topic Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom in Wellness

My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:08:16 GMT

I am now 20 days postop from total knee surgery, and feel I am doing very well. I slept in our big recliner the first week, but have been able to sleep in my bed since then.

Physical therapy is going very well; I do outpatient therapy at the hospital where I used to work 3x a week. My knee bend measurement was 103 yesterday. I have been walking with a cane for nearly 2 weeks, and am balanced enough to walk without my cane here at home. I was able to handle the 4 steps in my garage by day 7.

My swelling was far more intense this time and lasted 2 full weeks. I received a very unpleasant surprise when the tape was removed from my incision, as the swelling caused the adhesive to fail, and my incision above the knee has spread apart. The inner stitches held, but the glued edges did not. Since healing is well underway already, I have to continue to try to heal this incision as it is. The result will be a more prominent scar, but I can live with that as long as the incision heals well. I clean the incision twice a day with peroxide, keep a loose bandage over it, and leave my house only for PT.

Nothing about this surgery is easier the second time around. I was 57 at my first surgery, and am 62 now; I feel far more physically challenged with this recovery, and am so thankful everything fell into place for this to happen now, and not years from now. I cannot even begin to imagine me coping with this recovery with a few more birthdays under my belt. My pain is minimal, and I have reduced my pain medication to half the prescribed dose.

My husband continues to do his best to care for me, but is worn out. His overall health is fair to poor, with progressive diabetes, COPD, PAD, and CAD. Thankfully I no longer require much assistance other than driving me to PT.

Thank you for your prayers, and encouraging words as I continue to heal and move forward with my recovery. I have been blessed with the support of many prayer angels.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

Shiloh09 — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 23:05:17 GMT

I have had both of mine done too. I was 52 and 54. I am now 60. The second one was a more difficult rehab....maybe because I knew what to expect! Still best decision I ever made for myself.

103 degrees is a great range of motion 3 weeks post op. Sorry to hear of the wound though. Take care of that for sure. I used Mederma religiously after my wounds healed and can barely see scars! Wishing you healthy recovery and near perfect range of motion!!

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

pupwhipped — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:40:07 GMT

@RedTop, I want to thank you for posting about your recovery process. I am also 62 and knee replacement is in my future. I had arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus a year ago and it did not go well. I had a lot of problems and sometimes feel worse off overall then prior to the surgery. Soooooo, I'm in no hurry to have replacement surgery as there is no guarantee on these things. It does seem that most people have very good outcomes, but after my experience with the scope, I'm a bit leery. I thank you for sharing your experience. It helps to hear from others as so many of us will eventually have to go through this. DARN KNEES! Ha!

pup

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 18:20:23 GMT

My pain free bend measurement on Friday was 107 degrees. I’m getting there!

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

NAES1 — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 20:04:24 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
My pain free bend measurement on Friday was 107 degrees. I’m getting there!

@RedTop

I had to __read__ `that` twice! GREAT

You had to be ~ and apparently still remain, one of the most determined women I have 'ever' read, being very healthy, common sensed ....and with total wisdom.

!! 107 bend measurement DEGREEs !!

Remarkable.....................! Sending you a huge tight hug.

I am so intrigued how your authenticity was never lost.

love, NAES

@RedTop from me, with love.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 21:57:46 GMT

9 of 12 PT sessions behind me, and my bend measurement today was 110 degrees, with some discomfort.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 22:47:39 GMT

I am now 4 weeks postop, and was discharged by my orthopedic surgeon today! My bend measurement on Monday was 110 degrees, with manipulation and some discomfort, but I reached the maximum. My ortho thought my incision looked great, and he was extremely pleased with my progress in PT.

@NAES1, my sincere thanks for your kind and encouraging words. I went into this procedure totally focused and determined to have the best outcome possible; I settled for nothing less. I still have a lot of inner healing to do, but am eager for some lazy days at home, with no trips out for appts and PT. Wishing you a happy, and blessed Thanksgiving!

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

Evie2004 — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:17:41 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
I am now 4 weeks postop, and was discharged by my orthopedic surgeon today! My bend measurement on Monday was 110 degrees, with manipulation and some discomfort, but I reached the maximum. My ortho thought my incision looked great, and he was extremely pleased with my progress in PT.

