The cataract surgery was a week ago yesterday. Today I had a follow up appointment at 10:40 A.M.
Doctor says the eye is progressing well. He has me continuing the three eye drops. Next week I reduce the frequency and I hope that after my next checkup in three weeks I can get off the drops completely. He found a bent eye lash that was irritating and scratching my eye so he removed it. I wasn't really aware of the problem but now it is gone my eye feels much better. I thought the irritation was part of the recovery.
The doctor was unusually prompt and I was out of there in fifteen minutes.
Showing posts with label surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surgery. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Cataract Is Gone!
After a quick shower early in the morning I got Jack up, gave him a cup of coffee (no coffee for me) and we left the house at 8:00 A.M. -- no food or drink for me after midnight. We got to the out-patient check in and I was heading for pre-op procedures by 8:40.
Lots of different RNs and Techs poking me with sharp things and squrting stuff in my right eye. And all of them asking me the same questions over and over -- hospital rules -- and for very good reasons I bet.
Just before 10:00 they wheeled me into the OR and got me settled in. A nice touch, although the surgeon needs the patient somewhat conscious during the event, when there are particularly ugly things about to happen they turn up the sedation and you conk out momentarily. So I have no memory of needles in uncomfortable places or eyelid clamps etc. What I remember most were the wild, vivid colors during the entire operation. By 10:40 I was done and they were getting me ready for the recovery room and some water to drink at last.
I knew I needed to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I thought it was to get the bandages removed. But when I was awake and ready to leave they tell me I have a 1:00 P.M. appointment today at the doctor's office. And I still need to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
Today's appointment was to remove the bandages, check my eye pressure and instruct me about eye drops and what not to do today. Also, how and when to use the eye patch/shield they gave me.
At home the rest of the day was spent mostly lying down in a darkened room, listening to the iPod and eating the chicken soup I made yesterday. That was a good idea.
There is very little discomfort. The eye itself has no pain. The eyelids are sore and feel scratchy. And one of the eye drops stings them, a lot. I have two eye drops and take them every hour -- five minutes apart. I have made a chart so I know if and when I took them last.
Lots of different RNs and Techs poking me with sharp things and squrting stuff in my right eye. And all of them asking me the same questions over and over -- hospital rules -- and for very good reasons I bet.
Just before 10:00 they wheeled me into the OR and got me settled in. A nice touch, although the surgeon needs the patient somewhat conscious during the event, when there are particularly ugly things about to happen they turn up the sedation and you conk out momentarily. So I have no memory of needles in uncomfortable places or eyelid clamps etc. What I remember most were the wild, vivid colors during the entire operation. By 10:40 I was done and they were getting me ready for the recovery room and some water to drink at last.
I knew I needed to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I thought it was to get the bandages removed. But when I was awake and ready to leave they tell me I have a 1:00 P.M. appointment today at the doctor's office. And I still need to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
Today's appointment was to remove the bandages, check my eye pressure and instruct me about eye drops and what not to do today. Also, how and when to use the eye patch/shield they gave me.
At home the rest of the day was spent mostly lying down in a darkened room, listening to the iPod and eating the chicken soup I made yesterday. That was a good idea.
There is very little discomfort. The eye itself has no pain. The eyelids are sore and feel scratchy. And one of the eye drops stings them, a lot. I have two eye drops and take them every hour -- five minutes apart. I have made a chart so I know if and when I took them last.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Eye Appointment Change
Got a call from the eye doctor. There have been more cancellations. Now I need to be at the hospital's out patient check in at 8:30. Fine with me. Earlier in: earlier out.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Knee Replacement Follow Up Exam
Saw the knee surgeon. He took new x-rays and looked them over. He told me the progress was excellent and he wants to see me in a year.
I mentioned the DVT and the vague test results reported by the specialist and his staff. And no mention of any prognoisis.
Perhaps he gave the specialist a call because as soon as I got home there was a call from the vascular surgeon's office. The nurse told me whoever called me on Monday must have forgotten to tell me everything. She read me a list of things to do regarding, what is now apparently, my Post Thrombotic Syndrome. Basically I need to "wear the compression stocking" when I am active and elevate the leg when in bed.
I mentioned the DVT and the vague test results reported by the specialist and his staff. And no mention of any prognoisis.
