MoDel...aka: Mother Delta is finally paying me again....whew! I went back to work on October 10th and have a few trips under my wings now. I am very impressed with the way that ole Xena has performed! We are pretty stiff and sore after a full day of work, but we can handle it....squatting down to "arm" the doors, getting beer & wine out of that bottom drawer on the serving cart, pushing & pulling carts out of their slots--those are somewhat difficult, but do-able.
The social aspect of working again is a delight! I realize how much I enjoy the interaction of my co-workers and the fun I can have with passengers. This is important for my emotional well-being and my financial well-being too!!
I find it challenging to not "limp" while walking down the concourse or thru a hotel lobby. Perhaps it is from dragging my stewardess wheeled bag or just being tired, not sure.....but the gimp will sneak up on me. I try to have my flying partners alert me if they notice it, as I don't want that to become a habit!
TSA; at the security checkpoints treats me as though I am a criminal---why??? I am in full uniform, have my ID, even a card from the surgeon's office which states I have an artificial knee. But, embarrassing as it is, they insist of the full 5 or 6 minute frisk and wanding at each checkpoint--ugh! No breaks for those of us who have full security clearance! Guess THAT will go on for the rest of my life!
I have also become a pretty good weather barometer.....can tell you when a low pressure is moving in---ache, ache, ache! But, overall, Xena is wonderful and yes, I would do it again if I had a choice! I am trying to get to the rehab PT center for my own PT in the pool or in their gym...interesting how tough it is to "make time" now that I am back at work! Maybe I can lose some of those lbs. that have snuck up on me the past year or so! That would probably make it easier on Xena too, eh? ;-)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
THREE months!! Can you believe it!??
Well....Xena has been a "part of me" for three months now! WOW!!! and we are doing really really well! All of those things that new knee owners have told me, have basically been true.
The real pain is at the beginning of the process--and that is why we have great pain pills! But I was off of the heavy duty ones by week 5-I wanted to have the independence to drive my car! The first six to eight weeks are exciting because of all the immediate fast progress that we make...especially if we are willing to push the limits and to be diligent about our PT. At that point...well, then comes the patience factor. We don't see big leaps and bounds in our progession starting at about 2 months.
There is now a different type of pain--more of a stiffness and muscle type soreness that comes along...icing is important! Sleeping is really difficult--just can't seem to get a good position at night. And the frustration of not being able to do what you expect to be able to do! I want to be able to do long walks or hike or bike and work in my garden...but, even though I am athletic enough to do those things, it would set back the healing process. Kind of like re-spraining a sprained ankle....its just not a good thing. Slooowwwwww.....it will all come in time.
Everyone takes their first "fall"...luckily mine was on grass, but I went down hard on both knees. Quite a scare! but nothing big happened...other than another setback! Just takes a bit longer to get back to where I was. Bruised knee and ego!
PT: The swimming pool therapy is just the best--I do it twice a week along with my "land" physical therapy. Surprising how "heavy" my body feels after an hour of pool workout. I enjoy streeeetttcccching my knee and leg....I am still struggling with making my leg straight, but it will come in time. The bend? We can push it hard--and it hurts! to bend it alot--just a small bit more each day. My biggest issue is that I do NOT want to limp...it is surprising how we subconsciously "baby" the injured knee. I have to concentrate really hard and focus on walking normally.
I am encouraged overall and I would have my knee replaced again in a heartbeat! The pain I have is very different than prior to the surgery--not that wrenching pain of bone on bone before the surgery--Now it is various tweaks, pulls, zings...that are just part of the healing process. My body is still not so sure it is happy to have Xena in there! Not doubt this was a MAJOR surgery! They say it takes 6 months to a year for you to really not have these minor pains and swelling....but I can deal with them!
I just wish I could be more patient and not be so frustrated that my full athletic life isn't back yet! Sigh. Breathe! Breathe! I can be stoic about the aches and pains but I want to be movin' Julie again soon--and I will be, I am sure! *-)
The real pain is at the beginning of the process--and that is why we have great pain pills! But I was off of the heavy duty ones by week 5-I wanted to have the independence to drive my car! The first six to eight weeks are exciting because of all the immediate fast progress that we make...especially if we are willing to push the limits and to be diligent about our PT. At that point...well, then comes the patience factor. We don't see big leaps and bounds in our progession starting at about 2 months.
There is now a different type of pain--more of a stiffness and muscle type soreness that comes along...icing is important! Sleeping is really difficult--just can't seem to get a good position at night. And the frustration of not being able to do what you expect to be able to do! I want to be able to do long walks or hike or bike and work in my garden...but, even though I am athletic enough to do those things, it would set back the healing process. Kind of like re-spraining a sprained ankle....its just not a good thing. Slooowwwwww.....it will all come in time.
Everyone takes their first "fall"...luckily mine was on grass, but I went down hard on both knees. Quite a scare! but nothing big happened...other than another setback! Just takes a bit longer to get back to where I was. Bruised knee and ego!
PT: The swimming pool therapy is just the best--I do it twice a week along with my "land" physical therapy. Surprising how "heavy" my body feels after an hour of pool workout. I enjoy streeeetttcccching my knee and leg....I am still struggling with making my leg straight, but it will come in time. The bend? We can push it hard--and it hurts! to bend it alot--just a small bit more each day. My biggest issue is that I do NOT want to limp...it is surprising how we subconsciously "baby" the injured knee. I have to concentrate really hard and focus on walking normally.
I am encouraged overall and I would have my knee replaced again in a heartbeat! The pain I have is very different than prior to the surgery--not that wrenching pain of bone on bone before the surgery--Now it is various tweaks, pulls, zings...that are just part of the healing process. My body is still not so sure it is happy to have Xena in there! Not doubt this was a MAJOR surgery! They say it takes 6 months to a year for you to really not have these minor pains and swelling....but I can deal with them!
