new to group

[Guest guest]

Dear Debbie, If only those who of us who understand what you are going through weren't spread around the world, but close enough to help. You are still so, so early in the recovery. process. I'm now a bit past three months post op for double knee replacement. And I'm just seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I've been there -- the tears, the frustration. I've been disappointed by health-care givers. I'm sometimes overwhelmed by the demands on me. I just keep trying to think how wonderful it will be to be to lead a normal life a year from now. I lost one friend this year to cancer, another is preparing to soon be under hospice care. This will likely be her last Christmas with her family. Yesterday, a friend, who always stays upbeat for her sons, cried on

my shoulder. This will be her third Christmas without her beautiful daughter, who was killed in a car accident her first year in college. As for us...we have every reason to think we will be healthier and stronger than we have been in a long time. Please don't think I mean to preach. I can't sugar coat it. No matter how we count our blessings, we've been through a traumatic surgery that results in a painful and slow process. First, I agree with 's wise advice. Please consider seeing a doctor about clincal depression. Many, if not most of us, know that the chronic pain, meds and inability to do what we are used to doing make

us sad and weepy if not seriously depressed. It's out of our control. Life isn't fair, and you have been hit with so much. But others would . It sounds like you have a caring daughter and the best recovery elixir in the world -- grandchildren and one on the way. I have three and now my baby girls is pregnant for the first time. It's a girl, and today I get to buy her first gift from me. I am so excited. And even though your parents have needs, I envy you that you have them as well as a husband to lean on. Though if I had a husband who couldn't keep up with things because he had to go hunting, I would find the diplomatic words needed to convince him that this year it is his "dear" and not the "deer" that must be his priority this year. :-) And you have your shopping done. Now I'm really jealous! I'm just beginning today. I can just see me limping tomorrow! :-) So many things are out of your control right now, just when you are at your most vulnerable. Then there are the pain meds, that mess with your emotions. I live alone and am used to being independent. I've had to learn to ask for help. It's been been humbling for sure. But this holiday season, I am more grateful than ever before for the family and friends who responded to my requests for help. That feeling is a gift in itself. At the top of your list,

you need to put in capital letters: FIRST AND FOREMOST, TAKE CARE OF DEBBIE. Every week gets better -- but only if you do the right things for yourself. You won't be any good to the people you love until you do. I have one suggestion. Before each week begins, pick up the phone and personally and ask a specific person to take your parents to a specific appointment. This is how I got to physcial therapy. People will help, but they want exact dates and times in advance. It's not begging, it's reaching out for help. And someday, some of them will feel comfortable reaching out to you when you are in a position to help. Also, our county has a service to get the elderly to appointments. Perhaps checking into that is one way your daughter could help you from

her home. I could give offer up all kinds of solutions, but I have a feeling you don't need that as much as you need to others who understand your frustration, pain, sadness and anger and to find ways to cope. If you've always loved the holidays, I'm sure you'll find the spirit when you're surrounded by your family. Especially those grandchildren. I've had more than one holiday season I dreaded, but the joy always comes. You can count on Christmas! Okay, off to the pool and then to the stores. I've pretty much given up my cane, but will take

it to support me on this trek. And isn't it amazing, how people jump to help a person with a cane! Like the guy who almost pushed me out of the way last week so he could load my 44-lbs. of dog food in my cart and the young neighbors who carried it into the house for me when I got home. Or the people who insist I step ahead in line at the cash register. There are some perks to this recovery thing. :-) Thanks, Debbie, for the tip on Vitamin E. My scars are tight and bothering me. I'll buy some today. Don't forget, Debbie. The world can go on without you. Put yourself first for now! Take the best care ever. Warm regards, Donna Harnett <wjkh@...> wrote: P.S: Debbie, you may be clinically depressed and should talk to your doctor. You've been through major surgery and need some looking after. -----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of garagesale1999Sent: Saturday, 16 December 2006 6:55 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: new to group HiI just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all theexercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helpedmy recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was goingto a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgeryon my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me

withcordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this otherdoctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me standingand bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I had NOcartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outsidearea. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in theback of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was givenin my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even clean theshot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire) Anyway thenew doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there isnothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixedhoping that will give me less pain in my leg.Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom and thepain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar(almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I

thinkand was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great but thepain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and walkingfor a half hour in the store. I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night andtook some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk andeat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of gotinto my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am andshe said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will haveto take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband toget them if I need them. for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting mycane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time andto tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the littlehelp that I get from the people who told me they would help. MyChurch family has sent cards but that is it. My parents

are not welland I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom toappointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and theynever did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them myparents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not thebegging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad. I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep upwith the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with hishours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don'tknow week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3 from heranother marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay support andis always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) andwill only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the newdads hours being shifted around and a new baby

coming, they are notadjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong onefor everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then payingfor it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else isfinding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. Idon't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought beforesurgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I justwant to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how tonot overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Dear Debbie, If only those who of us who understand what you are going through weren't spread around the world, but close enough to help. You are still so, so early in the recovery. process. I'm now a bit past three months post op for double knee replacement. And I'm just seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I've been there -- the tears, the frustration. I've been disappointed by health-care givers. I'm sometimes overwhelmed by the demands on me. I just keep trying to think how wonderful it will be to be to lead a normal life a year from now. I lost one friend this year to cancer, another is preparing to soon be under hospice care. This will likely be her last Christmas with her family. Yesterday, a friend, who always stays upbeat for her sons, cried on

my shoulder. This will be her third Christmas without her beautiful daughter, who was killed in a car accident her first year in college. As for us...we have every reason to think we will be healthier and stronger than we have been in a long time. Please don't think I mean to preach. I can't sugar coat it. No matter how we count our blessings, we've been through a traumatic surgery that results in a painful and slow process. First, I agree with 's wise advice. Please consider seeing a doctor about clincal depression. Many, if not most of us, know that the chronic pain, meds and inability to do what we are used to doing make

us sad and weepy if not seriously depressed. It's out of our control. Life isn't fair, and you have been hit with so much. But others would . It sounds like you have a caring daughter and the best recovery elixir in the world -- grandchildren and one on the way. I have three and now my baby girls is pregnant for the first time. It's a girl, and today I get to buy her first gift from me. I am so excited. And even though your parents have needs, I envy you that you have them as well as a husband to lean on. Though if I had a husband who couldn't keep up with things because he had to go hunting, I would find the diplomatic words needed to convince him that this year it is his "dear" and not the "deer" that must be his priority this year. :-) And you have your shopping done. Now I'm really jealous! I'm just beginning today. I can just see me limping tomorrow! :-) So many things are out of your control right now, just when you are at your most vulnerable. Then there are the pain meds, that mess with your emotions. I live alone and am used to being independent. I've had to learn to ask for help. It's been been humbling for sure. But this holiday season, I am more grateful than ever before for the family and friends who responded to my requests for help. That feeling is a gift in itself. At the top of your list,

you need to put in capital letters: FIRST AND FOREMOST, TAKE CARE OF DEBBIE. Every week gets better -- but only if you do the right things for yourself. You won't be any good to the people you love until you do. I have one suggestion. Before each week begins, pick up the phone and personally and ask a specific person to take your parents to a specific appointment. This is how I got to physcial therapy. People will help, but they want exact dates and times in advance. It's not begging, it's reaching out for help. And someday, some of them will feel comfortable reaching out to you when you are in a position to help. Also, our county has a service to get the elderly to appointments. Perhaps checking into that is one way your daughter could help you from