@NAES1, my sincere thanks for your kind and encouraging words. I went into this procedure totally focused and determined to have the best outcome possible; I settled for nothing less. I still have a lot of inner healing to do, but am eager for some lazy days at home, with no trips out for appts and PT. Wishing you a happy, and blessed Thanksgiving!

@RedTop, I am really impressed! with your progress & discharge! I think I made it to 110 degrees, (I sure remember that discomfort) but it took me a couple of weeks longer..I'm not sure I made it to 120, but I am happy how things turned out..you must really be looking forward to the Spring, when you will be able to do most of what you want to do!

I am still on the fence as far as scheduling my other knee, plan to just see how it feels in a few months..wishes to you & your family, & your Mom for a happy & blessed holiday season..

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

NAES1 — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 04:00:21 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
I am now 4 weeks postop, and was discharged by my orthopedic surgeon today! My bend measurement on Monday was 110 degrees, with manipulation and some discomfort, but I reached the maximum. My ortho thought my incision looked great, and he was extremely pleased with my progress in PT.

@NAES1, my sincere thanks for your kind and encouraging words. I went into this procedure totally focused and determined to have the best outcome possible; I settled for nothing less. I still have a lot of inner healing to do, but am eager for some lazy days at home, with no trips out for appts and PT. Wishing you a happy, and blessed Thanksgiving!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

'I settled for nothing less'...haaa, I thought you were Mehgyn K, there for a second!!

We are having a very wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Our son is making arrangements or has, to be here this year with us.

It's not every holiday, especially a Holy Day, that he can do this each year, so even though Thanksgiving is not truly a HOLY day, it is when we see him.

I am so Very Proud - - PROUD of you..believe I want you for my nurse, `` if ever...what? ~ ~

NAES with concern and loving thoughts, always

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

NAES1 — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 04:02:20 GMT

@RedTop.... above....^^^^^^^^ !!

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 16:47:28 GMT

@Evie2004,

Thank you for your kind words of support, and for following my progress on this journey. I was surprised with the discharge so quickly, but my surgeons schedule is very busy, and obviously it helps to have patients who do well and move on quickly.

I did very well with my first surgery too, and at 6 weeks my physical therapist (who was the department manager), felt sure my doctor would discharge me. But even with great ROM, he did not, and I had to do all the PT sessions my insurance paid for, which was about 22. I had surgery right after New Years, and returned to work in late March. I can see many changes in the last 5 years. Stryker has teamed up with my ortho surgeons and the hospital to build a strong ortho unit to care for the surgical patients. I participated in the exercise program for 2 days after my surgery, and while it was quite painful, I was able to get myself into our vehicle much easier when I was discharged. My first experience with that was horrible.

I am very happy to have this surgery behind me, and am anxious to get back into my normal routine. Even with my good outcome, I was far more challenged with recovering at 62, than I was at 57, those years made a big difference for me. My husband is worn out; limping badly with his own knee issues, and still has 2 weeks to go before his ortho appt at the VA. I feel blessed with the timing of my surgery, as I look at his health issues and seriously doubt whether he will have the overall strength and ability he has right now, 6 months to a year from now.

Best wishes with your decision about surgery, and wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving!

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

NAES1 — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 20:20:26 GMT

@RedTop ~

I have no idea how many people..anywhere.. would or could realize that "5" years IS __A__ big difference, being that the subject, of surgery, and especially a repair of anything body--- wise.

I'm not the same woman I was five years ago; appetite--

( not as much food): hair (takes longer to dry/thick): skin (normal to a drier texture): certain fried anything makes me feel bloated ( I am a small woman, and my strength is not as powerful, as 5 years ago ), ...BUT! I have an unbelievably memory, more strict what I use on my body or ingest.

We belong to an olive club, strictly 100% pure from Italy..big difference. The 6oz bottle is $39.00.

I will not eat junk foods or cook with this __stuff__ on the shelves.

I never, though, lost my ability to go after anyone when there is a wrong, or with telling people, 'they have no idea what they are talking about, when it comes to my profession, medicine'.

*I refer to ``about 40% -here``- armchair physicians.

"...always fight back, more so positive constructive criticism, taking zero "blah" from anyone".

