3d Arthoscopic Surgery

[Guest guest]

Okay guys--need advice.

Prior to going through this surgery, the surgeon tried the synvisic

(hylgan) shots. These did not relieve the sharp pain across the

knee, popping, burning and swelling. I have just had my third

arthoscopic surgery on Tuesday. The surgeon (not the one that did

the first 2) says there is no difference in the pictures of the knee

from the last surgery to this one. She does confirm that I have CP

in the left knee. I have not talked with the surgeon. She talked

with my husband and said that there was not much she could do for me.

She told him that I would have to be making some lifestyle changes.

I go back to see her next week Thursday so please give some advice.

I received upon leaving the hospital the instructions -- no prolonged

standing or walking. To start the first day with leg raises

Quadiceps or thigh muscle tightening exercises. To begin bending the

knee as soon as possible. The instructions state that a stationery

bike may be used only for bending and straighening that there should

be no resitance. No running, squatting or sports until I have been

seen in the office. The surgeon said that I could go back to taking

my Celebrex (which I take for the arthritis in my hands) and I am

also taking one Celebrex a day. I have tried glucosaime --it did not

work in fact it raised my blood sugars as I am also a diabetic.

The Navy has discharged me with 10% disability. I am working for the

Post Office and cannot perform the job I currently hold.

I have already started the straight leg raises and the bending

exercises (at least as far as the bandages will allow) I am suppose

to take the bandages off tomorrow. I go a week from tomorrow to see

the surgeon. I am beginning to walk short (very short) distances

without my crutchs--i.e. from the stove to my sink with a chair

nearby.

I have insurance that does not cover very much in the experimental

department and the surgery was covered this time by Workman's Comp at

the Post Office. I know that the pain I am feeling in my knee along

with the burning is not just in my head--though many people (i.e. co-

workers and supervisors) may think so--I just wish athat they could

spend just one day with the pain that I have when I leave work and

that is doing the job I am assigned for only two hours.

Sorry for the length of this post. Any suggestions??