Back to the diary - since it took them till the next day to get a decent sized chair, I was able to remain on the bed! Utter luxury! The bed was one of those adjustable ones so I could raise and lower legs as well as the head end. Sit up for food, lay back for a nap, half way to watch the telly! All good stuff!
THE AIRCAST CRYO-CUFF
They brought me one of these gizmos that I mentioned earlier. It was a God-send! I had no idea how wonderful it would be. Refills of ice could be obtained on demand and I was left to use it as often and for as long as I wanted. Only the physiotherapist said something about not supposing to use to for more than 15 minutes at a time. Since I had already been using it a lot, lot longer periods than that, I just nodded agreeably and ignored her! WHY do people have this unending desire to try and limit people's ability to manage their own pain?!!
I was also got out of bed and taken for a walk down the corridor on a walker. I say walk, but it was barely 20 feet and back. I was duly applauded for my magnificent achievement and put back on the bed again! End of physio! Oh wow! Is that all there is to it? Pushover!
Around this time, it became apparent that the codeine phosphate and paracetamol cocktail was insufficient to control my pain. So without further ado, the sister decided to change it to Tramadol which was fantastic! I was written up for 100mgs 4hrly and though I did try to manage with 50mgs, since she said I could always have the other one when I wanted, we agreed in the end that it should be 100mgs plus to 1G of paracetamol. With the ice, that was a good arsenal for most of the pain.
DO IT YOURSELF PHYSIOTHERAPY
The exercises I needed do were
anti-DVT
ankle pumps which is waggling your feet up and down and making circles with them
clenching the calf muscles
changing the position of the legs frequwntly so the calves don't get and stay, compressed
general exercising
clench thigh muscles front and rear
clench buttock muscles
keeping the knee straight, lift the leg up off the bed and slowly raise it to about 20 inches high. Keep it there for some seconds and then slowly lower it again
And the coup de gras was to pull my foot up as near to my behind as I could!
At first, with the inevitable swelling that always follows any knee surgery - actually, blame the tourniquet for most of that! - flexion is always going to be a problem in the early days. So I contented myself with just doing as much as I could. I found when I got up in the morning, when the swelling was at its minimum, I could achieve pretty good flexion, at least 90 degree at a guess. It was sore to do, the wound felt like it was going to burst open like a split banana! but I knew that was unlikely as long as I kept at it gently, so I persisted. 'Sir' was extremely pleased when he called.
The larger chair finally arrived and now I could get myself organised into a routine. From day 2 I was getting myself up in the morning, washing and dressing. Breakfast was presented around 7.30 and then there would be the usual activity of bed making and cleaning. Clean sheets every day! That's a nice change!
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Monday, 25 May 2009
The big day and after
March 17th 2009
Central heating
Been having some trouble with the central heating these past few weeks. Can only get hot water when the central heating is running. Boiler engineers have been out numerous times and changed numerous parts, some several times! They came out on Friday and promised it was sorted. Sunday night - this time it's packed in altogether so my shower is reduced to a bucket of water filled from the kettle and a cup to pour it over myself! Yikes! I ring on Monday, they come straight away but need a part he doesn't have with him. They'll be back the next afternoon. Er, no you won't! I need that back on before then. In the end, they come about 9am on Tuesday and fix it by 11am! So I have about 30 mins to shower and wash my hair before the taxi arrives. Phew!
Arrived at hospital
Arrived about 15 minutes early at the hospital which looks more like an hotel reception! Very posh (of course, it's new) and the receptionist gets me up on the computer, finds my notes and then fits me with an identity tag. First hotel I've been in where the receptionist does that!!
In the waiting area, got talking to a young lass whose mother has been disabled with bilateral O/A knees for almost six years and yet her doctor is still telling her that she is too young to have TKRs! She is 58 years old! She's also on double strength morphine and unable to do much more than sit and cry with the pain.
So I gave her the name of my surgeon, told her she needed a second opinion and she should get herself referred to this chap. I also gave her the name of BoneSmart (of course!) and said we would all give her a good welcome!
Pre-operative prep
Well, back to me! I got taken through to a special area where patients are prepared! It's called POD - PeriOperative Department! I was put in a little room/cubicle, got into the ubiquitous op gown and checked out, had more blood taken for group and crossmatch and was prepared with (one) TED stocking. Later the surgeon arrived and went through some more routine stuff, marked my leg and got me to sign my life away!
Then the anaesthetist came and - joy of joys! - it was somebody I'd worked with before I retired! I loved working with him and if there was one person on this planet I would trust to do a spinal on me it's him! So I went into the anaesthetic room a moderately happy bunny!
Least I was till he pranged my right nerve root and almost made me kick the anaesthetic nurse in the 'never-mind'! Second time he got in there straight as an arrow and it was all done. He had asked me earlier if I had any 'final requests' (LOL!) and I had told him yes, I don't want to see anything once he was satisfied with the level of anaesthesia. To which he replied that he didn't believe in checking levels, that once I told him I had tingling in my feet he would know the spinal had worked and knock me out. He was as good as his word and from the moment I had laid myself down on the table, I knew no more until I was being wheeled into recovery! It was blissful!
First night
I also discovered that he had given me a very successful femoral block and a PCA plus oral meds if I should need them. I didn't! What I did need, about an hour after I got back to the ward, was to be catheterized as I had urinary retention and had to deal with the new information that UR hurts! Seems the nurse had to phone a doctor for a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics before she could do that but it was tough finding one. In vain I begged her to do it anyway and eventually she agreed to but just as soon as she had opened all the packets and washed up, I began to urinate spontaneously! Oh joy! I didn't pass much but enough to be effective and everything was cleared away. She still gave me the antibiotics anyway!
Thereafter, I started keeping a record of everytime I used the PCA and even what my pain score was! I had a relatively comfortable night.
First day and not so sure footed
Next morning, in a great flood of attention, I was given a bowl of water to wash and clean my teeth, the PCA and the drain were removed, and I had to dress so they could get me out of bed. Unfortunately, along with the removal of the PCA earlier (which I had just used) I was given 60 mgs of codeine phosphate. Now 30 mgs will wipe me out big time. 60 is almost as good as a GA! Never the less, at 10.30am I was got out of bed and given a walker to help me get to the chair. Should have been warned as I tried to rise from the bed, my leg with the still working, very efficient femoral block, just gave way under me. I was feeling very wobbly and like a frail little old lady! I made a couple of steps to the chair but as I went to turn and sit, somehow I lost my co-ordination (what there was of it!), the leg that wasn't there crumpled and I kind of oozed not so gracefully to the floor! The worst part was that I ended up with my knee buckled right under my chin! Just as well the block was still working, else I would have been screaming the place down! Instead I managed a kind of desperate and somewhat pathetic cries until somebody realised and helped me straighten it.