I just wish I could be more patient and not be so frustrated that my full athletic life isn't back yet! Sigh. Breathe! Breathe! I can be stoic about the aches and pains but I want to be movin' Julie again soon--and I will be, I am sure! *-)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
8 weeks, 2 months...is it all the same??
Well...I had my 8 week checkup yesterday with my surgeon, Dr. Momberger. He was somewhat pleased with my progress other than I have had a setback with my range of motion....bummer. He was hoping, as was I, that I would be more flexible with my bending and straightening...I need to be more dedicated at home with my stretching, I suppose. He thinks it will be probably another 2 months before I can get back to work. I need to be at 100% and I hope Xena will be good by then.
I am still going to PT and working with Wade. Tomorrow I am diving, well, stepping into the pool for some swim therapy....no thong bikinis allowed...yeah, like I would do that with these flabby legs--eeks! I am amazed how quickly we lose our muscle tone and balance. I am using one crutch, just for stabilizing myself on longer distances...and I hope to off of that assistance within a couple of weeks. My strength is not good--actually, what strength?? But is is all part of the process!
I did have a funky thing happen yesterday afternoon. I was just standing at my kitchen counter and I turned to go towards my bedroom--and BOOM! this sharp pain came up behind Xena--and I felt like my knee locked up! and it is been stiff and painful ever since! My PT said it can happen--so I am to take it easy today..lay low..ice and elevation....ugh! Took a pain pill to sleep last night--first time in a long time I had to do that!
Overall, I am pleased with Xena. Yes, I would do it again....but not this week, ok?
I am still going to PT and working with Wade. Tomorrow I am diving, well, stepping into the pool for some swim therapy....no thong bikinis allowed...yeah, like I would do that with these flabby legs--eeks! I am amazed how quickly we lose our muscle tone and balance. I am using one crutch, just for stabilizing myself on longer distances...and I hope to off of that assistance within a couple of weeks. My strength is not good--actually, what strength?? But is is all part of the process!
I did have a funky thing happen yesterday afternoon. I was just standing at my kitchen counter and I turned to go towards my bedroom--and BOOM! this sharp pain came up behind Xena--and I felt like my knee locked up! and it is been stiff and painful ever since! My PT said it can happen--so I am to take it easy today..lay low..ice and elevation....ugh! Took a pain pill to sleep last night--first time in a long time I had to do that!
Overall, I am pleased with Xena. Yes, I would do it again....but not this week, ok?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Check, check....not in the mail, but Check list!
Well,well,well....yes, I am doing VERY well! Been a while since I posted due to the fact I have been a very busy woman--driving again (yeah!), which has been the best deal yet! That freedom is pretty doggone cool! I am doing outpatient therapy with an amazing PT, Wade, at Healthsouth....one of the nice features at that facility is, if you need to, they have a van that will come pick you up for your therapy! So, if I get into a time when I can't drive (ie; do I hear taking pain pills??) they will chauffeur me to therapy--just like a princess! ;-) When looking for an outpatient facility for your rehab, keep this in mind!
I have recently had a wonderful opportunity to talk to several people who are going to have full knee replacements soon! I realized that I am a plethora (I enjoy that word!) of great information, so I thought, what better place to continually share my ideas and pre-surgical plans than on the old Bee's Knees site!?! As I think of more info, I will continue to update this post--please share it with anyone you know who is going to be "adding titanium" to their body! and if YOU have ideas, please post them too! (Can't you just feel my enthusiasm for this spilling over?)
First of all--be EXCITED for your surgery!! Your life is going to be amazingly better after you get your new "Xena"! Yes, I have been positive and somewhat playful about mine--naming my knee for instance. I think it is just wrong to call it "the bad knee" or the "surgical knee"--no negative connotations for me! By naming this wonderful new foreign body part--and having a contest with the nurses to help me out!--brings some loose relaxing camaraderie with those folks (the nurses) who you are truly going to be relying on for your care! And, I feel "one" with Xena! ;-)
I truly believe the one key thing that helped me out the most with my great recovery, was my pre-surgical hypnosis and meditation! This was so crucial in helping me to be less anxious, more accepting and SO much more relaxed for my surgery....breathe! Not all of you can see my wonderful Dr Don Price (www.millbrookcounseling.com) (yes, that was a free advertisement!) who made my hypnosis tapes prior to my surgery--but you can go on amazon.com or to your local bookstore and get a book, along with the CD's called: "Prepare for Surgery; Heal Faster: A Guide for Mind-Body Techniques" by Peggy Huddleston....my friend back East got this book and listened to the CD's each night for two weeks prior to her surgery--and she came thru with flying colors, too!
The power of our minds--as in, mind over matter--was never more evident to me than when I used these techniques for my total knee replacement. The fact that I did not have ONE bruise ANYWHERE on my body--and had very very minimal bleeding during the surgery was proof enough! I have had less swelling, less pain, more mobility--the nurses, PT's, and all of the medical professionals I have dealt with are truly impressed with my fast rate of healing....it's all in the mind!! And I KNOW it was this hypnosis/meditation techniques that made it happen--why not try? What a delightful place to go to--our subconscious!
Pre-planning for my aftercare was critical for me, too. You all know that my house is full of (too) many stairs! So I tried to make sure that everything I needed was on one level. Purchasing from Home Depot, the raised toilet seat and the shower chair to sit on in my walk-in shower, was wonderful. I also purchased online a couple of cool "suction handles" to stick on my shower walls--very easy to install--put the suction cup on, click down the levers and voila! They can hold up to 300 lbs! (Luckily I am not up to THAT weight yet!) All of these assist devices made my house very Julie/Xena friendly!
