A New Knee..... For The New Year! Revisited!!! - Two Rock Soup Blog at Allrecipes.com - 262136

Two Rock Soup

A New Knee..... For The New Year! Revisited!!! 
 
Dec. 27, 2011 10:56 am 
Updated: Jan. 5, 2012 2:36 pm
Today has been a very busy day!  I'm having to get all the christmas stuff down, packed and returned to the attic!

I have to clean the house and get our room ready for Jim... He is going into the hospital tommorow... for a total knee replacement!

He has put this surgery off way too long.  I, for one, will be glad that he can recover and get back to that vital man... I married oh so many years ago!

I am a little giddy at the chance to care for him... as he takes such good care of me all of the time!  Of course I am at the same time a little worried... it is a lengthy surgery and a long rehab, but I know he will do just fine!

Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers that he will be OK and celebrate a new knee in the new year!

Happy New Year wishes to you all!!!!!!

I keep promising a blog from the man himself... it will be coming! 

Jim is over whelmed by all he has read... and in the midst of the rehab... and I might add in great pain, your  words mean more than you know! 

I hope Popsicle Sr. doesn't mind... but check out his story in the comment section!  His 92nd Birthday is coming up soon! What a sweet story!  I Just love AR!
 
 
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Comments
irayd8- I don't cook 
Dec. 27, 2011 11:47 am
Good Luck! Got my new knee 3 years ago-Now I'm walking pain free. Make sure he takes his pain pills (esp before therapy)Keep it on ice continuously! Start therapy ASAP (I came straight home but should have gone to a rehab center) It's a slow process but worth it!
 
irayd8- I don't cook 
Dec. 27, 2011 11:48 am
Oh yeah-the bad part is every time you fly he'll have to have the complete screening! After awhile he may start to "enjoy" that!
 
witchywoman 
Dec. 27, 2011 12:15 pm
I had my partial done 4 years ago, it was a pain in the @ss, at first, but I'm glad I got it done.
 
Lela 
Dec. 27, 2011 12:38 pm
Terry, my thoughts and prayers will be with you and Jim. Here is to a speedy and healthy recovery for your special guy!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 1:54 pm
Irayd8, Shared your comment with Jim! He said will do and thanks for the good advice!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 1:55 pm
Witchy, that's what I hear... thanks for the comment... make him feel better about tomorrow!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 1:57 pm
Awww Thanks Lela! Sentiment relayed to Jim! He's a little nervous but feels much better that he's in your prayers!!!
 
Cat Hill-Want2B Gardening 
Dec. 27, 2011 2:16 pm
Wishing him a safe and speedy recovery!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 2:32 pm
Thanks Cat! That really is our plan! I'll update... probably after the new year!
 
Raedwulf 
Dec. 27, 2011 3:38 pm
All my best to your Jim. I have a god friend who at age 29 was stricken with chronic rheumatois arthritis. Now at age 49, he's only got one elbow left that's factory equipment. Every other joint is a composite of some sort, titanium here, plastic there. He healed marvelously and fully each time so Jim oughta be good. lol, best of luck!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 4:52 pm
Raedwulf... Thanks for the comment, we are sure we will be fine but Jim is still a tad antsy... and your friend sounds like quite the trooper... RA... Tough, nasty, destructive disease! Jim's is just degenerative Arthritis... we should count ourselves lucky! My best to you and your buddy... you both just made me breathe easier!
 
Mike Harvey, daPITA 
Dec. 27, 2011 5:30 pm
It's hard to not be antsy before a surgery. There's too much that is not known by a patient. Todays doctors and nurses are a much higher caliber that even ten years ago. They'll have Jim at ease and full of confidence before and after his surgery. All he has to do is, to do exactly as instructed for the specified time period. My best to Jim!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 5:41 pm
Mike I'm making Jim read this as we speak! You are still my hero and now Jim's! He's just nodding in his appreciation!
 