Health and Safety - but for whom?!
I was then told that I would have to get myself up off the floor as they weren't allowed to lift (health and safety rules!) but I knew I was so spaced out with the pills there was no way I could even lift a hankie much less me! Eventually they got a hoist and I was slung up in a most undignified manner and lowered into the chair. THAT was when I discovered the arm chair was about 4" too narrow so they decided to put me back on the bed but it had to be made! I was left hanging there until they got new sheets on it and I was gratefully lowered into a place of relative comfort!
Tourniquet pain .. not to be underestimated
There's one thing that has been referred to on here a couple of times but never elsewhere and that is the searing pain in the upper thigh and buttock. I was quite unprepared for that. What ever I did it seemed to affect my movements, getting into bed, walking, on and off the loo, SLRs. Oh my! It was horrendous! I despaired of ever being able to do SLRs though I could get a flexion of around 90/95 degrees with which the surgeon was absolutely delighted! I asked him about the other pain and he looked nonchalant and said "Of course - it's tourniquet pain!"
"You mean you know about? You expect it?"
"Of course! Those muscles spend around 2-4 hours under some considerable compression, 350mgs mercury where blood pressure is often pumped up to a maximum of around 200 mgs. There's bound to be some consequences!"
Well, maybe, but I just never thought of it like that before! Anyway, by day 6 that pain magically dissipated and I could waggle that ol' leg around like a kid with a flag! I was sweeping it back and forth in bed like I was making snow angels!
Central heating
Been having some trouble with the central heating these past few weeks. Can only get hot water when the central heating is running. Boiler engineers have been out numerous times and changed numerous parts, some several times! They came out on Friday and promised it was sorted. Sunday night - this time it's packed in altogether so my shower is reduced to a bucket of water filled from the kettle and a cup to pour it over myself! Yikes! I ring on Monday, they come straight away but need a part he doesn't have with him. They'll be back the next afternoon. Er, no you won't! I need that back on before then. In the end, they come about 9am on Tuesday and fix it by 11am! So I have about 30 mins to shower and wash my hair before the taxi arrives. Phew!
Arrived at hospital
Arrived about 15 minutes early at the hospital which looks more like an hotel reception! Very posh (of course, it's new) and the receptionist gets me up on the computer, finds my notes and then fits me with an identity tag. First hotel I've been in where the receptionist does that!!
In the waiting area, got talking to a young lass whose mother has been disabled with bilateral O/A knees for almost six years and yet her doctor is still telling her that she is too young to have TKRs! She is 58 years old! She's also on double strength morphine and unable to do much more than sit and cry with the pain.
So I gave her the name of my surgeon, told her she needed a second opinion and she should get herself referred to this chap. I also gave her the name of BoneSmart (of course!) and said we would all give her a good welcome!
Pre-operative prep
Well, back to me! I got taken through to a special area where patients are prepared! It's called POD - PeriOperative Department! I was put in a little room/cubicle, got into the ubiquitous op gown and checked out, had more blood taken for group and crossmatch and was prepared with (one) TED stocking. Later the surgeon arrived and went through some more routine stuff, marked my leg and got me to sign my life away!
Then the anaesthetist came and - joy of joys! - it was somebody I'd worked with before I retired! I loved working with him and if there was one person on this planet I would trust to do a spinal on me it's him! So I went into the anaesthetic room a moderately happy bunny!
Least I was till he pranged my right nerve root and almost made me kick the anaesthetic nurse in the 'never-mind'! Second time he got in there straight as an arrow and it was all done. He had asked me earlier if I had any 'final requests' (LOL!) and I had told him yes, I don't want to see anything once he was satisfied with the level of anaesthesia. To which he replied that he didn't believe in checking levels, that once I told him I had tingling in my feet he would know the spinal had worked and knock me out. He was as good as his word and from the moment I had laid myself down on the table, I knew no more until I was being wheeled into recovery! It was blissful!
First night
I also discovered that he had given me a very successful femoral block and a PCA plus oral meds if I should need them. I didn't! What I did need, about an hour after I got back to the ward, was to be catheterized as I had urinary retention and had to deal with the new information that UR hurts! Seems the nurse had to phone a doctor for a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics before she could do that but it was tough finding one. In vain I begged her to do it anyway and eventually she agreed to but just as soon as she had opened all the packets and washed up, I began to urinate spontaneously! Oh joy! I didn't pass much but enough to be effective and everything was cleared away. She still gave me the antibiotics anyway!
Thereafter, I started keeping a record of everytime I used the PCA and even what my pain score was! I had a relatively comfortable night.
First day and not so sure footed
Next morning, in a great flood of attention, I was given a bowl of water to wash and clean my teeth, the PCA and the drain were removed, and I had to dress so they could get me out of bed. Unfortunately, along with the removal of the PCA earlier (which I had just used) I was given 60 mgs of codeine phosphate. Now 30 mgs will wipe me out big time. 60 is almost as good as a GA! Never the less, at 10.30am I was got out of bed and given a walker to help me get to the chair. Should have been warned as I tried to rise from the bed, my leg with the still working, very efficient femoral block, just gave way under me. I was feeling very wobbly and like a frail little old lady! I made a couple of steps to the chair but as I went to turn and sit, somehow I lost my co-ordination (what there was of it!), the leg that wasn't there crumpled and I kind of oozed not so gracefully to the floor! The worst part was that I ended up with my knee buckled right under my chin! Just as well the block was still working, else I would have been screaming the place down! Instead I managed a kind of desperate and somewhat pathetic cries until somebody realised and helped me straighten it.
Health and Safety - but for whom?!
I was then told that I would have to get myself up off the floor as they weren't allowed to lift (health and safety rules!) but I knew I was so spaced out with the pills there was no way I could even lift a hankie much less me! Eventually they got a hoist and I was slung up in a most undignified manner and lowered into the chair. THAT was when I discovered the arm chair was about 4" too narrow so they decided to put me back on the bed but it had to be made! I was left hanging there until they got new sheets on it and I was gratefully lowered into a place of relative comfort!
