Today I had my first dentistry since the knee replacement -- a teeth cleaning. And it was way overdue.
Since the cleaning can insert bacteria into the bloodstream, the knee surgeon prescribed Cephalexin to prevent any possibility of infecting the left knee. I had to take 4-500mg capsules one hour before the cleaning. That's a huge dose of a nasty antibiotic.
The cleaning went well but some decay was spotted heading toward the center of a tooth. So I need a root canal and a new crown in a couple of weeks. For this procedure the dentist prescribed a different antibiotic, Clindamycin, and I am to take it three times a day for ten days starting five days before the root canal appointment.
I checked with the knee surgeon's triage nurse and she has no problem with me doing what the dentist advised.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Five months after my left knee replacement surgery
It has been a month since my last report and there has been more improvement in the pain levels and in my gait. My left knee itself rarely has any pain at all. The discomfort is nearly always on my right side (the side that didn't have the surgery) -- I get pains in the lower back, right above the right knee and in my right heel and foot. Riding the bike at the gym is helpful as is swimming. I should go to the gym more often; I swim every day.
I have noticed when I am walking my left knee is making more noise than it did at first. There is a clicking now and then and if I'm sitting and extend the knee there is a "gravelly" sensation. If you lay your hand on the knee you can feel it crackling when the knee flexes. It doesn't hurt at all. I will mention it to the doctor when I see him for a followup appointment in two weeks.
Something else to mention to the doctor are leg cramps at night in the lower left leg. Two or three times a week.
Car trips and sitting too long, like at a play, make me very stiff and it takes a few minutes to stand straight and walk comfortably. This is when I need the cane. And I use it. I can't imagine taking a long plane trip and then needing to rush to another gate. But I guess I could do it if I had to.
Going to the circus in Mobile was difficult -- a long drive, a long walk from the parking lot and many stairs to climb to get to our seats. I was lame the next day. My stamina is very low and is slow to return.
On the good side I am having less pain at night and need fewer prescription painkillers. Tylenol works most of the time.
I have noticed when I am walking my left knee is making more noise than it did at first. There is a clicking now and then and if I'm sitting and extend the knee there is a "gravelly" sensation. If you lay your hand on the knee you can feel it crackling when the knee flexes. It doesn't hurt at all. I will mention it to the doctor when I see him for a followup appointment in two weeks.
Something else to mention to the doctor are leg cramps at night in the lower left leg. Two or three times a week.
Car trips and sitting too long, like at a play, make me very stiff and it takes a few minutes to stand straight and walk comfortably. This is when I need the cane. And I use it. I can't imagine taking a long plane trip and then needing to rush to another gate. But I guess I could do it if I had to.
Going to the circus in Mobile was difficult -- a long drive, a long walk from the parking lot and many stairs to climb to get to our seats. I was lame the next day. My stamina is very low and is slow to return.
On the good side I am having less pain at night and need fewer prescription painkillers. Tylenol works most of the time.
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