her home. I could give offer up all kinds of solutions, but I have a feeling you don't need that as much as you need to others who understand your frustration, pain, sadness and anger and to find ways to cope. If you've always loved the holidays, I'm sure you'll find the spirit when you're surrounded by your family. Especially those grandchildren. I've had more than one holiday season I dreaded, but the joy always comes. You can count on Christmas! Okay, off to the pool and then to the stores. I've pretty much given up my cane, but will take

it to support me on this trek. And isn't it amazing, how people jump to help a person with a cane! Like the guy who almost pushed me out of the way last week so he could load my 44-lbs. of dog food in my cart and the young neighbors who carried it into the house for me when I got home. Or the people who insist I step ahead in line at the cash register. There are some perks to this recovery thing. :-) Thanks, Debbie, for the tip on Vitamin E. My scars are tight and bothering me. I'll buy some today. Don't forget, Debbie. The world can go on without you. Put yourself first for now! Take the best care ever. Warm regards, Donna Harnett <wjkh@...> wrote: P.S: Debbie, you may be clinically depressed and should talk to your doctor. You've been through major surgery and need some looking after. -----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of garagesale1999Sent: Saturday, 16 December 2006 6:55 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: new to group HiI just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all theexercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helpedmy recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was goingto a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgeryon my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me

withcordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this otherdoctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me standingand bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I had NOcartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outsidearea. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in theback of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was givenin my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even clean theshot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire) Anyway thenew doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there isnothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixedhoping that will give me less pain in my leg.Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom and thepain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar(almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I

thinkand was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great but thepain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and walkingfor a half hour in the store. I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night andtook some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk andeat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of gotinto my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am andshe said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will haveto take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband toget them if I need them. for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting mycane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time andto tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the littlehelp that I get from the people who told me they would help. MyChurch family has sent cards but that is it. My parents

are not welland I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom toappointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and theynever did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them myparents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not thebegging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad. I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep upwith the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with hishours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don'tknow week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3 from heranother marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay support andis always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) andwill only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the newdads hours being shifted around and a new baby

coming, they are notadjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong onefor everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then payingfor it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else isfinding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. Idon't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought beforesurgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I justwant to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how tonot overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Donna what a wonderful e mail and so true and uplifting. It does get

much better. I am 4 years out on one knee and almost a year out on the

other and what a dream to be free of the pain. Chin up, Debbie. It

will get better. I have suffered with depression and also know that

when you are so low nothing seems possible. Please get to a

specialist for medication and monitoring.

On Dec 16, 2006, at 7:04 AM, Donna Hart wrote:

> Dear Debbie,

>  

> If only those who of us who understand what you are going

> through weren't spread around the world, but close enough to help. You

> are still so, so early in the recovery. process. I'm now a bit past

> three months post op for double knee replacement. And I'm just seeing

> the light at the end of the tunnel. I've been there -- the tears, the

> frustration. I've been disappointed by health-care givers. I'm

> sometimes overwhelmed by the demands on me. I just keep trying to

> think how wonderful it will be to be to lead a normal life a year from

> now. I lost one friend this year to cancer, another is preparing to

> soon be under hospice care. This will likely be her last Christmas

> with her family. Yesterday, a friend, who always stays upbeat for her

> sons, cried on my shoulder. This will be her third Christmas without

> her beautiful daughter, who was killed in a car accident her first

> year in  college. As for us...we have every reason to think we will be

> healthier and stronger than we have been in a long time.

>  

> Please don't think I mean to preach. I can't sugar coat it. No matter

> how we count our blessings, we've been through a traumatic surgery

> that results in a painful and slow process.

>  

> First, I  agree with 's wise advice. Please consider seeing a

> doctor about clincal depression. Many, if not most of us, know that

> the chronic pain, meds and inability to do what we are used to doing

> make us sad and weepy if not seriously depressed. It's out of our

> control.

>  

> Life isn't fair, and you have been hit with so much. But others would

> . It sounds like you have a caring daughter and the best recovery

> elixir in the world -- grandchildren and one on the way. I have three

> and now my baby  girls is pregnant for the first time. It's a girl,

> and today I get to buy her first gift from me. I am so excited.  And

> even though your parents have needs, I envy you that you have them as

> well as a husband to lean on. Though if I had a husband who couldn't

> keep up with things because he had to go hunting, I would find the

> diplomatic words needed to convince  him that this year it is his

> " dear "   and not the " deer " that must be his priority this year. :-)

>  

> And you have your shopping done. Now I'm really jealous! I'm just

> beginning today. I can just see me limping tomorrow! :-)

>  

> So many things are out of your control right now, just when you are at

> your most vulnerable. Then there are the pain meds, that mess with

> your emotions. I live alone and am used to being independent. I've had

> to learn to ask for help. It's been been humbling for sure. But this

> holiday season, I am more grateful than ever before for the family and

> friends who responded to my requests for help. That feeling is a gift

> in itself.

>  

> At the top of your list, you need to put in capital letters: FIRST

> AND FOREMOST, TAKE CARE OF DEBBIE.  Every week gets better -- but only

> if you do the right things for yourself. You won't be any good to the

> people you love until you do.

>  

> I have one suggestion. Before each week begins, pick up the phone and

> personally and ask a specific person to take your parents to a

> specific appointment. This is how I got to physcial therapy. People

> will help, but they want exact dates and times in advance. It's not

> begging, it's reaching out for help. And someday, some of them will

> feel comfortable reaching out to you when you are in a position to

> help. Also, our county has a service to get the elderly to

> appointments. Perhaps checking into that is one way your daughter

> could help you from her home.

>  

> I could give offer up all kinds of solutions, but I have a feeling you

> don't need that as much as you need to others who understand your

> frustration, pain, sadness and anger and to find ways to cope.

>  

> If you've always loved the holidays, I'm sure you'll find the spirit

> when you're surrounded by your family. Especially those grandchildren.

> I've had more than one holiday season I dreaded, but the joy always

> comes. You can count on Christmas!

>  

> Okay, off to the pool and then to the stores. I've pretty much given

> up my cane, but will take it to support me on this trek. And isn't it

> amazing, how people jump to help a person with a cane!  Like the guy

> who almost pushed me out of the way last week so he could load my

> 44-lbs. of dog food in my cart and the young neighbors who carried it

> into the house for me when I got home. Or the people who insist I step

> ahead in line at the cash register. There are some perks to this

> recovery thing. :-)

>  

>

> Thanks, Debbie, for the tip on Vitamin E. My scars are tight and

> bothering me. I'll buy some today. Don't forget, Debbie. The world can

> go on without you. Put yourself first for now! Take the best care

> ever.

>

>  

> Warm regards,

>  

> Donna

>  

>

> Harnett <wjkh@...> wrote:

>> P.S: Debbie, you may be clinically depressed and should talk to your

>> doctor. You've been through major surgery and need some looking

>> after.

