Will someone please tell me to...

[Anne]

Stop acting like a ninny?

That book that I was so excited about, "Total Knee Replacement" really sucks.

I am now terrified of the surgery. The book goes into great detail about the surgery. It say that I'll be a total gimp for weeks after. If further states that I will need a recliner, a ramp and Lord only know what else. Oh, yeah, it also says that I'll need someone here 24/7 for about two months. Will someone explain how someone who lives 30 bucks below the poverty line could possibly afford all that?

I know now that the damn book is not what I wanted. I guess that I wanted something to support me, not tear me down.

Anyway, I'm scared sh!tless.

Anne

[Pony]

When my doctor first told me I was going to have to have my knees replaced, I kinda flipped out a little. I kept it to myself, though. I don't think even my DH knew how scared I was. I went online and read a whole bunch about it but the most useful thing I did was find an online forum related to knee replacement and lurk a while. I wish I could direct you to the one I found that was so helpful to me, letting me see what other people had experienced, but unfortunately, I didn't keep the link and it's been about a year since I went there.

I think that's what you need to do. And don't just read a little, read it all. There will be some people there who are big babies who will tell you all about how awful it was and how they were in such horrible pain *forever*! There will be people there who will tell you how they had it done and went hiking a month later. Ignore both of those people and be assured that the truth is somewhere in between.

Like everything else, the experence will be different for everyone. But you can get an idea by hearing about the experiences of others how most people do in the same situation. I know it made me a whole lot less nervous about what's awaiting me when my doctor finally decides that I need to have mine done.

[Carmel]

But aren't you in agony now? Surely any remedy is better than what you're puting up with.

And you won't need anyone 24/7 for 2 months. After my first one, no one stayed with me, though my friends and family were available by telephone. I rarely needed to call on them.

I was out doing my morning walks after a month or so - crutches and all.

It's painful. It takes time to get over it. That's because it's major surgery.

but it's better than the alternative!

Carmel

[Anne]

What? I don't need ramps, or a recliner, and Lord only knows what else???

I was talking to a friend today whose partner had the same surgery that I'm having. She told me that while it's a big deal, it's not the killer that I imagined it was.

Thanks, Carmel, I really needed that.

Anne

[White Tiger]

I was on crutches for a couple of months for an injury. I didn't need to hire someone to wait on me. Sure, it was a pain in the whooie, but entirely doable. Lay up supplies, plan how to minimize kitchen fuss while on one leg, all that. Your arms get tired at first, then they get used to it and it feels great to have that upper body strength.

[Carmel]

You must, must, must see a physiotherapist to learn to walk correctly with crutches and walking stick. You'll see one of those before you're out of hospital, I would imagine.

I was amazed when a woman I worked with broke her foot, was given a walking stick and was not shown the correct use. I showed her, and she was really surprised at the difference! And pleased.

And ..... despite the pain, etc., you must, must, must walk and keep walking for the rest of your life.

Carmel

[Libra]

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/f...play.php?f=158

I found this..not sure if it is any good or not, but take a look

Anne, they should put you in a rehab and rehabs are really careful with people who live alone..OT and PT will make sure you can do they ADL skills you need..get your Dr to get you meals on wheelss and make sure social workers know you are alone..do not volenteer anyone who might help you..as they will take that as WILL help you..this way you may get more help.

When I was working OT, I found attatude is half the battle..people with good, I am going to attitudes did so much better. Therapy is going to hurt..but not in a horrible way, in a overduing it way, an exercise way...and the more you push your self, the better you do in the long run!!

I have faith you will be one of those really good motivated people and the therapists will love you..and you will love them right back

I know your Church will help a lot..share your fears with the minister, if you haven't all ready..maybe he would concider a sign up sheet for when you leave the rehab and come home..people to stop by and do the little things that will be hard..15 min visitys..and that, some home help, meals on wheels..I so no reason you will not be fine and get through this wonderfully.