Magnolia Blossom 
Dec. 27, 2011 6:24 pm
Best of luck to Jim! Does this mean you'll make him some more of your fancy desserts if he's a good boy?
 
witchywoman 
Dec. 27, 2011 6:27 pm
Tell him that they will give him a shot of something in his IV tomorrow that will make him forget all about being antsy and when he wakes up, it'll be all over and he'll have that new knee in place...and then he'll have the morphine or whatever they give him button after that...time will float on by for him...as far as I can remember...details are a bit fuzzy to me :) P.S. I haven't had a problem with a metal detector yet!!
 
grannygigi 
Dec. 27, 2011 6:31 pm
My best to Jim and I know exactly how antsy he is feeling! I have had both my knees replaced, one in 2006 and the other in 2007. I suffered several years and kept putting the surgery off. After I had it done, I wished I had done it much sooner! I have had NO pain in my knees since then. The rehab can be a bit painful but if he keeps up on his pain meds just before re-hab, he will do fine. It will be SO worth it!.....Ginny
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 6:45 pm
Magnolia B... You bet Ya!!!!Jim get's anything he wants when I get him home!!!!! Flourless choco cake forever!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 6:47 pm
WW!!!! That comment actually made him laugh out loud!!!!!! I'll replay that one tomorrow!!!!!Thanks again!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 27, 2011 6:50 pm
Ginny! So much of a comfort comment for my love.. on behalf of Jim... Thank you Granny!
 
witchywoman 
Dec. 28, 2011 6:59 am
Good luck today, Jim!!
 
mintconditionherbfarm 
Dec. 28, 2011 7:11 am
My first knee replacement is 12 years old and my second knee is 6 years old. It is a hard surgery and rehab but it is a miracle and Jim will love his new knee and you will love having your vital man back. Having them done gave me my active live back. Rehab is super important, but even more so is keeping your body and especially your legs VERY strong...strong muscles support that new knee. My doctors credit my strong quads with how well my oldest knee has held up. Good luck, keep us posted! And food wise: I found chicken noodle soup and oreos to be the best combination that settled a stomach full of pain killers!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 28, 2011 8:29 am
Mint... thanks for the words of encouragement... and the food combo suggestion!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 28, 2011 8:30 am
WW... sent the sentiment! They just took him back for his block! Thanks!!!!!
 
witchywoman 
Dec. 28, 2011 9:24 am
I didn't do the block. I was in A LOT of pain afterward...they've already taken him back, so I can safely say that the thought of a needle jabbed into my spine didn't do much for me! I don't think they could have put enough stuff in my IV to get rid of THAT feeling!! He's a trooper!
 
witchywoman 
Dec. 28, 2011 9:25 am
But I didn't want to post that before he went back...but he'll probably be pretty comfortable tonight with getting that.
 
witchywoman 
Dec. 28, 2011 9:27 am
And, mint is 100% right...PT is no walk in the park and tell Jim when he thinks he's reached his limit, push it an inch more! It took me about 7 months of PT.
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 28, 2011 9:42 am
WW...Jim has the unfortunate circumstance of being married to a Physical Therapist(however I'm retired) He won't be able to get away with anything!
 
petey 
Dec. 28, 2011 9:50 am
The PT is definitely of prime importance. My doc didn't believe in it and it caused me a LOT of pain up front. Once I got admitted into some intensive PT I was riding again 6 weeks after surgery. Glad to have it behind me and not hurt all the time anymore!
 
Carrie 
Dec. 28, 2011 11:02 am
All my best wishes for your hubby Jim. I have many relatives that have had the surgery with wonderful results! Following the rehab routine and eating healthy are key I think. A 50ish girlfriend is going back to work next week after her replacement and truly feeling a new lease on life I think :) Keep his spirits up and turn some of his socks into puppets, lol
 
witchywoman 
Dec. 28, 2011 11:13 am
I didn't know that, Terry...he's in good hands, then! You already know :)
 
grannygigi 
Dec. 28, 2011 1:30 pm
Jim may be out of surgery by now. He will not feel well for a while but will be able to be up sooner than you can believe and they will have him walking with a walker. He will be surprised how quickly it will go. They sent me home with a machine that forced my knee to bend and it was a great help. Keeping Jim and you in prayers for a quick recovery!!
 
