knee replacement

[Guest guest]

" Is it helpful, no pain return, and how many weeks to actually put your weight

on that knee? "

Well, I'm recovering from a knee replacement right now. I had 2 accidents that

tore my ACL and meniscus, one when I was 19 and another around 30. Finally at 41

I have gotten my knee fixed. Most doctors wouldn't touch me because I'm " too

young " . Well I finally found a doc that had new techniques for a longer lasting

knee replacement. Anyway.

It was 3 weeks Tuesday since I had my operation. I am walking with one crutch

and sometimes walk without it for a few yards before I realize something's not

right. LOL!

I was walking in the hospital with the aid of a walker the day after my surgery.

I could stand at the sink unaided to brush my teeth, etc. My doc said I could

bear weight as soon as I felt comfortable. I was discharged from the hospital

after 4 days but couldn't go to my own home as our house has too many steps. The

hospital would have sent me to a rehab if I didn't have any other options.

So, I spent a week at my Dad's (bedrooms & bathrooms on every floor) with the

help of my husband, Dad, Stepmother and Stepsister. Some things were not easy. I

had a hard time getting up off certain furniture. I couldn't get my own ice

packs in the morning as I woke up with a swollen leg that is very hard to move.

I couldn't sleep because I can't make this leg comfortable. After a week I

decided I missed my kitties too much and went home.

Getting up off certain furniture wasn't easy (again!). Showering & washing my

hair are 2 totally separate acts because I can't stand long enough to do both. I

haven't left my house in the 10 days I've been home. I plan to today. I still am

not sleeping well. The Coumadin is wreaking havoc with my stomach.

I hope I'm not talking you out of it. I just want to share what I'm going

through so you're prepared. On the bright side, my physical therapist says I'm

doing very well. I'm on 1 crutch much faster than most. My incision is very

neatly healed. If you have questions, feel

free to ask.

Kitty