When organizing your list of "after surgery helpers" in your home, consider using an online calendar like calendar.net so your friends & family can sign-up for the days and nights they are available to assist you. When signing up, if they will put their phone numbers online, then they are able to communicate with each other more easily for the "hand-off". My calendar is www.mycalendars.net/julieangela password: kiva to give you idea. I feel it is CRITICAL that you "share the love!"--please don't ask just one or two people to assist you--you will get tired of them, and they will certainly get tired of you! Have a "flotilla" of folks who will come in to assist--that variety is good for everyone's spirits!
Be sure that those who are bringing you meals or making meals at your home, understand the dietary needs required when you are on the blood thinner, Cumidin. This drug will be taken for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots--since the docs are trying to "thin" your blood, you can NOT eat any of the green leafy veggies that contain alot of Vitamin K--because Vitamin K helps our blood TO clot--so K and Cumidin work against one another. You can "google" Cumidin or blood thinners to find a detailed list of foods to avoid. (I felt bad disappointing someone who made a fabulous spinach salad for me--that I couldn't eat)
Also, prior to your surgery, go to your closest grocery store and buy a couple hundred dollars worth of grocery "gift cards"...usually in $100 increments per card. This is a wonderfully easy way to have your friends shop for you--instead of dealing with various receipts, cash, IOU's, etc--they can take a card and just "debit" against it! and if you have money leftover when you can shop yourself--you can just use it up! Trust me, there will be plenty of "ice runs" to your store!
Speaking of blood clots, please please wear those awful white TED hose you are given for the amount of time that doctor tells you--my schedule was four weeks, but I still wear mine if I am going to walk around alot--they are wonderful to help my knee, Xena, from swelling and helps her feel more secure! I also, as most of you know, tie-dyed my ugly white TED hose. I was feeling very sterile wearing the hospital-whites; using a Ritz dye, to even make them a plain color, will lift your spirits!
Please BEG for the "Canadian style" crutches--the ones that have a loop around your elbow, as opposed to the type that goes up under your armpit. These "half crutches" give you so much more flexibility, they are easier to handle and not as tough on your body. Of course, imagine this, I had to add a bit of leopard skin fabric to mine, to fancy them up! Very stylish, I might add!
As you head to the hospital, bring some of that spray in "dry" shampoo...not sure how your surgeon will feel about you taking showers--but it is awful nice to be able to at least have (sort of) clean hair. Also, bring your OWN nighties/PJ's, robes, slippers, etc. Don't you just DESPISE those hospital gowns?? Well, if you have your own "bed clothes" they will allow you to wear them as long as they are loose enough so the nurses have access to your knees and your arms. I treated myself to leopard skin and to some pink poodle nighties--again, it made me smile! and you can all the smiles you can get! You can also bring your own "favorite pillow"...ahhhhh!
Try to get your surgeon to write a prescription for a Breg Polar Care Kodiak Ice Cold Therapy machine. (Google it!) This is just the BEST way of keeping your knee "iced" for long periods of time. Basically, you fill a small "cooler" full of ice and water--it has long hoses that attaches to a very flexible pad that wraps around your knee. This machine pumps cold water continuously thru the pad. No running to the freezer for more ice every 30 minutes....it's very comfy and really yummy! My insurance paid for mine, but if yours won't, you can order one online! So much easier than ice packs!
Of course, your friends and family are going to want to know how you are doing. And those first few days? You realllllly won't want to talk to anyone....and after that, telling the same story over and over and over gets to be a bit much--especially when you are on your pain meds. I would advise you to get a blogsite like this one (free on blogspot) or assign someone to send emails to a list of folks you want the info to go to. That way your buddies will know how you are doing and you won't have to talk to each and every one of them!
Speaking of pain meds...please take them--you won't get hooked....if you "stay ahead of the pain", you won't "hurt" as much. I found I would ease myself off of them as I needed to--and when I really got antsy to start driving, I was done taking them during the day! I deal with using Tylenol and Motrin so I can have that driving freedom...no driving while on pain meds! It's a DUI if you are pulled over--OUCH! BUT, when you need them, take them....!
OT is wonderful!! Don't pass it up! (OT is Occupational Therapy) They teach you all sorts of great ways of dealing with just your everyday life in these sessions. How to get in and out of bed, how to pick things up off the floor in a "proper fashion", moving things across a room while on crutches, etc. I learned things like: You might want to attach a bicycle bottle rack to one of your crutches...they just screw in the side holes....that way you can always have your coffee mug or water with you! Also, at my OT they had the forms to fill out to get a "temporary handicap tag" for your car--AWESOME!!! This allows you to get two hanging tags over your rearview mirrior so you can park in a handicap parking spot..one for your car and one to tote along when your friends take you out...very handy! I also applied for a small wallet card that says I have had a knee replacement for airport security. I am sure that TSA will still wand and frisk me, but at least I have the information readily available for them. OT is usually with a few other people in the class, which is fun, too!
After you leave the hospital, please go to a transitional rehab center--don't go home! Even just going for one week will help your recovery. You will be taken care of well--they have the best types of PT and OT facilities (much better than you have at home, right??) the dietary needs are good, they can watch for signs of problems plus you get to commiserate with others who are in your same situation! ;-) I enjoyed Healthsouth alot--they treated me well and I met some great folks! Plus I had visitors and flowers and my dog, Kiva, was able to visit me, too!