Perhaps he gave the specialist a call because as soon as I got home there was a call from the vascular surgeon's office. The nurse told me whoever called me on Monday must have forgotten to tell me everything. She read me a list of things to do regarding, what is now apparently, my Post Thrombotic Syndrome. Basically I need to "wear the compression stocking" when I am active and elevate the leg when in bed.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
One year checkup for the knee replacement surgery
I saw the surgeon. Several x-rays of both knees were taken. The replaced left knee is in good shape and the range of motion is good. On January 29, it will be one year since the surgery.
The good news is that the replaced knee is fine and feels better than it has in years.
X-rays of the right knee show some major problems lurking in the future and he gave me a cortisone shot in the joint. As for the DVT he suggested I wear a support stocking. My regular doctor had not mentioned this so I have to ask him for details when I see him for a checkup in February.
[A couple days later I tried the stocking on my right leg and it is very comforting. But I worry it shouldn't be worn for long periods. Maybe I am wrong about this. The Internet is little help.]
The right leg's thrombosis is just as painful as when I saw the doctor about it in early November. My toes are purple and the foot around the ankle looks like there are blood clots right under the skin. The mid-calf pain has moved downwards a few inches and the skin is red and sore. It wakes me up at night. Right now I am taking 5mg of Coumadin daily. And that's all I am doing about it (other than taking painkillers: Vicodin with Tylenol, a 500 or 750 in the middle of the night).
The good news is that the replaced knee is fine and feels better than it has in years.
X-rays of the right knee show some major problems lurking in the future and he gave me a cortisone shot in the joint. As for the DVT he suggested I wear a support stocking. My regular doctor had not mentioned this so I have to ask him for details when I see him for a checkup in February.
[A couple days later I tried the stocking on my right leg and it is very comforting. But I worry it shouldn't be worn for long periods. Maybe I am wrong about this. The Internet is little help.]
The right leg's thrombosis is just as painful as when I saw the doctor about it in early November. My toes are purple and the foot around the ankle looks like there are blood clots right under the skin. The mid-calf pain has moved downwards a few inches and the skin is red and sore. It wakes me up at night. Right now I am taking 5mg of Coumadin daily. And that's all I am doing about it (other than taking painkillers: Vicodin with Tylenol, a 500 or 750 in the middle of the night).
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Nine months after knee surgery
Nine months ago I had my left knee replacement. The left leg is now nearly pain-free. Now and then there's a flash of pain around the knee itself and I expect there's some remaining scar tissue getting pulled. It's not severe and it goes away fast.
The right leg and knee is another story. That side had been compensating for years because of the weakness on the left. And seriously working extra for the past four years or so.
My right foot and ankle are moderately swollen all the time and often my lower leg is as well. The sore heel can stop me in my tracks now and then.
In the past few days I have felt some serious discomfort in my right knee and down to the ankle. Often it is a deep bone pain and nothing helps much. It is particularly bad in the night, waking me around 2:00 AM every morning this week. Sitting up helps a lot, supporting the knee and lower leg on pillows helps some, Tylenol and/or Vicodin gives very little relief.
This reminds me of what I went through seven years ago when my left knee started acting up seriously. I see my MD in two weeks and hope he will refer me to an orthopedic doctor for a cortisone shot. I imagine I'll need a right knee replacement in about 18 months. I hope we still have Medicare then.
Getting the right knee done should be much simpler than the left turned out to be. Right now at least there's no sign of ligament damage on the right.
The right leg and knee is another story. That side had been compensating for years because of the weakness on the left. And seriously working extra for the past four years or so.
My right foot and ankle are moderately swollen all the time and often my lower leg is as well. The sore heel can stop me in my tracks now and then.
In the past few days I have felt some serious discomfort in my right knee and down to the ankle. Often it is a deep bone pain and nothing helps much. It is particularly bad in the night, waking me around 2:00 AM every morning this week. Sitting up helps a lot, supporting the knee and lower leg on pillows helps some, Tylenol and/or Vicodin gives very little relief.
This reminds me of what I went through seven years ago when my left knee started acting up seriously. I see my MD in two weeks and hope he will refer me to an orthopedic doctor for a cortisone shot. I imagine I'll need a right knee replacement in about 18 months. I hope we still have Medicare then.
Getting the right knee done should be much simpler than the left turned out to be. Right now at least there's no sign of ligament damage on the right.
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.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Two months after surgery
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Slowly I began to do more on my own. I shopped at the pool store and convenience stores while Jack waited in the car. And on March 23, I drove alone to a nearby store, shopped and drove home. My first solo drive and shop!
On the 27th I finished at-home therapy and the following week I went to an out-patient rehab facility. It was of course better equipped than at home and the exercises were much more agressive. Ouch!
