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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / February 2005Please help me
Hi all, About a month or so ago, I wrote saying that I was going to have a total left knee replacement. I am the one that had 3 little kids, ages 4 years, 4 1/2 years, and 7 years old. I am only 45 years of age. You all gave me such a warm welcome. I am sorry that I could not and did not respond to all that wrote to me. I had a hard drive crash. Any way, I hope that you all will please forgive me for not responding, as I wanted to. If, I am still welcome here, I promise that I will participate as much as I can. I would love any help and advice that I can give. I also will try to provide help in any way that I can. I am now just about one month post-op from my Total left knee replacement. I still in so much pain. If I had known how much pain I would be in, I think that I would have stayed with the arthritis. Also, my right knee, which also needs to be replaced, is also flaring up, due to having to do all of the work that both knees normally did. I am doing my exercises faithfully. I am currently on 40 of Oxycontin twice a day, and one or two Lortab 10/500 every 6 hours for break through pain. I have to explain, that I have always had a high tolerance to meds. Whether it was the coumidin for the knee replacement, or meds to put me out for surgery. I still await the right knee replacement, and the surgery that has to be done on both ankles. But, I am so afraid to procede with these surgeris based on the pain I am having from this left knee replacement. Also, I have to say that I had to go back into the hospital after being home for two days, because I had a massive infection and my whole leg was swollen from toes to my thigh (which was 3 times my other thigh). I will never complain about fat thighs again :) Sorry, I had to add a bit of a joke here, if you got this far. Any how, how can I cope with this pain and still take care of my family. I do have some one coming in to help me a few days a week. DH for his part is coming home earlier from work. If you got this far, thanks for reading and for any help or advice you can give me. Also, again, I apologize for not responding before. I hope that I am still welcome. Hugs, Donna K. >Any way, I hope that you all will please forgive me for not responding, as I >wanted to. If, I am still welcome here, I promise that I will participate >as much as I can. I would love any help and advice that I can give. I also >will try to provide help in any way that I can. Of course you are welcome. I can't help with the TKR, but I *do* know about crashes of the hard drive and I suspect many others do too. :-) --- Joan DonnaMK, we have all had computer problems and understand about being unable to post. You are certainly welcome here. I haven't had a TKR so am unable to help there. Gwen > >Any way, I hope that you all will please forgive me for not responding, as I > >wanted to. If, I am still welcome here, I promise that I will participate [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > --- > Joan Hi Gwen,l Thanks for the welcome. Donna K. > DonnaMK, we have all had computer problems and understand about being unable > to post. You are certainly welcome here. I haven't had a TKR so am unable [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > --- > > Joan Hi Joan, Thanks for the welcome. I hope to stay around more now that me and the computer are feeling better. Donna K. > >Any way, I hope that you all will please forgive me for not responding, as I > >wanted to. If, I am still welcome here, I promise that I will participate [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > --- > Joan Sweetie - just 'cause you didn't respond doesn't mean you're not welcomed. We all understand computer crashes, etc. Sometimes life gets in the way of the newgroup. LOL Anyway, someone who has had the TKR will be along soon to answer your questions. I (knocking hard on wood here) have never needed knee replacements and hope I never will. DeeTee ________________________________ DeeTee and Bob Taggart http://www.marykay.com/dtaggart3 http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8fwov/ ________________________________ > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > > Donna K. Hi DeeTee, Thanks for the welcome. I appreciate the support. This is a very active group. I was down with an asthma flare up and Bronchitis, and I just sat down, and WOW all the messages. Donna K. > Sweetie - just 'cause you didn't respond doesn't mean you're not welcomed. > We all understand computer crashes, etc. Sometimes life gets in the way of [quoted text clipped - 64 lines] > > > > Donna K. I remember you! Welcome Back... With 3 little kiddos and a TKR...I'm surprised you are back at all~ Wish I could help you with the TKR stuff..but others will come by soon and send their knowledge along. But you are in my thoughts...no one deserves pain. Hugs! Janet R > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > > Donna K. Hmmm. I am a little concerned about your pain level as it should be easing off somwhat/ I think this may be a result of the infection, and maybe the surgeon should check and see if anything else is brewing with that. It will get better. I have had both knees replaced, and one revision, so I know whereof I speak. (LOL) Although I have never experienced childbirth, I think it is a similar process in that