New To The Group

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat

Welcome to the group - the way we look at it now is we don't care really how

my husband got hepatitis C and where as long as we can work at putting the

dragon to sleep that is all that matters in our lives right now. He has been

on the combo (Rebetron) for 8 months now with 4 or 5 more to go. Hoping this

takes care of it but like you said the Pegalated interferon will hopefully be

available within the next year or two so there is more hope on the way. He

really didn't have a choice with the Porphyria skin disease he has from the

hepatits C he had to go on the Combo right away and that has cleared that up

so far and the doctor says he is doing good. Hang in there and stay positive

and welcome aboard.

Winne

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat

Welcome to the group - the way we look at it now is we don't care really how

my husband got hepatitis C and where as long as we can work at putting the

dragon to sleep that is all that matters in our lives right now. He has been

on the combo (Rebetron) for 8 months now with 4 or 5 more to go. Hoping this

takes care of it but like you said the Pegalated interferon will hopefully be

available within the next year or two so there is more hope on the way. He

really didn't have a choice with the Porphyria skin disease he has from the

hepatits C he had to go on the Combo right away and that has cleared that up

so far and the doctor says he is doing good. Hang in there and stay positive

and welcome aboard.

Winne

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Pat! I too got the rho gam shot back in the 70's and I

wonder if that isn't where I got my Hep. I too am a 1b and I'm 44 with mild

inflamation. I'm not sure I want to wait for treatment because of my age. I

dunno. Still considering it. Good luck!

alley/

ICQ 12631861

alleypat@...

http://www.flash.net/~alleypat

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Pat! I too got the rho gam shot back in the 70's and I

wonder if that isn't where I got my Hep. I too am a 1b and I'm 44 with mild

inflamation. I'm not sure I want to wait for treatment because of my age. I

dunno. Still considering it. Good luck!

alley/

ICQ 12631861

alleypat@...

http://www.flash.net/~alleypat

[Guest guest]

Dear Tara,

I have sent you many tutorials. Use them to begin with. I also have

a Study Guide Book review. Get a study guide book.

If you have done hospital work with IV's you will probably be okay

but need to brush up on retail. and the reverse is true except you

will probably have to learn hospital math.

The PTCB site has a list of things to study. A few days of posts

back, I posted what one should study.

After you have studied a bit as your questions here. Taket eh exa on

the PTCB site only after you have studied a bit. Try to get at least

100 of the 125 correct.

Hope this helps,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chem

F/O

> My name is Tara. I'm new to the group. I started working as a

> technician 8 years ago. I got out of the field a few years ago

> because the hours were too crazy with a newborn. I'm going to take

> the certification exam in November. Any suggestions for studying

> will be greatly welcomed.

[Guest guest]

Is there a website URL on the label? If so, you can read

what the website says about the processing.

Alobar

New to the Group

> Hi everyone!

>

> I joined this group because I stumbled upon a delicious CO, and

> want to find out more about the brand and to let others know how

> good it is. I had been taking Garden of Life CO, because I trust

> the brand, but didn't love the flavor. I don't like the coconut

taste

> in my food, so instead of cooking with it, I would eat some off a

> spoon every morning. Not necessarily BAD tasting, but I didn't

> love it, either. When I was visiting family, I bought the best

> sounding CO available while I was there, since they didn't have

> G of L at the HFS. And this CO is phenomenally delicious! It

still

> tastes faintly of coconuts, but in a wonderful way. The brand is

> UltraBotanicals, and it is extra virgin and organic, and says it is

> unrefined. I don't know how they process it, other than that.

> Does anyone else use this brand and know anything about it? I

> eat it off a spoon with coconut date rolls, and with the sweetness

> of the dates, it is reminiscent of ice cream... I absolutely love

the

> stuff, and hope it is as healthful and unrefined as it claims.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi - Welcome to the group! I don't recall anyone mentioning

this brand in this group. There just must be so many different

brands. Many people in this group have mentioned a CO that they seem

to like a lot and I plan to switch myself, after I finish out what I

have.

