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Update on knees from July

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Posted 10/16/2006 3:53 AM (GMT 0)

Hi all!  Well, I've gone back to work at school and you know how busy things are at the beginning of the school year.  They are exciting but busy, busy, busy, too!

I posted back in May-July about my fall and subsuquent issues with my knee problems trying to make a decision on what I needed to do.  and when I needed to do it.

So, my orthopedic doc referred me to his partner for my knee surgery since I've already had 5 surgeries on this knee!!  We did all the test - MRI x.-rays, catscan, venus doppler, and so forth.  He does agree that a knee replacement is not only necessary but definitely needed!!  He said he didn't know how I was walking around on that knee anyway.  That's what I was trying to tell my other doc all summer....duh!  And he was just being "conservative."  Oh well.  We're on the right track now.  So, it looks like I've going to take a 4-6 week leave of absence to have a knee replacement.  Since I've had so many involved surgeries on this kneee already,it's going to be a little tricky, but it looks like I've got just the doctor to do that.  It seems he's had additional training at the Cleveland Bone and Joint Clinic on just this type of reconstructive surgery with knee replacement.  So, I feel very at ease about that.  I feel so blessed to live in Houston, Texas with all these great medical facilities and incredible doctors and nurses who take such good care of us!!  I also very grateful that all three of my adult children also live here!!!  So. even though I'm facing a knee replacement,  I have my family around me.  My Mom is even coming from Mississippi to stay with us.  Life is truly good!  December 14th is my day for surgery!!!  Mark it on your calendar.  I'll keep you posted as things go on. 

Let me hear from you alll  When I fell this summer and was laid up, HW was such a life saver!!!  I know I'm definitely going to count om you all through this next surgery and recovery.  I just had my Remicade infusion Tuesday and things went well.  I see my rheumy on Wednesday for a check-up.  I'll let you know how it all goes.  One step at a time........

Posted 10/16/2006 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
hi deejane i see you just posted this so i quickly read it.... knee surgery ..... good luck with it, it is major rehab but my mother in law had it done and she walks like brand new on that leg and is having the other one done this winter i think? it is daily rehab and you have to move it like they say or they say it gets all messed up. she was a trooper i was so proud of her because she was not an active lady. the surgeon said he couldnt find muscle near the knee as she was so inactive but i think it was all the pain now she swims 3 times a week and is walking just fine. so good luck and keep us posted. yalinda
Posted 10/16/2006 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi friend, I just read your post and thought I should reply. I am having a total knee replacement revision on Feb. 7th. 2007. I had bi-lateral knee replacements in 2000, but the left one loosened early on. I put it off until recentely and decided to go to a different hospital and have a new surgeon. I'm going to Barnes Jewish in St. Louis which is one of the top ten hospitals in the U. S. and the surgeon is over all orthopedic surgery and reconstructive surgery at that hospital. I liked him alot but feel bad about having to wait that long. In the meantime I have to wear a brace any time I'm on my feet. I'm also on a cancellation list in case anyone cancels their surgery. Were any of your knee surgeries for revisions?You seem so confident about your surgery, and I don't mind telling you I'm still somewhat reluctant even though I know it has to be done. I guess you could say I have some anxiety about the procedure as I did not have a good experience the first time. I hope you have a wonderful experience with your procedure with it being as pain free as possible. I hope to hear from you. Sincerely, Nicole
Posted 11/5/2006 6:29 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Nicole!