BigShotsMom 
Dec. 28, 2011 2:11 pm
Good wishes for Jim on his recovery and for you too. He will do wonderfully with such a great cheerleader as you! Rehab, rehab, rehab and then he will feel like the 6 Million Dollar Man!
 
covergirl 
Dec. 28, 2011 2:24 pm
Not much to add to above, good advice all. I am an RN with a titanium knee. You are a P.T. so you know the drill. It is hard to accept the temporary limitations, esp. the walker and the real urge to be at home is a problem. Better to go to an in patient rehab for at least a week or two, hope you did your research. I am sure you know how to coach him, but the reality of it all is that patients do no really listen to friends and family. A stranger makes a bigger impact. Try to encourage him to keep the knee straight even in bed, big problem for me as a side sleeper/semi=fetal position person. Good luck, and please blog in how it is going.
 
Wendie 
Dec. 28, 2011 3:53 pm
Best wishes on the bionic knee and the rehab, while I've not been there the sage advice above speaks volumes. Here's to a speedy recovery. Best wishes!
 
robograndma 
Dec. 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Good luck and bless the both of you. I did not have good luck with mine but I think I waited too long. I wish I had the in patient rehab option they came to my house once a week the rest of the time it was me and the mechine. Best of luck .
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 29, 2011 5:11 am
Thanks BSM and Covergirl... I got all covered! We had a bad night last night... the block didn't take all the way, so he was hurting and nauseas, great combo!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 29, 2011 5:12 am
Wendie, Thanks so much! and Robo,met with the Social Worker this am and gettin' things lined up!!!
 
Susan Moss 
Dec. 29, 2011 11:29 am
Best Wishes to Jim. Gonna give you the real truth here as I just did this myself November 21st. Be ready for some serious pain during the first couple of weeks but oxycodone helps IF you keep it in your system. Even if you're not in pain, take it at the scheduled times. Don't let the pain pile up on you. It's all about getting those muscles back working after surgery so therapy is painful but very important. Just got home from mine for the day and 6 weeks have passed and I am doing great. Beyond where I should be but it came with much preserverance. I hope Jim does well. Not meant to scare you but I wish someone had been truthful with me. He will be in my prayers. I found that to be most helpful!!
 
markypop 
Dec. 29, 2011 4:33 pm
I have had both knees done in the last 18 months and would have done so mmuch sooner if I knew how well I would feel after. Your guy will be good as new in 10 weeks as long as he keeps up the rehab therapy. Best wishes.
 
sdebra 
Dec. 30, 2011 1:37 am
Thought I would comment since i am a heathy 52 yr old who just had my knee replacement done on the 12th of this month. Why did I wait is all I can say! Not nearly as bad as anticipated. I had a spinal with a block which was amazing! Up walking on it in 24 hours. Had in home physical therapy 4 times a week! Now 2 1/2 weeks later im up walking with my cane, pretty much pain free. Most of the time, taking my pain meds usually in the evening. Just be diligent with the physical therapy! They have come a long way Medically with knee replacements and pain relief! I know I still have weeks of recovery and a lot of hard work but so far it has been so much better without all that pain. Prayers for you both but im sure he will do great and both of your lives will be much improved.
 
mauigirl.. Intermediate not a 
Dec. 30, 2011 5:05 am
Just wishing your sweetheart a swift recovery. Happy and healthy new year to you both.
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 30, 2011 6:14 am
Susie and Markie, I didn't get to read these last night... but they sure were a welcome read this am! Jim is about to go to the therapy gym for the first itme... and was needing some encouragement other than mine... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 30, 2011 6:16 am
Thanks Maui girl! Happy New Year!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 30, 2011 6:18 am
sdebra.... Good timing on me checking the blog... Jim's leaving for therapy in about 20 min. Your comment made him feel a little less anxious... Thank you soooo much for sharing with us!
 