This rehab place is part of the orthopedic center run by my surgeon's group. The therapists are all very friendly and the place has a great atmosphere. There's lots of personal attention and they appear to be very professional.
I go to rehab twice a week until the end of April. Then I need to join a health club so I can have access to the leg exercise equipment.
While surfing the Internet I found that the Medicare.gov site has links to the charges they have paid on my behalf. If and when I figure it all out I will post a summary of what all this has cost. So far the insurance has covered everything. The replacement knee itself cost $18,020.95, (and that's parts not labor).
Now that I am into a period of steady progress I will post updates only once a month. The next one will be right after April 29.
Slowly I began to do more on my own. I shopped at the pool store and convenience stores while Jack waited in the car. And on March 23, I drove alone to a nearby store, shopped and drove home. My first solo drive and shop!
On the 27th I finished at-home therapy and the following week I went to an out-patient rehab facility. It was of course better equipped than at home and the exercises were much more agressive. Ouch!
This rehab place is part of the orthopedic center run by my surgeon's group. The therapists are all very friendly and the place has a great atmosphere. There's lots of personal attention and they appear to be very professional.
I go to rehab twice a week until the end of April. Then I need to join a health club so I can have access to the leg exercise equipment.
While surfing the Internet I found that the Medicare.gov site has links to the charges they have paid on my behalf. If and when I figure it all out I will post a summary of what all this has cost. So far the insurance has covered everything. The replacement knee itself cost $18,020.95, (and that's parts not labor).
Now that I am into a period of steady progress I will post updates only once a month. The next one will be right after April 29.
Seven weeks after surgery
Thursday, March 19, 2009
On Friday the P.T. supervisor visited me and said the progress looked good. The following Monday the original physical therapist came by and told me if the brace is off it is time for me to be more mobile. She called my surgeon's office and spoke with the surgeon's nurse. His nurse checked my file and came back in a few minutes to say I can advance to full weight-bearing on my left leg, stop using the walker and try walking without even the cane. And I can try driving if enough time has passed since the last prescription painkiller (four to six hours).
Tuesday, March 17, St. Patrick's Day, we drove to Commander's Palace in Destin for lunch. It's 55 miles each way. I did some of the driving to give me a chance at driving on city streets, freeways and country roads. I had no problems and getting in and out of the car on the driver's side. It's easier for me than on the passenger's side. It was my first "long" drive and although I was stiff and a little lame when we got there it soon passed as I walked around.
Wednesday I got lots more P.T. than usual and this time I was sore before dark. And more so the next couple of days. Back to the Vicodin for a while.
On Friday the P.T. supervisor visited me and said the progress looked good. The following Monday the original physical therapist came by and told me if the brace is off it is time for me to be more mobile. She called my surgeon's office and spoke with the surgeon's nurse. His nurse checked my file and came back in a few minutes to say I can advance to full weight-bearing on my left leg, stop using the walker and try walking without even the cane. And I can try driving if enough time has passed since the last prescription painkiller (four to six hours).
Tuesday, March 17, St. Patrick's Day, we drove to Commander's Palace in Destin for lunch. It's 55 miles each way. I did some of the driving to give me a chance at driving on city streets, freeways and country roads. I had no problems and getting in and out of the car on the driver's side. It's easier for me than on the passenger's side. It was my first "long" drive and although I was stiff and a little lame when we got there it soon passed as I walked around.
Wednesday I got lots more P.T. than usual and this time I was sore before dark. And more so the next couple of days. Back to the Vicodin for a while.
Six weeks after surgery
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Friday the sixth, was the final visit from the therapist for this round of therapy.
On Wednesday, March 11, I saw the surgeon for my first follow up exam. He says the x-rays look good and I can stop wearing the leg brace. Tomorrow will be six weeks since the surgery so I am well ahead of the 8 to 12 weeks he told me to expect to be wearing it. Later his nurse told me I was off the brace because I had been "compliant" in wearing the thing all the time -- 24/7.
The doctor sent a message to my therapist that now the brace was off the therapy can get more aggressive. And he prescribed two more weeks of at-home therapy to be followed by four or five weeks of out-patient therapy.
A few days after I stopped wearing the brace I decided it was time to take a shower standing up. This was partly because I knew I had enough bend in my knee so I could manage to step into the tub. Also I had noticed there was a chrome grab bar at the back of the tub at shoulder height. I had never noticed it before, but it's right there above the shelf for shampoo.