>>

>>> new to group

>>>

>>> Hi

>>> I just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all the

>>> exercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helped

>>> my recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was going

>>> to a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3

>>> injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgery

>>> on my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me with

>>> cordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this other

>>> doctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me

>>> standing

>>> and bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I had NO

>>> cartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outside

>>> area. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in the

>>> back of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was

>>> given

>>> in my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even clean the

>>> shot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire) Anyway the

>>> new doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there is

>>> nothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixed

>>> hoping that will give me less pain in my leg.

>>> Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom and the

>>> pain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar

>>> (almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I

>>> think

>>> and was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great but the

>>> pain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and

>>> walking

>>> for a half hour in the store.

>>> I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night and

>>> took some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk and

>>> eat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of got

>>> into my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am

>>> and

>>> she said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will have

>>> to take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband to

>>> get them if I need them.

>>> for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting

>>> my

>>> cane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time and

>>> to tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the little

>>> help that I get from the people who told me they would help. My

>>> Church family has sent cards but that is it. My parents are not well

>>> and I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom to

>>> appointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and they

>>> never did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them my

>>> parents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not the

>>> begging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad.

>>> I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep up

>>> with the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has

>>> 3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with his

>>> hours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don't

>>> know week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3 from her

>>> another marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay support and

>>> is always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) and

>>> will only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the new

>>> dads hours being shifted around and a new baby coming, they are not

>>> adjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong one

>>> for everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then paying

>>> for it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else is

>>> finding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. I

>>> don't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought before

>>> surgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I just

>>> want to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how to

>>> not overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie

>>>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the words of understanding and care. I have

decided that you are right I am fighting depression and I beleave it

is affecting my asthma and the coughing is not helping. I will get an

appointment Monday for my medical doc and see if I can get something

to get my asthma under control and quit crying. I did get out today

and will get out tomorrow to do a quick trip to the store for a few

things for ME. Thank God I find people who understand and let me

vent. Thanks Debbie

> >> P.S: Debbie, you may be clinically depressed and should talk to

your

> >> doctor. You've been through major surgery and need some looking

> >> after.

> >>

> >>> new to group

> >>>

> >>> Hi

> >>> I just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all the

> >>> exercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helped

> >>> my recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was going

> >>> to a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3

> >>> injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgery

> >>> on my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me with

> >>> cordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this

other

> >>> doctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me

> >>> standing

> >>> and bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I

had NO

> >>> cartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outside

> >>> area. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in the

> >>> back of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was

> >>> given

> >>> in my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even

clean the

> >>> shot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire)

Anyway the

> >>> new doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there is

> >>> nothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixed

> >>> hoping that will give me less pain in my leg.

> >>> Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom

and the

> >>> pain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar

> >>> (almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I

> >>> think

> >>> and was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great

but the

> >>> pain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and

> >>> walking

> >>> for a half hour in the store.

> >>> I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night and

> >>> took some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk and

> >>> eat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of got

> >>> into my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am

> >>> and

> >>> she said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will

have

> >>> to take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband to

> >>> get them if I need them.

> >>> for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting

> >>> my

> >>> cane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time and

> >>> to tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the little

> >>> help that I get from the people who told me they would help. My

> >>> Church family has sent cards but that is it. My parents are not

well

> >>> and I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom to

> >>> appointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and

they

> >>> never did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them my

> >>> parents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not the

> >>> begging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad.

> >>> I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep up

> >>> with the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has

> >>> 3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with his

> >>> hours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don't

> >>> know week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3

from her

> >>> another marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay

support and

> >>> is always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) and

> >>> will only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the new

> >>> dads hours being shifted around and a new baby coming, they are not

> >>> adjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong one

> >>> for everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then

paying

> >>> for it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else is

> >>> finding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. I

> >>> don't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought before

> >>> surgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I just

> >>> want to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how to

> >>> not overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie

> >>>

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Good for you. You are taking positive steps but it wont heal over

night .I have been on antidepressants for years now. mine is a

chemical imbalance

On Dec 16, 2006, at 6:27 PM, garagesale1999 wrote:

> Thank you so much for the words of understanding and care. I have

>

> decided that you are right I am fighting depression and I beleave it

>

> is affecting my asthma and the coughing is not helping. I will get an

>

> appointment Monday for my medical doc and see if I can get something

>

> to get my asthma under control and quit crying. I did get out today

>

> and will get out tomorrow to do a quick trip to the store for a few

>

> things for ME. Thank God I find people who understand and let me

>

> vent. Thanks Debbie

>

>

>

>

> > >> P.S: Debbie, you may be clinically depressed and should talk to

>

> your

>

> > >> doctor. You've been through major surgery and need some looking

>

> > >> after.

>

> > >>

>

> > >>> new to group

>

> > >>>

>

> > >>> Hi

>

> > >>> I just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all the

>

> > >>> exercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has

> helped

>

> > >>> my recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was

> going

>

> > >>> to a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3

>

> > >>> injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do

> surgery

>

> > >>> on my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me with

>

> > >>> cordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this

>

> other

>

> > >>> doctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me

>

> > >>> standing

>

> > >>> and bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I

>

> had NO

>

> > >>> cartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the

> outside

>

> > >>> area. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in

> the

>

> > >>> back of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was

>

> > >>> given

>

> > >>> in my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even

>

> clean the

>

> > >>> shot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire)

>

> Anyway the

>

> > >>> new doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and

> there is

>

> > >>> nothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixed

>

> > >>> hoping that will give me less pain in my leg.

>

> > >>> Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom

>

> and the

>

> > >>> pain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on

> scar

>

> > >>> (almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I

>

> > >>> think

>

> > >>> and was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great

>

> but the

>

> > >>> pain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and

>

> > >>> walking

>

> > >>> for a half hour in the store.

>

> > >>> I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night

> and

>

> > >>> took some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk

> and

>

> > >>> eat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of

> got

>

> > >>> into my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo

> am

>

> > >>> and

>

> > >>> she said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will

>

> have

>

> > >>> to take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my

> husband to

>

> > >>> get them if I need them.

>

> > >>> for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep

> forgeting

>

> > >>> my

>

> > >>> cane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time

> and

>

> > >>> to tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the

> little

>

> > >>> help that I get from the people who told me they would help. My

>

> > >>> Church family has sent cards but that is it. My parents are not

>

> well

>

> > >>> and I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom to

>

> > >>> appointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and

>

> they

>

> > >>> never did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them

> my

>

> > >>> parents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are

> not the

>

> > >>> begging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter

> mad.

>

> > >>> I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep

> up

>

> > >>> with the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant

> and has

>

> > >>> 3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with his

>

> > >>> hours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she

> don't

>

> > >>> know week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3

>

> from her

>

> > >>> another marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay

>

> support and

>

> > >>> is always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from

> Mich) and

>

> > >>> will only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the

> new

>

> > >>> dads hours being shifted around and a new baby coming, they are

> not

>

> > >>> adjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the

> strong one

>

> > >>> for everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then

>

> paying

>

> > >>> for it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else is

>

> > >>> finding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any

> ideas. I

>

> > >>> don't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought before

>

> > >>> surgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I

> just

>

> > >>> want to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how

> to

>

> > >>> not overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie

>

> > >>>

>

> > >

>

> > > __________________________________________________

>

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie

I'm glad you're going to get the self-care that you need - keep us updated Remember, you are worth it!