I am trying not to sound to rambling, but my little brain keeps coming up with thoughts and ideas to share. And, I am sure I will have more! I hope that some of these "plans" will help you out in your surgery! GO GET 'EM TIGER!! This is SO worth it!!! ;-)
I have recently had a wonderful opportunity to talk to several people who are going to have full knee replacements soon! I realized that I am a plethora (I enjoy that word!) of great information, so I thought, what better place to continually share my ideas and pre-surgical plans than on the old Bee's Knees site!?! As I think of more info, I will continue to update this post--please share it with anyone you know who is going to be "adding titanium" to their body! and if YOU have ideas, please post them too! (Can't you just feel my enthusiasm for this spilling over?)
First of all--be EXCITED for your surgery!! Your life is going to be amazingly better after you get your new "Xena"! Yes, I have been positive and somewhat playful about mine--naming my knee for instance. I think it is just wrong to call it "the bad knee" or the "surgical knee"--no negative connotations for me! By naming this wonderful new foreign body part--and having a contest with the nurses to help me out!--brings some loose relaxing camaraderie with those folks (the nurses) who you are truly going to be relying on for your care! And, I feel "one" with Xena! ;-)
I truly believe the one key thing that helped me out the most with my great recovery, was my pre-surgical hypnosis and meditation! This was so crucial in helping me to be less anxious, more accepting and SO much more relaxed for my surgery....breathe! Not all of you can see my wonderful Dr Don Price (www.millbrookcounseling.com) (yes, that was a free advertisement!) who made my hypnosis tapes prior to my surgery--but you can go on amazon.com or to your local bookstore and get a book, along with the CD's called: "Prepare for Surgery; Heal Faster: A Guide for Mind-Body Techniques" by Peggy Huddleston....my friend back East got this book and listened to the CD's each night for two weeks prior to her surgery--and she came thru with flying colors, too!
The power of our minds--as in, mind over matter--was never more evident to me than when I used these techniques for my total knee replacement. The fact that I did not have ONE bruise ANYWHERE on my body--and had very very minimal bleeding during the surgery was proof enough! I have had less swelling, less pain, more mobility--the nurses, PT's, and all of the medical professionals I have dealt with are truly impressed with my fast rate of healing....it's all in the mind!! And I KNOW it was this hypnosis/meditation techniques that made it happen--why not try? What a delightful place to go to--our subconscious!
Pre-planning for my aftercare was critical for me, too. You all know that my house is full of (too) many stairs! So I tried to make sure that everything I needed was on one level. Purchasing from Home Depot, the raised toilet seat and the shower chair to sit on in my walk-in shower, was wonderful. I also purchased online a couple of cool "suction handles" to stick on my shower walls--very easy to install--put the suction cup on, click down the levers and voila! They can hold up to 300 lbs! (Luckily I am not up to THAT weight yet!) All of these assist devices made my house very Julie/Xena friendly!
When organizing your list of "after surgery helpers" in your home, consider using an online calendar like calendar.net so your friends & family can sign-up for the days and nights they are available to assist you. When signing up, if they will put their phone numbers online, then they are able to communicate with each other more easily for the "hand-off". My calendar is www.mycalendars.net/julieangela password: kiva to give you idea. I feel it is CRITICAL that you "share the love!"--please don't ask just one or two people to assist you--you will get tired of them, and they will certainly get tired of you! Have a "flotilla" of folks who will come in to assist--that variety is good for everyone's spirits!
Be sure that those who are bringing you meals or making meals at your home, understand the dietary needs required when you are on the blood thinner, Cumidin. This drug will be taken for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots--since the docs are trying to "thin" your blood, you can NOT eat any of the green leafy veggies that contain alot of Vitamin K--because Vitamin K helps our blood TO clot--so K and Cumidin work against one another. You can "google" Cumidin or blood thinners to find a detailed list of foods to avoid. (I felt bad disappointing someone who made a fabulous spinach salad for me--that I couldn't eat)
Also, prior to your surgery, go to your closest grocery store and buy a couple hundred dollars worth of grocery "gift cards"...usually in $100 increments per card. This is a wonderfully easy way to have your friends shop for you--instead of dealing with various receipts, cash, IOU's, etc--they can take a card and just "debit" against it! and if you have money leftover when you can shop yourself--you can just use it up! Trust me, there will be plenty of "ice runs" to your store!
Speaking of blood clots, please please wear those awful white TED hose you are given for the amount of time that doctor tells you--my schedule was four weeks, but I still wear mine if I am going to walk around alot--they are wonderful to help my knee, Xena, from swelling and helps her feel more secure! I also, as most of you know, tie-dyed my ugly white TED hose. I was feeling very sterile wearing the hospital-whites; using a Ritz dye, to even make them a plain color, will lift your spirits!
Please BEG for the "Canadian style" crutches--the ones that have a loop around your elbow, as opposed to the type that goes up under your armpit. These "half crutches" give you so much more flexibility, they are easier to handle and not as tough on your body. Of course, imagine this, I had to add a bit of leopard skin fabric to mine, to fancy them up! Very stylish, I might add!
As you head to the hospital, bring some of that spray in "dry" shampoo...not sure how your surgeon will feel about you taking showers--but it is awful nice to be able to at least have (sort of) clean hair. Also, bring your OWN nighties/PJ's, robes, slippers, etc. Don't you just DESPISE those hospital gowns?? Well, if you have your own "bed clothes" they will allow you to wear them as long as they are loose enough so the nurses have access to your knees and your arms. I treated myself to leopard skin and to some pink poodle nighties--again, it made me smile! and you can all the smiles you can get! You can also bring your own "favorite pillow"...ahhhhh!