you will be able to forget the exact level of pain and will go through it again. But perhaps you need more time to get over this one first. The whole process is not easy, it is painful and takes a lot of work but the results are worth it. Keep us posted. Rose @}>->-- Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to understand it. RB Please remove "Ima" to reply. >Hmmm. I am a little concerned about your pain level as it should be >easing off somwhat/ I think this may be a result of the infection, [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Please remove "Ima" to reply. Rose, do you still have pain with the knee replacements or need some kind of assistance walking with them? >Rose, do you still have pain with the knee replacements or need some >kind of assistance walking with them? I had my surgeries in the 1980s when the process was not as advanced as it is today. My knees are generally pain free, and I do not use any walking aides. There are others here who have had replacements much more recently. Rose @}>->-- Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown, one seeks to understand it. RB Please remove "Ima" to reply. Hi Rose, Thanks for the welcome. I did have to go to the doctor a couple of days ago for my asthma and bronchitis flare up, and he said that it did not look infected any more at all. It seems that the extra work that the surgeon had to do on the knee could be why I am having such pain. I hope that the process is worth it, because you are right, it is not easy to see that right now. Donna K. > Hmmm. I am a little concerned about your pain level as it should be > easing off somwhat/ I think this may be a result of the infection, [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Please remove "Ima" to reply. Donna K, Welcome to the group. Sorry for the reason you have to be here. Pull up a chair and join us in the sandbox. We do except gifts of choc. We are easy to bribe. ;-) I sure hope your asthma and bronchitis is doing better. This time of year is a bad time to get it with all the allergies and such floating around to cause more breathing problems. I hope your pain levels get better with each passing day.  SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > Hi Rose, > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Donna K. Hi Squirrely, Thanks, don't mind if I do share the sandbox. And I only bring dark chocolate, I hope that is ok. The asthma and bronchitis are a bit better. Thanks for asking. Donna K. > Donna K, > [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > > > Donna K. > Hi Squirrely, > > Thanks, don't mind if I do share the sandbox. And I only bring dark > chocolate, I hope that is ok. Hey Donna, Oooh. a kindred spirit. I'm the official keeper of the dark chocolate. Don't worry, I have a very safe place for it ;-) Adelle >> Hi Squirrely, >> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I'm the official keeper of the dark chocolate. Don't worry, I have a very > safe place for it ;-) now, now, don't you be trying to pull that on Donna! We all know the only safe palce for dark chocolate is with me. I put it in my refrigerator with the rest of the dark chocolate and in the dark privacy (when the door it closed) it breeds and makes more for us! SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Dark chocolate works for me, Donna! Pay no attention to Squirrely Jo - she's got enough chocolate already. <G> Nice to meet you. Denise aka melodymom > Hi Squirrely, > [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] >>> >>>Donna K. Heck any choc. works for you MM doesn't it. I think I know the answer. LOL ;-) Whoops, Denise, forgot which group we were in. LOL SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > Dark chocolate works for me, Donna! Pay no attention to Squirrely Jo - > she's got enough chocolate already. <G> Nice to meet you. > > Denise > aka melodymom > Heck any choc. works for you MM doesn't it. I think I know the answer. LOL > ;-) > > Whoops, Denise, forgot which group we were in. LOL Chocolate is chocolate, and melodymom by any other name is still greedy... ;) luv&stuff, Denise I know, I know. We are both going to be in diabetic coma if we don't knock it off too. SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo >> Heck any choc. works for you MM doesn't it. I think I know the answer. >> LOL ;-) [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > luv&stuff, > Denise I've had something of a breakthrough. Have you had Reese's Peanut Butter Cups? Oh, my gosh!! ROFL!! I guess my career as a non-chocolater is down the tubes. I will only buy one two-cup package at a time because I just know I would eat the entire bag. ROFLMAO!!!! DeeTee ________________________________ DeeTee and Bob Taggart http://www.marykay.com/dtaggart3 http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8fwov/ ________________________________ > Hi Squirrely, > [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] >> > >> > Donna K. > I've had something of a breakthrough. Have you had Reese's Peanut Butter > Cups? Oh, my gosh!! ROFL!! I guess my career as a non-chocolater is down > the tubes. I will only buy one two-cup package at a time because I just Oh no, we've corrupted her! And now there's more competition for the Reese's out there! shoot.......... At least she isn't onto Dove dark Chocolate yet....... SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Dove dark Chocolate? Is it