I am copying and pasting a post from one of our recent posts. Maybe

this will help:

Written by Caitlin Lorraine: I like the centrifigal spun VCO Coconut

Supreme and India oil from WFN (one and the same oil), but WFN's

ine oil is very good as well. I currently have a 5 gallon pail

of it--it is very comparable to the India oil and a little less

expensive. Hope that helps you a bit, Caitlin Lorraine ps You can

look in the archives, just a couple months back there was a

discussion on preference and Coconut Supreme and India was selected

about 10 to 1 over Tropical Traditions VCO in taste. Tropical

Traditions expeller pressed works great for cooking, I used a gallon

of it fairly quickly.

Laureen

>Hi everyone!

>

>I joined this group because I stumbled upon a delicious CO, and

>want to find out more about the brand and to let others know how

>good it is. I had been taking Garden of Life CO, because I trust

>the brand, but didn't love the flavor. I don't like the coconut taste

>in my food, so instead of cooking with it, I would eat some off a

>spoon every morning. Not necessarily BAD tasting, but I didn't

>love it, either. When I was visiting family, I bought the best

>sounding CO available while I was there, since they didn't have

>G of L at the HFS. And this CO is phenomenally delicious! It still

>tastes faintly of coconuts, but in a wonderful way. The brand is

>UltraBotanicals, and it is extra virgin and organic, and says it is

>unrefined. I don't know how they process it, other than that.

>Does anyone else use this brand and know anything about it? I

>eat it off a spoon with coconut date rolls, and with the sweetness

>of the dates, it is reminiscent of ice cream... I absolutely love the

>stuff, and hope it is as healthful and unrefined as it claims.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Welcome to the group.

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group. Sorry to hear about your condition. I am not sure

what causes being overly conductive. I have my hunches about the

nerves' myelinated sheath, mineral imbalance, etc. I don't have any

answers yet.

Yes your body is an antenna, from the DNA to your body height,

different wave lengths are received and transmitted.

I would eliminate all metal from the bed so your body doesn't conduct

any electricity while you sleep. If you can, sleep on a mattress that

has no springs, a frame with no metal, etc. You'll need some basic

meters to test your environment. Get a gauss meter for magnetic fields,

a voltage meter to test your body voltage in bed to see how much you

are conducting from surrounding wires, and an RF meter to see what is

coming into your room.

LESSEMF.COM

has all of these meters.

I recommend turning the power off at night at the breaker box.

Definitely get away from appliances while you sleep especially digital

alarm clocks, etc.

Your gauss meter will tell you how far the fields are radiating. I

think the electrical fields need to be found and how much current is

running through your body needs to be ascertained to get a hold on what

to correct.

Then addressing the wiring may be next.

I would like to hear about your research into what you find works for

healing from Toxic Mold Syndrome.

all my best to you getting well.

There are many others on this list with great answers and comments.

On Jul 3, 2006, at 4:36 PM, Faith wrote:

> Hi,

> My name is Faith. I live in Texas. I am new to the group. I have

> recently been diagnosed with MCS, ES, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,

> Fibromyalgia. and Toxic Mold Syndrome. My illnesses began when I was

> exposed to high levels of toxic mold(one being Stachybotrys black

> mold) in my home for a 2 yr period.

> I am very familiar with most aspects of all these illnesses I have,

> except for ES. I have just begun to research it, as I am having

> problems I dont understand such as... If I use the computer, it goes

> haywire. If I happen to use a cell phone, which I very rarely do, it

> also goes haywire, along with the tv. I am having a hard time

> comprehending what is going on, as I am not electronically inclined.

> I am also trying to understand what I need to do in my bedroom so I

> can get some sleep.

> As of now, my bed is up against a wall with appliances on the other

> side,refrigerator,stove & microwave.I have just learned I need to move

> it. I have my mattress lined with foil to try & prevent out gassing ,

> but I am feeling like an actual antenna!

>

> Any advice anyone could give me on this EMF subject would be greatly

> appreciated.

>

> Thank you, Faith

>

>

> Luv Ya! Faith

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+

> countries) for 2¢/min or less.

>

>

[Guest guest]

> If I use the computer, it goes haywire. If I happen to use

> a cell phone, which I very rarely do, it also goes haywire,

> along with the tv.

There are others on this list that have reported this problem,

so it does appear to be related in some way to electrical sensitivity.

Although it seems that the electronics are sensitive to you!

> I have my mattress lined with foil to try & prevent out gassing ,

> but I am feeling like an actual antenna!