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of garagesale1999Sent: Sunday, 17 December 2006 3:28 p.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Re: new to group

Thank you so much for the words of understanding and care. I havedecided that you are right I am fighting depression and I beleave itis affecting my asthma and the coughing is not helping. I will get anappointment Monday for my medical doc and see if I can get somethingto get my asthma under control and quit crying. I did get out todayand will get out tomorrow to do a quick trip to the store for a fewthings for ME. Thank God I find people who understand and let mevent. Thanks Debbie

..

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

I'm so sorry to read you're not doing well, emotionally. I have dealt with depression since I was 23; i'm now 58. I have taken meds almost all these years, when I have not, I paid the price. First and foremost, you MUST take care of yourself. And cry if you feel like it -- let those pent up emotions out -- it's a cleansing of the soul, don't let it get all bottled up. Don't be afraid to call the church and ask point blank for help. Maybe they think you're doing okay as is. Tell them your parents need help, that you as well need help. Tell hubby, you need him and that next year the deers will still be there. During this time of recovery it should be all about you. I know your daughter, being pregnant and in her current situation can't do much, but she can support you emotionally. Call her, talk to her, cry to her if you have to. There's nothing wrong with that. You've been there for all these people all these years. Now it's your turn to be taken care of physically and emotionally.

Christmastime has ALWAYS depressed me, even as a child. For the last 9 I've been totally alone, just me and my dog. My husband works on a ship, my family is all in Ohio or North and South Carolina. I do not get along with my husband's family -- who live only 8 miles away. And as pathetic as it sounds, I have no real friends in the area. (That last part is my fault -- I've let myself become such a loner.) Instead of dwelling on the lonliness of my Christmas, I try so hard to focus on my blessings and remember memories from long ago. I cry, but then I get past it and I'm okay. I just let it out and move on.

Also, there's nothing wrong with asking your doctor for some meds to help you through this difficult time. Post surgical depression is common and I believe it would be especially so during the Holidays. Hang in there Debbie and know that all of us are here for you. You can cry on my "virtual" shoulder anytime you want. I sure wish we lived closer. I'm in Wisconsin, so we are neighbors. You CAN do this, Debbie!

Love and Hugs,

Lindy Lou

Right THR 1/22/2007

> >>> Hi> >>> I just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all the> >>> exercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helped> >>> my recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was going> >>> to a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3> >>> injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgery> >>> on my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me with> >>> cordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to thisother> >>> doctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me > >>> standing> >>> and bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that Ihad NO> >>> cartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outside> >>> area. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in the> >>> back of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was > >>> given> >>> in my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't evenclean the> >>> shot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire)Anyway the> >>> new doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there is> >>> nothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixed> >>> hoping that will give me less pain in my leg.> >>> Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% romand the> >>> pain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar> >>> (almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I > >>> think> >>> and was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling greatbut the> >>> pain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and > >>> walking> >>> for a half hour in the store.> >>> I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night and> >>> took some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk and> >>> eat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of got> >>> into my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am > >>> and> >>> she said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I willhave> >>> to take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband to> >>> get them if I need them.> >>> for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting > >>> my> >>> cane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time and> >>> to tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the little> >>> help that I get from the people who told me they would help. My> >>> Church family has sent cards but that is it. My parents are notwell> >>> and I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom to> >>> appointments. I asked the church to find people to help them andthey> >>> never did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them my> >>> parents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not the> >>> begging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad.> >>> I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep up> >>> with the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has> >>> 3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with his> >>> hours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don't> >>> know week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3from her> >>> another marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't paysupport and> >>> is always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) and> >>> will only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the new> >>> dads hours being shifted around and a new baby coming, they are not> >>> adjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong one> >>> for everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much thenpaying> >>> for it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else is> >>> finding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. I> >>> don't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought before> >>> surgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I just> >>> want to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how to> >>> not overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie

[Guest guest]

Lindylou I agree with you. Another thing that helped me was to

journal. Not necessarily sentences but thoughts. When you go back

later and read it you will see a different perspective. Debbie keep in

there but do see a doctor right away. You will get finer tuning of the

meds from a psychiatrist as they specialize in this and can tell by

talking with you if you are on the right dosage.

On Dec 17, 2006, at 10:46 AM, lindy wrote:

> Hi Debbie,

> I'm so sorry to read you're not doing well, emotionally.  I have dealt

> with depression since I was 23; i'm now 58.  I have taken meds almost

> all these years, when I have not, I paid the price.  First and

> foremost, you MUST take care of yourself.  And cry if you feel like it

> -- let those pent up emotions out -- it's a cleansing of the soul,

> don't let it get all bottled up.  Don't be afraid to call the church

> and ask point blank for help.  Maybe they think you're doing okay as

> is.  Tell them your parents need help, that you as well need help. 

> Tell hubby, you need him and that next year the deers will still be

> there.  During this time of recovery it should be all about you.  I

> know your daughter, being pregnant and in her current situation can't

> do much, but she can support you emotionally.  Call her, talk to her,

> cry to her if you have to.  There's nothing wrong with that.  You've

> been there for all these people all these years.  Now it's your turn

> to be taken care of physically and emotionally. 

> Christmastime has ALWAYS depressed me, even as a child.  For the last

> 9 I've been totally alone, just me and my dog.  My husband works on a

> ship, my family is all in Ohio or North and South Carolina.  I do not

> get along with my husband's family -- who live only 8 miles away.  And

> as pathetic as it sounds, I have no real friends in the area.  (That

> last part is my fault -- I've let myself become such a loner.) 

> Instead of dwelling on the lonliness of my Christmas, I try so hard to

> focus on my blessings and remember memories from long ago.  I cry, but

> then I get past it and I'm okay.  I just let it out and move on. 

>  

> Also, there's nothing wrong with asking your doctor for some meds to

> help you through this difficult time.  Post surgical depression is

> common and I believe it would be especially so during the Holidays. 

> Hang in there Debbie and know that all of us are here for you.  You

> can cry on my " virtual " shoulder anytime you want.  I sure wish we

> lived closer.  I'm in Wisconsin, so we are neighbors.  You CAN do

> this, Debbie!

> Love and Hugs,

> Lindy Lou

> Right THR 1/22/2007

>> > >>> Hi

>> > >>> I just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all the

>> > >>> exercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has

>> helped

>> > >>> my recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was

>> going

>> > >>> to a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3

>> > >>> injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do

>> surgery

>> > >>> on my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me  with

>> > >>> cordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to this

>> other

>> > >>> doctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me

>> > >>> standing

>> > >>> and bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that I

>> had NO

>> > >>> cartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the

>> outside

>> > >>> area. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in

>> the

>> > >>> back of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was

>> > >>> given

>> > >>> in my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't even

>> clean the

>> > >>> shot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire)

>> Anyway the

>> > >>> new doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and

>> there is

>> > >>> nothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixed

>> > >>> hoping that will give me less pain in my leg.

>> > >>> Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% rom

>> and the

>> > >>> pain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on

>> scar

>> > >>> (almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much

>> I 

>> > >>> think

>> > >>> and was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling great

>> but the

>> > >>> pain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and

>> > >>> walking

>> > >>> for a half hour in the store.