SHERLIE 
Dec. 30, 2011 9:35 am
I have had both knees done, first one in 2004, second in 2006, surgery on a monday, home on thursday and then hubs drove me 20 miles for PT on Friday. PT is the key and the hard part but you do everything they say to do. It is a long recovery but everyday gets better and you think is this it but you turn another corner for a long time and it gets better and better. I have my life back, best of luck to both of you!!!!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 30, 2011 10:15 am
Sherlie... Jim is asleep right now... this one I'm gonna share before he goes to therapy this afternoon! Thanks so much... you and everyone else will never know how much you all help!
 
mintconditionherbfarm 
Dec. 30, 2011 12:27 pm
Terry/Jim...glad to hear he's on the backside of surgery and now into pt. I was fortunate with both my knees that my doctor/pt and staff recognized that this is also a "head" game to stay with it. They had my write down what I wanted to accomplish AFTER my pt was through that I had not been able to do BEFORE surgery. They posted it where I would see it during pt and my husband posted it at home so I would focus on where I was heading instead of the pain/frustration that I was in at that immediate moment. Hoping this might help with this next phase!!! Cait
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 30, 2011 1:06 pm
mint... great idea!
 
KBoblett 
Dec. 30, 2011 3:52 pm
I had my right knee done on 11/14/11 and the left on 12/19/11. It is not easy but every day is better than the day before. I am looking forward to having a life again and think this will be worth it. Good Luck and stay with the PT.
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 30, 2011 4:08 pm
Aww K... Thanks and right back at ya!!!We will and from all I hear it is worth it..or in Jim's words... It Darn well better be worth it!!!!
 
Roz 
Dec. 30, 2011 5:41 pm
I've had two knee replacements in the past two years, and I can say without exception, it's worth it! I am hiking and biking...enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Maine this fall. It's a blessing.
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 30, 2011 7:19 pm
Roz... You are a blessing indeed... I gotta tell ya, by the way Jim is feeling... these words will really tip him over to expectation instead of dread of rehab! I'll share with him tommorrow... unless you would like to on our home email.. posted on my latest blog! I know he would love to hear from you... might take a while to responed... but know you will be read! Thanks soooo much for your comment!
 
gocoastl 
Dec. 30, 2011 8:01 pm
Had mine done in June at the ripe old age of 51! It takes awhile to recuperate, but am told it will be very cool in the long run! Good luck!
 
hwandbd 
Dec. 31, 2011 12:30 am
My best to Jim,wishing him a speedy recovery.Be blessed.
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 4:56 am
gocoastl, How's your rehab going? Jim is 55! I'm thinking he's gonna do just fine! Our best wishes to you... Oh and Happy New Year!!!!!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 4:57 am
hwandbd, Thank you sooo much and Happy New Year!
 
computax 
Dec. 31, 2011 7:29 am
I just had my surgery December 5 in Lethbridge. It took only 4 months to get it arranged. First of all you need to know that there is 130 degree movement in your knee. You want to be able to get back close to that. Dr. Says probably 120 is a good expectation. Mr brother had his done some years ago and was in agony for months. He was bone on bone for 20 years. I went in with about one eighth in clearance. The sergery went fine. They want to do a spinal but when you wake up it hurts like hell. I went with being put to sleep. Woke up fine. Day 2 passed the stair test and went home on day 3. They gave me tramadol (2 every 4 hours) I have been only a 3 or4 out of 10 in pain. My knee bled for a while but it is important to let it air dry ASAP. All staples are now out and I will start pt soon. Ihad 108 degree movement leaving hospital. So I don't have far to go. Lots of rest is important, and walking around the house and using your stairs too. Have a healthy attitude. I'm looking forward to getting the next one done next year. All austeoarthritis goes by by with the old knee. Good luck to you.
 