My surgeries were not exactly revisions but let me tell you a litle about them.  The first one was supposed to be a simple arthroscopy fixing a tear in the cartilage.  That didn't happen and 4 months later, I had to see another doctor because I was stil taking so much vicodin and my pain was so bad!!!!!!!!!  So, I had surgeries two and three by this surgeon and then we moved to Louisiana.  I had to them find a specialist so I went to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  They had to perform a "high tibial osteotomy" which they cut the bone and repositions the bone off the injured area of the leg. Then they put in a plate and screws to hold the bones togetherl Two years later I had to have surgery to take the screws and the plate out because they had corroded and I had contracted cellulitis - very painful.  Now. I have to hve this left knee replaced that had all this additional work done on it.  I had to find a doctor who had specialized in taking people who had already had High Tibial Osteotomies and give the knee nreplacements.  The surgery is a little more complicated because of the close proximity of the scars, the bone that's been broken, the multiple surgeries, and also the fact that I've already gotten staph infection.  So, what aggravated this knee all over again is that I fell on May 28th and finished tearing the meniscus and left the rest of the knee really destroyed.  So, December 14th is my knee replcement.  I did well with my right knee replacement.  I've had no problems with my right at all!! 

 

 Anyway, I'm getting really tired.  I'll write more tomorrow when I'm up and going.

Take Care!

 

Deborah

Deborah 

 

Posted 11/7/2006 7:36 PM (GMT 0)

Deejane! YOU GOT IT!  We'll be here through thick & thin.  Congrats on the knee surgery! (you lucky duck!) I'm jealous!

December 14th. Won't forget it!

Be well. {{{{{{{ big hug }}}}}}}} VIEW IMAGE VIEW IMAGE 

erin

Posted 11/7/2006 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
NIC-NAC! Holey cow YOU TOO! geesh...now I'm really envious! tongue Same goes for you as well my friend.  Many of well wishes, thoughts & prayers will be going out to you both.  I hope I'm next on line. LOL

((((( big hug ))))) erin

 VIEW IMAGE 

Posted 11/26/2006 6:24 AM (GMT 0)

Erin......You are TOO TOO TOO sweet!!!   Two weeks from Thursday, Nov. 30th I go "under the knife."  I'm officially going in for knee replacement surgery on Thursday morning, December 14th.  I'll be in the hospital until the following Monday or Tuesday.  My doc says the knee replacement surgery will take 2-4 hours and then I'll be in recovery 2-4 hours.  That sounds about right from my last one.  My surgery is at 7:30 a.m. at Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas.  I need lots of good thoughts, prayers, and any other kind of positive energy sent my way!!  I get to incredibly nervous right before I go into the operating room.  I get rreally close to freaking out and I want to bolt from the operating room!  I always warn my doctor and nurses ahead of time so they can have an extra bit of medication on hand.  And I look like such a calm person normally!!!  It's just really getting here fast and I've got so much to do before I plant myself in that hospital!  I probably won't have access to my computer until I go home which should be December 18th or 19th.  I'll check in with you all when I get home.  Even though I don't always comment, I do read alot and this Board has meant so much!  I found it last summer when my 44 year-old sister in law had just died and I was starting Remicade right after her funeral.  For me, you guys have been such lifesavers!!  The reality check is just enough to let me know that I wasn't going crazy at that desperate time.  Then, more issues have arisen and you're all here at a moment's notice.  What a gift!!!  You all are such a blessing to me!!  The safety net is quite reassuring.  I try to do the same for you all when I can.  I had my infusion Nov. 21st, the last one until after my knee replacement.  I'll post again before I go to the hospital.  My big check up and sign in at the hospital in Dec. 7th.  Think good thoughts for me.....

 

{{{{{{BiG HUG}}}}}}

 

 

Posted 11/26/2006 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
deejane~ you know we all will be here praying for you and everything will be great! your gettin a new knee!!! i know what u mean about the nerve thingy before u go in but just post and well be here for u!!!!

i wish i were closer to be there to help! well keep in touch (((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) ~*yalinda
Posted 11/28/2006 5:44 AM (GMT 0)
Dee Jane, I just wanted to tell you that you certainly will be in my thoughts and prayers on the day of your surgery and also on your preopp visit. Then I will go next on the 7th. of Feb. I'm sure you will be just fine as you have everyone on this board praying for you. BTW I used to be a High School Spec. Ed.  teacher until I retired. We have alot in common I believe. Hopefully, we will get to talk again before you go in. Sincerely, Nic
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