I would remove the foil, as any metal placed near your body is

going to make things worse for you from ES standpoint. Offgassing

can be dealt with by air purifiers. A relatively inexpensive

brand that would be helpful is Biozone Scientific:

http://www.air-purifier.org/

Although all air purifiers are fairly expensive. Another good choice

would be Aranizers, although these can be too strong for small

rooms. A discounted source for these is at:

http://gulfcoastjuicers.com/aranizer/aranizer.html

(these are all US sources, and probably won't be of any use

if you don't use 110 volt power)

Marc

[Guest guest]

I would suggest barrier cloth to contain chemicals in a mattress

bluebonnet

> I have my mattress lined with foil to try & prevent out gassing ,

________________________________________________________________________

Try Juno Platinum for Free! Then, only $9.95/month!

Unlimited Internet Access with 1GB of Email Storage.

Visit http://www.juno.com/value to sign up today!

[Guest guest]

Marc - We live near many stables/small holdings, often at night we get a

serious build up of smoke (horse manure burning) probably alot to do with temp

inversions at night. I have toyed with idea of getting a whole house

ventilation system to pressurise the house so smoke does not drift in. Of

cours as a

ES person I have stalled this due to emfs from the fan motor, but I suppose

if its way up in loft and sheilded I would be ok. Have you ay experience on

this approach ?

Regarding the stables and burning manure - In connection with MCS It is

highly possible that a contributory factor to me developing ES was and still is

exposure to acrid burning horse manure, this obviously releases loads of

chemicals into the atmosphere, and at the time I experienced the onset of ES me

and my family were literaaly in the thick of it !!

PAUL

[Guest guest]

> I would suggest barrier cloth to contain chemicals in a mattress

> bluebonnet

>

>> I have my mattress lined with foil to try & prevent out gassing ,

>>

>

> Offgassing can be dealt with by air purifiers. A relatively

> inexpensive

> brand that would be helpful is Biozone Scientific:

Barrier cloth doesn't contain chemicals, the molecules are too small.

That's why foil is used by many CS/CI for containment -- no warp and

weft to allow anything through.

Air purifiers will reduce the levels of ambient VOCs but do not deal

with offgassing. The VOCs still have to get from the mattress to the

air purifier, giving a sleeper plenty of opportunity to breathe them

in. Different from ES devices that work in more of a field basis.

Anything that emits ozone is potentially dangerous for those of us with

CS/CI. Biozone says that their levels are safe, but CS/CI means that we

react to smaller amounts than most people. Are their levels low enough?

Are any levels low enough for those of us who are already compromised?

(Sorry for the brevity, brain's overstressed, but these needed to be

clarified.)

Emma

[Guest guest]

Jan, I am a little older than you, but don't know about a knee for

younger people. I am 53 and would like to put myself in the

category. If you find a name, I would love to know it.

I am having my left knee replaced on Jan 15. I am in a lot of pain

and really looking forward to the surgery.

As far a prep goes, my doctor has me doing whatever exercise I can

do. I participate in water aerobics and ride a stationary bike.

Want to be as strong as possible before the surgery.

Sandy

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am Jan.

>

> I have been reading some of your messages this last week and they

have

> been very helpful. I am feeling more confident and less scared

about

> having knee replacement surgery.

>

> I am wondering about pre-surgery preparations. The first surgeon

I

> saw is referring me to a second one who is more familiar with a

new

> type of TKR that is for younger people and is more flexible. I am

49

> years old.

>

> I don't know yet when the surgery will be. I am hoping it won't

be

> until after Christmas so I have time to get things in order.

>

> Thanks for your help and support.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan: I glad the knowledge shared here makes you more comfortable with the idea of joint replacement. I came to this site after having both knees replaced three months ago because I was aghast at the pain and what I thought was a slow recovery. I have wondered what made me