Schweik 
Dec. 31, 2011 7:51 am
I had a double knee replacement in November 2011. All the suggestions from irayd8 are spot on. My doctor didn't believe in rehab centers (said they were "hot beds of infection") nor did he authorize me to rent a hospital bed for the downstairs (I live in a townhome and all bedrooms are upstairs). It was not fun--but after two nights of sleeping in the recliner, I made it up the stairs. Never, ever go to therapy without having taken the pain pills long enough before the therapy appointment so that they are in "full effect" when the therapist starts.
 
Grama2 
Dec. 31, 2011 8:37 am
Had both knees done 6 months apart about 6 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Pain meds & therapy will get you where you want to be.
 
Roz 
Dec. 31, 2011 10:29 am
My physical therapist is a doll, and she said if you're not taking your pain meds, you're not working hard enough. Men try to be tough. Each person and knee is different...even my two were different from each other. As soon as able, get on that stationary bike and go. My second was so much easier I was driving in 4 weeks.
 
mbo 
Dec. 31, 2011 10:49 am
Terry/Jim: Had my rt. knee done 2 years ago. I was bone on bone for years and was terrified of surgery. I was in rehab for 2 weeks post surgery, and pt 3x week for 5 months. Can't believe I am pain free!! I pray for my left knee every day as I never want to go through that again. It is brutal. It is worth all the pain and trauma as you go through rehab because there is a light at the end of it. My prayers are with you both for a complete recovery.
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 1:42 pm
Computax... well you certainly are quite the roll model! Jim is at -10/ ext. and 70/flex. Not too shabby! Thanks for sharing with us!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 1:48 pm
Schweik... After me sharing all of the comments with Jim... his Motto is definately... pain management!!!! Hope you are progressing well and Happy New Year!!!!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 1:49 pm
Shirley... Now that's inspiring!!!!! Happy New Year!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 1:53 pm
Roz an Mbo, Thanks so much for sharing... It is so nice to hear success stories instead of horror stories! This helps so much I see a change in Jim's motivation as we speak! I wish the two of you the happiest of new years!
 
DeniseY 
Dec. 31, 2011 2:28 pm
Hi Terry. Saw your blog and wanted to stop in a wish your hubby and speedy and pain free recovery! I just had surgery on my foot last week and know you need to follow everyones advice about coping with the pain. Wise words from some very wise people!!! Hope you both have a very Happy New Year!!
 
sandi 
Dec. 31, 2011 4:20 pm
Most important thing with that surgery, is the theropy after, it must be done,and over and over and over, theropy makes all the difference from a good replacement and not happy after you went through all of that. My husband, didn't continue the theropy,after the hopital,and after the staff theropist. Good Luck
 
Toni Chestnut 
Dec. 31, 2011 4:46 pm
This sounds fine but I'm 82 years old and wondering if going through this is really worth while? only one or two people gave their age here, and they were kids 52 or 53 years old. So far the shots and pain pills are doing OK, but.....?
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 5:53 pm
Toni, thanks for popping in! I'm kinda curious to know all the ages too! Jim is 54... and I know several of the others are close in that range!!! Can we get ages for Toni?
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 5:55 pm
Toni, There was a young lady of 79 that had surgery the same day as Jim... and actually progressed faster... as far as hospital stay than Jim!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 6:01 pm
Jim and I are reading through this tonight together.. Jim thinks it would be a great idea to publish as a Guide Of Surviving Total Knee Replacements! You all have been awesome!!!!!
 
Sheila 
Dec. 31, 2011 6:36 pm
Wish him well, got my new left knee six years ago and my right 7 months ago. Second went a lot better because I did not wait so long. Back to work in two and a half weeks!
 