Tourniquet pain .. not to be underestimated
There's one thing that has been referred to on here a couple of times but never elsewhere and that is the searing pain in the upper thigh and buttock. I was quite unprepared for that. What ever I did it seemed to affect my movements, getting into bed, walking, on and off the loo, SLRs. Oh my! It was horrendous! I despaired of ever being able to do SLRs though I could get a flexion of around 90/95 degrees with which the surgeon was absolutely delighted! I asked him about the other pain and he looked nonchalant and said "Of course - it's tourniquet pain!"
"You mean you know about? You expect it?"
"Of course! Those muscles spend around 2-4 hours under some considerable compression, 350mgs mercury where blood pressure is often pumped up to a maximum of around 200 mgs. There's bound to be some consequences!"
Well, maybe, but I just never thought of it like that before! Anyway, by day 6 that pain magically dissipated and I could waggle that ol' leg around like a kid with a flag! I was sweeping it back and forth in bed like I was making snow angels!
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Social Services, surgeons, showers and surprises
March 2nd 2009
Had my papers recently. A 'chat' with my friend the surgeon on Thursday, pre-op scheduled for 10th, letter confirming I had accepted an date for the 17th - read a bit like a final notice from the bank, that one - kind of you either keep this appointment or else!!
Phew! it's all getting a bit too real now.
Another couple of 'interesting' (for which read infuriating) developments:
Rang the Social Services to arrange for the assessment vis a vis the walker and the toilet seat raiser. Was told I get assessed in hospital 'prior to my termination' (what!
) on IF I needed them! I informed the dear lady there would be no 'if' about it as I was having TKR. Further, whilst I could see the walker being issued in hospital, what about the loo seat. That can be delivered prior to your discharge, she says! 
This despite my having just explained that my efforts to get everything set up before I went in was because I would be totally on my own. Do they actually listen? She climbed down and said she'd arrange for me to be assessed.....
I can have hot meals delivered at the cost of £2.50 a go which isn't too shabby but when it came to an alarm, I can discuss that when the lady comes to assess me. However, they're a bit backed up at the moment and it might be a few weeks before this can be arranged. Then, if I do get approved for one, could be another 2/3 months before it's installed.I was tempted to tell her ..... (no, never mind what I was tempted to tell her!)
So then had a call from Age Concern in response to an email I'd sent through their website that assured "You’re never alone with the Aid Call Service. Help at hand when you need it and only when you need it." This lady assured me one could be installed before the weekend - cost around £150 for 3 months including installation. But, she added, she needed the telephone numbers of two relatives, neighbours or friends. For what reason? Why so they can phone them to tell them I need help! With GREAT restraint (IMHO!) I told her that if I had even one relative, neighbour or friend available to call on, I wouldn't be needing their rotten alarm in the first place! They seriously think I'm going to fork out £150 to have them phone my next-door neighbour! How ridiculous!
Again, seems like when you're on your own, you're on your own!
March 3rd 2009
Just had another call from the Social Services. Apparently the person that pined me yesterday was from another discipline and unfamiliar with orthopaedics. Seems that I do have to be assessed in hospital but I have to ask when on my first day.
Also, the alarm I can have, £3 a week and even though they need a neighbour to collect house keys off, they will send someone to deal. It's a 24/7 service which isn't bad. It's also the kind where you have a pendant that's connected to the phone so when you ping it, you're talking to the control centre immediately. They will ask what's happened and do you need help and then act from there. If they don't get a response they send someone as well. Now THAT's more like it - and I like the price too!
March 6th 2009
Had my papers recently. A 'chat' with my friend the surgeon on Thursday, pre-op scheduled for 10th, letter confirming I had accepted an date for the 17th - read a bit like a final notice from the bank, that one - kind of you either keep this appointment or else!!
Phew! it's all getting a bit too real now.
Another couple of 'interesting' (for which read infuriating) developments:
Rang the Social Services to arrange for the assessment vis a vis the walker and the toilet seat raiser. Was told I get assessed in hospital 'prior to my termination' (what!
) on IF I needed them! I informed the dear lady there would be no 'if' about it as I was having TKR. Further, whilst I could see the walker being issued in hospital, what about the loo seat. That can be delivered prior to your discharge, she says! This despite my having just explained that my efforts to get everything set up before I went in was because I would be totally on my own. Do they actually listen? She climbed down and said she'd arrange for me to be assessed.....I can have hot meals delivered at the cost of £2.50 a go which isn't too shabby but when it came to an alarm, I can discuss that when the lady comes to assess me. However, they're a bit backed up at the moment and it might be a few weeks before this can be arranged. Then, if I do get approved for one, could be another 2/3 months before it's installed.
I was tempted to tell her ..... (no, never mind what I was tempted to tell her!)So then had a call from Age Concern in response to an email I'd sent through their website that assured "You’re never alone with the Aid Call Service. Help at hand when you need it and only when you need it." This lady assured me one could be installed before the weekend - cost around £150 for 3 months including installation. But, she added, she needed the telephone numbers of two relatives, neighbours or friends. For what reason? Why so they can phone them to tell them I need help!
With GREAT restraint (IMHO!) I told her that if I had even one relative, neighbour or friend available to call on, I wouldn't be needing their rotten alarm in the first place! They seriously think I'm going to fork out £150 to have them phone my next-door neighbour! How ridiculous!Again, seems like when you're on your own, you're on your own!
March 3rd 2009
Just had another call from the Social Services. Apparently the person that pined me yesterday was from another discipline and unfamiliar with orthopaedics. Seems that I do have to be assessed in hospital but I have to ask when on my first day.
Also, the alarm I can have, £3 a week and even though they need a neighbour to collect house keys off, they will send someone to deal. It's a 24/7 service which isn't bad. It's also the kind where you have a pendant that's connected to the phone so when you ping it, you're talking to the control centre immediately. They will ask what's happened and do you need help and then act from there. If they don't get a response they send someone as well. Now THAT's more like it - and I like the price too!
March 6th 2009
Had a meet with my surgeon today who patiently sat while I ticked through my not inconsiderable list. End result ...
