient

program until you reach your goals.

Thank you for your good wishes. I am eager for surgery and recovery and moving

on with life.

Regards,

Donna

> > >

> > > Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

problems some of you are having after surgery.

> > > After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin.

Nothing. Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> > > I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used

an ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath &

bag for a week. So what ?

> > > I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than

before surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told.

It hurt. So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger

deal of all this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared to

other things. Just do it.

> > > Best to all, Susie

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Donna, perhaps you're a sensitive person & I'm blunt. I don't give advice,

merely state experience or observations. I didn't " put people down for crying "

nor for being over-medicated & unable to do the PT, just stated what I saw.

I started PT late for 2 reasons...I'm here in podunk Arizona where the medical

community is somewhat backwards/limited, & also because of bladder failure

requiring cath & bag an extra 8 days. Susie

>

> Susie

>

> No problem. I'm sure your intentions were good. But perception is reality, and

obviously I'm not the only one in this group who perceived your " advice " as

possibly being detrimental for the average patient. And you just did it again --

talking about never crying and putting down the people “zonked out†in your

PT room.

>

> Perhaps those patients were over-medicated? I was never zonked out. Neither

did I see anyone who was, including 80-something Rose, an inspiration to all of

us. We laughed and talked and pushed each other through the pain along with our

therapists. We attended all meals together. The we rested...I couldn't wait

after two hours of PT and one hour of occupational therapy. I saw great

attitudes and determination, including my own.

>

> I don't cry often either, but I'm certainly not ashamed of it. When the tears

flowed once or twice when my therapist was working out the scar tissue. I could

have taken the easy way out, gone back to the hospital and have it broken up

under an anesthetic but I chose what I thought was best for me. Just like

childbirth...what is best for me is not necessarily best for others. (Other

people on these pages did not have a choice when they had scar tissue.)

>

> Crying is a signal that a patient is in a lot of pain or is concerned about

recovery and needs to talk through it with the surgeon or physical therapist.

Lucky for me I had great people in this group who could put my mind at ease.

>

> I am single and was back to work by week five with medication. And my

co-workers were thrilled I was back and taking on my share of the load.

>

> But I did have help. What a valuable lesson in learning to be HUMBLE that

was...having to accept help for the first time. When I left inpatient PT, a

lifetime friend came to stay for a week. We are closer than ever after that week

together laughing and sharing memories. People from my pool, who had been

through joint replacement, brought food and drove me to PT. My children and

grandchildren cleaned the house, took me out for some R & R and decorated my

house for Christmas. That was the best...we had a blast. I was so proud of my

children and the way they are raising my lovely, compassionate grandchildren.

>

> That Christmas I wrote notes and bought small gifts for the people who had

helped me. I wrote to all the people on this page who had shared with me. I

remember feeling more gratitude and Christmas spirit than I ever had before.

>

> I still strongly discourage anyone from driving too early.Heaven knows it is

so tempting to be independent and go where you want when you want. But it's not

just the meds, but your physical ability to react. If you are sued, no doctor,

police or insurance company broker is not going to assume liability and testify

in court they told you it was okay to drive. You will be liable for damages and

perhaps hurt someone in the process.

>

> Susie, I just found it interesting you started PT so late. I just never

heard of it, except in the case of a member of this group who remains a friend,

who was going downhill after surgery with no therapy. We urged her to get into

PT immediately. She did, began to improve immediately and is recovered today.

Perhaps it is the way it is done where you live? The mindset of the medical

community in my region is that it is critical to begin with the hospital

therapist and then immediately move into an aggressive inpatient or outpatient

program until you reach your goals.

>

> Thank you for your good wishes. I am eager for surgery and recovery and moving

on with life.

>

> Regards,

>

> Donna

[Guest guest]

Thank you, . And you go, girl! :-)

I just want to give back as I did for several months after my surgery in

gratitude for all the knowledge and encouragement I received here.

The pool is therapeutic, heated and wonderful. I had to move back to my hometown

into my childhood home until I can get surgery. My previous pool had classes at

different levels of aqua classes with everyone encouraged to do what they could

do; and also individual post-op therapy when one is allowed back in the water.

It also had had stations: machines positioned over the pool t o do sit-ups,

pull-ups. I miss that at my new pool,but itis very similar. It is also staffed

with physical therapists and others with advanced degrees. who offer classes for

fibromayalgia (a milder workout) and other problems. There are also tools, such

as styrofoam barbells and the noodles that kids play with in the pool. There is

no end to how creative you can be working out with a noodle, and sometimes two,

to strengthen and tone -- just as important before surgery as after. The

previous pool was also large enough that you could swim gentle laps when it

wasn't crowded. Some days the sun would be streaming in and I just kept

swimming, getting high on feeling like Super Woman. :-)

Since so many of us are in the same boat, it's also a place, like this site, to

share and get good advice. Having a therapist with sound knowledge around all

the time is also a bonus. At both centers, I was really into the most aggressive

class. But recently, that has caused more pain than good. I still participate,

doing what I can do. Dealing with pain is not a competition. The warm water is

so soothing on any day -- good or bad.

And, yes, as you recover you will find you have a lot to offer others,

encouragement and tips about how to prepare your home and bed stand for

efficiency; one woman kept her ice packs in a cooler beside her bed, another

suggested a carpenter's apron so you can carry your dishes to the kitchen, your

hair dryer to bathroom, etc., when your hand or hands are busy with a cane,

walker or crutches. Very important was how how to talk to your doctor to ensure

he or she hears you and treats you as an individual.

Good for you for getting out even if it is cold. I just hope you don't have snow

or ice to deal with. They can be hazardous to your health!

Thanks again, . I wish you the best. Feel free to ask more questions if my

experience can be of help.

Warm regards,

Donna

> >

> > Hi all...I'm continually amazed, concerned & curious about the many

problems some of you are having after surgery.

> > After 3 days in hospital, I came home & took nothing but Excedrin.

Nothing. Not even the Rx'd aspirin because Excedrin has aspirin in it.

> > I was bruised like crazy...so what ? Spasms for 2 weeks on which I used an

ACE bandage once in a while. Bladder failed 7 days post-op so had a cath & bag

for a week. So what ?

> > I drove after 14 days, left TKR foot on clutch, hurt much less than before

surgery. PT was started 19 days post-op. I did exactly what I was told. It hurt.

So what ? I expected it to hurt. I pushed thru. Don't make a bigger deal of all

this than it is. I know about pain & the TKR was a snap compared to other

things. Just do it.

> > Best to all, Susie

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>