Yesterday was the worst day of my post surgical experience. I knew it would be. I remembered the staple removal from three years before and it was painful.
It was still painful, but not quite as bad as I remembered. There were a couple of really ouchy places, one little staple bled, but overall, the scar looks very good, better than the one from 2 years ago. Last night I had to get a bandaid as the lower edge of the scar was pulling apart, slightly. The other scar had several places where it separated slightly, but they healed fine. I have Strei-strips coming from Amazon tomorrow so I can stabilize that area better.
There is pain, still, in the new knee. Most of the time it is very minor. Other times, it is a tad more ouchy. I am taking Tramadol three or four times a day. It seems to keep it at bay. I keep thinking it should be feeling better by now, but at this same point three years ago, I was still in the rehab facility and getting regular pain meds. The doctors and PT people all seem to think I am doing really well.
I walk more with a cane than the walker. I did drive on Tuesday so I could go and vote. It went well but I could not take the pain killer, so I will be doing driving in between pain meds and trying to go out and do several things all at one trip.
But baby steps. I slept for three hours after driving for about 10 miles total and spending a few minutes voting. My body knows that something major was done and requires lots, more rest.
Appointment on Monday to start outpatient Physical Therapy. Now the hard, vigorous work begins. Light after the end of a hard tunnel!!!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Two Weeks Out.....
Well, I am still here.
First, Rob was a wonderful help to me. I could never have come home directly from the hospital without him here. While he was busy with a data project for the International Tai Chi Society, all I had to do was ask and I had water or food or ice for my knee. I felt much more comfortable getting up and moving with him here. I knew if I had trouble, he would be there.
I had issues. Constipation was one. I began managing my pain better, but the medication clogged me up. So prunes and extra water and laxatives took care of it. Not a fun thing. I also found that my bladder was not as strong as before, so I was not able to wait as long to hit the bathroom. Oh the joys of getting older and having surgery.
But the good news is that all of the potty issues have been resolved and I think I can now begin to think about going out in public, briefly, without the fear of shame.
I have stopped the Oxycodone. I am now doing Tramadol which seems to be doing more to take away the pain. I am managing an 80 degree bend in the knee with my in-home therapy guy, Gerry. He went back into my old records (he was in home three years ago) and it took closer to 9 weeks to achieve the 80 degree bed with my right knee.
The church ladies have been bringing in meals every other day or so. Rob was happy to not have to cook. We have had some lovely meals. Some very talented cooks at Parkesburg Mennonite. Still have a few to come and then I should be able to handle it all myself.
Staples come out this Wednesday. Wendy Kennel will be taking me. I think I could have driven, but I remember how painful it was three years ago and how queasy I felt after, so I asked her to drive me. But this week I will be venturing out on my own, as the doctor has said only 2 weeks without driving this time. But I will have to stop the pain med when I want to drive. I will have to make the trips all in one morning or afternoon, depending how much pain I am having.
So, I am thinking I am doing well.
Sheila was here for several hours this weekend. She jump started laundry by striping Rob's bed after he left. (It was in the basement and I am not too sure about a full flight of stairs.) She also helped move from things and helped with the dogs. She is a wonderful friend who has gone above and beyond!! I am blessed!
So, keep prayers coming for continued healing and good results from therapy.
First, Rob was a wonderful help to me. I could never have come home directly from the hospital without him here. While he was busy with a data project for the International Tai Chi Society, all I had to do was ask and I had water or food or ice for my knee. I felt much more comfortable getting up and moving with him here. I knew if I had trouble, he would be there.
I had issues. Constipation was one. I began managing my pain better, but the medication clogged me up. So prunes and extra water and laxatives took care of it. Not a fun thing. I also found that my bladder was not as strong as before, so I was not able to wait as long to hit the bathroom. Oh the joys of getting older and having surgery.
But the good news is that all of the potty issues have been resolved and I think I can now begin to think about going out in public, briefly, without the fear of shame.
I have stopped the Oxycodone. I am now doing Tramadol which seems to be doing more to take away the pain. I am managing an 80 degree bend in the knee with my in-home therapy guy, Gerry. He went back into my old records (he was in home three years ago) and it took closer to 9 weeks to achieve the 80 degree bed with my right knee.
The church ladies have been bringing in meals every other day or so. Rob was happy to not have to cook. We have had some lovely meals. Some very talented cooks at Parkesburg Mennonite. Still have a few to come and then I should be able to handle it all myself.
Staples come out this Wednesday. Wendy Kennel will be taking me. I think I could have driven, but I remember how painful it was three years ago and how queasy I felt after, so I asked her to drive me. But this week I will be venturing out on my own, as the doctor has said only 2 weeks without driving this time. But I will have to stop the pain med when I want to drive. I will have to make the trips all in one morning or afternoon, depending how much pain I am having.
So, I am thinking I am doing well.
Sheila was here for several hours this weekend. She jump started laundry by striping Rob's bed after he left. (It was in the basement and I am not too sure about a full flight of stairs.) She also helped move from things and helped with the dogs. She is a wonderful friend who has gone above and beyond!! I am blessed!
So, keep prayers coming for continued healing and good results from therapy.
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