Try to get your surgeon to write a prescription for a Breg Polar Care Kodiak Ice Cold Therapy machine. (Google it!) This is just the BEST way of keeping your knee "iced" for long periods of time. Basically, you fill a small "cooler" full of ice and water--it has long hoses that attaches to a very flexible pad that wraps around your knee. This machine pumps cold water continuously thru the pad. No running to the freezer for more ice every 30 minutes....it's very comfy and really yummy! My insurance paid for mine, but if yours won't, you can order one online! So much easier than ice packs!
Of course, your friends and family are going to want to know how you are doing. And those first few days? You realllllly won't want to talk to anyone....and after that, telling the same story over and over and over gets to be a bit much--especially when you are on your pain meds. I would advise you to get a blogsite like this one (free on blogspot) or assign someone to send emails to a list of folks you want the info to go to. That way your buddies will know how you are doing and you won't have to talk to each and every one of them!
Speaking of pain meds...please take them--you won't get hooked....if you "stay ahead of the pain", you won't "hurt" as much. I found I would ease myself off of them as I needed to--and when I really got antsy to start driving, I was done taking them during the day! I deal with using Tylenol and Motrin so I can have that driving freedom...no driving while on pain meds! It's a DUI if you are pulled over--OUCH! BUT, when you need them, take them....!
OT is wonderful!! Don't pass it up! (OT is Occupational Therapy) They teach you all sorts of great ways of dealing with just your everyday life in these sessions. How to get in and out of bed, how to pick things up off the floor in a "proper fashion", moving things across a room while on crutches, etc. I learned things like: You might want to attach a bicycle bottle rack to one of your crutches...they just screw in the side holes....that way you can always have your coffee mug or water with you! Also, at my OT they had the forms to fill out to get a "temporary handicap tag" for your car--AWESOME!!! This allows you to get two hanging tags over your rearview mirrior so you can park in a handicap parking spot..one for your car and one to tote along when your friends take you out...very handy! I also applied for a small wallet card that says I have had a knee replacement for airport security. I am sure that TSA will still wand and frisk me, but at least I have the information readily available for them. OT is usually with a few other people in the class, which is fun, too!
After you leave the hospital, please go to a transitional rehab center--don't go home! Even just going for one week will help your recovery. You will be taken care of well--they have the best types of PT and OT facilities (much better than you have at home, right??) the dietary needs are good, they can watch for signs of problems plus you get to commiserate with others who are in your same situation! ;-) I enjoyed Healthsouth alot--they treated me well and I met some great folks! Plus I had visitors and flowers and my dog, Kiva, was able to visit me, too!
I am trying not to sound to rambling, but my little brain keeps coming up with thoughts and ideas to share. And, I am sure I will have more! I hope that some of these "plans" will help you out in your surgery! GO GET 'EM TIGER!! This is SO worth it!!! ;-)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I've Fallen & I Can't Get Up!
Oh, we've all seen that TV commercial with the old white haired lady, who falls down and cries out "I've fallen and I can't get up"...gotta tell ya--you can be a 54 yr old brunette and so the same thing--yikes! Dumb me...had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night-ya think I would have turned on the light? But, nooooo, I just grabbed one crutch and started hobbling across the room--boom! tripped over the other crutch lying on the floor, right onto Xena--yeowwww! I was able to pull myself up by using the bedpost. Now I really DO worry about the white haired lady--how DID she get up?
Luckily I did not damage anything but my ego. Took it easy with PT the next day and today in PT I had an awesome time! I am really working at that straightening move, trying to stretch out and elongate my leg, so Xena will lie flat. Got pretty doggone close today! I am also getting around much easier on one crutch--which is good and bad. The good part is I can carry stuff around which also is the bad part. I am feeling a bit too good which means I am feeling like I can start cleaning out my cabinets and work on heavy machinery (well, not really, but you catch my drift) Taking it slow is tough for me! But I must remember I am only 3 1/2 wks out from this surgery...and time will heal all wounds! ;-) I still can't drive, but that should be coming up in the next few weeks. I am foreseeing the future as being pretty boring until then. But I slept outside on my futon couch/bed on my front deck last night--sweeeet! The stars were awesome!
Luckily I did not damage anything but my ego. Took it easy with PT the next day and today in PT I had an awesome time! I am really working at that straightening move, trying to stretch out and elongate my leg, so Xena will lie flat. Got pretty doggone close today! I am also getting around much easier on one crutch--which is good and bad. The good part is I can carry stuff around which also is the bad part. I am feeling a bit too good which means I am feeling like I can start cleaning out my cabinets and work on heavy machinery (well, not really, but you catch my drift) Taking it slow is tough for me! But I must remember I am only 3 1/2 wks out from this surgery...and time will heal all wounds! ;-) I still can't drive, but that should be coming up in the next few weeks. I am foreseeing the future as being pretty boring until then. But I slept outside on my futon couch/bed on my front deck last night--sweeeet! The stars were awesome!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Course: Knee Replacement 101
I have discovered several things about returning home...first of all....Arts and Crafts Projects are THE BEST!! Those ugly white anti-embolism thigh hi hose you have to wear? They look AWESOME if you "tie-dye" them...and crutches? If you put animal print/leopard skin fabric over them, they are alot more fun! ;-) So, as you can tell by my photos--no more ugly white hose for me! I am stylin' in tie dye! and my crutches are now adorable, not boring! And, my knee is healing nicely! NO brusing or oozing for me!!
Xena has been getting along very well...my right knee was becoming a bit jealous, so I ended up giving her a name..."Knee-na"...they are sort of fraternal twins with twin names. I am getting along very well on my leopard skin crutches--in fact, at times, I am able to just use one crutch! (which, cousin Kathy thinks, looks like a long skinny giraffe leg with a knobby knee! the crutch, that is.) One crutch makes life SO much easier since it allows me to carry things around with my free left hand.
