Re: Patty/knee surgery

[Guest guest]

Hey again Sue, I would respond personally but maybe someone else

might want to know.

I went to the surgery center for pre-op a couple of days before. I

always give my own blood in advance. Then went in the morning and

was put to sleep. When I woke and was recovered enough was sent home

the same day. For me it was painful after, I don't know exactly why,

but possibly because I am alergic to morphine and they did an

injection in the knee. Or maybe because it was such a mess. They

went in looking to repair what they call the meniscus disk (sp?) but

later showed and I that there wasn't anything left to help so

within 6 months I scheduled the total replacement. You will need to

take some time off work, but try not to put it off. One reason would

be what if you fell and the injury resulted in more traumatic

replacement? The first surgery you can get about as soon as your

able. The replacement needs a bit more time and therapy, but goes

pretty quickly, within a two weeks, as I try to remember. Anyway, it

will be wonderful to not have the constant dislocation, pain, and all

that comes with not having a joint left. Don't be afraid, because

when we live with the stuff we live with every day, any thing else

seems to be easier. Good luck and mail me anytime with your

thoughts. Till soon, Melt

> Dear Patty,

>

> how was the surgery? Was it painful, did you feel anything and did

they just go in and scrape it out and did you ever have to do it

again. Both of my knees are bad, and I don't know if he would do

both at the same time, but I would be willing to do both to have it

done and out of the way. The doc, thinks that I might need a new

knee, but won't know until I see my surgeon. He doesn't want me to

wait at all and call and get this done. I don't know about you, but

people are actually turning around AT WORK, when they hear me walk

down the stairs and ask me what that horrible noise is. My boyfriend

goes crazy listening to it and my children shriek. It's a horrible

sound and the crunching of the bone is very uncomfortable and this is

where a lot of the pain is coming from. I am NOT EAGER at all to

have this done. I have spent way too much time at the hospital and

should be able to buy their new west wing by next year with my name

on the plaque in big gold letters, even if it is out-patient

surgery! Were you awake for the surgery Patty or asleep? I am full

of questions, and can I go right back to work or will I be laid up?

This is a huge concern for me. I need to work. It really keeps my

mind off of this disease. This is how I cope with this. Anyway,

thanks Patty and thank you again for all your wonderful notes. You

are a true friend.

> Love, Sue #2

>

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