proceed without a lot of soul searching. It hit me recently that it's probably because my mother had knee and hip replacements several years ago because of arthritic deterioration. And here I am, in the same position. Joint replacements were more rare when Mom had hers. She was an amazing role model. She complained so little and a real can-do attitude. I had no idea what she really went through. I imagine the technology was not as advanced as it is now. I know she did not have the medication, heated pool or physical therapists that I have now. When exercise and injections no longer worked, I knew I had to forge ahead if I wanted to have a normal life. I'm so glad I did! This site helped me get through the post-surgery worries and my unrealistic expectations of how quickly recovery should be. I am still reading and continuing to discover that I am on track. Just last week, someone wrote about the malaise and chills, and I was relieved to know, again, what I'm feeling is normal. And now I find myself reading the postings on hip surgery because that is next. I did have a pre-surgery class. And because I work out at a

heated pool at our local rehab center, I was and am surrounded by people who are success stories. They gave me more than enough advice on what I needed to do to prepare. :-) I hope you are not rushed into surgery before Christmas because your recovery will better if you have time to prepare. One of the most important things you can do for yourself is exercise to strengthen and tone. The physical therapists and my peers at the pool gave me

exercises. I did a lot of stretching for flexibility, worked on overall strength for upper and lower body -- particularly working on the quads. A friend helped me things around the house so I didn't have to navigate throw rugs or furniture. She moved my bed beside the bedroom door. I've blessed her for that more than once during middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. Try to picture your home as an obstacle course. You will need a plastic bath

bench, one that extends over the edge of the tub so you and sit and then draw your legs over. A detachable showerhead was not necessary, but very helpful. A seat raiser on the commode will save you much pain. I consider it a necessity. Getting up from a low place will almost impossible at first. A leg lifter, like a dog leash but stiff, will help you lift that delicate leg during your first weeks -- especially when you get out of bed. You need to bend, but at first you just need to be able to get out of bed. Some nurses and aides have the right touch when they lift your leg. Others are not so skilled. I got my walker delivered when I was in the hospital. Afterward, I saw one with a seat at

the same price, and wished I had it. It makes so much sense. A plastic bag on the walker can hold things you want to carry from room to room. You will need a cane. I wasn't told to buy crutches, but had a pair of crutches from a time when I injured the knee. I was very glad to have them to take the weight off my knees when I needed to go further and it was too painful going with the cane. I had to learn to ask for help for the first time.

I live alone, so a friend stayed with me after I got out of inpatient rehab (was in rehab for the first week because I had both knees done -- a godsend). After that my children came to clean, get me out of the house, etc. I chose to go to the physical therapist when I got home, and friends drove me there. When others asked if there was anything they could do, I asked them to share their favorite books and DVDs with me. My closest friends brought me dinner and stayed to eat with me. You will need a "station" at your bedside so you have whatever you need day and night, medications, books, etc. My son bought me a bed tray -- handy in so many ways. One of the best ideas I read here -- too late-- was to

keep a cooler beside you for drinks as well as fresh ice bags. You will probably be sent home with the ice wraps used in the hospital. I hope you get what I got -- insulated with two compartments and several bags of "ice" -- granules that don't turn to liquid when they thaw. After reading about Ann's postings today about alfalfa juice for iron, I wished I had taken iron before surgery since I ended up with a low blood count after surgery. But that should probably be a doctor's recommendation. I had my list of medications I take regularly along with the dosages with me. Hospital workers here are stretched thin, and even the best make mistakes, which they did. One thing everyone here has heard me rant and rave about is having an advocate stay with you at least the first two nights after surgery. I've heard many times and experienced the meds arriving late or overlooked -- putting your pain management in a tailspin. I had the nurse from hell and an unusual and bad experience with my epidural needle coming out and going without the painkiller, that was to come to me through the pain pump, for four hours. I told my nurse something was wrong, but I guess she just considered me another delirious patient under the influence. I had to call my children, who paged my surgeon. I was told not to bring a credit card to the hospital and couldn't call out until I remembered the 1-800-collect commercials. Next time I'll have a credit card (my son used his for my T.V. cable access), a calling card and phone numbers at my bedside. There were other problems with my nurse from hell that first night, including a mix-up with meds, which I probably caught only because I wasn't getting my pain med and very aware. That was the first time I heard her being berated by one of her peers outside my room. She also left me alone, dizzy and weak, on