The in-home nurses only had to make two visits with me, as I am doing so well! and my in-home PT, Charles, comes just twice a week. EVERYONE, including the medical professionals, who have checked out my knee, are so amazed with the beautiful incision, healing, lack of swelling, but most of all, NO NO NO bruising!! This is SUCH an invasive surgery and there is always some sort of bruising--not with me!! I truly believe it is due to the pre-surgical meditation and hypnosis CD's I was faithful about listening to for the weeks prior..this truly proves the "mind over matter" theory. I worked with my subconscious to not bleed much during the procedure, to not bruise, to lessen my pain, etc....and it worked! ;-)
I have had some WONDERFUL Julie-sitters the past 10 days--in fact, in some ways, it has been more like a social gathering at my house...my "helpers" come over to do things I have not been able to accomplish with two crutches: laundry, plant watering, fixing up my "ice machine" for my knee, etc...and then they prepare dinner...usually someone else will show up, and more and more--dinner for six, perhaps? Carol, Loretta, Kathy (leopard skin crutch artist), David, Lisa (who was the winner of the name Xena contest!), Sue (tie-dye queen)Ann, Fred/Tammy/Jessica, Katz, Lori C...and more characters to come!
PT is REALLY anguishing....yeeeeks! Yes, it HURTS! but I know it is for a good cause! I am really doing an awesome job of walking with fluid motion on my crutches--no limping!..and my knee flexion, bending it, is unbelievably great! but, it's that straightening that has me struggling. The PT does measurements each time he is here to see the "degree" I am at..I am two weeks ahead of schedule on the bending--he can push it to about 120 degrees (max for a titanium knee is about 140 degrees)! but I am at 3 degrees for straight leg--minus 1 degree is good for women as we tend to naturally hyper-extend. AND getting me to 3 degrees is a HUGE struggle and a nasty push down onto the swollen Xena. Pounding my fists on the floor and not crying is included in THAT adventure!
In a couple more weeks, I will be heading for outpatient PT which I hear is even tougher...trying to get muscle tone back and strength to wimpy, reconstructed innards is rough. Good news is, Xena weighs 3 lbs, and they only took out about 2 oz...so I have a small excuse for weight gain! heh heh...I still can't drive and won't be able to for at least a few more weeks--and not until I am off the pain pills.
Ice, ice and more ice...plus pain pills, as needed--found out it is important to not be overly macho about not taking pain pills...our brains and bodies need them to help us relax to give the "newbie" parts of my body and the parts that have been rearranged a good chance to slowly heal. The "ice machine" is a slick little cooler that recirculates cold water thru a hose to a soft pad that surrounds my knee...much better than re-using dripping ice packs every twenty minutes. This little machine can go for 4-6 hours! And oh JOY!! I can shower without wrapping my knee in a baggie! yip yip! I do have a cute little handicapped shower chair to assist me, but its great, other than afterwards struggling to put on the super dooper realllly tight elastic (tie-dye) hose! arrrghhhhhh....
My Kiva girl is doing awesome! Thanx to all of you who cared so well for her...she is a bit mystified about the crutches and why Mom can't take her for a walk!! grrrrr....but she is happy--I am figuring in a couple of weeks it will be time to find a new "buddy" for her from a rescue organization..she really has become a "pack" girl and I know she misses little Greta girl...so do I...*-(
I got some good news today....my current renter is moving out at the end of the month, but I have a darling little couple who are getting married in late August that will be moving in July 1st--well, she will, he won't til after they are married. They are both 23 yrs old, full time students at night, with full time day jobs...I think it is going to work very well for all of us!
Well, its time for me to do my daily exercices, personal PT...I have to continue to be motivated so that I can get back by late fall to all of my fun activities! Please please feel free to put comments on my blog...and thanx for reading! Love, Julie, Kiva, Xena and Knee-na (Thanx to Connie Hayes for naming my other knee!) :-)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Joy Joy Joy!! Home at last!
You know that Peanuts cartoon where Snoopy is just dancing around with "happy feet" (happy paws) looking up in the sky with that cute doggie smile on his face? Well, that is ME!! (if I could dance without crutches) I AM HOME!! WOOOHOOOO!
What a bit of a difficult adventure with my insurance company regarding my after care rehab hospital stay. They felt that I was too young (reverse discrimination) to be needing a rehab center--that I could just go right home--even though I live alone and have multiple flights of stairs to deal with at home. In fact, when I went to HealthSouth last Friday, I was not approved by insurance to go there...and even as of Weds. morn, I was not approved! Go Figure!
So Weds. around 1pm, my insurance, not-so-lovely UHC, called and told HealthSouth I had to leave there by 2pm--ONE HOUR NOTICE!! right! I had no one to take me home, no one to care for me there, no groceries...needless to say I was upset and so was HealthSouth. I cannot say enough good things about them--truly my advocates! plus wonderful care--great PT--good nurses--decent food. Anyway, HealthSouth stood by me and said I was not going to leave Weds, so I stayed until Thursday mid-morn....when I packed up my plants, flowers, cards, clothes, new "Canadian style" crutches and came home.
AHHHHH...home sweet home...nice cozy yummy bed, FABULOUS views, yippeee! I decided to have home PT for the next 10 days or so...since I won't be able to drive for another 4 to 6 weeks. And then, I will continue to go to HealthSouth for rehab--they have a van that will pick me up.
Visited Dr. Momberger on Weds--he is VERY happy with my knee!! Healing up well, X-ray looks like we had great positioning and I am pretty flexible! I do have struggles with straightening my leg out, so they will be a long road of painful rehab I am sure....and....I can shower without a plastic bag over my knee! I am now the proud owner of a "shower stool" and a "toilet seat riser"... boy, do they make my life easier!