good? DeeTee ________________________________ DeeTee and Bob Taggart http://www.marykay.com/dtaggart3 http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8fwov/ ________________________________ >> I've had something of a breakthrough. Have you had Reese's Peanut Butter >> Cups? Oh, my gosh!! ROFL!! I guess my career as a non-chocolater is [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > At least she isn't onto Dove dark Chocolate yet....... > Dove dark Chocolate? Is it good? no, no DeeTee.... Dove dark chocolate is really awful. You don't want to contaminate your taste buds with it even once. Just be happy with your Reeses. (think she's buying it?) SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Oh yes DeeTee, I do like Reeses Peanut Butter cups. But they don't like me. The peanut butter gets me. But you want to know a good Reese Peanut Butter cup is the one with the white choc. on the outside. Oh I love those too. They are really rich though. So now we have to watch you with our choc too huh. ;-) I lost the post but Denise, aka MM, I saw what you posted about SJ having enough choc. Mine is just about gone now so I need more. Oh by the way that gets you a slap. ;-) SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > I've had something of a breakthrough. Have you had Reese's Peanut Butter > Cups? Oh, my gosh!! ROFL!! I guess my career as a non-chocolater is > down the tubes. I will only buy one two-cup package at a time because I > just know I would eat the entire bag. ROFLMAO!!!! > > DeeTee Oh OH roflol quack > I've had something of a breakthrough. Have you had Reese's Peanut Butter > Cups? Oh, my gosh!! ROFL!! I guess my career as a non-chocolater is down [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] >>>> >>>>Donna K. Signature_('> (_<_) _ _('< -quack (_<_) _ __('< *QUACK!* <_{__) _('< "|,,|_" (_<_) _('< "AFLAC!" (_<_) Donna K, I sure know how that goes with the asthma bronchitis stuff. I know it makes a person so miserable. I sure hope it is gone by now. Dark choc is ok. Any choc is. ;-) Here is a shovel, it is better to eat all that choc. with. LOL ;-) Watch out for that Duckie though every once in awhile she can get carried away and kick some sand up with those webbed feet. ROFLMAO, running and hiding before I get whacked. ;-) SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > Hi Squirrely, > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Donna K. It's my tail squirrely... but then your tail is bushier and keeps leaving fur on the chocolate... quack > Donna K, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > away and kick some sand up with those webbed feet. ROFLMAO, running and > hiding before I get whacked. ;-) Signature_('> (_<_) _ _('< -quack (_<_) _ __('< *QUACK!* <_{__) _('< "|,,|_" (_<_) _('< "AFLAC!" (_<_) Hi Janet, I usually do not get on to the computer during the day with all the little kiddos. They are in bed now. Then I am not on long then, as 6:30 for school comes awful early. Donna K. > I remember you! Welcome Back... > [quoted text clipped - 63 lines] > > > > Donna K. Donna, No one who is in the first 6 weeks of a joint replacement wants to do it again. Usually that sentiment does change. It is at 3-4 weeks that I was the most frustrated. It seemed that things would never get better. And I wanted it better right now!!! Believe it or not things do get better. It seems that at about 6 to 8 weeks things suddenly start to seem a bit more normal. Because of the infection you may be a bit behind this. Is the infection cleared up now? Have you been prescribe an anti-inflammatory in addition to your pain meds? Are you still icing and elevating the knee? How is the ROM? Use the ice on your "old" knee too to help the flare. Are you on a walker or cane? Don't forget that narcotics have a depressive effect that the meds may be contributing to your mood. BUT do not let the pain take hold. It is perfectly normal to still need heavy pain medication 4 weeks out so use it. Your family loves you..let them take care of you for a while. Its important that you allow yourself to heal. This is MAJOR surgery. Letting yourself get exhausted, overdoing things will only delay your recovery and make things worse in the long run. Feel better soon Karen > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > Donna K. Hi Karen , Thanks for the welcome. You had a lot to say, and I could relate to most of it. The doctor thought that the pain was from the infection and that was why I hurt so much. As far as the ROM, I am at about 85% flexion on my own, with pain, and about 92% with my PT forcing the issue. I am on neither cane or walker. From the hospital I have been on crutches. I had to fight for this, as the PT dept, said I had to use a walker. I told them that I have been on crutches most of my life, and that I would fall with a walker. Well, they gave me a walker, and I almost fell. Actually I had gotten dizzy, but I let them think I lost my balance, and I got my crutches. When you have been with something most of your life, you resent change. Yes, I know narcotics have a depressive effect. I am not having to take them so often now. It seems that the Oxicontin low dose twice a day is keeping most of the pain in check now. Thanks, Donna K. > Donna, > No one who is in the first 6 weeks of a joint replacement wants to do it [quoted text clipped - 75 lines] > > > > Donna K. (((((((((((((((((((((((Donna))))))))))) I hear the desperation in