phyllser

Well, I told the PT guy today... it's not 1/2 mile walk over there and I walked 1/2 mile yesterday so maybe I should just walk over. But he said NO... not across the highway (have to cross a busy 4 lane highway). He said TAKE THE SCOOTER! But... that's two weeks away yet... so I just may try it anyway. Another thing... driveway in to the condo is VERY STEEP and I am scared to death of trying to walk it. I told Earl today that I want him to help me try to walk down it with the cane and go across the street to Albertson's. But he nixed that idea, too. He said not yet! So... I have those two things to contend with.. steep driveway and busy 4 lane highway!

Oh, yeah.. pain is an issue. But you can make it through with the right pain meds. A mistake I made was not asking for the pain Rx in liquid form. I have no trouble swallowing pills, but didn't think about it possibly taking longer for the pills to absorb if I took them with food in my pouch. Pain meds seem to be much more effective when I can take them on an empty stomach... before eating. So.. that's advice #1... they will probably send you home with oxycontin and hydrocodone. The oxycontin they told me is a long-lasting... sustained release... taken every 12 hrs. It's supposed to be the big guns but I didn't find it very effective. The hydrocodone Rx was for 1-2 every 4-6 hours. Don't let the pain get ahead of you.. especially the first few days... take it! But definitely ask for the hydrocodone in liquid. I had an old walker from the partial I had done on the right knee about 6 years ago. My PT guy didn't like it because it had only 2 wheels, and small ones at that. So the first day he was here he ordered me a 4 wheel walker with brakes and a seat. It was so much easier to walk with that. My doctor said I was to use it for 4 weeks, but my PT guy cleared me today to start using a cane. Another thing to consider... how handicap friendly is your bathroom?? My latte stand lady insisted I borrow a bedside commode that her mother had used when she had her knee replacement surgery. I didn't think I'd need it, but it turned out to be a lifesaver. I didn't use it at the bedside.. my husband took the seat off of our toilet.. which is rather low and no grab bar or anything... and he put the commode over the top of the toilet. It not only was several inches higher than the toilet, but had arms to hold on to. I just quit using it a day or two ago. I don't know what I would have done without it! I haven't had a lot of pain with straightening the leg... but my PT said full extension is usually the last thing to come with therapy.. but I was able to do that from the beginning for some reason. It is the flexion that has been a bigger challenge for me, and more painful than extension. But, it gets better with each day. I turned a big corner at about the 2 week point, and this week is even better. I would say that the first two weeks are the hardest. Best of luck to you. I'll be thinking about you.

So no results yet??

LOL!! Wow! What a great plan!! My recovery/rehab is going quite well, I think! PT guy graduated me from walker to cane today (only about 2 weeks after he managed to get me a brand new walker with 4 wheels, brakes and a seat!). Oh, well... I'll have it for the next knee!! And I bent my knee to 113 degrees for him which made him happy. I'd been stuck at 97 last week and only made it to 100 on Monday, so I was quite excited to make 113 today! He says he's going to release me to outpatient PT next Monday. There is a good facility I can go to just about a block away, so that will be very convenient. DH is getting VERY anxious to head south!

So did you have your appointment with Dr. Enochs yesterday?? Wondering how it went. Hope it was better than the appt with the other doctor! I'm doing great...3 wks post knee replacement, down about another 5 lb, rehab/recovery going very well.

Well, I don't know about 7 a.m., but that will be a big advantage of going from home PT to outpatient. Facility I want to use is about a block away.. I can go on my scooter and they open at 7 a.m. I have to make appointments, but I will be more in control of the schedule.. I think he said he was going to ask doc for 2X a week for 6 weeks. I'd rather go 3X a week for fewer weeks. He did say he didn't think I would need six weeks, but wants doctor to approve that many. But I will go in the morning, and on more convenient days than Monday and Wednesday. And Sam is ALWAYS late.