the bedside commode my first time up. Another nurse found me, stayed with me. Then I heard Nurse Hell again being confronted by one of her co-workers. Scary, huh? You are at your most vulnerable the night of your surgery-- heavily medicated (if you are lucky), perhaps with anxiety from the strong post-op meds, and hurting. I should say Nurse Hell was banished after that, and I never saw her again. The next morning remarkable Nurse Angel was assigned to me and oversaw my care after that. She knew what I needed before I did. She was the one who questioned why I was so weak and told the doctor I needed a blood count. A transfusion followed. What happened to me was very unusual, but what if you end up with the one caregiver who is incompetent as I did. I will never go it alone at night again. These are the things that first come to mind. The wonderful thing about this site is that you will hear many more suggestions about preparing. I wish you the best. Let us know when you go and how recovery goes. Warm regards, Donna Jan <kpkwi@...> wrote: Hi everyone,I am Jan.I have been reading some of your messages this last week and they have been

very helpful. I am feeling more confident and less scared about having knee replacement surgery.I am wondering about pre-surgery preparations. The first surgeon I saw is referring me to a second one who is more familiar with a new type of TKR that is for younger people and is more flexible. I am 49 years old.I don't know yet when the surgery will be. I am hoping it won't be until after Christmas so I have time to get things in order.Thanks for your help and support.

Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Answers. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Jan, One thing I forgot to recommend: the "reacher.: Sassy Lou has a funny but totally desciptive name for it, but I forget what it is. It's a long piece of plastic that will help you retrieve the things you knock off your bedside table a dozen times a day. You can get your pack of kleenex, book, etc. without ringing for help. The staff will love you for it. Later, I uses it to reach things that somehow make their way under the bed -- without getting on my knees. By the way, after three months I CAN get on my knees. I didn't think I'd ever get to that point. Donna Jan <kpkwi@...> wrote: I am wondering about pre-surgery preparations. Any

questions? Get answers on any topic at Answers. Try it now.

Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on

Answers.

[Guest guest]

Sandy, you are going to find your pre-op exercise really helps you afterwards Good for you!

(post-THR Day 12)

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of SandySent: Sunday, 10 December 2006 9:51 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Re: New to the group

Jan, I am a little older than you, but don't know about a knee for younger people. I am 53 and would like to put myself in the category. If you find a name, I would love to know it.I am having my left knee replaced on Jan 15. I am in a lot of pain and really looking forward to the surgery.As far a prep goes, my doctor has me doing whatever exercise I can do. I participate in water aerobics and ride a stationary bike. Want to be as strong as possible before the surgery.Sandy>> Hi everyone,> > I am Jan.> > I have been reading some of your messages this last week and they have > been very helpful. I am feeling more confident and less scared about > having knee replacement surgery.> > I am wondering about pre-surgery preparations. The first surgeon I > saw is referring me to a second one who is more familiar with a new > type of TKR that is for younger people and is more flexible. I am 49 > years old.> > I don't know yet when the surgery will be. I am hoping it won't be > until after Christmas so I have time to get things in order.> > Thanks for your help and support.>

[Guest guest]

I don't know for sure but will be able to tell you more after my

appointment Wed.

I think this is it:

http://www.genderknee.com/micro/z/ctl/op/global/action/8

Jan

> >

> > Hi everyone,

> >

> > I am Jan.

> >

> > I have been reading some of your messages this last week and they

> have

> > been very helpful. I am feeling more confident and less scared

> about

> > having knee replacement surgery.

> >

> > I am wondering about pre-surgery preparations. The first

surgeon

> I

> > saw is referring me to a second one who is more familiar with a

> new

> > type of TKR that is for younger people and is more flexible. I

am

> 49

> > years old.

> >

> > I don't know yet when the surgery will be. I am hoping it won't

> be

> > until after Christmas so I have time to get things in order.

> >

> > Thanks for your help and support.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had both knees replaced in September. It is NOT fun, but

personally, I think it's better to do both at once just to be done

with it. There are others that will disagree and tell you it's easier

to do one at a time and have one good leg to rely on. If you have a

family to take care of you for the 3-4 months that it will take to

truly recover, I'd advocate doing both at once. Any TKR is painful in

the beginning and it is a hard road back to mobility. Anyone here

will tell you that once you are healed it was worth the trip. I know

you will get a mound of replies. Welcome to the group and be happy

that TKR's exist to free you from your current pain.

Best Regards,

Alan b.