I have to thank all of those who visited me in the hospital, to watch me puke, and in rehab to watch me smile....the lovely flowers, cards, plants, etc have been amazing! I know I am doing so well due to the outpouring of such warm support and love. My biggest challenge being at home will be to "NOT DO TOO MUCH"! I need to let this knee heal slowly, on it's own timetable and not get into "Julie Time"! Even as I write, I am looking at my back patio thinking--oh those flowers need to be deadheaded, oh look at those weeds, yikes--my pantry is a mess--etc etc etc....
"Ah Breathe Grasshopper"--it can wait! ;-) Thanx again for everything! Hugs, Julie and Xena
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Saw the Surgeon today and got a new room!!
Oh joy, oh joy!!
Yesterday, Healthsouth moved me into a private room...sooooooo much nicer than sharing with the, well, a bit psychotic woman I was sharing my other room with. She wasn't THAT bad, but it is a lot nicer to be with my millions of flowers and plants that have been given to me, instead of her. I have had SUCH wonderful fun visits--thank you to all of you who have stopped by!
I took the handicapped van (wearing my tiara, of course) to see my surgeon Dr. Momberger this morning...He was very very pleased with my knee, the x-rays show a great fit--wound is healing up nicely...the key, now, is patience...yup, Julie and patience don't usually add up! But, I will be workin' on it. This is truly a long slow healing process and Dr. Momberger wants me to stay on the heavy narcotics (!) for 4-6 weeks....YIKES! Did you know if you are pulled over while driving a car, and you are on narcotics, it is a DUI?? I do believe this is where I will be needing some helpers--run errands, for PT appts, etc....
Also a big thank you to everyone who took care of my Kiva girl....I know she had some little doggie anxiety attacks---I think the combo of having Julie Mom gone and her buddy Greta Girl, as been tough on her....she seems to be doing well now, though....she really love to put on her "doggie therapy bandana and ID" and come trotting into the hospital...;-)
So far, so good! Did I mention I found the secret good coffee machine??!! BINGO---she shoots, she scores!!! Hugs, Julie and Xena
Yesterday, Healthsouth moved me into a private room...sooooooo much nicer than sharing with the, well, a bit psychotic woman I was sharing my other room with. She wasn't THAT bad, but it is a lot nicer to be with my millions of flowers and plants that have been given to me, instead of her. I have had SUCH wonderful fun visits--thank you to all of you who have stopped by!
I took the handicapped van (wearing my tiara, of course) to see my surgeon Dr. Momberger this morning...He was very very pleased with my knee, the x-rays show a great fit--wound is healing up nicely...the key, now, is patience...yup, Julie and patience don't usually add up! But, I will be workin' on it. This is truly a long slow healing process and Dr. Momberger wants me to stay on the heavy narcotics (!) for 4-6 weeks....YIKES! Did you know if you are pulled over while driving a car, and you are on narcotics, it is a DUI?? I do believe this is where I will be needing some helpers--run errands, for PT appts, etc....
Also a big thank you to everyone who took care of my Kiva girl....I know she had some little doggie anxiety attacks---I think the combo of having Julie Mom gone and her buddy Greta Girl, as been tough on her....she seems to be doing well now, though....she really love to put on her "doggie therapy bandana and ID" and come trotting into the hospital...;-)
So far, so good! Did I mention I found the secret good coffee machine??!! BINGO---she shoots, she scores!!! Hugs, Julie and Xena
Monday, June 8, 2009
I Finally named my knee.....
Well, it happened this evening...the name just felt great! XENA......!!! yippeeee!! What a perfect name! I have been working REALLY hard in PT and OT--but am often annoyed with the term they use...."your surgical knee"--they don't want to say "your bad knee" since it is negative but I didn't like their term. "Oh move your surgical knee" "your surgical knee should go first" whatever!... But MY knee is; strong, loyal, faithful--a warrior---Xena, my left knee--she weighs 3 lbs, she is a female knee made of titanium....look at her! is she hot or WHAT!??? Thank you for all of the fun ideas and suggestions...they told me here at the rehab hospital and at the surgical hospital, they had never met anyone who had named their knee....what's up with THAT!?? I can't wait for you all to meet her!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
four days after surgery
Whew...it is June 6th...and I am still alive and kickin! On the 2nd, when Dr Momberger got "under my skin" he could see why I was in so much pain....lots of swelling in soft tissue and in the bone...it was NOT a pretty left knee! Surgery went well and I did not have much bleeding at all (I take credit for my good subconscience meditation about that!). Monday afternoon, when they tried to get me to stand up, I puked all over everyone....sorry....
I was truly puking for those first two days straight....couldn't keep anything down, including the pain meds....so I was NOT having any fun...Tuesday was even worse...I just felt lousy. Started feeling better as the week progressed....was going to miss my great single private room at the new TOSH facility...but they kicked me out on Friday night....
I am now at Healthsouth Rehab...it's okay....sharing a room is not my favorite--and the food is, well, you know hospital food....but the rehab therapists are good and my laptop is up and running....oh yipppee!!! I have had plenty of fabulous flowers!YUM! and wonderful sweet visitors! Including my cute little Kiva girl who came by last night with Katz....Kiva was right at home! I am doing okay....I just want to be slow and take my time so I don't dive into any of this too fast and ruin the good that has been done with this surgery. slow slow slow.
I am not sure how any of this blog stuff really works....if anyone knows, plz tell me!! I know people can "subscribe" to my posts, but I want people to be able to write back....anyone knows how that works?? thanx for the love support and prayers...julie and the new knee....