Thanks for your kudos. No, not at goal...50+ lb to go. I think the weight loss will pick up now that I can walk more. Exercise will increase as rehab progresses. When I finally get released, we'll be going south to RV park in Desert Hot Springs CA where I do water aerobics every day and hope this year will be able to use some of the exercise equipment... treadmill, recumbent bike. PT guy gave me permission to switch from walker to cane today. We walked outside with my cane this morning and it felt great. I go through my whole exercise routine with him and then at the very end do the "butt slide" and he measures my flexion on the 5th one. Monday it was only 100 degrees... only slightly more than last week (97). Today I got to 113!! It was GREAT.. but then we went to church for "Primetimers" and were gone about 2 1/2 hrs. So between last night's walk, bending leg to 113 deg, and outing... I came home exhausted and in a lot of pain. Took 2 pain pills and put on ice bag but took a while to get relief... I think because of our pouches, sometimes it takes a while for meds to absorb. I took those right after lunch and it took a while before they kicked in! I have one more home PT session before he releases me to outpatient PT.

OMG... sweet relief... the pain pills finally kicked in!! Did call both doc's office and RiteAid (X2). RiteAid did their part, doc's office said he's in surgery all day and check back tomorrow!! In the meantime... I have FOUR pills left. Earl is going to look in cupboard and see if there are any old leftover pills! Right now.... no problem. So if I can get by until bedtime, then take 2, maybe one during the night... some nights I don't need one in the middle of the night. Then there would still be one left for morning. Hopefully, doc will sign and send FAX back to RiteAid by then! Lasagna sounds heavenly!! Earl and I were talking about Italian food today... my very favorite!! Hardly ever allow myself spaghetti... especially REAL spaghetti.. always use french style green beans! Today bought sweet corn from our favorite corn farm. Will have one for dinner and maybe some salmon.

Hi, gang! Nice to have you drop by, Marcy~! How's Alaska?? My niece is up there in the Anchorage area with her boyfriend... visiting his sister and family. I have been really on cloud 9 all day, gals, but a little bit down right now. Having a lot of pain today and only have 4 pain pills left. Called refill in to RiteAid this morning but Dr's office says they need 48 hrs to process!! Huh?? What does it take to sign a FAX?? I've cut way back on what I'm taking.. only 4-5 a day the last few days. But, today... I've already had 4 ..... I guess it was the 1/2 mile walk last night and then PT this morning. I pushed extra hard on the "butt slide" and got up to 113 degrees after only 100 degrees on Monday, so that was quite a stretch. Then right after PT we went to church for Primetimers... 1/2 hr each way in the car and an hour sitting in uncomfortable chairs. So now I'm miserable and worried about running out of Vicodin before RiteAid gets the refill order. HELP! Think we'll watch some "Judge Judy" and have a few laughs, get my mind off this! Linda says.... refocus! Can't have any wine... took 2 vicodins 2 hrs ago!

Welcome, Margie! I've had knee issues for close to 10 years and, except for around the house, have had to rely on an electric scooter to get around for probably the last 5-6 years. LapBand surgery was a little over 2 years ago and I've lost over 120 lb. Three weeks ago I had knee replacement surgery. And today.... I walked 1/2 mile!! I am excited! Wishing you GREAT success!! That is one of my very favorite scriptures, BTW!!

Yeah, I am psyched!! Earl kept wanting to go get the car and pick me up but I kept telling him NO, I CAN DO IT!! AND I DID! But sitting out there on the patio enjoying happy hour and the waterfront, I kept thinking how fun it would be to be sitting out there with my Lucky #7s!!

Good evening! What a gorgeous day here in WA state! We decided to go down to the waterfront tonight... our favorite place, Anthony's Home Port.. where we sat on the back patio by the water and enjoyed happy hour. Bad... had two cosmos, and a delicious Mahi Mahi Taco and a cup of chowder. Then... we walked down along the marina. Measured it with the car when we left ... I walked 1/2 mile!!! Woo hoo!! Three weeks today since surgery and I walked 1/2 mile! WOW! Some pain now, and icing, but it was a great accomplishment! Can't wait to tell my PT guy when he comes in the morning!