Joint Replacement , " "

<shhhhh_its_karen@...> wrote:

>

> Hi everyone, I'm new to the group. I had gastric pypass 3 yeqrs

> ago..Im now 54, and its time to have my knees done. Doctor sayd i

> could have both done at the saje time.. I joined the group to find out

> the real truth about what to exspect, Pleas tell me straight how it

> will be,,

> Thank you,\

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I had both knees done Sept. 8. I chose to do that because my doctor believed I could handle the recovery at 56. Though the 80-plus-year-old grandfather of a friend of mine had both his replaced at the same time last year and is doing great. I had some critical factors in my decision. I had accumulated six weeks of leave where I work and it will be awhile before I can accumulate that much again. Also, two hospital stays meant two sets of bills. This way I got two for the price of one. Also, the fact that I had both knees done paved the way for a week-long stay at an inpatient physical therapy facility after I was released from

the hospital. My surgeon won't release a double-knee replacement to go straight home. And I'm convinced I could not have received the same, intensive treatment at home or with outpatient. it also ensured I had a doctor visiting every day that week to see how pain management was going. The nurses and aides were there to change my dressings. And I also received occupational therapy to help me prepare to go home. As I write this, my brother is in surgery having one knee done. After lots of discussion, we decided this was the best way to go. He is 68, 12 years older than me, so the surgeon felt sifter doing one leg at a time. He is a big guy -- and if you have both knees done you need more help getting up the first few days. He is semiretired, and taking two sick leaves in one year is not a problem. Also, because of his age, he is on

Medicare and has a supplemental insurance, so does not expect significant costs by having two surgeries. Alan is right. One or two knees, this surgery hurts. But that's what pain management is for. The results are worth it. I'm doing things I haven't done in two years. I wish you the best. And stay in touch and let us know what you decide. This is a wonderful site with wonderful people who can help so much during your pre-op and recovery times. Warm regards, Donnambwebman <mbwebman@...> wrote: Hi ,I had both knees replaced in September. It is NOT fun, butpersonally, I think it's better to do both at once just to be donewith it. There are others that will disagree and tell you it's easierto do one at a time and have one good leg to rely on. If you have afamily to take care of you for the 3-4 months that it will take totruly recover, I'd advocate doing both at once. Any TKR is painful inthe beginning and it is a hard road back to mobility. Anyone herewill tell you that once you are healed it was worth the trip. I

knowyou will get a mound of replies. Welcome to the group and be happythat TKR's exist to free you from your current pain.Best Regards,Alan b.Joint Replacement , ""<shhhhh_its_karen@...> wrote:>> Hi everyone, I'm new to the group. I had gastric pypass 3 yeqrs> ago..Im now 54, and its time to have my knees done. Doctor sayd i> could have both done at the saje time.. I joined the group to find out> the real truth about what to exspect, Pleas tell me straight how it> will be,, > Thank you,\>

Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. Try the free Beta.

[Guest guest]

,Welcome to the group. It really depends on your home life to have both knees done at the same time. I had my done on1/06and 7/06. I spent 12 days in the nursing home the first knee and 7 days on the second. The reason I was in a nursing home is becuase my husband is an over the road trucker. So I had no one to be there for me.Shirley New to

the group

Hi everyone, I'm new to the group. I had gastric pypass 3 yeqrs

ago..Im now 54, and its time to have my knees done. Doctor sayd i

could have both done at the saje time.. I joined the group to find out

the real truth about what to exspect, Pleas tell me straight how it

will be,,

Thank you,\

Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Welcome

We have a number of members who have had both at once. Most I believe

have had them done at two different times. There are pros and cons

for both approaches. I have only had one leg done and don't need the

other as far as I can tell (thank God).

From the both at the same time the pros are all of the pain and

recovery will be done once. The old knee pain will be gone in both

knees so you can work on getting back to a normal life sooner. The

cons are for the first couple of weeks at least you will need to

manage your pain meds carefully because both legs have had a major

trauma and there is pain (I don't want to surgery coat it there is

pain). The recover could be longer than a single leg but this is a

variable that is different from person to person. The two major

things that can happen are infection and blood clots. With two knees

the chances go up for these complications.

I read that there is a 1% chance of getting infection or blood clots

from these kind of operations. Replacing joints is a major operation

but it is not experimantal and hundereds of thousands are being done

every year. Another IMHO important area is your current physical

health. You need to get in as good a shape as you can before hand.