>> > >>> I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night

>> and

>> > >>> took some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk

>> and

>> > >>> eat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of

>> got

>> > >>> into my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo

>> am

>> > >>> and

>> > >>> she said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I will

>> have

>> > >>> to take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my

>> husband to

>> > >>> get them if I need them.

>> > >>> for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep

>> forgeting

>> > >>> my

>> > >>> cane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time

>> and

>> > >>> to tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the

>> little

>> > >>> help that I get from the people who told me they would help. My

>> > >>> Church family has sent cards but that is it. My parents  are not

>> well

>> > >>> and I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom to

>> > >>> appointments. I asked the church to find people to help them and

>> they

>> > >>> never did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them

>> my

>> > >>> parents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are

>> not the

>> > >>> begging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter

>> mad.

>> > >>> I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep

>> up

>> > >>> with the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant

>> and has

>> > >>> 3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with his

>> > >>> hours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she

>> don't

>> > >>> know week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3

>> from her

>> > >>> another marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't pay

>> support and

>> > >>> is always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from

>> Mich) and

>> > >>> will only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the

>> new

>> > >>> dads hours being shifted around and a new baby  coming, they

>> are not

>> > >>> adjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the

>> strong one

>> > >>> for everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much then

>> paying

>> > >>> for it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else is

>> > >>> finding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any

>> ideas. I

>> > >>> don't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought before

>> > >>> surgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I

>> just

>> > >>> want to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how

>> to

>> > >>> not overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan.

>> Debbie

" If God brings you to it He will bring you through it. "

[Guest guest]

Lindy,

What a thoughtful and helpful message to Debbie. And as for yourself, Christmas can be an awful time for so many people and I am sorry you are one of them! You come across on this forum as an extra-specially nice, caring person, so even if you can't be with people you care about in person at Christmas, you sure have lots of cyber-friends You can email me privately any time you like, ok?

in NZ

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of lindySent: Monday, 18 December 2006 7:46 a.m.Joint Replacement Subject: Re: Re: new to group

Hi Debbie,

I'm so sorry to read you're not doing well, emotionally. I have dealt with depression since I was 23; i'm now 58. I have taken meds almost all these years, when I have not, I paid the price. First and foremost, you MUST take care of yourself. And cry if you feel like it -- let those pent up emotions out -- it's a cleansing of the soul, don't let it get all bottled up. Don't be afraid to call the church and ask point blank for help. Maybe they think you're doing okay as is. Tell them your parents need help, that you as well need help. Tell hubby, you need him and that next year the deers will still be there. During this time of recovery it should be all about you. I know your daughter, being pregnant and in her current situation can't do much, but she can support you emotionally. Call her, talk to her, cry to her if you have to. There's nothing wrong with that. You've been there for all these people all these years. Now it's your turn to be taken care of physically and emotionally.

Christmastime has ALWAYS depressed me, even as a child. For the last 9 I've been totally alone, just me and my dog. My husband works on a ship, my family is all in Ohio or North and South Carolina. I do not get along with my husband's family -- who live only 8 miles away. And as pathetic as it sounds, I have no real friends in the area. (That last part is my fault -- I've let myself become such a loner.) Instead of dwelling on the lonliness of my Christmas, I try so hard to focus on my blessings and remember memories from long ago. I cry, but then I get past it and I'm okay. I just let it out and move on.

Also, there's nothing wrong with asking your doctor for some meds to help you through this difficult time. Post surgical depression is common and I believe it would be especially so during the Holidays. Hang in there Debbie and know that all of us are here for you. You can cry on my "virtual" shoulder anytime you want. I sure wish we lived closer. I'm in Wisconsin, so we are neighbors. You CAN do this, Debbie!

Love and Hugs,

Lindy Lou

Right THR 1/22/2007

> >>> Hi> >>> I just had a partal knee replacement Nov 20th. I did all the> >>> exercises the told me to do BEFORE SURGERY and beleave it has helped> >>> my recovery. Before I found the doc that did the surgery I was going> >>> to a doc in my town and ended up with a swelled calf after 3> >>> injections of something into my knee, they didn't want to do surgery> >>> on my knee as I am only 50 and they just kept pumping me with> >>> cordizone and then this 3 week shots thing. When I went to thisother> >>> doctor out of town, I took x-rays I had and none were with me > >>> standing> >>> and bending my knee with pressure on it. Well it showed that Ihad NO> >>> cartlage on the inside of the knee and a good amount on the outside> >>> area. After trying for months to get the swelling and lump in the> >>> back of my leg figured out it was decided that when the shot was > >>> given> >>> in my knee it settled into my calf (dumb doctor didn't evenclean the> >>> shot area before shot and those shots hurt like pure fire)Anyway the> >>> new doctor checked out the lump, and swelling real good and there is> >>> nothing they can do about the calf pain, so I had the knee fixed> >>> hoping that will give me less pain in my leg.> >>> Ok anyway now they say the knee is going great I have 90% romand the> >>> pain had let up alot, still icing hot knee and using vit E on scar> >>> (almost gone). Went to theapy on wed and pushed myself to much I > >>> think> >>> and was in alot of pain that night. My knee was feeling greatbut the> >>> pain came back in the calf after over working it at theapy and > >>> walking> >>> for a half hour in the store.> >>> I slept all day yesterday as I think that I got up in the night and> >>> took some pain meds and didn't remember doing it. I sleep walk and> >>> eat at night and don't remember it and I am sure that I must of got> >>> into my pills and don't remember as my friend called me at 9:oo am > >>> and> >>> she said I was out of it, I argued with her but could be. I willhave> >>> to take my pills and lock them up so I have to wake up my husband to> >>> get them if I need them.> >>> for the last few days I have been pushing myself and keep forgeting > >>> my> >>> cane when I walk. I am not very happy being inside all the time and> >>> to tired to go out much. I am depressed and upset with the little> >>> help that I get from the people who told me they would help. My> >>> Church family has sent cards but that is it. My parents are notwell> >>> and I am an only child and was taking dad to chemo and mom to> >>> appointments. I asked the church to find people to help them andthey> >>> never did anything except tell me to call even when I gave them my> >>> parents number and and schedule of appointments. We just are not the> >>> begging kind and I find myself overdueing it and getting bitter mad.> >>> I have a husband who is a hunter and is reluctly trying to keep up> >>> with the washing the clothing. my daughter is 8mths pregnant and has> >>> 3 kids and a husband who is being jacked around at work with his> >>> hours. they have 1 car and my daughter just can't help as she don't> >>> know week by week what his hours will be and her kids (the 3from her> >>> another marrage)are dealing with a real dad who won't paysupport and> >>> is always moving and has now decided to move to ohio (from Mich) and> >>> will only take them when and if he feels like it. Now with the new> >>> dads hours being shifted around and a new baby coming, they are not> >>> adjusting well to all the changes. I have always been the strong one> >>> for everyone and now I am down and pushing myself to much thenpaying> >>> for it in pain and depression. Just wondering if anyone else is> >>> finding it hard to deal with the recovery time and have any ideas. I> >>> don't even care about Christmas, I have the gifts bought before> >>> surgery. I always loved Christmas but this year forget it, I just> >>> want to cry. thanks for reading this and I hope i can learn how to> >>> not overdue it. Iceing knee and calf in Michigan. Debbie

[Guest guest]



i so wish i would have kept a journal from early on. how helpful and interesting it would be to read now.

