@sueinmn
P.S. I called a couple of skilled nursing rehab centers and asked how will I get from the hospital to the rehab place, they told me if the hospital doesn't arrange for it, they will. So naturally with my personality I have to make sure that I won't be charged extra for that transportation. I don't like surprises. I know I won't be able to drive for a few weeks, I read that it's the pain medication that may stop me from driving as well as not being able to maneuver my leg too well, but I can cope with pain without taking strong medication I THINK. As far as the leg being maneuvered, I'll see about that as time goes on. Thanks again.
Okay Cindi - you're getting there!
For sure you will NOT be able to maneuver your leg to drive for at least a couple weeks, pain meds or not.
Here are a few more things to be sure you have before surgery -
Large ice packs - several of them. The more you ice the first two weeks the less pain and swelling. I know your husband is usually waited on by you, but is it possible he will be able to step up and switch them out for you the first few days?
A reacher - we call it "the claw" - to pick things up.
A firm, solid chair with arms and no wheels. Think the old kind of office visitor chair - with a cushion.
A seat for the shower. If you have a tub, the kind that extends over the edge, so you can sit and swivel your feet in.
A toilet seat riser unless you already have a taller toilet.
EASY to fix foods. Prowl the supermarket and find healthy frozen meals for you & your husband. Also breakfast cereal, milk, cheese, yogurt, low-sodium soups...
If anyone else has suggestions, please jump in!
You've got this Cindi!
Sue
Okay Cindi - you're getting there!
For sure you will NOT be able to maneuver your leg to drive for at least a couple weeks, pain meds or not.
Here are a few more things to be sure you have before surgery -
Large ice packs - several of them. The more you ice the first two weeks the less pain and swelling. I know your husband is usually waited on by you, but is it possible he will be able to step up and switch them out for you the first few days?
A reacher - we call it "the claw" - to pick things up.
A firm, solid chair with arms and no wheels. Think the old kind of office visitor chair - with a cushion.
A seat for the shower. If you have a tub, the kind that extends over the edge, so you can sit and swivel your feet in.
A toilet seat riser unless you already have a taller toilet.
EASY to fix foods. Prowl the supermarket and find healthy frozen meals for you & your husband. Also breakfast cereal, milk, cheese, yogurt, low-sodium soups...
If anyone else has suggestions, please jump in!
You've got this Cindi!
Sue
@cindiwass, I second what @sueinmn suggests. One of the things that really helped me through my knee replacement was a Toilet Safety Frame and Rail that makes it easier to sit down and get up. This is a folding one which is better than the one I have but here's what they look like - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NRWN1Q.
Hi Cindy- I have had knee surgery and two-foot surgeries. The standard advice for ice applications is 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. That means that you need to have ice packs that are very cold and ready to go every 20 minutes. Perhaps a small ice chest next to you would be just the thing. Don't skrimp on this as it will help get the swelling down as much as the anti-inflammatories. But you need both of them to work their best together.
By the way, Sue helped me prior to my surgeries and if you listen to her you will do well. For at least the first 2 weeks you really need to concentrate on yourself. If you have family nearby and neighbors, a church or other affiliation please ask for their help or a senior center? But as far as insurance the hospital will be your best bet.
You might want a port-a-pot next to your bed that is adjustable.
I understand a lot about being afraid of surgeries. I have lung cancer and have had my share of them. But putting off surgery because of the fear is giving in to it and that won't fix anything. And putting off anything because of fear will just complicate it because then you will feel guilty.
When you get to the hospital on the day of your operation, after all of the pre-op questions and repeating your name and DOB a million times, etc. tell your nurse that you need something to relax you or the anesthesiologist. I always do and by George, I'm the happiest person in pre-op when I'm wheeled to the OR. I was told that I talked my way into the ER and out of it for my knee operation. So unlike me...not! I once told my gynecologist that I thought that he had a sexy smile just prior to a hysterectomy.
Now, to be serious: I wish you the best of luck, and with the research and preparations that you are making things should run smoothly and you will be out jogging before long!
I had total hip replacement 2 months ago. I did it as same day surgery and was home 4 hours after surgery. I was back to driving within a week (once I was off pain meds). I was able to sleep on my side again at about 5-6 weeks. I had lateral approach done.
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Okay Cindi - you're getting there!
For sure you will NOT be able to maneuver your leg to drive for at least a couple weeks, pain meds or not.
Here are a few more things to be sure you have before surgery -
Large ice packs - several of them. The more you ice the first two weeks the less pain and swelling. I know your husband is usually waited on by you, but is it possible he will be able to step up and switch them out for you the first few days?
A reacher - we call it "the claw" - to pick things up.
A firm, solid chair with arms and no wheels. Think the old kind of office visitor chair - with a cushion.
A seat for the shower. If you have a tub, the kind that extends over the edge, so you can sit and swivel your feet in.
A toilet seat riser unless you already have a taller toilet.
EASY to fix foods. Prowl the supermarket and find healthy frozen meals for you & your husband. Also breakfast cereal, milk, cheese, yogurt, low-sodium soups...
If anyone else has suggestions, please jump in!
You've got this Cindi!
Sue
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@cindiwass, I second what @sueinmn suggests. One of the things that really helped me through my knee replacement was a Toilet Safety Frame and Rail that makes it easier to sit down and get up. This is a folding one which is better than the one I have but here's what they look like - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NRWN1Q.
Sue is right - you've got this!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi Cindy- I have had knee surgery and two-foot surgeries. The standard advice for ice applications is 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. That means that you need to have ice packs that are very cold and ready to go every 20 minutes. Perhaps a small ice chest next to you would be just the thing. Don't skrimp on this as it will help get the swelling down as much as the anti-inflammatories. But you need both of them to work their best together.
By the way, Sue helped me prior to my surgeries and if you listen to her you will do well. For at least the first 2 weeks you really need to concentrate on yourself. If you have family nearby and neighbors, a church or other affiliation please ask for their help or a senior center? But as far as insurance the hospital will be your best bet.
You might want a port-a-pot next to your bed that is adjustable.
I understand a lot about being afraid of surgeries. I have lung cancer and have had my share of them. But putting off surgery because of the fear is giving in to it and that won't fix anything. And putting off anything because of fear will just complicate it because then you will feel guilty.
When you get to the hospital on the day of your operation, after all of the pre-op questions and repeating your name and DOB a million times, etc. tell your nurse that you need something to relax you or the anesthesiologist. I always do and by George, I'm the happiest person in pre-op when I'm wheeled to the OR. I was told that I talked my way into the ER and out of it for my knee operation. So unlike me...not! I once told my gynecologist that I thought that he had a sexy smile just prior to a hysterectomy.
Now, to be serious: I wish you the best of luck, and with the research and preparations that you are making things should run smoothly and you will be out jogging before long!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI had total hip replacement 2 months ago. I did it as same day surgery and was home 4 hours after surgery. I was back to driving within a week (once I was off pain meds). I was able to sleep on my side again at about 5-6 weeks. I had lateral approach done.