Other than that, I'm still am like Mary Poppins...awwwwwwwwwwwwwh,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Oh, how did that neighbor of yours turn out, when giving you some minor headaches? You referred to her or him as trash behavior.

You're doing great. Yes, about 1 full year.

I do seriously hope that your husband is not becoming worse. We know with PAD, CAD and COPD ...not much, one can 'fix'.

Thinking of you, today. 1 special ~ ~ Smiles ~ ~

Surely, you are not doing an one woman feast dinner for "T" day? !-!

I have ours reserved out to pick up. Mainly because our son can come in this time. I prefer some homemade soup. I just do not like to cook, nor do I have the initiative or desire.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 02:08:03 GMT

@NAES1,

Yes, I will be cooking for us on Thanksgiving. It will not be a huge meal; my family wants only turkey breast, homemade dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls. I can handle that, and my daughters will be here to help.

My trailer trash neighbors are indeed still living on the property above my Mom. I didn’t think the place could look any worse, but I was wrong. Dad passed away several months ago and apparently left the place to the 2 boys, both over 35, and neither seem to work. Oldest son lives in the trailer, which has 2 broken windows, and has not had power for more than a year. I smell wood smoke and see smoke coming from the stove pipe in the trailer, but there’s no extra wood lying anywhere on the ground—-just trash. That makes me very suspicious, because there just so happens to be a large woodpile on our property, directly across from my Moms house! When our outside dogs start barking seriously, I don’t always think it’s the deer moving thru. Youngest son moved a camper in and is living in it, also without power.

As much as I would like to have that piece of property back in my family, I don’t see that happening without me winning a HUGE lottery.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

BriggsiePeawiggle — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 02:21:39 GMT

It sounds like you are doing really well on your knee replacement. Sorry the incision opened up though, but it will heal, I'm sure. I had both hips done within the past couple of years. No tea party, but things are working pretty great these days. Wishing you continued success in recovering from your knee replacement.

Briggsie

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 03:55:59 GMT

@BriggsiePeawiggle,

Thanks so much for your well wishes! My incision is slowly healing, and filling in, and will just take time. I have been sitting here in my recliner tonight massaging my scar trying to reduce scar tissue from building up. Am not sure I’m going to be so lucky with that this time. I still have soreness in my leg and have felt the burning and tingling of nerves healing this week.

I sincerely hope my mobility issues are resolved with this surgery, as I am not ready to even think about doing hips! Continued best wishes to you with your mobility.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

NAES1 — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 16:56:56 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
@NAES1,
Yes, I will be cooking for us on Thanksgiving. It will not be a huge meal; my family wants only turkey breast, homemade dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls. I can handle that, and my daughters will be here to help.

My trailer trash neighbors are indeed still living on the property above my Mom. I didn’t think the place could look any worse, but I was wrong. Dad passed away several months ago and apparently left the place to the 2 boys, both over 35, and neither seem to work. Oldest son lives in the trailer, which has 2 broken windows, and has not had power for more than a year. I smell wood smoke and see smoke coming from the stove pipe in the trailer, but there’s no extra wood lying anywhere on the ground—-just trash. That makes me very suspicious, because there just so happens to be a large woodpile on our property, directly across from my Moms house! When our outside dogs start barking seriously, I don’t always think it’s the deer moving thru. Youngest son moved a camper in and is living in it, also without power.

As much as I would like to have that piece of property back in my family, I don’t see that happening without me winning a HUGE lottery.

@RedTop,

Do you now- believe- by not ' owning your family property, will CAUSE you to feel as though you could or would have deep heartaches..```to not try to retrieve.

I ask only, because I am that same situation / property divided 4 ways, and one sibling sold out her 1/4..leaving 3/4 just vacant. Some sly lawyer who lives near by caught wind of our property when dad died, recently..and contacted my other sibling (same state) and she sold to him without having any communication as a family.

This was 64 acres, now 33.4. We have our family cemetery there, which can not be touched, even if the remaining 3/4 is sold. Dad always told us to keep the 150 year old owned beautiful area to stay in the family.

I could _NOT_ believe she would do anything such as this-ever. I am seriously thinking of selling the entire 3/4 to him since he (THINKS) controls. I just do not know.

