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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsWish me luck, second total knee replacement surgery is tomorrow. Update.
Last edited Wed Feb 22, 2023, 11:06 PM - Edit history (1)
The first one last October, I recovered really well - except for that part two months later when I got tired of no one cleaning the kitty litter box for three weeks (because apparently walking short distances with a cane and being cleared to drive again meant I was all healed up) and I finally did it myself against doctor orders -and ended up spending the week before Xmas in the hospital with an infection below the surgery location that went septic.
Almost lost the leg below the knee; Aetna would have been so pissed after spending over $300k on that knee.
So now, everyone knows the drill. Grandma/Stepmom/Spouse does absolutely no cleaning that can scatter germs or bacteria for at least three months. Also, make sure Superwoman doesn't take over and start overdoing it with the "I can walk again" routine.
I can't wait for this last knee to be replaced. The pain really started ramping up as the weather got wet.
Update. The surgeon, who also did my right knee, declared this one was the worse he's seen once he opened it up and was pretty amazed I rehabbed to walking with a cane on it before. Bone spurs, no cartilage and indications that the lower joint was splitting.
Surgery went just fine, pain level (with nerve blockers still active) "four and sore" and the hospital food here is bourgie-good.
Four star level - dinner was Roast Beef Au-jus (Medium Rare) with roasted Garlic Red potatoes and Butter roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan, served with a fresh melon cup. Last time I was here, I had fresh made oatmeal with french toast that was like I would have made it at home.
Apparently the locals here come to the hospital cafeteria (where our food comes from) for low cost good food. My recovery nurse takes her boyfriend here for date night dinners.
This is Sharp Coronado Hospital in the San Diego Area. The rooms are horrible, the staff and doctors are great, and the food is better than a lot of restaurants in town. The staff complains they have to fight with the locals for tables in the cafeteria.
Anyway, going home tomorrow.
Haele
Luciferous
(6,214 posts)debm55
(32,510 posts)SheltieLover
(58,962 posts)mobeau69
(11,401 posts)thatcrowwoman
(1,230 posts)Sending you wishes for a successful surgery and smooth recovery.
🕊thatcrowwoman
Irish_Dem
(55,824 posts)This time you know what to expect and how to handle it better.
I know the hardest part is following doctor's orders not to overdo things.
I am so independent, I don't think the post op rules apply to me.
Then I pay for it.
ret5hd
(21,222 posts)Oops wrong context.
gademocrat7
(11,044 posts)Sending healing hugs.
brer cat
(25,884 posts)Pay close attention to your Doctor; that's why s/he gets the big bucks. I had a reverse total shoulder replacement two years ago and decided on my own when I was ready to start using that arm again. it was not a very good idea and I paid for it. I was careful to avoid anything likely to cause infection.
Fla Dem
(25,405 posts)MLAA
(18,336 posts)You got this Haele! You give the orders on who needs to do what to keep you safe and healthy while you recover. Make em all pitch in!
Scrivener7
(52,233 posts)it is like when you have done the work and the pain is gone.
And glad the family is on board this time!
You've got this.
Ahna KneeMoose
(302 posts)Is this(your) 'second total knee replacement' a 'redo' of the initial(first) total knee replacement (?)...
...OR...
Is this for your 'other(remaining, but also damaged) knee (?)
haele
(13,298 posts)I'm just lucky my hips are still in good shape. Feet, that's another story.
Haele
Niagara
(9,100 posts)Walleye
(34,437 posts)It was a good move because I had been in a lot of pain myself. Now Im a little bit pissed because my shoulder is all messed up. I havent made any decisions on that yet. Lots of luck on your surgery keep us updated
2naSalit
(91,364 posts)No superwoman stuff this time!!
WheelWalker
(9,158 posts)You're going to be O.K. and ready to play symptom #6 of Beat the Reaper!
niyad
(118,568 posts)electric_blue68
(17,126 posts)we can do it
(12,712 posts)Kali
(55,579 posts)I won't bother you with my replacement infection story but will advise paying close attention anytime you start to feel "off" even a year or more out.
irisblue
(33,880 posts)ancianita
(37,937 posts)Hang tough. You'll get through this.
Permanut
(6,444 posts)Sounds like you know what's ahead. Best vibes to you and your medical team; looking forward to a 100 percent positive report
Hekate
(93,947 posts)Karadeniz
(23,169 posts)gerryatwork
(68 posts)of luck. You have been through it before so know the drill.The 1st 3-4 days are torture and gets better from there. I dont know your age. Just under 2 years ago at 73 I had my right knee replaced. Walking without a cane or walker at 8 days. At 10 days I drove to 3 light shopping stops and left any walking aid behind.
At exactly 5 weeks I rode 10 miles on my bicycle and by week 8 was riding 35 miles. In the almost 2 years since the replacement Ive ridden over 5000 miles. I had my hip replaced 13 years ago.
As I said you know the drill. So hopefully my story might be helpful for someone who has a replacement down the pike.
Again best of luck.
Lonestarblue
(11,387 posts)calimary
(83,690 posts)Your good attitude will enhance that healing.
Youll have lots of time to relax, and read, and keep up with DU!
Please keep us posted on your recovery.
live love laugh
(14,066 posts)Scrivener7
(52,233 posts)Good luck.