~ I shall be having a Genesis II knee, cobolt chrome
~ the more time I can spend on the bike the better as the better the ROM going in, the better it will be after
~ incision probaly about 10-12" (I asked him 'as small as you can manage' to which he said "I would on a small leg but let's face it - your leg is not small!")
~ drain which will be removed the next morning along with reduction of dressings
~ cryo-cuff and a pedaller on the bed immediately after
~ visit to Physio (PT) next morning
~ discharge in 5 days
~ clips out about 10 days
~ total of only 2-3 visits to physio from home, otherwise it's up to me
~ driving after 6 weeks or whenever I feel capable of doing an emergency stop
~ toilet seat riser unnecessary
I forgot to ask him about anaesthetic and pain management but well, there y'go!
We did have an interesting sideliner about choice of prosthesis. He related a story of a young chap (50-ish) who, having been advised he needed a replacement, came back with literature of another implant, requesting that he (the surgeon) use it. He said no. Few days later came back with another implant. Again no. Patient finally asks why not and is told that he (surgeon) only uses the Genesis II and is that the success of the operation is not to do with the implant, it's to do with his skill and he is skilled at using the Genesis. And (I liked this bit) having a TKR is not like getting a new pair of shoes! He gets what the surgeon is good at using. I was greatly amused and told him I had used just such an argument on here a couple of times (not the shoe bit - though you might find it cropping up here and there later!).
Then I got him to send me for an xray of the broken toe and ... oh my! NO healing has taken place yet! Still, it's not hurting which is something.
March 10th 2009
Well, what a surprise this has been! Seems like this unit is a specially built elective (but mostly orthopaedic) unit and has some unusual protocols.
First, after all the usual bloods and ECG stuff, I was given a bottle of wash which I have to use for 5 days pre-op, leaving it on the skin for 3 mins each time and clean wash cloths and towels also to be used each time! Also something to squirt up my nose as well - should be fun!
I arrive at the unit at 12 midday (they're arranging a taxi to collect me) and report to reception. At this point, my belongings are taken away from me and put into my room. I am taken to a special holding bay where I am tagged and ID checked the usual g-zillion times, leg marked, got into the ubiquitous op-gown and onto the nice 'comfy' trolley! I'll then be visited by the surgeon and the anaesthetist and offered the bill of rights to sign (their rights, not mine!) after which I may have to wait some time so, the nurse said, be sure to bring something to 'entertain yourself' .... ummm ... oooooh - decisions, decisions! What shall I take? Bible seems a good bet at this moment - I had wanted to have communion from the hospital chaplain beforehand but never mind. I don't get to see my room until after the op, so unless someone has kindly unpacked for me, none of my stuff will be at hand until I get up the next day - bummer! Though I'll probably be too zonked to care.
Apparently the operating session begins at 2pm and I shall either be favoured and get in first or expected to understand and be on last! Spinal and PCA are de rigeur, apparently which suits me. Total inpatient stay is 5 days including day of surgery, apparently so all being well I should be home on Saturday. Oh, and TEDs to be worn 24/7 for SIX WEEKS and not to be left off more than 30 mins in any 24hr period. Ugh!
Boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!
March 13th 2009
I had a stunning telephone call just now - my brother and his wife are coming to stay for a few days when I come out of hospital!
I am so chuffed, I could hardly speak when she phoned and told me! She kept saying 'well, well?' and I just couldn't speak! They live almost 250 miles away and neither are young - both 72!
~ I shall be having a Genesis II knee, cobolt chrome
~ the more time I can spend on the bike the better as the better the ROM going in, the better it will be after
~ incision probaly about 10-12" (I asked him 'as small as you can manage' to which he said "I would on a small leg but let's face it - your leg is not small!")
~ drain which will be removed the next morning along with reduction of dressings
~ cryo-cuff and a pedaller on the bed immediately after
~ visit to Physio (PT) next morning
~ discharge in 5 days
~ clips out about 10 days
~ total of only 2-3 visits to physio from home, otherwise it's up to me
~ driving after 6 weeks or whenever I feel capable of doing an emergency stop
~ toilet seat riser unnecessary
I forgot to ask him about anaesthetic and pain management but well, there y'go!
We did have an interesting sideliner about choice of prosthesis. He related a story of a young chap (50-ish) who, having been advised he needed a replacement, came back with literature of another implant, requesting that he (the surgeon) use it. He said no. Few days later came back with another implant. Again no. Patient finally asks why not and is told that he (surgeon) only uses the Genesis II and is that the success of the operation is not to do with the implant, it's to do with his skill and he is skilled at using the Genesis. And (I liked this bit) having a TKR is not like getting a new pair of shoes! He gets what the surgeon is good at using. I was greatly amused and told him I had used just such an argument on here a couple of times (not the shoe bit - though you might find it cropping up here and there later!).
Then I got him to send me for an xray of the broken toe and ... oh my! NO healing has taken place yet! Still, it's not hurting which is something.
March 10th 2009
Well, what a surprise this has been! Seems like this unit is a specially built elective (but mostly orthopaedic) unit and has some unusual protocols.
First, after all the usual bloods and ECG stuff, I was given a bottle of wash which I have to use for 5 days pre-op, leaving it on the skin for 3 mins each time and clean wash cloths and towels also to be used each time! Also something to squirt up my nose as well - should be fun!
I arrive at the unit at 12 midday (they're arranging a taxi to collect me) and report to reception. At this point, my belongings are taken away from me and put into my room. I am taken to a special holding bay where I am tagged and ID checked the usual g-zillion times, leg marked, got into the ubiquitous op-gown and onto the nice 'comfy' trolley! I'll then be visited by the surgeon and the anaesthetist and offered the bill of rights to sign (their rights, not mine!) after which I may have to wait some time so, the nurse said, be sure to bring something to 'entertain yourself' .... ummm ... oooooh - decisions, decisions! What shall I take? Bible seems a good bet at this moment - I had wanted to have communion from the hospital chaplain beforehand but never mind. I don't get to see my room until after the op, so unless someone has kindly unpacked for me, none of my stuff will be at hand until I get up the next day - bummer! Though I'll probably be too zonked to care.
Apparently the operating session begins at 2pm and I shall either be favoured and get in first or expected to understand and be on last! Spinal and PCA are de rigeur, apparently which suits me. Total inpatient stay is 5 days including day of surgery, apparently so all being well I should be home on Saturday. Oh, and TEDs to be worn 24/7 for SIX WEEKS and not to be left off more than 30 mins in any 24hr period. Ugh!
Boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!
March 13th 2009
I had a stunning telephone call just now - my brother and his wife are coming to stay for a few days when I come out of hospital!
I am so chuffed, I could hardly speak when she phoned and told me! She kept saying 'well, well?' and I just couldn't speak! They live almost 250 miles away and neither are young - both 72!Side tracks with toes and recliner settees
January 28th 2009
Yeah - well seems not content with having a knackered right knee, now I've gone and pranged my left foot!
Last night whilst getting into the bath, I bumped my little toe on the side, no hurt, just a little bump. But when I looked, it was sticking out at a 45 degree angle! 
I gave it a quick nudge and it flipped back but soon as I put any weight on my foot, it flapped out again. For the duration of the shower it was flapping around like a flag in a breeze. But oddly never hurt - until this morning! They don't do much for toes, specially the little toe, so I treated it myself by strapping it to the next toe. However, considering my painful right knee, I now don't know which foot to limp on!
February 2nd 2009
NEW SETTEE
I took delivery of my new settee this morning and managed to prang the toe again! Ouch! And well, now I have two over-sized settees in a room 15ft by 12 ft!!
Funny thing - when the warehouse rang to arrange the delivery I explained that I would need the present settee moved as it was too big and too heavy for me to shift ordinarily never mind in my present phsyical condition! The lady was very accomodating and said the men would be happy to do that for me.
First man comes in holding his clip board and all official, wanting to know where the new settee was to go. His face fell when I indicated and he saw the other settee. I explained I'd requested for it to be moved by them. He examined his clipboard and then tapped it with his pen.
"Not on here, missus. We can't touch nuffin' 'cept what we're delivering!"
Like he truly expected me to move it for him! But then his colleague came in, bright smile and all effervescance.
"Ah - you want that moved. luv?" he said, "No problem - where'd you want it?"!!
However, the new settee .... still under consideration at the moment!
Don't like how the seat cushions are indiviual so they get into different heights. Don't like that I've had to rearrange my sofa table and stuff to accomodate the leg shelf - can't reach the remotes and drawers as easily! Don't like that I can't get my bedtable under the sofa to pull it close to me for typing or eating! Too many 'don't likes' for my liking!
Guess it takes a person a few days to settle in with it! One thing I did like was when I put the recliner up, I fell asleep almost immediately and slept for over 2 hours! When I woke, my cat TomTom had climbed onto my chest and was sleeping too - with his paw on my hand! I lay there for a while (watching Deep Space Nine!) and every time I moved my hand to do something, scratch my nose, etc!, when I put my hand back, so his paw went back on my hand! It was almost like he was saying "This is nice!". However, at the moment he's lying on the other settee and revelling in that he has it all to himself!
February 3rd 2009
Well, slept on the new recliner last night and had the best night's sleep in an age (well, since I gave up sleeping in bed, anyway!). I did have a few disturbances as TomTom and Oscar decided they both wanted to sleep on me! They seemed to like laying between my legs with their front half on my tummy! When one had been there for a couple of hours, the other would decide it was his turn and start sniffing or making a pat at the other one until he was dislodged and then, instantly be in his place! An hour or two later, so the removed one would be back, sniffing and dabbing until he got his place back! The odd thing was, they both slept in exactly the same place!!
Anyway - update on the toe - it's broken! More than that, the bigger of the two bones in it is actually shattered! I was equally shattered! No wonder it's been so painful and so bruised! But surgeon complimented me on the reduction and said it was in an excellent position! Plus I was spot on with the treatment.
However, I bumped into my knee surgeon and he asked me if I'd had a date yet. Seems I will be getting it any day but I'm going to have to delay a couple more weeks on account of the toe! Would be pointless trying to get walking on a new RTKR with left broken toe! Strange thing is, my knee pain seems to have abated quite a bit since my toe has been painful! Odd that!
February 11th 2009
I decided it was time to ring and get that date. Twas an interesting experience, to say the least!
I ring hospital, ask for surgeon's secretary.
Secretary not in today, back on Monday.
'Anything I can do' she asked with an expected and uncharacteristic helpfulness
'Ah, you don't want her, you want it other secretary who deals with his waiting list. I'll put you through.'
Puts me through
His secretary has moved offices, puts me through
'Can I help?'
Usual wait while she looks me up on the computer at which point I remark that I am being done at the other hospital
'Oh, then you need to speak Matrix'
'Matrix?
Who's that?'
Apparently its an outside department that deals with bookings at the 'other hospital'
I point out it would probably carry more weight if she rang as a bod could ring and say anything.
She agrees to ring right away.
Few mins later, rings back.
Seems Matrix are waiting for surgeon to ring them with some more dates when he'll be available which should be today.
Phew! Don't say I didn't try! I'm shaking like a leaf now. Will probably need a brandy when they do call!
February 16th 2009
Well, the deed is did! Admission scheduled for 17th March. Phew! Now I'm all nerves! To think I've been doing this to people for years and years!
February 27th 2009
Well, how's about this for a laugh! I'm going to have to cope all on my own when I get out of hospital.
My dear friend, who freely offered to come and stay with me, just rang to say she's not coming after all! So seems like I shall have to cope on my own after all.
Yeah - well seems not content with having a knackered right knee, now I've gone and pranged my left foot!
Last night whilst getting into the bath, I bumped my little toe on the side, no hurt, just a little bump. But when I looked, it was sticking out at a 45 degree angle! 
I gave it a quick nudge and it flipped back but soon as I put any weight on my foot, it flapped out again. For the duration of the shower it was flapping around like a flag in a breeze. But oddly never hurt - until this morning! They don't do much for toes, specially the little toe, so I treated it myself by strapping it to the next toe. However, considering my painful right knee, I now don't know which foot to limp on!February 2nd 2009
NEW SETTEE
I took delivery of my new settee this morning and managed to prang the toe again! Ouch! And well, now I have two over-sized settees in a room 15ft by 12 ft!!
Funny thing - when the warehouse rang to arrange the delivery I explained that I would need the present settee moved as it was too big and too heavy for me to shift ordinarily never mind in my present phsyical condition! The lady was very accomodating and said the men would be happy to do that for me.
First man comes in holding his clip board and all official, wanting to know where the new settee was to go. His face fell when I indicated and he saw the other settee. I explained I'd requested for it to be moved by them. He examined his clipboard and then tapped it with his pen.