Sheila 
Dec. 31, 2011 6:42 pm
PS, I am also 54.
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 7:28 pm
Hey Sheila! The doctor told Jim... that a TKR is much tougher on your and Jim's age because of the more dense bone and more sensitive nerve endings! Knowing how hard and painfull it's been for Jim... I'm feeling kinda real proud of you right now!!!! Happy knee year... Shelia!
 
Terry Tripp 
Dec. 31, 2011 7:33 pm
Denise... sorry for the delayed response... Best of luck on your recovery! I'm so glad you got to read and see great support on this site! I've been sayin' lately... Happy Knee Year.. but to you.. Happy Foot Year My Dear!!!!
 
grannygigi 
Dec. 31, 2011 9:57 pm
Terry, you asked for ages, I was 69 years old when I had my last knee replacement and I did really well. As we have all said, rehab is what it is all about and don't skip the pain meds before rehab or he won't be able to do as much as he should. He will do really fine I am sure!
 
PopsicleSr 
Dec. 31, 2011 11:35 pm
Yes, I have been the interloper. I will be 92,on 1-30-12. Have been putting off knee surgery for long time, as I have felt that there are not 2 many Moons left 4 me in this World. Will be happy to be with my Wife again, in the next one. Her replacement went fine. Good model 4 me. May finally give in myself yet. Who knows. Les
 
PopsicleSr 
Jan. 1, 2012 12:02 am
OH, just one more(or perhaps 2) comments, wish Jim a VERY SPEEDY RECOVERY. It can BE. I was sole caretaker of my wife, last 6 yrs that she was with me in this World. We lived in a Split Level in CDA, ID, Bath up stairs, Shwr down. 1st nite home,I bathed her upstairs. 2nd nite,she insisted she wanted shwr. OK,I would figure out HOW 2 get her dwnstrs. She said NO PROBLEM, I will get there by myself. WHICH SHE DID! Me backing down in front of her, JUST IN CASE-- Yes, Stubborn-- but she pushed herself to the limit, all the rest of the recovery time. Les
 
Sibille 
Jan. 1, 2012 7:21 am
Good luck to you and your husband. I will have my knee replaced this month. I hope everything goes well for your hubby.
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 1, 2012 7:58 am
Les, What sweet comments! Sounds like your wife was quite the trooper... and sounds like you miss her very much! You may be hanging around for a while... Think about that new knee... Thanks so much for dropping in!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 1, 2012 8:02 am
Sibille, I hope the blog thread my be of some help to you...? Please let me know. It has helped Jim.. per his words.. tremendously! Best of luck to you and if we can be of any help at all please let me know! I feel I need to give back for all the blessing I have gotten from AR community!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 1, 2012 8:04 am
Granny, Jim starts Home health today... we've already scheduled the pain meds!!!!! But I'm already soooo proud of him..What a guy!
 
mbo 
Jan. 1, 2012 3:35 pm
Terry/Jim: I was 67 when I had my surgery -- am 69 now and pain free. I rarely take anything now for pain, except maybe for a backache or headache or something. Jim sounds so receptive to all the good wishes and success stories and I'm sure he'll do well -- and prayer gets us all through everything!!
 
LindaAllenClifton 
Jan. 2, 2012 2:49 am
Pray the surgery goes well and the rehab time flies! I may have to face that surgery one day but hoping not for a long time! Just learned a new exercise from a an orthopedic surgeon friend that will hopefully keep me away from the knife!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 2, 2012 5:04 am
mbo, 67 and 69... still pretty young! Hearing your comments make our expectations of recovery more of an want to instead of I dread to! Thanks so much for sharing!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 2, 2012 5:06 am
Linda. thanks for the wishes.... Hope you can skip the knife! PT are really good poeple! Best wishes!
 