Upper body strength as well as leg strength considering the conditions

of your knees. Also get a second opinion even if you know that your

current doctor is the one you prefer.

Finally here is a book that I recommend to all who come to the forum

with questions;

" Total Knee Replacement and Recovery "

By Dr. Brugioni MD and Dr. Jeff Falkel Ph.D, PT.

Dr. Falkel had his knee done so he gives you a perspective of both

patient and doctor. The book is organized in a workbook fashion with

day one through week four to one year.

Hope this has help.

Don

>

> Hi everyone, I'm new to the group. I had gastric pypass 3 yeqrs

> ago..Im now 54, and its time to have my knees done. Doctor sayd i

> could have both done at the saje time.. I joined the group to find out

> the real truth about what to exspect, Pleas tell me straight how it

> will be,,

> Thank you,\

>

[Guest guest]

, My name is Phyllis and I had gastric by pass 4 years ago April. I had a TKR in May 2006. I will not comment on mine because I am in the minority. My surgeon didn't do such a great job and I am headed back to the hospital soon, but I hear so many people have such great success including my 82 year old mother. She is a bionic women! I am looking forward to acting my age again..which is 52. Would you mind telling me how your weight loss helped you? I am always interested in that. Hope everything works out for you. Phyllis

Everyone is raving about the all-new beta.

[Guest guest]

While some doctors will make mutterings about a joint lasting up to 30 years

don't count on it. I was younger than you when I had my first hip done. 11

years later I was told I needed a revision. I had it 14 years later due to

a number of hickups, but by that time I had done real damage to the

remaining bone.

My revision is not a patch on the primary hip and I am once again in pain.

When in my 30's I knew I would have to have a revision sometime. 30 years

seemed a long way down the track. The thought of facing this kind of

surgery every 10 years scares the pants of me. I never want to have it

again.

Jane from Wales will suggest you look at resurfacing. I agree although I

have no real knowledge about it. Check out all the options.

I'm not saying don't do it. If I had my time again, even with hindsight, I

believe I would have made the same decision. Just make sure you make your

decisions only presmuming 10 years out of a hip, not 30 years as I did.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

New to the group

| Hi Everyone,

|

| I'm new to this group. Let me introduce myself. My name is . I need a

| tkr in my right knee. I have had cortisone shots, the synthetic joint

fluid,

| and am on hefty doses of ibuprofen each day, as well as Ultram.

|

| My knee is bone on bone, no cartilage left at all, and there are of course

| the expected bone spurs in there as well. I would imagine many of you here

| know what sort of pain I live with.

|

| It's all very cut and dry, and two orthopedic surgeons have told me that

| this is the only course of action for me. Having tried everything else, I

| don't doubt them.

|

| My own mother had both knees, both shoulders, and a hip replaced, so I

have

| a little experience with all this, but certainly not firsthand.

|

| The only catch in all this is my age. I am only 42 years old and I have

| heard one person after another tell me I am far too young to undergo this

| procedure. My surgeon says I am young, but he sees no other recourse for

me.

|

| Thanks for taking the time to read this, and for letting me join this

group.

| Looking forward to getting to know you folks better.

|

[Guest guest]

, Your mom sure went through alot. Wow!!

I am Terry. I had TKR dec. 19 and I am walking out this recovery.

Welcome to the group. Terry

New to the group

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this group. Let me introduce myself. My name is . I need a

tkr in my right knee. I have had cortisone shots, the synthetic joint fluid,

and am on hefty doses of ibuprofen each day, as well as Ultram.

My knee is bone on bone, no cartilage left at all, and there are of course

the expected bone spurs in there as well. I would imagine many of you here

know what sort of pain I live with.

It's all very cut and dry, and two orthopedic surgeons have told me that

this is the only course of action for me. Having tried everything else, I

don't doubt them.

My own mother had both knees, both shoulders, and a hip replaced, so I have

a little experience with all this, but certainly not firsthand.

The only catch in all this is my age. I am only 42 years old and I have

heard one person after another tell me I am far too young to undergo this

procedure. My surgeon says I am young, but he sees no other recourse for me.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and for letting me join this group.

Looking forward to getting to know you folks better.

in Washington State

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