"Not on here, missus. We can't touch nuffin' 'cept what we're delivering!"
Like he truly expected me to move it for him! But then his colleague came in, bright smile and all effervescance.
"Ah - you want that moved. luv?" he said, "No problem - where'd you want it?"!!
However, the new settee .... still under consideration at the moment!
Don't like how the seat cushions are indiviual so they get into different heights. Don't like that I've had to rearrange my sofa table and stuff to accomodate the leg shelf - can't reach the remotes and drawers as easily! Don't like that I can't get my bedtable under the sofa to pull it close to me for typing or eating! Too many 'don't likes' for my liking!
Guess it takes a person a few days to settle in with it! One thing I did like was when I put the recliner up, I fell asleep almost immediately and slept for over 2 hours! When I woke, my cat TomTom had climbed onto my chest and was sleeping too - with his paw on my hand! I lay there for a while (watching Deep Space Nine!) and every time I moved my hand to do something, scratch my nose, etc!, when I put my hand back, so his paw went back on my hand! It was almost like he was saying "This is nice!". However, at the moment he's lying on the other settee and revelling in that he has it all to himself!
February 3rd 2009
Well, slept on the new recliner last night and had the best night's sleep in an age (well, since I gave up sleeping in bed, anyway!). I did have a few disturbances as TomTom and Oscar decided they both wanted to sleep on me! They seemed to like laying between my legs with their front half on my tummy! When one had been there for a couple of hours, the other would decide it was his turn and start sniffing or making a pat at the other one until he was dislodged and then, instantly be in his place! An hour or two later, so the removed one would be back, sniffing and dabbing until he got his place back! The odd thing was, they both slept in exactly the same place!!
Anyway - update on the toe - it's broken! More than that, the bigger of the two bones in it is actually shattered! I was equally shattered! No wonder it's been so painful and so bruised! But surgeon complimented me on the reduction and said it was in an excellent position! Plus I was spot on with the treatment.However, I bumped into my knee surgeon and he asked me if I'd had a date yet. Seems I will be getting it any day but I'm going to have to delay a couple more weeks on account of the toe! Would be pointless trying to get walking on a new RTKR with left broken toe! Strange thing is, my knee pain seems to have abated quite a bit since my toe has been painful! Odd that!
February 11th 2009
I decided it was time to ring and get that date. Twas an interesting experience, to say the least!
I ring hospital, ask for surgeon's secretary.
Secretary not in today, back on Monday.
'Anything I can do' she asked with an expected and uncharacteristic helpfulness
'Ah, you don't want her, you want it other secretary who deals with his waiting list. I'll put you through.'
Puts me through
His secretary has moved offices, puts me through
'Can I help?'
Usual wait while she looks me up on the computer at which point I remark that I am being done at the other hospital
'Oh, then you need to speak Matrix'
'Matrix?
Who's that?'Apparently its an outside department that deals with bookings at the 'other hospital'
I point out it would probably carry more weight if she rang as a bod could ring and say anything.
She agrees to ring right away.
Few mins later, rings back.
Seems Matrix are waiting for surgeon to ring them with some more dates when he'll be available which should be today.
Phew! Don't say I didn't try! I'm shaking like a leaf now. Will probably need a brandy when they do call!
February 16th 2009
Well, the deed is did! Admission scheduled for 17th March. Phew! Now I'm all nerves! To think I've been doing this to people for years and years!
February 27th 2009
Well, how's about this for a laugh! I'm going to have to cope all on my own when I get out of hospital.
My dear friend, who freely offered to come and stay with me, just rang to say she's not coming after all! So seems like I shall have to cope on my own after all.
Just as if to remind me there are worse things in life, my neighbour just came home from the hospital. Her husband has been ill with liver cancer these past few weeks and yesterday got taken in after another bleed. He died this afternoon.
I have decided! I am NOT going to wimp about this situation. It's going to be a demonstration that it CAN be done. God will keep me strong as will all of you my dear 'chicks' here on BoneSmart.
And ALL the praise, ALL the honour and ALL the glory will go to God!!
I have decided! I am NOT going to wimp about this situation. It's going to be a demonstration that it CAN be done. God will keep me strong as will all of you my dear 'chicks' here on BoneSmart.
And ALL the praise, ALL the honour and ALL the glory will go to God!!
January and the great decision
January 6th 2009
Finally I know for certain that I need my knee to be done. It's been a good time since diagnosis Jan 06, been able to do pretty much anything I wanted in that time except for a few episodes. But they got better and I really thought it might go on that way indefinately! Silly me!
So yesterday I went shopping for a new settee and was amazed to find I was walking without aids and did a good shop in the supermarket as well. That plus 40 min drives there and back. I was amazed.
Until around 2am when almost anything I did in bed in the way of trying to get comfortable was painful. I ended up coming downstairs for some pain pills - first time I've ever had to do that! Managed to get a bit of sleep but now feel zonked 'cus of the pills! Knee still hurts but strangely, is fine when walking and I can do the stairs without any hindrance whatsoever.
So I'm sitting here with my legs up on the settee and my TENS machine buzzing away. Boy, what a wonderful invention! And I just heard from the surgeon's secretary that she's left him a letter to say I'd rung (this morning) and hopes he'll get to it very soon.
Hey ho! Was inevitable, I suppose!
January 7th 2009
What a difference a day makes!
this episode has now been unrelenting for about 6 weeks, it's getting worse, I'm having to take pain killers every day and last night I got little sleep because of the pain all night - which has gone on into today. I also find that everyso often I have to bend my knee to its full limit and at first I can't. I have to force it in stages until it's fully bent and it hurts!!
All of this has never happened before and even if it does settle down (which I doubt) next time it will only be worse. I'm already curtailing my activities to prevent exacerbation; using the electric cart at the supermarket, using a crutch, limiting my outings, etc.
Enough's enough.
...........................
Well, I heard from the secretary just now and his nibs has had me put back on the waiting list. The waiting time could be as much as five months but I also agreed to accept an cancellation so it could be even sooner.
Suddenly I'm all of a jitter! EEEK!
12th January 2009
I cheered myself up with some online shopping last night. I bought
1 Cryo-cuff machine
1 leg lifter strap
1 pr of 'posh' crutches
1 walker with shelves
1 inflatable triangular cushion for leg elevation
Retail therapy!! Can't beat it!