I value you opinion 100%.

This would have killed my father. I am having reservations that I am betraying him and his wishes.

I will never live there, but brother does speak about building a home there, and I do not believe that will ever happen. (Same state, also). "....not simple task to have"...

Dear lady, have a great Thanksgiving Day. We shall, also.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 02:39:18 GMT

@NAES1,

I do feel a sense of duty to my grandparents to try to regain this small piece of property, which they deeded to their daughter, my aunt. My aunt never did anything with the property; my dad maintained it and paid the property taxes yearly, then sent her the tax ticket for reimbursement. My aunt always said my dad would get the property if she decided to get rid of it. I feel I would be “righting a wrong” if I could regain this lot, and I will always be open to buying it if it comes up for sale, but my brothers and I own what was given to our parents, and that is enough for me.

In an unexpected twist, in the late 70’s, my aunt comes in unexpectedly, quickly sells the property to my cousin for a paltry sum, and leaves. Her actions forever ruined her relationship with my dad, and she knew that was her fault, right up to the day she died.

My cousin built a small split level home on the property and lived there until the very early 90’s, when he burned it to the ground—-and got away with it! I had worked 3-11 the night the house burned, and saw two things that stood out as different when I passed the house on my way home. The fire department labeled the fire suspicious. Arson investigators took my statement, and told me they found the hot spot, and identified the accelerant he used, but the insurance company still paid my cousin the full value on the house and contents. They could not prove he burned the house for financial gain, because his bank account was much larger than the insurance check. Outside of the insurance company dropping him as a customer, my cousin got off scott free. He lived with his mother in my grandparents house on the farm, and inherited that when she died. The children he fathered but never took care of, inherited the farm and all of his money. They have had a ball blowing his money, and that has been quite satisfying to watch!

NAES, you and I share that sense of duty to uphold what your dad, and my grandparents wanted for the property legacy they left behind. It’s not about the money for us, it’s about knowing we had a strong part in upholding our loved ones last wishes. For me, the way things are right now, allow a part of my dad’s and my grandparents legacy to pass to my daughters, so I’m content with the way things are for me.

My only advice to you dear lady is to decide what will make you content in regard to those 64 acres. Your sisters have simply shown that the land wasn’t that important to them, and your brothers interest is in what he “might” do. You are the only one feeling that true sense of duty, which is a wonderful trait to have in my opinion, but you have to decide how important that is to you personally. I wish you the best with whatever you choose to do.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

NAES1 — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 04:28:17 GMT

@RedTop...

Thank you with love.

I will be back to you very soon.

You have cleared my mind more than you

will ever know, and I knew IT from the beginning.

Think of this- PRIME.

Re: My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

NAES1 — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 06:10:30 GMT

@BriggsiePeawiggle wrote:
It sounds like you are doing really well on your knee replacement. Sorry the incision opened up though, but it will heal, I'm sure. I had both hips done within the past couple of years. No tea party, but things are working pretty great these days. Wishing you continued success in recovering from your knee replacement.

Briggsie

@>>>> Hello @BriggsiePeawiggle,

Redtop is a friend of mine, and quite an intelligent one I will say.

Thank you for your positive update: REF: No tea party/ hip replacement within the past few years. It is important to say that a hip replacement is much easier in recovery time than a knee. Personally, I have no claim to fame having anything removed, replaced or event situation being in the hospital associated with what I read from time to time, here -including friends locally or as some of my many patients over the years.

Though, I know and am aware of just about anything that could be, or that does happened when least expected.

Age difference has a lot to fold in when doing elected surgery. I have some knowledge of the many different posters who can or could expect an emergency -ages known.

I appreciated you being here, especially for RedTop and others on Wellness that may learn from your experience. I seldom read of hip fixes, more of tkr(s) than the other body part being removed and the Trade Off for what is needed or desired. You, personally may be the one that can walk someone else through..whenever hip is brought to a topic.

I am thanking you for your contribution support with such a positive report how you are doing. I would come to believe anyone thinking about a hip replace certainly would come to you for a conversation of substance pertaining to.......................

Have a wonderful holiday if I do not see your name soon. Blessings for alerting RedTop,such a fine lady. `NAES`