I managed the shower without falling down. It was, however, a challenge to stand up that long. I have gotten so weak and shaky from the lack of exercise. But it was progress for sure.
Friday the sixth, was the final visit from the therapist for this round of therapy.
On Wednesday, March 11, I saw the surgeon for my first follow up exam. He says the x-rays look good and I can stop wearing the leg brace. Tomorrow will be six weeks since the surgery so I am well ahead of the 8 to 12 weeks he told me to expect to be wearing it. Later his nurse told me I was off the brace because I had been "compliant" in wearing the thing all the time -- 24/7.
The doctor sent a message to my therapist that now the brace was off the therapy can get more aggressive. And he prescribed two more weeks of at-home therapy to be followed by four or five weeks of out-patient therapy.
A few days after I stopped wearing the brace I decided it was time to take a shower standing up. This was partly because I knew I had enough bend in my knee so I could manage to step into the tub. Also I had noticed there was a chrome grab bar at the back of the tub at shoulder height. I had never noticed it before, but it's right there above the shelf for shampoo.
I managed the shower without falling down. It was, however, a challenge to stand up that long. I have gotten so weak and shaky from the lack of exercise. But it was progress for sure.
Five weeks after surgery
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Got lots of physical therapy at home -- Friday, Monday and Wednesday.
Tuesday, the 3rd, was an active day (for me). We got haircuts and then went to lunch at Madison's Diner. It turns out there is a back elevator for deliveries and the disabled.
I am more active every day and the discomfort is much more from the afereffects of the therapy than from the knee itself. Any pain is largely controlled by some Tylenol. If the pain wakes me up during the night I take something stronger.
Got lots of physical therapy at home -- Friday, Monday and Wednesday.
Tuesday, the 3rd, was an active day (for me). We got haircuts and then went to lunch at Madison's Diner. It turns out there is a back elevator for deliveries and the disabled.
I am more active every day and the discomfort is much more from the afereffects of the therapy than from the knee itself. Any pain is largely controlled by some Tylenol. If the pain wakes me up during the night I take something stronger.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Four weeks after surgery
Thursday, February 26, 2009
More physical therapy -- Friday, Monday and Wednesday. She is here for over an hour each time and we are working me hard. The urgent problems are getting my knee to bend more and to get the leg to stretch out straighter. I think I am on a plateau as far as progress is concerned. But the bending gets a degree or two better each visit. Right now I am in the low 80 degrees and we want it to go better than 120 degrees. That will take a while.
She tells me if we don't, or can't, get the knee to bend enough the doctor will do it for me. And apparently that's not pleasant even with a local anesthetic.
Supermarket shopping -- Walmart, Food World, Publix -- has been good physical therapy, even if I ride around in their motorized shopping carts it is more activity than I had been having over the past few weeks. And I get extra practice getting in and out of the car each time we shop.
More physical therapy -- Friday, Monday and Wednesday. She is here for over an hour each time and we are working me hard. The urgent problems are getting my knee to bend more and to get the leg to stretch out straighter. I think I am on a plateau as far as progress is concerned. But the bending gets a degree or two better each visit. Right now I am in the low 80 degrees and we want it to go better than 120 degrees. That will take a while.
She tells me if we don't, or can't, get the knee to bend enough the doctor will do it for me. And apparently that's not pleasant even with a local anesthetic.
Supermarket shopping -- Walmart, Food World, Publix -- has been good physical therapy, even if I ride around in their motorized shopping carts it is more activity than I had been having over the past few weeks. And I get extra practice getting in and out of the car each time we shop.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Three weeks after surgery
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The occupational therapist visited on Friday and Wednesday. We talked about how to take a shower when sitting on the tub bench, how to do the laundry and how to improve the arrangement of the clothes closet. She's finished with me now and I signed her off.
The physical therapist came by on Monday and her boss on Wednesday. They both say I am making decent progress but there isn't much more either they or I can do until I get the brace off. And that may be several more weeks.
On Tuesday we had an outing in the car. Jack drove us down to the bay and we had lunch at the Scenic 90 Cafe. I got in and out of the car ok and managed to get in and out of the restaurant using my walker. It was a nice taste of freedom.
Later in the day I was sore from all the exercise. I am so out of shape! Just getting in and out of the car makes me feel it.
I was supposed to have my teeth cleaned today but I cancelled. I cannot have any dental work for six weeks after the surgery and then I have to take antibiotics either before or after, depending on which medical or dental professional you ask.