Kathy 
Jan. 2, 2012 2:32 pm
I got my new knee 12/28/10 and I am 52 years old. SO GLAD I did it, nice to be pain free. The biggest thing is to exercise daily when you finish therapy. Start small and build up. Unless you work it almost every day, it will always feel stiff. I do strength training 3 times a week and walk the other 3-4 days. I love that I can do so much more now than before when it hurt all the time. Best of Luck!! Don't give up, its a slow process but well worth the process.
 
RazzTJazz 
Jan. 3, 2012 12:54 am
I hope things are going well. My mom is up for her second knee at the end of January. She put off the first forever and now is eager for the second since the first went so well. Since we have had the "pleasure" of a few hostpial stays, I wanted to share a couple things we have learned. 1. (my favorite) Ask for the doctor to sign for a temporary handicapped license-get form at DMV or online. (*use only in spots you know you can get out of-not all handicapped spots are "better") 2. Get meds before knee patient is home. Navigating the store with patient is crazy. (more complicated because my mom wants to shop even though she is just out of the hospital) 3. Helpful equipment after knee: lifted toilet seat-the kind that locks onto toilet WITH hand rails or similar. My mother in law actually installed the taller toilet and hand rails which worked too. There are also hand rails that will suction to a clean smooth surface. 4. Many people seem to have folding walkers they are willing to lend. Let your friends know, it's amazing the walkers, crutches and canes that show up. We used the regular silver walker and as she got better she used one with a seat. 5. We haven't gotten a folding wheelchair before but wished we had rented one for a couple of days after the hospital. After a couple of days, it wouldn't have been necessary. We did just fine without it too. The electric carts at the grocery store are GREAT too. (transporting walkers, canes, etc. is easier in a station wagon, van, etc.) 6. Lastly, our hospital has a hotel for out of town folks. (rare but some have them) My mother comes from 200 miles away to the big city and has stayed here for about a week afterwards for post surgery doctor visits. With the knee surgery she started PT with her doctors regular therapists. It was nice to be staying in a place where everyone was dealing with mecidal/handicapped outpatient issues. Much better than a traditional hotel with tourists, basket ball teams, etc. Plus it was closer to the hospital for emergencies. Good luck!
 
love to bake 
Jan. 3, 2012 9:16 am
hi to all, I just had to write a little message here since I had a new knee almost a year ago, I am 60. I really thought it was easy, out of the hospital in 3 days and onto therapy. I was walking free at my 3 week check up. My only complaint was sleep, I had a difficult time trying to sleep. I was not in pain, but my surgeon said it was because of the healing of the nerve endings. Also, I did have to take some iron, which is common after surgery. Therapy was a work-out, but it all comes together eventually so just keep working. It is so wonderful to be pain-free, I am so thankful that we live in such an advanced medical world.
 
Marta 
Jan. 3, 2012 10:20 am
I had double knee replacement in 2010. I was told to give it a full year... Therapy is a must, pain pills as well in order to get through therapy. Good luck!
 
slw 
Jan. 3, 2012 6:37 pm
I am envious of all the "new knees" - I have been without insurance for almost three years. I am bone on bone and can understand the pain you speak of as I am writing this while icing. Can only hope that this contract position will put me on full time with benefits for 2012.
 
PopsicleSr 
Jan. 4, 2012 10:17 pm
Yes Terry I do miss her, but there is solace in the belief that we will be together again. Met her first day of H.S.-- Lied about my age(only 16) worked on Grand Coulee; was late for classes second day of school, running up stairway, when this voice(Hallway Monitor) yelled at me-- "Hey YOU, Walk don't RUN", I liked to tell everyone that she bossed me the rest of my Life. Wouldn't marry her before I went overseas, (AF, WWII), But first time back in States, I wired her to me in LV,Nev where my folks lived, and if she still was willing, we would be married. We spent 62 yrs together, lost her 5 yrs ago Mothers Day, but as I have said, we will be together again, one of these days, for Eternity. She molded my life in so many Happy Way. Joy was her name, and indeed she was the joy of my life. Tell Jim to hang in there. Enjoy reading the tid-bits about his recovery.---- Les
 