YES!!! this one is cute enough to forward. Just click on the "1". This is a cute one. 1

Yeah, some doctors say that. I've used straws ever since surgery and don't have a problem.

OH, for heaven's sakes!! GO!! Meet him for coffee somewhere. Doesn't have to be a BIG date. Yes, you are ready. You're just chicken. Get over it!! You don't look your age. So what if he's younger, anyway. Think DEMI MOORE!! Younger is good!

Hope everyone had a great day. Did my exercises only once so far, except for the "butt slide", which I've done several times as it is the most critical. That's when he measures my flexion. He wants me to 120 degrees! That's hard. Barely made 100 today and he said he was stretching it a little. I have to take a walk yet, too. Did a short one earlier, and we practiced steps and a curb! Woohoo!! Very dear friend is in ICU in OKC. In & out of the hosp for many years because of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, chronic pancreatitis, bouts of kidney failure. He goes through this cycle fairly often.. starts to feel ill, Fluid intake goes down because he doesn't feel like drinking and he ends up in hosp dehydrated. This time colonitis, as well, and having some sort of bladder surgery Wed. morning. We've been to hosp with him many, many times.... ER at midnight, etc. I've taken him in for surgery, colonoscopy, etc. He calls us his brother and sister... even though he has about 15 of his own!! I'm very much encouraged that he has his sisters there this time because every time he got sick he would not let me call anyone in the family. He's very stubborn. Anyway, I think he's doing better tonight because he has his sister texting me. one of them was doing that Saturday night, but this time he's dictating what to say so he's more alert now. We did street ministry in gay bar district there for almost 10 years and was one reason... probably the only one... that it was very hard to move from there. Very close to a lot of guys. Girls were too tough... wouldn't let us be friendly.. they were MEAN! Guys loved us. Keep in touch with several of them.

Good Morning! I've had a busy morning. Went to TOPS and weighed in... down 3 1/2 lb, so I gained a little after my Wii weigh in last Monday. PT guy was here after that. We did steps today, and a curb and added one new exercise. Butt slide wasn't that good.... he gave me 100 degrees flexion, but he said it was a bit of a stretch.. and closer to 99. Have to work harder on that. It HURTS! Church and lunch yesterday was too much. I was wiped out the rest of the day and went to bed at 9pm. Very little exercise because I was too tired. Yes, Steph and her team made it to the end. I think she's flying home this morning. She texted me that photo that I put on FB.

WOW! I slept TEN HOURS last night!! Went to bed early and didn't get up until 8:30 a.m. Slept like a log. Even Earl slept late. He didn't get up until 8 a.m. and he's usually up by 6 a.m. It's another beautfiul day!! Great day for the 3-Dayers. I sat at the cheer station for an hour yesterday and let me tell you... those folks were SWEATING!! It was in the mid-80's!! It's supposed to be a little cooler today. This has been a really nice summer~! I am going to attempt church this morning. Always lasts at least 90 minutes, which is okay if I can get my leg in a comfortable position. Went to Tracy's last night for dinner. First time over there since surgery. I was afraid of the two steps on the front porch, but no problem.

Bummer... didn't get to see Steph today. She was going to text me when she got to her first pit stop. We waited until about 2:15pm before we decided we better head over to the 2nd one. She thought she'd be passing through there around 3 pm. By the time we were parked and got situated, it was probably 2:45 pm. We waited an hour, but apparently she'd already been through. Her phone quit working. So the other option was to go to the closing ceremonies tomorrow. Unfortunately, that will not work out either. I think it's a little too ambitious for me. It's about a 45 min ride each way. Website says to get there an hour early, so that brings it to 2 1/2 hrs plus the ceremony and trying to spend some time visiting. I can tolerate about 2 hrs out and about and I'm hurting and tired. Besides that, tomorrow is opening game for the Seahawks (1:15pm)... so, game will be over about the same time as the closing ceremonies are over. Going back home would be a traffic nightmare.