This week I had my first (sitting) shower using the tub bench. To get me situated in the tub I had to swing my bad leg up and over the edge of the tub while turning sideways to get to the center of the bench. I wasn't ready to do this with the leg brace off so I used a large black garbage bag tied with a shoelace to keep the brace dry. I also have a open bed sore on the left heel and I need to keep that clean and out of the bath water. The shower went very well. With the hand-held shower head I could get clean all over and it is sure better than a sponge bath. Jack helped me get in and out of the tub safely. I can't wait until I can take a standing shower in a few weeks.
On Wednesday we went to Joan & Billy's for lunch. Southern-style veggies and corn pones. Wonderful. As always.
On Thursday we had breakfast at the Village Inn. It is very accessible for people on walkers.
So I got out of the house three days in a row. I took Friday off and rested.
The occupational therapist visited on Friday and Wednesday. We talked about how to take a shower when sitting on the tub bench, how to do the laundry and how to improve the arrangement of the clothes closet. She's finished with me now and I signed her off.
The physical therapist came by on Monday and her boss on Wednesday. They both say I am making decent progress but there isn't much more either they or I can do until I get the brace off. And that may be several more weeks.
On Tuesday we had an outing in the car. Jack drove us down to the bay and we had lunch at the Scenic 90 Cafe. I got in and out of the car ok and managed to get in and out of the restaurant using my walker. It was a nice taste of freedom.
Later in the day I was sore from all the exercise. I am so out of shape! Just getting in and out of the car makes me feel it.
I was supposed to have my teeth cleaned today but I cancelled. I cannot have any dental work for six weeks after the surgery and then I have to take antibiotics either before or after, depending on which medical or dental professional you ask.
This week I had my first (sitting) shower using the tub bench. To get me situated in the tub I had to swing my bad leg up and over the edge of the tub while turning sideways to get to the center of the bench. I wasn't ready to do this with the leg brace off so I used a large black garbage bag tied with a shoelace to keep the brace dry. I also have a open bed sore on the left heel and I need to keep that clean and out of the bath water. The shower went very well. With the hand-held shower head I could get clean all over and it is sure better than a sponge bath. Jack helped me get in and out of the tub safely. I can't wait until I can take a standing shower in a few weeks.
On Wednesday we went to Joan & Billy's for lunch. Southern-style veggies and corn pones. Wonderful. As always.
On Thursday we had breakfast at the Village Inn. It is very accessible for people on walkers.
So I got out of the house three days in a row. I took Friday off and rested.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thirteen days after surgery
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The physical therapist came by in the morning. After our regular session I asked her to show me how to get in and out of the car, on the passenger side. I did it several times and she says I am ready to go for a ride.
In the afternoon I went to the surgeon's office for my first followup visit. His nurse removed my staples, all 26 of them. I was not looking forward to this procedure but it was not painful. Slightly annoying, but not painful. The wound had healed a lot and they all told me it looked good. X-rays were taken and the doctor said they also looked good, too. He wants to see me again on March 11.
Shortly after we got home Joan called and said she and Billy would drop by shortly and bring us our supper. Billy had cooked the fish Bill gave us and Joan had made an almondine and lemon topping for it. It was wonderful. And great not to have to cook it ourselves.
The physical therapist came by in the morning. After our regular session I asked her to show me how to get in and out of the car, on the passenger side. I did it several times and she says I am ready to go for a ride.
In the afternoon I went to the surgeon's office for my first followup visit. His nurse removed my staples, all 26 of them. I was not looking forward to this procedure but it was not painful. Slightly annoying, but not painful. The wound had healed a lot and they all told me it looked good. X-rays were taken and the doctor said they also looked good, too. He wants to see me again on March 11.
Shortly after we got home Joan called and said she and Billy would drop by shortly and bring us our supper. Billy had cooked the fish Bill gave us and Joan had made an almondine and lemon topping for it. It was wonderful. And great not to have to cook it ourselves.
Twelve days after surgery
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I slept soundly but woke up a lot. The complaints: the sore spot on my left foot, the bruise on my right rear gum, a strange numb area on my right thigh, the leg brace. Note that none of the complaints mentions the replaced left knee itself. Go figure.
Speaking of the brace -- it has eight foam pads and they are getting dirty and smelly. I noticed in the docs from the Breg Company that replacements are available so I called and they directed me to the local distributor. He said he could send replacements at no charge and I will have them in a week. Now I can have an extra set washed and ready to go.