your post. I wish I could do more to help you but I don't know what to do. I don't know about replacements other than what I've read on the group. I think if you can live with the pain of the first few months the pain will get better. I think knees are worse than hips as far as recovery. My mom had severe RA and raised three almost mormal kids. LOL I stilled loved her even though she couldn't parent as she wished she could. Your children will love you too. Hope you do stick around with us this is a great place for support and advice. debbie m. http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/angels1/ > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > Donna K. Hi Debbie, Your note about your thoughts about your mom, was music to my ears, because I worry so much that my kids will resent that we could not do some things because both mom and dad have arthritis. Also, I am previously handicapped and walked with a crutch (some days 2), and I so worry about what the kids with thinik. My husband always tells me that I worry too much, and his mom was blind and he does not remember as her as the "Blind Mom", but just as MOM. I do plan to hang my hat up for a long while if that is ok. Donna K. > (((((((((((((((((((((((Donna))))))))))) > [quoted text clipped - 71 lines] > > > > Donna K. >Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >Donna K. I'm so sorry to hear about all your pain. I had bilateral TKRs a year and a half ago. I did not have your kind of pain. Everyone of us is different and I have OA not RA which I think is a lot easier to deal with. Also the infection probably had quite an impact. I know you need to keep doing the exercises. That is very important even when they really, really hurt. Do you see a physical therapist? I had a great one who did deep massage and gave me stretching exercises to help with the pain. Also let me whine when I needed. I don't have any advice on caring for your family but I do send hugs and prayers for your recovery. -- BettyB -- www.flamingo-code.com "A pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun" Robert A. Heinlein - Time Enough For Love Hi Betty, Thanks for the welcome. I also have OA, diagnosed when I was a kid. I now have to find a new therapist, as my insurance will not pay for any more home visits. (the network I am in for my insurance is a distance from my house. ) So they want me to drive 20 miles one way for PT. And the idea of being in a car driving for 40 minutes twice a day with a month old TK does not appeal to me. Thanks for the hugs and prayers. Donna K. > >Hi all, > > [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > "A pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun" > Robert A. Heinlein - Time Enough For Love I am still icing my knee twice a day and if I don't I find I still get pain from sore muscles and mine was done Nov 5th. I am back dancing and pilates reformer at the three month point. And I do not have any children, especially small children, at home so I got to rest whenever I want to. This will get better. I would sure tell your PCP at the very least that you are still having so much pain. Wonder if they got all the infection cleared. Mama Char had an infection in her hip that took special test to finally comfirm. Her pain level was telling all before that. Duckie > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > Donna K. Signature_('> (_<_) _ _('< -quack (_<_) _ __('< *QUACK!* <_{__) _('< "|,,|_" (_<_) _('< "AFLAC!" (_<_) Hi Caroline, Thanks for the welcome. I do ice mine. I have a Cryocuff, so I can ice it for a long time on one filling of ice and water to the little thermous it came with. Yes, I saw my PCM, and he said it was not still infected. Hugs, Donna K. > I am still icing my knee twice a day and if I don't I > find I still get pain from sore muscles and mine was [quoted text clipped - 55 lines] > > > > Donna K. (((((((((((((((((((donna))))))))))))))))))))) which is about all i can offer, as i have no expertise about this. will tuck you in my healing thoughts. btw, there is no need to apologize for not being on the group as much as "you believe/think" you should be. we're fairly laid back here. but once you see your name pinged in a subject line, you will know that we will worry when you are away for an unusually long time (unusual for you, that is). and that's when we would like you to toss your hat through our door and let us know you are still ok, as briefly or as long in text as you can afford at the time.<smile> feel better soon. kate > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > > Donna K. Hi Kate, Thanks for the welcome. Donna K. > (((((((((((((((((((donna))))))))))))))))))))) which is about all i can > offer, as i have no expertise about this. will tuck you in my healing [quoted text clipped - 67 lines] > > > > Donna K. Hi Donna M,,,, It is people like you that make up this newsgroup and you are most welcome. Harv > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > > Donna K. Hi Harv, Thanks for the welcome. Donna K. > Hi Donna M,,,, It is people like you that make up this newsgroup and you > are most welcome. [quoted text clipped - 56 lines] > > > > Donna K. (((((((((((((Donna))))))))))))) can't add anything to the advice, especially as I haven't been through this myself, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers that this will all be a success for you and ultimately will have been worth it. SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Hi Nann, Thanks for the warm welcome, Donna K. > (((((((((((((Donna))))))))))))) can't add anything to the advice, especially > as I haven't been through this myself, but know that you are in my thoughts > and prayers that this will all be a success for you and ultimately will have > been worth it. Donna, Hi! Never had my knee replaced, but I did have foot surgery when my older was a toddler, and had my gall bladder removed when my younger was three. Not easy. Wound up bartering with a friend who homeschools to have her teen watch the first time. The second time, I hired a local teen, but she didn't work out as well. Your mention of the infection really concerns me. With a pain level that high, I wonder whether there is some lingering infection or injury from the infection. Please get that checked out. Getting enough rest is important for healing. And having to take care of the little ones all day precludes resting when you need. If you are part of a religious community at all, call the office and ask for whomever heads up the 'helping committee' (sometimes called good and welfare, sometimes helping hands. My synagogue calls it the Chesed - wisdom- society), and see if there is a way to get help. They might bring meals, or arrange playdates for the kids with the other adult doing the driving. Or maybe a teen or pre-teen who can come in after school as a 'Mother's helper.' Is there any chance you can put the younger two in daycare temporarily, maybe up near hubby's place of business, so he could take care of transportation (not sure if finances allow. Ours didn't, but there were times when I really wish we could have). Please take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing. Adelle > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > > Donna K. Hi Adelle, I have had surgery 5 major surgeries since my kids have been born. Not counting the c-section for two of the kids. Most of the surgeries were abdomal surgeries, so I can relate to the to the ankle/foot surgery, I had that when I had a 4 year old and two babies. That was the hardest, as with the abd surgeries, you can be up usually as you feel up to it, but with the surgery on the ankle and foot, I was confined for 3 months on crutches, and luckly I had a cousin who was laid off and agreed to work cheap. As far as meals, my church and my childrens private school have been bringin in meels a couple days a week. So that makes left overs for a day, and then my kids only have to have hot dogs or sandwiches for dinner a day or two a week. How long, I wonder will it be before I am strong enough to stand and cook a good dinner for my husband and kids. Hugs, Donna K. > Donna, > [quoted text clipped - 82 lines] > > > > Donna K. Donna I certainly have you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I was close enough to you to baby sit, as I love kids. My advise is be very careful about the infection as it could be serious. Hopefully your dr will keep a close watch on it. I have had a THR but dont know much about tkr. Do take care and try to get as much rest as possible. janice | Hi all, | [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] | | Donna K. Hi Janice, Ha Ha, I may take you up on that babysitting offer. Just where do you live. My husband said he will drive any distance to get a good sitter.(LOL) By the way, I am in MIchigan. Thanks for the welcome. Donna K. > Donna > I certainly have you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I was close enough [quoted text clipped - 60 lines] > | > | Donna K. I've had 2 knees replaced. For some reason one was way worse than the other. The PT used an electrical stimulation thing on it for a couple days and it was like magic. Where it once absolutely could not flex because of pain it loosened up and then pain let go. I think PT is ESSENTIAL for a good outcome and even tho it's a drive I really encourage you to go. Things WILL get better and you are gonna be so glad you did this. > Hi Janice, > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Donna K. Where in MIchigan? I'm up north, 23 miles west of Alpena. SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Hey Nan, We are almost neighbors. I live in Saint Clair Shores. That is just a bit north of Detroit. Donna K. > > Hi Janice, > > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Where in MIchigan? I'm up north, 23 miles west of Alpena. > Hey Nan, > > We are almost neighbors. I live in Saint Clair Shores. That is just a bit > north of Detroit. > > Donna K. heehee, my husband's in Farmington Hills at this very moment, readying himself for a Scrabble tournament tomorrow. I went with him to last month's tournament and did some shopping while he played. We were much amused by how we've become such placid drivers up here in the country, but when we hit the Detroit area all our Boston driving experience came to the forefront again! LOL SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Hey Nann, Farmington is about about 45 minutes from me. I know what you mean about Detroit driving. I will actually take I75 to 275 to avoid driving through Detroit bymyself or with just my young kids. My husband thinks I am a bit nutty for that. But oh well :) Donna K. > > Hey Nan, > > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Detroit area all our Boston driving experience came to the forefront again! > LOL |
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