Love and Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Lindylou I agree with you. Another thing that helped me was to journal. Not necessarily sentences but thoughts. When you go back later and read it you will see a different perspective. Debbie keep in there but do see a doctor right away. You will get finer tuning of the meds from a psychiatrist as they specialize in this and can tell by talking with you if you are on the right dosage.

[Guest guest]

,

Oh thank you so much. You're so sweet. I am so glad I've met all of you here.

Love and Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Lindy,

What a thoughtful and helpful message to Debbie. And as for yourself, Christmas can be an awful time for so many people and I am sorry you are one of them! You come across on this forum as an extra-specially nice, caring person, so even if you can't be with people you care about in person at Christmas, you sure have lots of cyber-friends You can email me privately any time you like, ok?

in NZ

[Guest guest]

I kept a bit of a journal and it helped me to see my ups and downs. The

group also showed me that it is pretty natural to hit patches where you

didn't think you were progressing.

My niece suggested something that I thought was a great idea. She said to

video tape your walking each week. Then when you feel you aren't making

progress you have some proof of it. So if you have the technology do it. I

never had a camera where I could take moving pictures.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

Re: Re: new to group

i so wish i would have kept a journal from early on. how helpful and

interesting it would be to read now.

Love and Hugs,

Lindy Lou

Right THR 1/22/2007

Lindylou I agree with you. Another thing that helped me was to journal.

Not necessarily sentences but thoughts. When you go back later and read it

you will see a different perspective. Debbie keep in there but do see a

doctor right away. You will get finer tuning of the meds from a psychiatrist

as they specialize in this and can tell by talking with you if you are on

the right dosage.

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

I'm a little older than you. I had my done when I was 49. Shirley New to Group

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group. My name is , and I live in Washington state.

I have osteoarthritis in my right knee. I have used various

antiinflammatories without much luck, and my sleep is impaired from the

pain. I walk with a cane. I have had the cortisone shots with no luck, and

have had the synthetic joint fluid injections as well.

Two orthopedic surgeons have told me after seeing xrays and my MRI that my

knee is bone on bone. There is no cartilage left, nothing but bone spurs. I

know many of you here must know how much this changes your life and what

sort of pain I am experiencing.

It all seems very cut and dry, that the tkr is the next step. The only catch

in all this is my age: I am 42 years old.

I have heard and read varying reports of the longevity of a new knee joint,

and am not sure what to believe. Many, many people have told me that they

would not go thru with the surgery if it were them, because I am so young.

(I assure you, I don't feel young!)

Anyway, I'm doing my best to learn as much as I can.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you better,

Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q&A for great tips from Answers users.

[Guest guest]

Hi : Being told you need new joints is a shock at any age, but I'm sure more so at 42. I'm 56 and had both knees replaced in September. The hips are next, though they have improved greatly since surgery, and I think I'll be able to buy some time. My mother also had joint replacements. She had osteoarthritis, and so do I. Is that what made replacements necessary for you and your mom? Despite your young age, when you are out of options, it is time to have joint replacement and get back to living a normal and active life. Getting to that decision is a process. My first surgeon told me to go home and come back when I couldn't stand it

any longer, but he hoped I could put it off for ten years because at 54 I was too young for joint replacement. Eventually, I decided I was too young to be living with pain, limping and giving up life as I knew it. Though I'm still in recovery, I have a strength and sturdiness in my knees as well a renewed sense of self-esteem -- both of which I haven't felt in a long time. You said in your posting: "...I don't feel young." I understand completely. Your 40s should a blast and not a time to be sitting on the sidelines. I plan on taking very good care of my knees. If I live long enough for revisions, I believe technology advances will give me something even better. If not, I'd

rather be limping around in my 70s instead of now. Also, research into the next generation of pain medications is ongoing. It is very possible we will have pain meds without side effects and replacements and revisions will be less necessary. But right now, I'm not thinking about that. I'm just looking forward to spring and a new me. I'm already back to wearing fun by sturdy shoes and boots. I can walk into a room of people without limping. I had been limping for so long, I didn't even know what a positive psychological affect that would have on me the first time I felt like everyone else. Warm regards, Donna

Risener <mariaelisa64@...> wrote: Hi everyone,I am new to this group. My name is , and I live in Washington state.I have osteoarthritis in my right knee. I have used various antiinflammatories without much luck, and my sleep is impaired from the pain. I walk with a cane. I have had the cortisone shots with no luck, and have had the synthetic joint fluid injections as well.Two orthopedic surgeons have told me after seeing xrays and my MRI that my knee is bone on bone. There is no

cartilage left, nothing but bone spurs. I know many of you here must know how much this changes your life and what sort of pain I am experiencing.It all seems very cut and dry, that the tkr is the next step. The only catch in all this is my age: I am 42 years old.I have heard and read varying reports of the longevity of a new knee joint, and am not sure what to believe. Many, many people have told me that they would not go thru with the surgery if it were them, because I am so young. (I assure you, I don't feel young!)Anyway, I'm doing my best to learn as much as I can.Looking forward to getting to know all of you better,

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[Guest guest]

Thanks to those of you who have already taken the time to respond to my

introductory post.

I was in a good deal of pain so when the news came that I needed the

surgery, I wasn't entirely shocked but in a way, it still caught me off

guard. My mom was about 60 when her joint replacements started, and here I

was, not even 42 at the time I got the news.

My mom and I both have osteoarthritis, Donna, to answer your question, so we

are in the same boat, you and I.

My husband and I have discussed this at length as you can imagine, and we

both agree that this is ridiculous, I can't go for a walk or to the grocery

store, and even standing in the shower is a trial. I am a postal worker, and

spend many hours each day at work on my feet. I am a clerk, so at least I'm

not out walking on a mail route, but I am on my feet. When my surgeon heard

how many hours a day I work, his eyes got big and he told me that judging

from my xrays and MRI and a physical examination, I should not be able to do

what I am doing. But you know how it is, you do what you have to do. Then

you go home and collapse!! I can't take any time off work now, since I'm

going to be out of work for about 2 months after the surgery, from what I

understand, and that's all the leave time I have accumulated.

It's nice to hear from someone who understands what this ordeal is like. My

youngest is graduating high school in June, and my two older kids are grown

and on their own. My husband and I are ready to enjoy life a little, but

this knee pain prevents us from doing a lot of things, and that stinks.

Like you said, Donna, I'd rather be limping in my 70s than in my early 40s.

I have to work now... hopefully I will be retired when I'm in my 70s! And

medicine is always making advances so there's reason to hope that if and

when a replacement done now wears out, some new medicine or treatment will

be around that will improve things.

It really does come down to a quality of life issue.

Thank you all for being so positive and understanding.

[Guest guest]

I was only 49 when I had both knees replaced. I was in the same

condition as you, with surgery as the only option left. I am SO glad

I did it!!

If the surgery can improve your life, I say go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cara

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am new to this group. My name is , and I live in Washington

state.

>

> I have osteoarthritis in my right knee. I have used various

> antiinflammatories without much luck, and my sleep is impaired from

the

> pain. I walk with a cane. I have had the cortisone shots with no

luck, and

> have had the synthetic joint fluid injections as well.