I slept soundly but woke up a lot. The complaints: the sore spot on my left foot, the bruise on my right rear gum, a strange numb area on my right thigh, the leg brace. Note that none of the complaints mentions the replaced left knee itself. Go figure.
Speaking of the brace -- it has eight foam pads and they are getting dirty and smelly. I noticed in the docs from the Breg Company that replacements are available so I called and they directed me to the local distributor. He said he could send replacements at no charge and I will have them in a week. Now I can have an extra set washed and ready to go.
Eleven days after surgery
Monday, February 9, 2009
The next morning the physical therapist arrived and put me through my paces. The important exercises are designed to make me bend my knee as far as possible and the others stretch my hamstring and strengthen my quads -- the muscle above the knee. She is friendly and chatty but very strict about doing all the exercises with correct form.
She is very creative in setting up the exercises. The knee bends are done sitting down and dragging the foot back as far as possible. Due to the bed sore on my left foot I can't put much pressure on the foot. So she has me put a piece of wax paper under my foot so it slides easily. She measures flex, bend and extension with a giant foot-long protractor called a goniometer. I have noticed that all the orthopedic folks carry them around with them.
In the afternoon the occupational therapist saw me and inspected the house for safety and disability issues. It seems the house is well laid out for my needs and she had only a few suggestions to make it more useful or safer. We spent a lot of time dealing with the bathroom and how to safely shower and use the raised potty chair that fits over the toilet. It appears that I have enough bend in my bad knee to use the facilities as they are and there's no need for the raised chair (which I really dislike a lot anyway).
The shower bench should wait a day or two so it's sponge baths for me for a while longer.
For dinner I lightly poached the shrimp Bill gave us and made us a shrimp salad.
The next morning the physical therapist arrived and put me through my paces. The important exercises are designed to make me bend my knee as far as possible and the others stretch my hamstring and strengthen my quads -- the muscle above the knee. She is friendly and chatty but very strict about doing all the exercises with correct form.
She is very creative in setting up the exercises. The knee bends are done sitting down and dragging the foot back as far as possible. Due to the bed sore on my left foot I can't put much pressure on the foot. So she has me put a piece of wax paper under my foot so it slides easily. She measures flex, bend and extension with a giant foot-long protractor called a goniometer. I have noticed that all the orthopedic folks carry them around with them.In the afternoon the occupational therapist saw me and inspected the house for safety and disability issues. It seems the house is well laid out for my needs and she had only a few suggestions to make it more useful or safer. We spent a lot of time dealing with the bathroom and how to safely shower and use the raised potty chair that fits over the toilet. It appears that I have enough bend in my bad knee to use the facilities as they are and there's no need for the raised chair (which I really dislike a lot anyway).
The shower bench should wait a day or two so it's sponge baths for me for a while longer.
For dinner I lightly poached the shrimp Bill gave us and made us a shrimp salad.
Ten days after surgery
Sunday, February 8, 2009
It was wonderful to be home and sleep in my own Tempur-pedic bed. I woke up frequently, with many bathroom trips. The swelling in my leg is going down and there's a lot of fluid to get rid of. At one point, a few days after the operation, my left leg was nearly triple the size of my right leg.
I soon learned how to get in and out of bed without hurting at all. And I get quicker every time I do it.
The new knee appears to be working fine. There's no pain around the implant and it's begining to move better. The doctor says it's to be only fifty percent weight bearing right now, so I have to use the walker to get around, but I am getting around.
This morning there was a call from a supervisor at the home care folks and he needed to come over and speak with me today for my initial interview. I saw him at 10:00 A.M. They must make a lot of money from this home care business to call on clients on Sunday.
He told me I would get four weeks of in-home therapy from a combination of occupational and physical therapists -- starting Monday. Somebody will call first.
In the afternoon Joan & Billy stopped by with a wonderful beef and vegetable soup. Just what I needed.
I continue to amaze myself with the injections I have to give me every morning and night. When I heard about this before the surgery I never imagined I could do them at all. Much less with no fuss. The fact they don't hurt at all may have something to do with it.
It was wonderful to be home and sleep in my own Tempur-pedic bed. I woke up frequently, with many bathroom trips. The swelling in my leg is going down and there's a lot of fluid to get rid of. At one point, a few days after the operation, my left leg was nearly triple the size of my right leg.
I soon learned how to get in and out of bed without hurting at all. And I get quicker every time I do it.
The new knee appears to be working fine. There's no pain around the implant and it's begining to move better. The doctor says it's to be only fifty percent weight bearing right now, so I have to use the walker to get around, but I am getting around.