January 16th 2009
I started taking pills and a drink to leave on my bedside table but it doesn't seem to make any differnce even if I do take some during the night. Somehow my knee just doesn't like being in bed! It's okay when I lie on my back but if I turn onto either side - ouch, ooooh! ouch. I bend my leg, it's okay for about 2 mins then the pain starts so I stretch it out, good for 2 mins and then ... I have it on a pillow, makes no difference. So I end up on my back again but guess what - I can't sleep when I'm on my back!
January 19th 2009
Last night I gave up trying to sleep in bed. No matter what I do, it makes my knee hurt more and more. So around 4am I came downstairs and had to argue with the cats for use of the settee! Having made it clear I wanted occupancy, once I settled myself, they both came back and laid on top of me! Still, at least they had the decency to avoid sitting on my knee!
So here I am, after midnight, showered and tucked in on the settee with the TENS buzzing away, ready for a decent night's sleep.
Well, I can wish, can't I?
All I want to know is, why is it a tad more comfortable on the settee than in bed? It's surely one of life's mysteries!
Tomorrow morning I am going to ring O'Brien's secretary and plead like a beggar, complete with tears is needs be, to get an early admission. I can't cope with this for the next three months.
However, when I rang, the sec was out of the office so I decided to fax a letter this evening detailing my woes! Probably better as they can forget a phone call soon as they put the receiver down. A letter is physical evidence ....
January 22nd 2009
Oh woe is me! 3am and pain wakened me. That'll teach me to take cocodamol last thing! Not taking it anymore cus it plain just doesn't cut the mustard! Pain is all the way up to my hip and down to my ankle. Funny thing, it's a diabolical ache but doesn't hurt too much to actually move the joint or bear weight on it. Got my TENS going which is helping a little but can't take anymore meds till 5am. 1½ hrs to go ...
January 24th 2009
The Cryo-Cuff I got is a specially shaped cuff that wraps around the knee and connects to an insulated tub. In the tub is a reservoir that you fill with ice and water then gravity feeds it into the cuff. Because of the pressure inside the cuff, it also applies a little compression as well.
All of which does three things, helps keep the pain levels down, keep the swelling down and stops muscles going into spasm because of the swelling and pain.
Finally I know for certain that I need my knee to be done. It's been a good time since diagnosis Jan 06, been able to do pretty much anything I wanted in that time except for a few episodes. But they got better and I really thought it might go on that way indefinately! Silly me!
So yesterday I went shopping for a new settee and was amazed to find I was walking without aids and did a good shop in the supermarket as well. That plus 40 min drives there and back. I was amazed.
Until around 2am when almost anything I did in bed in the way of trying to get comfortable was painful. I ended up coming downstairs for some pain pills - first time I've ever had to do that! Managed to get a bit of sleep but now feel zonked 'cus of the pills! Knee still hurts but strangely, is fine when walking and I can do the stairs without any hindrance whatsoever.
So I'm sitting here with my legs up on the settee and my TENS machine buzzing away. Boy, what a wonderful invention! And I just heard from the surgeon's secretary that she's left him a letter to say I'd rung (this morning) and hopes he'll get to it very soon.
Hey ho! Was inevitable, I suppose!
January 7th 2009
What a difference a day makes!
this episode has now been unrelenting for about 6 weeks, it's getting worse, I'm having to take pain killers every day and last night I got little sleep because of the pain all night - which has gone on into today. I also find that everyso often I have to bend my knee to its full limit and at first I can't. I have to force it in stages until it's fully bent and it hurts!!
All of this has never happened before and even if it does settle down (which I doubt) next time it will only be worse. I'm already curtailing my activities to prevent exacerbation; using the electric cart at the supermarket, using a crutch, limiting my outings, etc.
Enough's enough.
...........................
Well, I heard from the secretary just now and his nibs has had me put back on the waiting list. The waiting time could be as much as five months but I also agreed to accept an cancellation so it could be even sooner.
Suddenly I'm all of a jitter! EEEK!
12th January 2009
I cheered myself up with some online shopping last night. I bought
1 Cryo-cuff machine
1 leg lifter strap
1 pr of 'posh' crutches
1 walker with shelves
1 inflatable triangular cushion for leg elevation
Retail therapy!! Can't beat it!
January 16th 2009
I started taking pills and a drink to leave on my bedside table but it doesn't seem to make any differnce even if I do take some during the night. Somehow my knee just doesn't like being in bed! It's okay when I lie on my back but if I turn onto either side - ouch, ooooh! ouch. I bend my leg, it's okay for about 2 mins then the pain starts so I stretch it out, good for 2 mins and then ... I have it on a pillow, makes no difference. So I end up on my back again but guess what - I can't sleep when I'm on my back!
January 19th 2009
Last night I gave up trying to sleep in bed. No matter what I do, it makes my knee hurt more and more. So around 4am I came downstairs and had to argue with the cats for use of the settee! Having made it clear I wanted occupancy, once I settled myself, they both came back and laid on top of me! Still, at least they had the decency to avoid sitting on my knee!
So here I am, after midnight, showered and tucked in on the settee with the TENS buzzing away, ready for a decent night's sleep.
Well, I can wish, can't I?
All I want to know is, why is it a tad more comfortable on the settee than in bed? It's surely one of life's mysteries!
Tomorrow morning I am going to ring O'Brien's secretary and plead like a beggar, complete with tears is needs be, to get an early admission. I can't cope with this for the next three months.
However, when I rang, the sec was out of the office so I decided to fax a letter this evening detailing my woes! Probably better as they can forget a phone call soon as they put the receiver down. A letter is physical evidence ....
January 22nd 2009
Oh woe is me! 3am and pain wakened me. That'll teach me to take cocodamol last thing! Not taking it anymore cus it plain just doesn't cut the mustard! Pain is all the way up to my hip and down to my ankle. Funny thing, it's a diabolical ache but doesn't hurt too much to actually move the joint or bear weight on it. Got my TENS going which is helping a little but can't take anymore meds till 5am. 1½ hrs to go ...
January 24th 2009
The Cryo-Cuff I got is a specially shaped cuff that wraps around the knee and connects to an insulated tub. In the tub is a reservoir that you fill with ice and water then gravity feeds it into the cuff. Because of the pressure inside the cuff, it also applies a little compression as well.
