Re: [Norton AntiSpam][Norton AntiSpam] Re: Vacation 9 months post op

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

I credit a positive attitude and a great doctor for my own personal success. I

was told to get up and walk, even just a little bit, every couple of hours. I

went right home from the hospital and used a walker for about 3 weeks. Then I

started practicing with a cane. I had set up a bedroom on the first floor for a

couple of months until I could manage the stairs. I did need help at first. I

made sure I did not get up onto the walker without someone being in the room

with me. The first week was rather hard, but with each day and each week that

went by I improved a little bit more. One thing that helped me personally was

that I felt I had some control over this whole surgery. I chose the doctor, I

selected to have the surgery (was not told I had to do it right now) I went to

the class they offered and I picked the month and date I wanted to have the

surgery done. I also did all I needed to do beforehand to make things easier

for myself when I got home from the hospital and arranged for help from family

members who were available. (of course my husband was my main caregiver) I

never felt I was being forced into this, I made the decisions to get my life

back again as I wanted to be able to do the things I used to do but that were

making it very hard for me and very painful. I am amazed that the feeling of

being in control made such a difference in my recovery. I will not say it was

easy. It is not a picnic or a walk in the park to go through this. But....if

you follow doctor's orders and work towards a goal, you can be successful. At

least that is my way of looking at it. I stood up the day after surgery with

the help of three nurses. The second day I took my first steps and I walked

every day from then on. Everyone is different. But I believe being positive

does help.

Pat

PS One thing that was hard for me was letting everyone else 'help' me. I am

used to being very independent. But for once, I decided it was my time to let

others help me. So for a few weeks I changed my thinking and let those who

wanted to assist me, do so. It was actually kind of nice for a change.

[Norton AntiSpam][Norton AntiSpam] Re:

Vacation 9 months post op

Pat, wow, that sounds very encouraging to me. How long was it beore you were

walking around, after surgery? How long before you could take care of yourself?

My surgeon won't do two at once but my left knee is still not hurting so I

wouldn't do it anyway.

Maybe this isn't so scary after all?

Lynn

> >

> > Hello All,

> >

> > I just returned from a well needed vacation in Florida with a three day

cruise to Nassau tied in. I am 9 months post op from a bilateral knee

replacement. I did a LOT of walking - on the beach for at least a mile and I

walked for 11 hours in Epcot in one day. I SURVIVED with very little pain or

discomfort. I never could have done this a year ago before the surgery. I

debated getting a wheelchair at Epcot, but really did well. Even on a cruise

ship, there is a lot of walking up and down and all around.

> >

> > I just wanted those who have not yet had their surgery, or who are newly

out from surgery know that is DOES get better!

> >

> > Take care!

> > in PA

> >

> > Bilateral TKR - 7/2010

> > Left THR - 7/2007

> >

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