This morning there was a call from a supervisor at the home care folks and he needed to come over and speak with me today for my initial interview. I saw him at 10:00 A.M. They must make a lot of money from this home care business to call on clients on Sunday.
He told me I would get four weeks of in-home therapy from a combination of occupational and physical therapists -- starting Monday. Somebody will call first.
In the afternoon Joan & Billy stopped by with a wonderful beef and vegetable soup. Just what I needed.
I continue to amaze myself with the injections I have to give me every morning and night. When I heard about this before the surgery I never imagined I could do them at all. Much less with no fuss. The fact they don't hurt at all may have something to do with it.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Nine days after surgery
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The rehab place was very noisy last night. Somebody down the hall kept yelling, "Please help me they are trying to kill me." This got a couple of others yelling to the nurse with their own urgent problems. Finally I heard a nurse tell them all, "You are not at home. There are other people here and they deserve to get some sleep."
This hadn't happened even once the other nights so I asked my nurse if it was a full moon tonight. She said it's always a full moon around here.
Today I can go home as soon as I have transportation. I wasn't sure I could get into the front seat of a compact car so I asked the nurse to get me some special transport to get me home. First the driver was coming at 10:30 then it got later and later. At last he arrived at 1:30 and it was the same guy with a van who brought me here from the hospital. I was able to slide into the wide back seat and sit sideways all the way home.
As I left the nurse gave me the rest of the blood thinner in its syringes (five more days worth) and lots of painkillers.
It was wonderful to be home and Jack had readied it by stocking lots of food and taking up all the area rugs. I managed to get around the house on my walker and easily got in and out of bed. The bathroom wasn't as easy but -- and this is important -- it was possible.
At dinner time Kim came by with pot roast and apple pie and Bill brought some fish he had caught yesterday and some huge Gulf shrimp, too.
The rehab place was very noisy last night. Somebody down the hall kept yelling, "Please help me they are trying to kill me." This got a couple of others yelling to the nurse with their own urgent problems. Finally I heard a nurse tell them all, "You are not at home. There are other people here and they deserve to get some sleep."
This hadn't happened even once the other nights so I asked my nurse if it was a full moon tonight. She said it's always a full moon around here.
Today I can go home as soon as I have transportation. I wasn't sure I could get into the front seat of a compact car so I asked the nurse to get me some special transport to get me home. First the driver was coming at 10:30 then it got later and later. At last he arrived at 1:30 and it was the same guy with a van who brought me here from the hospital. I was able to slide into the wide back seat and sit sideways all the way home.
As I left the nurse gave me the rest of the blood thinner in its syringes (five more days worth) and lots of painkillers.
It was wonderful to be home and Jack had readied it by stocking lots of food and taking up all the area rugs. I managed to get around the house on my walker and easily got in and out of bed. The bathroom wasn't as easy but -- and this is important -- it was possible.
At dinner time Kim came by with pot roast and apple pie and Bill brought some fish he had caught yesterday and some huge Gulf shrimp, too.
Eight days after surgery
Friday, February 6, 2009
It was a quiet night and I got some much needed sleep -- no fire alarms, no roomie, no loud nursing staff. I have gotten used to sleeping with the leg brace on. Early on I learned to lock it in the extended (straight) position, otherwise I get into some uncomfortable positions in my sleep and wake up with a jolt. During the day, for ease of moving around I can unlock it at the knee joint so it can bend.
My morning P.T. session was serious. Between the two of us my knee bent back as far as it could. About 78 degrees if I recall correctly. Afterwards I walked all the way back to my room -- with a walker of course (and with the therapist walking behind me with a wheelchair).
While I was away from my room a new roommate had arrived. He was such a jerk and in such medical agony I had to feel sorry for him. Though it became clear that his being such a jerk contributed a lot to his medical problems. Sometimes you just have to back off and do what the doctor tells you to do.
I spoke with the home care folks by phone and they had spoken with the social worker here at the rehab place. They are ready to send me home tomorrow afternoon. Some of the home care equipment is provided by the insurance. The tub/shower transfer seat isn't provided and I'll have to pay $95 for it, but it sounds essential. It will let me sit upright in the tub and take a shower with the hand-held shower head. All of the equipment will be delivered to the house.
The home care people will call me at home over the weekend to set up initial appointments for Monday and Tuesday. Apparently I need to see a nurse and two different therapists.