As you dr about one of this lift up recliners..they used to be able to order them..not sure they can anymore..
Might want to put add on Craiggs list..under wanted..see if some one has one they are getting rid of..or selling cheap..I should not speak for the group, but will..if some one was selling one for say a hundred dollars, I would send some thing to help you get it and I think others would too..
This is the time to get those ducks in a row..but I have faith in you!!!

Please know I would so wish this all away for you, if I could..but no one can do that..I will say I have seen personally, some amazing out come
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!
feel the love
HUGGS
Nancie

[Anne]

Oh, sh!t!!!! I was introduced to person named Gene today at church. He apparently had be told that I was having knee replacement surgery in a couple of months. He had had it and starting telling me that it was the most painful thing that could every happen to anyone, that it took a full year to get back to "normal" and that I was in for "a hell of a journey".

Thanks, you s.o.b.

Anne

[Libra]

It depends so much on the indivigual..some people are just maturally negitive and do not do what they are supossed to..but sit and complain it "does not get better"..it can be anythihng..but basicly, with recouping, it is a "no pain,no gain" thing
I have worked in rehab and saw it all the time..ssome people are willing to try any thing with a smile..and have a great attitude..they teend to do well, as a whole..others could do well, but dwell in the negitive and really think everyone is out to get them..they tend to not do as well
I think it is all up to you Anne..it is going to hurt..but not the worse hurt you have ever had..and it is going to heal and get better..and the more you give it..the better the out come will be
It is rally true
that said..I would not be terribly excited about having it done either!!
But, if my life and independence depended on it and the quality of my life..I would do it in a small second!!
big HUGGS
and you know we are all with you

[Anne]

Thanks Nanci. That helps somewhat. I coulda slapped the guy in the face. However, since I was at church, I thought it best not to smack him. A good christian and all that, 'ya know.

Anne

[White Tiger]

Originally Posted by Anne

Oh, sh!t!!!! I was introduced to person named Gene today at church. He apparently had be told that I was having knee replacement surgery in a couple of months. He had had it and starting telling me that it was the most painful thing that could every happen to anyone, that it took a full year to get back to "normal" and that I was in for "a hell of a journey".

Thanks, you s.o.b.

Anne

Keep in mind that's a man talking. His definition of the "most painful thing" might be quite different from your definition. It may well have been the most painful thing that had happened to him personally

[Anne]

He also may be a jerk who beats his wife too. Personally, I think anyone who would say what he said is not someone I would keep as a friend.

Anne

[katyjan]

I remember when my sister-in-law was in labor. She went to her mother's house until it was time to go to the hospital. All her relatives gathered round and told horror stories of their babies' deliveries. After about an hour of this, I went in and held her hand and reminded her that I'd had an easy delivery and that her chances were just as likely of having an easy delivery. I then made everyone keep out of her room unless they promised only to tell good delivery stories. I can't believe that some people just don't think before telling their horror stories.

Jan

[Libra]

Oh Jan, you are so right..My Mom always told a horor story of beig in labor with me for 2 days..and scared me terrible..then my friend Nancy had her son before me

she said she start havinbg labor pain..took a shower, went to the hospital and an hour later he was born!!
When I was pregnant, I chose to believe her story.
My daughter, did nto come, so 3 weeks after her due date they induced her..I went into the hospital that Monday morning and brought my usual, several magizines, deck of cards, several books and paper and pen and a few art supplies..my busy box (did nto crochet yet, thank God, LOL)
I laid them out on the night table and the nurse came in and asked what I was doing...I told her that was things to keep me busy inbetween the labor pains..she left and waited till she got half way down the hall to laugh (but I heard her) and a couple minutes later, brought the other nurses in to see my table!!

Well, when those drugs started working I did not use one thing from that table!!!

To each their own,,there are as many baby birthing stories as there are babies.,,,
Probably the same with knees..yathink??

Ann, I have my fingers crossed, yours will be one of those really good, happy ending stories!!
GO ANNE!!!!!!!!
HUGGS

[Anne]

I just came back to this posting to read about what you all said.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate it.

Anne