Two weeks home from the hospital and THE GRAMINATOR walked around the entire condo complex two days in a row! Love my new bionic knee. Pain is decreasing, activity increasing, cut way back on pain pills! Should be declared no longer "house bound" by the end of the week. PT intends to release me to outpatient PT so I've visited two facilities right here in our neighborhood, "interviewed" receptionist at both places and looked over the equipment, etc. So now I know which one I want to use. I'M READY! The sooner I get this rehab over with, the sooner we can head south to "Janet Land"! I will LOVE getting back to our RV park and the hot water pools/hot tubs. We have excellent work out room where I can use the treadmill and hope that this year I can get on the recumbent bike! YAY! Sorry... hope my enthusiasm doesn't knock you over but I just had a 16 oz latte with FOUR shots of espresso, and used it to wash down a Vicodin... which I needed after my exercise routine, long walk and scooter ride over to get my latte! My knee is hurting some after all that, but pushing through!

HI, Unfortunately, Karri is on her way home... bad tendonitis in her ankle and she had to quit. They are in Everett, where we live, as of yesterday afternoon. No visitors allowed at camp. But we're going to one of the "cheering stations" in a couple of hours and hope to see the "Boobie Bandits" there. Apparently they have these 3-Day walks all over the country every year. There is a whole list of cities where they were held this year and if you go to the website you can already sign up for one in 2010. Closing ceremonies are tomorrow and I am hoping to go. BUT... found out the Seahawks opening game is at 1:15 pm.. Closing ceremonies not too far away at Seattle Center. If Earl gets wind of this he will say, "NO WAY, JOSE!" because the traffic is likely to be very bad. Game will probably be over about the same time we would be heading home and it will be a NIGHTMARE! Also, I want to try to go to church tomorrow and then we always go out to lunch with Tracy & Jim. That means about 2pm before we get home. That will be a very ambitious undertaking for me! Don't know if I can handle a trip in to Seattle right after that! I am doing really well though. I told Earl a while ago... if someone would have told me 2 weeks ago when I came home from the hospital that in 2 weeks I would be walking around the entire perimeter of the condo complex I would have laughed and said "NO FREAKIN' WAY!" But I did it yesterday and again today.

You know she's right... you need to go to the Dr and get something more effective for this depression! Do it.. NOW!! NSAIDS... I am assuming that we're not supposed to take them because they could cause damage sitting in the pouch. So I thought maybe the liquid stuff would be okay. And I researched here on some other threads and it sounds like the docs have differences of opinion on taking NSAIDS. Anyways, I thought I'd try it for a few days in between pain pills.

LOL! Sorry about that! Earl has done things like that to me a time or two. We're having such a beautiful day. I want to go for a scooter ride but going to wait an hour so I an meet Tracy at our favorite latte stand. She's not ready. But I did walk all the way around our complex a little while ago. It took me 25 minutes and I was exhausted and hurting when I got back but I MADE IT! My goal was to the mailboxes by today and around the complex is a much further distance. So now I'm icing. One more thing. What do you think about using childrens' liquid ibuprofen?? Seems like an antiinflammatory would be good for me right now, so I bought some.

Good Morning, Gang! What a beautiful Seattle morning for Steph and Karri to be starting their 3 day walk! It's gorgeous and supposed to be in the mid-80's the next two days, then 75 on Sunday. Not a great night's sleep, but feeling good this morning. Ready to shower, do my exercise routine and get on with my day!

Have to walk slow... it hurts, so I'm slow, but made it all the way to the kids' play area today. Took me 15 minutes to go there and back. That was my 2nd and last walk of the day. Other knee rarely bothers me. Its the surgeon who is concerned about it, not me. I think his plan is to check it again in the spring and see if the hardware has collapsed any more. Icing right now... pain, but don't want to take pain pills until its closer to bedtime. That way I should be able to get in at least four hours of good sleep. So good to hear you so enthusiastic about your work this year! That's GREAT! Will do my best to meet up with you and Steph this weekend... need to find out where the "cheer stations" are in Everett area. Then wil try to go to the closing ceremonies, too. Endured Costco yesterday,Walmart today, so I can handle about a 2 hr excursion, and that's a few more days away. Build up more tolerance each day.