Quote:
Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee
How about an update on how you are doing with the knee surgery? Hopefully, the pain is much less this week.
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Thanks for asking. I'm replying with details because i know there are lots of people considering this surgery. I just keep thinking i must be the world's biggest wimp. Because thousands of the surgeries are done daily. However I've heard that a knee replacement is one of the most painful surgeries ever, and I would sure agree with that.
For me, it's now two weeks after a knee replacement. I had my 30 knee staples removed today. After my surgery on July 10, and after the spinal freezing wore off, the first few days were unbelievably painful. Just something you never want to remember. I hate taking drugs, but we were told they are imperative, because without pain drugs, you just wouldn't be able to bear the Physio. Which must be done regularly or scar tissue will form. The challenges are definitely pain management and frequent exercises. And of course dealing with the side effects of prescription pain Meds. I was under the perception that if I took my prescribed pain Meds, that i'd be pain free. Lol. Not true. There is pain 24/7, even with OxyContin or Dilaudid. But the medication does take the edge off to allow sleeping and Physio.
My Physiotherapist says I'm doing great, but I feel like a wet paper towel. I can walk unassisted, slowly, like Frankenstein. But I would never walk around unassisted because if I should trip, it could be a disaster. In two weeks, my knees have gotten incredibly stronger as the swelling decreases, and the joints mend. The bending is the hardest part, and the most painful. Fireboy is a poster boy for patience and helps with my exercises. I'm in Canada, but you can probably hear me shrieking in Florida "It just won't bend anymore". And then Fireboy bends it another inch further! It's a tough job being a caregiver, and I have nothing but admiration for people who do it full time.
So, two weeks after surgery, I wouldn't recommend a knee replacement it to anyone! But I'm told that in another month, I'll be very happy I did it, and that I'll be recommending it to friends. And in six months I'll be golfing in The Villages, and my knee will feel normal. O Happy Day!