All of which does three things, helps keep the pain levels down, keep the swelling down and stops muscles going into spasm because of the swelling and pain.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
"Everybody's doin' it, doin' it, doin' it"
... or so Irving Berlin said. Writing blogs, that is. So I thought I might as well do it as well!
See, I had a knee replacement about nine weeks ago (17th March 2009) and my recovery has been so amazing, I wanted to share it with everybody to show what could be done! Luckily I not only kept a journal for the first couple of weeks or so but logged a lot of information on my forum BoneSmart. But the rest will be from memory! Here goes!
I'm a 67 yr old female, retired nurse and survivor of around 50 odd years working in the joint replacement surgery! I say survivor as most places I worked did trauma and a whole heap of other stuff as well so on-calls were a regular part of my life.
My journey began November 2005 with a marathon case which had me standing from 10.30pm to 4.30am. I worked part-time in the local hospital and was required to do my share of on calls for the orthopaedic theatre. Before that night I'd had nothing more than the odd episode of achy discomfort in either knee. After that night of standing - no moving around, just standing - it took me almost 40 minutes to walk to my car - it usually took me about 10! I was aching all over but hardly surprising given the circumstances. When I got home, it took me another 10 minutes to get out of the car and into the house! About 3 hours later, I was wakened with the most appalling cramps in my right calf. I really thought my leg was going to shatter, the cramp was so severe. Later that day, I went to see my chiropractor who pronounced my entire leg, from hip to toe, was in acute spasm. His ministrations eased things considerably, thank God!
Later that day, the knee joint started to hurt.
Immediately prior to this event, I'd been struggling around at work and at home with a painful left foot. After 6 weeks of it getting progressively worse, I had to argue with my GP to get it xrayed. She was of the opinion it was just an inflamed ligament or something but I was having none of that! Orthopaedics was my speciality and I just knew something more serious was afoot (pardon the pun!) The xray revealed a stress fracture in the hindfoot. Silly me! Fancy struggling on all that time with that! Anyway, it was too late to do anything but leave it to continue healing.
So now, about 3 months later, my right knee is hurting. Looking back, it's quite possible that the limping on it helped it on it's way but here I was, now struggling around the department but this time limping on the other foot! Sheesh! Getting old is NO fun!
Finally I had a word with one of the surgeons and he got it xrayed and announced I had arthritis. He thought it could be suitable for a hemiarthroplasty which is a kind of resurfacing in one side of the joint.
My xray showed some depression on the tibia which meant my leg was a few degrees out in the straight line it should be. You can see this and the bone on bone point at the red arrow.There is also an extra white look about the bone surfaces there which indicates that it is worn, compacted and inflamed.
Anyway, he always preferred to do diagnostic arthroscopies first.
THE ARTHROSCOPY
We had this festival in May/June 06 and I was one of the organisors so I decided to leave the surgery until the end of June.
Trust me, folks - if you ever have an arthroscopy, don't think it's going to be a quick job! You might only be in hospital for a day but it takes all of three weeks to get back to speed aftewards. The darned procedure HURTS!! Still, with the blessed aid of a TENS machine, I was able to return to work in two weeks but it was still a bit of a struggle.
BONE SMART Naturally, I turned to the internet to find out all I could about knee replacements and their recovery. See, though I have spent almost all my life in joint replacement surgery it's principly been hips and, since I was working all that time in the operating theatre, I didn't have too much experience in the post op period. Amazing what a personal experience can make you learn!
So I stumbled about BoneSmart, the forum for hip and knee replacement patients. It was in it's early days then and seemed to lack much knowledgable input so I contacted the owners and asked them itf they would mind me offering what help and support I could! That was in June 2007. Before I knew it, I was accepted as part of the BoneSmart/FARM team and the rest of that, as they say, is history.
I have learned SO much during my stay on there and I like to hope I have imparted much as well. Now the admin of the forum, I like to view it as almost like a cosy sitting room where friends come in and share, have a laugh, get some hugs and encouragement and eventually go on their way to a new, pain free life. I have no agenda there, nor do the owners.
Our only objectve is to advise, inform, support and encourage as people need it. It's been a great experience, now about 2 years for me, and I hope it goes on that way. If you're looking for a supportive and caring community, you couldn't do better! (But then I am a tad biased!)
Back to the journey ....
The hospital very kindly dispensed with my services in September 2006 when I turned 65. Apparently they just didn't employ people over 65 and with my medical history and the impending joint replacement - well, thanks and goodbye!
After that,the knee seemed to settle down. I had very little pain any more, apart from the occasional 'stone in the shoe' type episode where I'd have sharp, sharp pain for about 4 to 24 hrs and then it'd be fine again! I had no end of prayer during this period and, since it had happened once before in 1998, I was convinced I'd had a miracle healing! I was still working but now as a freelance occupational health nurse which was far less demanding physically.
But I walked and ran up and down stairs, pretty much anything I wanted to, But I suspected that there would come a time when I would have a resurgence of it all. It wasn't that healed! And last December it happened. My sister was taken into hospital suddenly and with all the running around making sure she was okay, my knee started hurting again. But this time it didn't settle down. It's been almost 6 weeks now and the pain is gradually getting worse and worse.
In the meantime I'd changed surgeons as shortly before I left, there was a new chap on the block who did nothing but knees and I decided I liked his style! He'd told me to just ring when I wanted to be done so it was no trouble getting back on the waiting list. (Perks of the job, folks!) It's been weeks now and I'm likely to have to wait another couple of months unless there's a cancellation. At present I'm having to think twice about pretty much everything I do. No longer can I go to and fro around the house. When I go into the kitchen for some reason, I find myself going to the loo while I'm there! How sad it that! Sleeping has become a fond memory - my knee hurts more when I'm in bed than when I'm up. I've ordered a new settee with reclinners as I've been told it's the best place to recuperate after a knee replacement and I can't wait for it to come. When it does, I will very likely give up going to bed and just sleep in the recliner.
Right now I am getting through from morning to night on pills and my trusty TENS machine. I'm laying in stores for when I come home after the op - anything and everything from cat food (for the cats!) to loo rolls. Plus various gadgets and gizmos to make life easier
A Cryo-Cuff ice machine
A leg lifting strap (aka an 'invisible dog lead'!)
A walker/trolley
and, of course, the new settee!
All I need now is the date!
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