PS: I still am struggling with what I want to name my new knee....I am taking suggestions!!! anyone?
I was truly puking for those first two days straight....couldn't keep anything down, including the pain meds....so I was NOT having any fun...Tuesday was even worse...I just felt lousy. Started feeling better as the week progressed....was going to miss my great single private room at the new TOSH facility...but they kicked me out on Friday night....
I am now at Healthsouth Rehab...it's okay....sharing a room is not my favorite--and the food is, well, you know hospital food....but the rehab therapists are good and my laptop is up and running....oh yipppee!!! I have had plenty of fabulous flowers!YUM! and wonderful sweet visitors! Including my cute little Kiva girl who came by last night with Katz....Kiva was right at home! I am doing okay....I just want to be slow and take my time so I don't dive into any of this too fast and ruin the good that has been done with this surgery. slow slow slow.
I am not sure how any of this blog stuff really works....if anyone knows, plz tell me!! I know people can "subscribe" to my posts, but I want people to be able to write back....anyone knows how that works?? thanx for the love support and prayers...julie and the new knee....
PS: I still am struggling with what I want to name my new knee....I am taking suggestions!!! anyone?
Monday, June 1, 2009
night before continued....
I am a bit nervous for the spinal instead of general anesthesia...ugh....guess they will block my entire leg with a femoral sort of paralyzing block, too...freaky!
So, I have decided to name my new knee. Since I am going to have a long relationship with this new foreign alien within my body, it should be named....I am taking suggestions! The winner will get a new sports car worth hundreds of dollars!! $$ I kind of like "R2-D2"....sort of short, metal, very smart and loyal...anyone??
In advance, thank thank thank you all for the support and concern! I have had so many great phone calls tonight and well wishers---I couldn't back to everyone...I was too busy trying to water plants, pack up Kiva, pack up Julie for 10 days, do bills, blah blah blah....but...each one of your calls and emails means SO much to me! I am surrounded by THE BEST!!
Ok--time to jump in the shower---though, I can't shave my legs....eeeks! they don't want any little nicks and scratches that might get infection! oh my! gotta quit drinking, eating, and being by midnight! Cross your paws!! hugs to all, Julie
So, I have decided to name my new knee. Since I am going to have a long relationship with this new foreign alien within my body, it should be named....I am taking suggestions! The winner will get a new sports car worth hundreds of dollars!! $$ I kind of like "R2-D2"....sort of short, metal, very smart and loyal...anyone??
In advance, thank thank thank you all for the support and concern! I have had so many great phone calls tonight and well wishers---I couldn't back to everyone...I was too busy trying to water plants, pack up Kiva, pack up Julie for 10 days, do bills, blah blah blah....but...each one of your calls and emails means SO much to me! I am surrounded by THE BEST!!
Ok--time to jump in the shower---though, I can't shave my legs....eeeks! they don't want any little nicks and scratches that might get infection! oh my! gotta quit drinking, eating, and being by midnight! Cross your paws!! hugs to all, Julie
Twas the Night Before Surgery
Whew.....
I got the EARLY morning surgery spot! woohooo! 6:15am report, 7:30pm digging begins! Surgery should take around 2 hrs...recovery 45 mins, though last time I was in recovery for about 3 doggone hrs! Yipes! I hope to be in my deluxe private room with the pool and built-in cabana boys by 11am-12noon....hoping someone will call my Dad (hint hint) to get info to put on this blog to share with everyone....
ALMOST have everything done at the house....little Miss Perfection at work here! Who knows how I will sleep? Who cares? I will be sleeping for the next three days anyway! ;-) Got my first choice for anestegiologists---hope he can spell it! ;-)
I got the EARLY morning surgery spot! woohooo! 6:15am report, 7:30pm digging begins! Surgery should take around 2 hrs...recovery 45 mins, though last time I was in recovery for about 3 doggone hrs! Yipes! I hope to be in my deluxe private room with the pool and built-in cabana boys by 11am-12noon....hoping someone will call my Dad (hint hint) to get info to put on this blog to share with everyone....
ALMOST have everything done at the house....little Miss Perfection at work here! Who knows how I will sleep? Who cares? I will be sleeping for the next three days anyway! ;-) Got my first choice for anestegiologists---hope he can spell it! ;-)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
caregiver calendar
http://www.my.calendars.net/julieangela/ is the signup calendar for help!!
or try www.calsnet.net/julieangela password is Kiva
or try www.calsnet.net/julieangela password is Kiva
Surgery Info
I will heading into TOSH on June 2nd....(801) 314-4100 5848 South 300 East in Murray.
Then on the 5th to ....Healthsouth Rehab Hospital
8074 South 1300 East in Sandy (801) 561-3400
Hopefully just 7 to 10 days there....eeks! Julie
Then on the 5th to ....Healthsouth Rehab Hospital
8074 South 1300 East in Sandy (801) 561-3400
Hopefully just 7 to 10 days there....eeks! Julie
Friday, May 22, 2009
New Blogger-ette!
I am a virgin at this blogging extravaganza....but at the suggestion of dear cousin Connie, I am going to start a blog about my upcoming knee surgery! I guess there will be a few folks who want to know my status, updates, etc. and it will be easier for them to find out from checking thru this blog page?
So, if you come to visit me or hear something about the surgery, please make a quick post to update anyone who cares--heh heh!
Also, if you need to use this along with the infamous calendar, to set up Kiva or Julie baby-sitting chores, this could be a good way to communicate....
Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Julie
So, if you come to visit me or hear something about the surgery, please make a quick post to update anyone who cares--heh heh!
Also, if you need to use this along with the infamous calendar, to set up Kiva or Julie baby-sitting chores, this could be a good way to communicate....
Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Julie
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