>

> Two orthopedic surgeons have told me after seeing xrays and my MRI

that my

> knee is bone on bone. There is no cartilage left, nothing but bone

spurs. I

> know many of you here must know how much this changes your life and

what

> sort of pain I am experiencing.

>

> It all seems very cut and dry, that the tkr is the next step. The

only catch

> in all this is my age: I am 42 years old.

>

> I have heard and read varying reports of the longevity of a new

knee joint,

> and am not sure what to believe. Many, many people have told me

that they

> would not go thru with the surgery if it were them, because I am so

young.

> (I assure you, I don't feel young!)

>

> Anyway, I'm doing my best to learn as much as I can.

>

> Looking forward to getting to know all of you better,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am 50 I went to 2 doctors and one said a total was the next step and the other took a x-ray with me standing up with weight on that leg mostly. Then he had me stand side ways and bend my leg as tho I was squatting. He showed me the x-rays and you could see that I was bone on bone on the inside of my knee and the outside was not bad and still had cartlage between the bone. He told me that if he got in there and it looked like I needed the total he would do it but he would rathar do a partial due to my age. Ask your doctor if you need a full replacement or if he can do a partial. deb Risener <mariaelisa64@...> wrote: Hi everyone, I am new to this group. My name is , and I live in Washington state. I have osteoarthritis in my right knee. I have used various antiinflammatories without much luck, and my sleep is impaired from the pain. I walk with a cane. I have had the cortisone shots with no luck, and have had the synthetic joint fluid injections as well. Two orthopedic surgeons have told me after seeing xrays and my MRI that my knee is bone on bone. There is no cartilage left, nothing but bone spurs. I know many of you here must know how much this changes your life and what sort of pain I am experiencing. It all seems very cut and dry, that the tkr is the next step. The only catch in all this is my age: I am 42 years old. I have heard and read varying reports of the longevity of a

new knee joint, and am not sure what to believe. Many, many people have told me that they would not go thru with the surgery if it were them, because I am so young. (I assure you, I don't feel young!) Anyway, I'm doing my best to learn as much as I can. Looking forward to getting to know all of you better,

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

Answers.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had my total hip replacement when I was 33, so I know exactly what you

mean. When you give up so much and are still in so much pain you start

looking for a way out of it. Sometimes I'm sorry I had my hip done when I

was 33 because I'm 56 now and have had 3 revisions on it as well. My right

hip is going and the week before Christmas I got the synthetic fluid

injections also, but they included some sort of steroid in them. I've had

some pain since then, but It's usual when a weather front moves through.

Now, at least, I can sleep through the night. I'm determined to hold off as

long as is reasonable. But I especially want to wait until after Mother's

Day as I am invited down to my brother's home. I haven't seen my nephew

since he was 3 and he's 10 now! Somehow I've managed to send him gifts he

really enjoys every other time or so.

My knees are okay so far . . . thank heavens those joints haven't given up

the ghost yet. I know how bad knee pain can be from when I had a torn

miniscus (along w/ a shattered tibial plateau). Knees just have too many

nerves in them. The only pain reliever that seems to work to any extend is

Celebrex, which I take twice a day. The only time it didn't work was when I

needed to get that shot, now it keeps me on an even keel.

Good luck making your decision. It sure is rough to be so young and be

trapped by a very old joint or two.

Pat

> I have osteoarthritis in my right knee. I have used various

> antiinflammatories without much luck, and my sleep is impaired from the

> pain. I walk with a cane. I have had the cortisone shots with no luck, and

> have had the synthetic joint fluid injections as well.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/2/2007 6:10:12 PM Eastern Standard Time, ohdonna_68@... writes:

I plan on taking very good care of my knees. If I

Donna (and others)

What steps do you take to "take care of" your new knees.....I had TKR in August, and like you I want it to last a very long time.......will excessive walking wear them out quicker? what about exercise? I do water aerobics and lap swimming, and I wonder if the aerobics in the shallow pool will wear them out quicker?

any ideas as to what (if any) exercise is better in the long run for the new "parts".

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

Before the MRI, when he had only seen my xrays, doing all the positions you

described and then some, the dr. spoke of possibly doing a partial knee

replacement. He said it wasn't likely that we could go that route, but he

wanted to do an MRI to be certain.

Sure enough, the MRI showed no cartilage anywhere at all in the knee. He had

hoped to get by with the unicapsular but unfortunately that wasn't the case.

>>I am 50 I went to 2 doctors and one said a total was the next step and the

>>other took a x-ray with me standing up with weight on that leg mostly.

>>Then he had me stand side ways and bend my leg as tho I was squatting. He

>>showed me the x-rays and you could see that I was bone on bone on the

>>inside of my knee and the outside was not bad and still had cartlage

>>between the bone. He told me that if he got in there and it looked like I

>>needed the total he would do it but he would rathar do a partial due to my

>>age. Ask your doctor if you need a full replacement or if he can do a

>>partial. deb

Visit my eBay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/s-Market

[Guest guest]

Hi

Sorry to hear about the status of your knee at such a

young age. Only a person who has expearienced bone on

bone knee pain can understand what you are going

through. And yes it sucks rocks! big time! And yes

that kind of pain will make you feel very very old

before your time.

only you and your doctor know your complete

medical history and there are many factors that

deturmine how much you will benifit from a TKR, age is

only one of those factors.

I am 64 and I put off getting a TKR for about three or

four years before the pain and mobility restrictions

made me understand that pain was keeping me from

exercising and puttng my overall health and enjoyment

of life in a downward slide. The less I did the less

I could do before pain stopped me in my tracks. When

the pain got so bad I could hardly get from the house

to the mailbox and back, a distance of about 100 ft.

round trip I finialy gave in and had a TKR on Nov 17,

2006.

Yesterday I took my three dogs on a walk of about a

mile with NO JOINT PAIN. My leg is sore today but it

is a sorness of not exercising for a long time. When I

sign off here I am going to take the mutts for another

walk. If my TKR fails in 15 or 20 years or more I

will get another and feel blessed that I have such a

improvement in my overall living expearence for as

long as it lasts.

I feel I worked myself out from under a shadow of

yesterday's painful exsistance into a better today and

a brighter forcast for tomorrow (and I am feeling

younger every day ).

So what is the prognoses for you if you do

nothing? The decision should be between you and you

doctor. If you wait until your well meaning friends

OK the surgery how much life will you miss out on and

moreover if you wait 10 or more years to have the

surgery. How much mobility and strenght will you have

left to build on?

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Dave H.

Salem Or.

..

--- Risener <mariaelisa64@...> wrote:

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am new to this group. My name is , and I live

> in Washington state.

>

> I have osteoarthritis in my right knee. I have used

> various

> antiinflammatories without much luck, and my sleep

> is impaired from the

> pain. I walk with a cane. I have had the cortisone

> shots with no luck, and

> have had the synthetic joint fluid injections as

> well.

>

> Two orthopedic surgeons have told me after seeing

> xrays and my MRI that my

> knee is bone on bone. There is no cartilage left,

> nothing but bone spurs. I

> know many of you here must know how much this

> changes your life and what

> sort of pain I am experiencing.

>

> It all seems very cut and dry, that the tkr is the

> next step. The only catch

> in all this is my age: I am 42 years old.

>

> I have heard and read varying reports of the

> longevity of a new knee joint,

> and am not sure what to believe. Many, many people

> have told me that they

> would not go thru with the surgery if it were them,

> because I am so young.