It was a quiet night and I got some much needed sleep -- no fire alarms, no roomie, no loud nursing staff. I have gotten used to sleeping with the leg brace on. Early on I learned to lock it in the extended (straight) position, otherwise I get into some uncomfortable positions in my sleep and wake up with a jolt. During the day, for ease of moving around I can unlock it at the knee joint so it can bend.
My morning P.T. session was serious. Between the two of us my knee bent back as far as it could. About 78 degrees if I recall correctly. Afterwards I walked all the way back to my room -- with a walker of course (and with the therapist walking behind me with a wheelchair).
While I was away from my room a new roommate had arrived. He was such a jerk and in such medical agony I had to feel sorry for him. Though it became clear that his being such a jerk contributed a lot to his medical problems. Sometimes you just have to back off and do what the doctor tells you to do.
I spoke with the home care folks by phone and they had spoken with the social worker here at the rehab place. They are ready to send me home tomorrow afternoon. Some of the home care equipment is provided by the insurance. The tub/shower transfer seat isn't provided and I'll have to pay $95 for it, but it sounds essential. It will let me sit upright in the tub and take a shower with the hand-held shower head. All of the equipment will be delivered to the house.
The home care people will call me at home over the weekend to set up initial appointments for Monday and Tuesday. Apparently I need to see a nurse and two different therapists.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
One week after surgery
Thursday, February 5, 2009
This all began one week ago today and now I can get out of bed and go to the bathroom unsupervised. Actually I have for the past 3 days but they didn't know about it. Lucky for me I didn't slip and fall. And with all the Vicodin I am taking it's a miracle.
It was very cold in Pensacola last night. The coastal areas, generally the warmest, got down to 27 degrees and it was much colder in the inland parts of the county.
Lots of excitement during the night. At 4:00 A.M. the fire alarms went off and from my room I could see firetrucks and an ambulance arrive at the front entrance. And then at 7:30 it happened again. The first time was for somebody who needed to go to the hospital. The second time was because of frozen pipes that cause low pressure reading in the sprinkler system.
I got up tired from sleeping poorly and the noise from the alarms. Also I was feeling sore from yesterday's P.T.
My roommate left right after breakfast. He's a sad case. Very poor and not very bright. By walking out on this followup care he will probably be refused home care and other post-op benefits. I hope he won't end up in some dreary VA hospital
Early today the therapist gave me another good workout and during it I spoke with a representative of the Medicare-approved home care company assigned to me. They will provide me with nursing and therapy staff for four or five weeks after I get back home. They will also provide me with and/or assist me in purchasing some equipment I'll need for my first days (or maybe weeks?) at home.
By the way, here's a link to Medicare.
I haven't felt up to much of a shower recently and my hair was a mess. So I made an appointment and got a shampoo from the resident beautician -- $4.00 (plus I gave her a $2.00 tip). Wow, I felt a lot better. And I wheeled myself all the way from my room to the other end of this place. What freedom!
This all began one week ago today and now I can get out of bed and go to the bathroom unsupervised. Actually I have for the past 3 days but they didn't know about it. Lucky for me I didn't slip and fall. And with all the Vicodin I am taking it's a miracle.
It was very cold in Pensacola last night. The coastal areas, generally the warmest, got down to 27 degrees and it was much colder in the inland parts of the county.
Lots of excitement during the night. At 4:00 A.M. the fire alarms went off and from my room I could see firetrucks and an ambulance arrive at the front entrance. And then at 7:30 it happened again. The first time was for somebody who needed to go to the hospital. The second time was because of frozen pipes that cause low pressure reading in the sprinkler system.
I got up tired from sleeping poorly and the noise from the alarms. Also I was feeling sore from yesterday's P.T.
My roommate left right after breakfast. He's a sad case. Very poor and not very bright. By walking out on this followup care he will probably be refused home care and other post-op benefits. I hope he won't end up in some dreary VA hospital
Early today the therapist gave me another good workout and during it I spoke with a representative of the Medicare-approved home care company assigned to me. They will provide me with nursing and therapy staff for four or five weeks after I get back home. They will also provide me with and/or assist me in purchasing some equipment I'll need for my first days (or maybe weeks?) at home.
By the way, here's a link to Medicare.
I haven't felt up to much of a shower recently and my hair was a mess. So I made an appointment and got a shampoo from the resident beautician -- $4.00 (plus I gave her a $2.00 tip). Wow, I felt a lot better. And I wheeled myself all the way from my room to the other end of this place. What freedom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)