Tomorrow I go into the hospital for a knee replacement

[sasvermont]

I can't believe it has been three weeks. Much of it was a big blurr. I am in a holding pattern this week, waiting for my surgeon to give me the ok to begin aquatic therapy. I don't have the best range of motion quite yet but hope that this week of rest will allow the swelling to subside and my leg to bend a little more in the right direction. I am off most of the pain meds but still need them after PT and sometimes to sleep. I am not happy about that but am making progress.

I have been walking around the yard with Prue. She seems to understand that I am not at 100%. She has enjoyed having the PT folks here as I give them a treat or three to give to her went they first arrive. She now thinks they are here to see her and she waits by their bags for more treats! She makes a pest of herself. My cats are doing the same. Being pests. They love company so I expected such behavior.

I love walking without pain. I do have tightness and that is a pain, but I think that is from the swelling. I have been icing it often and keeping it raised but I must be kind to it for a few more weeks I guess.

Thanks for all the good wishes and get well wishes. I think I was scared to death to have this done but in general it was a cake walk. Yes, I say that now. The first few days were just one big struggle to get more pain meds.

I had a spinal and then had a femoral block. There was a big problem with the block and I had a horrible reaction to the procedure. Fortunately they were right there with the antidote and I was ok. Scared the hell out of me. Apparently some of the fluid the used to do the block, got in to my blood stream. I couldn't breath. It was like having an asthma attack.

I had a filter on my IV that did not allow the Propothol (sp) to go through the IV properly and I was awake for part of the surgery. I know. What were they thinking? Sounded as though I was at the garage, having my car repaired.

All in all, I survived.

[lizbud]

Glad you are starting to feel better, but let me tell you, I hope I never need a knee replacement. The complications you've
mentioned sound horrible. Not being able to breath & being aware of everything during the surgery sounds like the stuff of my
worst nightmare. I hope you continue to do well in your PT.

[momcat]

I also apologize for not sending you a message sooner. It's great to know that your surgery went well and you're feeing better every day. For now just take it easy, listen to your doctor, and you might want to reconsider training for that marathon. My prayers continue for your speedy and complete recovery.

[Scooter's Mom]

So glad that you are able to walk better now. My aunt is putting off having her knee(s) done out of fear. Hopefully when she does get hers done it will turn out just as well!

((hugs)) to you!

[Karen]

Tell your aunt nearly every I know who has had a knee replaced regretted waiting so long to have it don. Not right away, but 3-6 months afterwards, they were VERY happy - my old buddy Pete was back golfing after 6 months, and thrilled.