> (I assure you, I don't feel young!)

>

> Anyway, I'm doing my best to learn as much as I can.

>

> Looking forward to getting to know all of you

> better,

>

>

>

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

The fish are biting.

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[Guest guest]

Hi ... just wanted to let you know my situation was pretty much

exactly like yours down to the fact that it is my right knee too. I

got hurt 2 years ago at work and long story short it ended up that I

had osteoarthritis too, did the cortisone,viscosupplemention and

everything else my ortho could try (for a year and a half)I went to

a another Dr.for a second opinion too. I finally had the TKR done

after ending up on the couch and only getting up (with crutches) to

use the bathroom.I had just turned 36 and I had it done almost 4

months ago.I was getting discouraged by hearing how wonderful people

were doing driving,golfing etc.PT was horrific and it ended up that

I had arthrofibrosis (agressive scar tissue that happens to 4 to 5%

of people who get TKRs).I went back into the hospital for a

manipulation 2 months after surgery and it was the best thing I

could have done. I understand your apprehension about getting it

done due to your age I felt the same way. I also felt a little

isolated because of my age and not knowing another soul as young as

me to go through the whole bone on bone pain and everything else

associated with it.I would definitely not advise anyone to get a TKR

young...unless no other choice exists which was the case in my

situation and it seems like yours is the same.I am doing so much

better now it is amazing pain has decreased and I can actually

sleep,I am still using a cane but can ride a bike in PT and I see

improvements everyday.I would definitely recommend getting the book

Total Knee Replacement & Rehabilitation by Brugioni and Jeff

Falkel even if you only borrow it from the library (like I did).My

thoughts are with you and I hope you find help and support in this

group.Take Care.

le (New York)

TRK (October 12,2006)

Closed Manipulation (December 13,2006)

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am new to this group. My name is , and I live in Washington

state.

>

> I have osteoarthritis in my right knee. I have used various

> antiinflammatories without much luck, and my sleep is impaired

from the

> pain. I walk with a cane. I have had the cortisone shots with no

luck, and

> have had the synthetic joint fluid injections as well.

>

> Two orthopedic surgeons have told me after seeing xrays and my MRI

that my

> knee is bone on bone. There is no cartilage left, nothing but bone

spurs. I

> know many of you here must know how much this changes your life

and what

> sort of pain I am experiencing.

>

> It all seems very cut and dry, that the tkr is the next step. The

only catch

> in all this is my age: I am 42 years old.

>

> I have heard and read varying reports of the longevity of a new

knee joint,

> and am not sure what to believe. Many, many people have told me

that they

> would not go thru with the surgery if it were them, because I am

so young.

> (I assure you, I don't feel young!)

>

> Anyway, I'm doing my best to learn as much as I can.

>

> Looking forward to getting to know all of you better,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

At least your doctor looked at everything. It sounds like you have a

good doctor who is looking out for you. A good doctor is a blessing,

after having a bad one I know. Best of Luck with your surgery and

recovery. deb in Michigan

>

> Hi Deb,

>

> Before the MRI, when he had only seen my xrays, doing all the

positions you

> described and then some, the dr. spoke of possibly doing a partial knee

> replacement. He said it wasn't likely that we could go that route,

but he

> wanted to do an MRI to be certain.

>

> Sure enough, the MRI showed no cartilage anywhere at all in the

knee. He had

> hoped to get by with the unicapsular but unfortunately that wasn't

the case.

>

>

>

> >>I am 50 I went to 2 doctors and one said a total was the next step

and the

> >>other took a x-ray with me standing up with weight on that leg

mostly.

> >>Then he had me stand side ways and bend my leg as tho I was

squatting. He

> >>showed me the x-rays and you could see that I was bone on bone on the

> >>inside of my knee and the outside was not bad and still had cartlage

> >>between the bone. He told me that if he got in there and it looked

like I

> >>needed the total he would do it but he would rathar do a partial

due to my

> >>age. Ask your doctor if you need a full replacement or if he can do a

> >>partial. deb

>

>

>

>

> Visit my eBay store:

>

> http://stores.ebay.com/s-Market

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to you le and and everyone else who's been so

encouraging. I'm sorry I don't remember everyone's names, but I'm learning!

My doctor has been great. It is the same surgeon I have seen for trigger

thumb (and I'm a postal worker... ironic, huh?) and for os trigonum syndrome

in my ankle (long story, but it's an extra bone in the ankle). I have a good

relationship with him and he does not have a reputation at all for being in

any hurry to perform surgery, which I find reassuring.

If I could put off the surgery for three or four years, I certainly would!

If I could manage the pain and walk without a limp or a cane, and if I could

take my dogs (I have bulldogs) for a walk and stroll thru the mall with my

friends, or work without suffering, I would be happy to avoid the surgery.

My lifestyle is completely impeded, though. I can't do any of those things

any more. I have gained weight due to being so sedentary. I find myself

discouraged and lonely because I can't go on the outings I used to. I am on

that downward slide you spoke of . I have a wonderful family that is

very supportive and good friends who care, but no one else has to live

inside my skin.

Finding this group is the best thing that's happened to me in a long while.

Thank you all for making me feel like I'm not all alone in this situation.

It's a blessing to me.

My husband got me a wonderful stationary recumbent bike that I've been

riding daily in preparation for the surgery. Is there anything else I can do

besides exercise and lose some weight to better prepare myself for the

surgery?

Thanks,

>>Hi

Sorry to hear about the status of your knee at such a

young age. Only a person who has expearienced bone on

bone knee pain can understand what you are going

through. And yes it sucks rocks! big time! And yes

that kind of pain will make you feel very very old

before your time.

only you and your doctor know your complete

medical history and there are many factors that

deturmine how much you will benifit from a TKR, age is

only one of those factors.

I am 64 and I put off getting a TKR for about three or

four years before the pain and mobility restrictions

made me understand that pain was keeping me from

exercising and puttng my overall health and enjoyment

of life in a downward slide. The less I did the less

I could do before pain stopped me in my tracks. When

the pain got so bad I could hardly get from the house

to the mailbox and back, a distance of about 100 ft.

round trip I finialy gave in and had a TKR on Nov 17,

2006.

Yesterday I took my three dogs on a walk of about a

mile with NO JOINT PAIN. My leg is sore today but it

is a sorness of not exercising for a long time. When I

sign off here I am going to take the mutts for another

walk. If my TKR fails in 15 or 20 years or more I

will get another and feel blessed that I have such a

improvement in my overall living expearence for as

long as it lasts.

I feel I worked myself out from under a shadow of

yesterday's painful exsistance into a better today and

a brighter forcast for tomorrow (and I am feeling

younger every day ).

So what is the prognoses for you if you do

nothing? The decision should be between you and you

doctor. If you wait until your well meaning friends

OK the surgery how much life will you miss out on and

moreover if you wait 10 or more years to have the

surgery. How much mobility and strenght will you have

left to build on?

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Dave H.

Salem Or.

Visit my eBay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/s-Market

[Guest guest]

,

No one wants an early TKR, but be positive. Make it work. If it needs remodelling in a decade or 2, so be it. Hope you get your life back. Bad bone and no cartilage is a painful existence at any age -- esp. your youthful age.

Good luck.

LJ