PopsicleSr 
Jan. 4, 2012 10:34 pm
Me once more: Mean't to say, after looking at your resident State(SC), that are first married life living together, was Greenvill, SC where I was first stationed State Side, @ the Greenville Army Air Base(early part of war, we were not designated Air Force yet) I was Flight Radio OP teaching new recruits, prior to their going overseas, Joy worked in the Cryptography Section. Super Secret, I do not know yet, doing what. It would have been no avail, even should I have ever asked. Les
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 5, 2012 6:04 am
Awwww Les.... That is a beautiful story... I feel as if we have some kinship here! Jim, however is in a ton of pain... Therapy is going...just going! He has this hiccupping thing going on... He is not nauseas any more but sure is annoyed! Thanks for your response...Sweet Les!... I'll share with JIM.
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 5, 2012 6:09 am
slw, I'm not gonna let JIm respond to you yet! His Doctor told me that Jim is gonna look at me and say..." Terry I think I made the biggest mistake of my Life!" he's kinda in that same frame of mind! I keep reading these responses... we are diligent with the therapy and we are not a very happy camper... Jim was bone on bone and I remember some of the same looks of pain on his face... he's forgotten... but I'm reminding him why we're here!!!! Best of luck on the coverage issue! I'm pullin' for ya!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 5, 2012 6:13 am
Kathy, I read your comment to JIm... He is so ready for that point in time ! He's not having a good go of it as of yet! You my Dear are the Light at the end of our tunnel! Thanks for that light!!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 5, 2012 6:16 am
Razz, All great advice! Will do.. Thanks for stopping in... best of Luck to Mom on the second one... Right now Jim is rethinking the first one! But this too shall pass!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 5, 2012 6:19 am
Love to bake, Jim want to know if you'll do his knee for him? Sounds like you did great! You are truly and inspiration! Thanks for the comment!
 
Terry Tripp 
Jan. 5, 2012 6:22 am
Marta.. Jim gave a little chuckle at the thought of two at once... No Way In Heck..... They would have to pay him to have that done! We'll give him a little time to rethink that comment.. best of luck to you! You Go Girl!
 
 
 
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Terry Tripp

Home Town
Walhalla, South Carolina, USA

Member Since
Mar. 2011

Cooking Level
Expert

Cooking Interests
Baking, Frying, Stir Frying, Slow Cooking, Asian, Mexican, Italian, Southern, Healthy, Dessert

Hobbies
Gardening, Hiking/Camping, Camping, Boating, Walking, Fishing, Reading Books, Painting/Drawing, Wine Tasting

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Blog
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About Me
I was a working mother of 2 boys! I didn't have much time for cooking... now that the boys are grown and on their own... I have been enjoying learning and appreciating the art of cooking. I started with a day of baking with my mother in law and I was hooked! Not to mention my new stepkids... what was two... now is four! Our family is growing we now have a grandson, Damien, and one on the way! My grandson loves his visits with Gramma and Grampa...We spend quality time in the kitchen snd chronical our visits here on AR!
My favorite things to cook
I love to bake! It is my therapy...I love to buy and read all types of recipe books ( call me old fashion ) but it's fun to pick out 1 recipe in a new book and try it the day I get the book!
My favorite family cooking traditions
My husband and I have great times cooking meals together! When the kids come to visit we let them request their menu of choice. Funny twist... my two boys request Jim's culinary feasts... Jim's two request Stepmom's dinner delights! Works out fine at the end of the day!
My cooking triumphs
Check out my pics, the wedding cake? It was my 1st attempt at a wedding cake... can you believe it... I still can't!
My cooking tragedies
so many... hard to pick just one! but isn't that the joy of cooking?
 
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