What to expect

[Guest guest]

Remembering that each child is different, no matter what the label. My son, age

14, has had periods where he sleeps well and periods where nothing helps him to

sleep. He has been treated for sleep apnea ( a common ailment for people with

narrow trachea/nasal passages, etc). As he has aged, his behavior has become

more aggressive/assertive and sometimes has involved hitting out at people and

or slef- stim behavior that borders on self-abuse. His current fetish is

hitting the back of his hands against a wall, thus calluses are forming on his

prominant knuckles. Elie various with the kinds of stim/fetish/behavior

patterns he adopts. They change from time to time but have some themes. He

loves reflective surfaces/mirrors. He loves music both making it and hearing

it. He also doesn'tunderstand other peoples' personal space.

Would I feel a diagnisi is super important? Not really UNLESS services that you

currantly need are also hooked to the DX. If not, and your child is not

exhibiting behaviors now that are of major concern, I would take the 2 year

wait. We did not get a dx on Elie until he was 12, but we spent 3 years

wondering what was wrong. At least you have a hint and can work with an

assumption.

I had never heard of the possibility of DS/ASD!

Good Luck.

Sara Cohen, Hershey, PA

>>> filbert4@... - 03/12/0 9:27 PM >>>

From: The AllNewgeierberys <filbert4@...>

Hi friends,

I read with interest the medication, surgeries, school stories and I am

amazed the courage, support and perspective of parents here. Thank you for

your insight on these and more topics.

We are trying to get the " autism guru " in Hamilton, Ontario to see Evie (7

years DS and ??ASD??) for assessment. Our pediatrician's office will try

to get us an appointment. I understand there is a two year wait list to

see him!!! I have many times asked why I feel the need for a definite

diagnosis ... since we aren't in a state of crisis right now.

I wondered if you folks might have some information for me about what to

expect from " the autism piece " of our daughter. When Evie was born, a

woman with a son with DS told me that DS was quite predictable in that

learning was the same as other children but delayed. She said she felt

reassured by that, and I guess I did too - until the " other stuff " started.

Mostly what we have is behaviour quirks, stimming, non-stop repetitive

chatter, sensory hyper/hypo sensitivities and some sleep disruption. Did

your kids' issues worsen as they got older? For example, if we don't now

have major sleep problems, could they still develop? Will the behaviour

stuff become unmanagable eventually i.e. aggression?

I know you can't say what will happen with us but I am wondering what kinds

of changes your kids exhibited after age 8, if any.

Thanks again,

(and Doug)

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[Guest guest]

,

My son, Brook, turned 10 yrs old last month and is not on any meds. We

haven't had him formally daignosed yet but have asked the Regional Center for

an evaluation for autism and will see what they say when we move next month.

He sleeps well and haven't noticed changes there. The last 5 years he has

actually calmed down and is somewhat easier to deal with as well as doing

much less spinning things and self stim activities. He can be aggressive

sometimes but we usually don't have that much trouble. I woulldn't say it has

become worse. He does pinch and occasionally hits. We generally use time out

and gentle voices to get him to stop. I think a lot of his frustration comes

from not being able to communicate what he wants, he is nonverbal and uses

the pecs system on a very limited basis so far. We have had behavior therapy

3 different times to help us manage him. It did really help and I would

recommend it if you need help with agressive behavior. I guess I'm saying not

to be afraid of the future, there are solutions to problems, some are

medications, some are behavior management techniques. We may decide someday

that it is in Brook's best interest to be on medication. We try not to look

too far ahead.

Marisa

[Guest guest]

What can I expect after the surgery? How long is physical therapy? How long before I can walk again? Climb a ladder and do construction work? Go snowboarding with my son? Can I lift heavy objects like furniture or appliances? All advice and information will be greatly appreciated. >>> Ken in all truth no one can answer those questions with any level of certainy. Each case is it's own. Although the majority of THR patients experience little to no complications a patients recovery is their own and no two are alike. Some have a terrific out come with a very quick recovery while others are more then a year before they start experiencing what they see as "normal" to them, then there are those that will not heal properly for various reasons & their life as they knew it becomes history. Each case is as unique as their out comes. What your told is not necessarily what you'll get as an end result.... things happen. Fact of the matter is.... you need to research the benefits & draw backs, ask questions & be informed. I recommend that people always exhaust all possible treatment options before resorting to surgerical alternatives.... hopefully to find a simpler solution to the problem. But one has to also realize that there are many sides to THR not just the "it'll be done & everything is peachy afterward", "I'll be pain free & able to work 60+ hrs. a week" or "I'm younger then most so mine should be as good or better then what I'm hearing". Positive expectations are good... but don't go into it viewing only one side of the issue~

Mine didn't go "as planned" nor did I end up with what was "expected".... my body for whatever reason wanted to do it's own thing. Half healed terrifically while the other half seems to belong to someone else. LOL A THR at 33 and 2 revisions later.... I'm still not "pain free" nor did I get what my doctors anticipated or what I would've liked as a result.... but I'm very blessed compaired to some. And I can't say that I regret my choice because it did lessen the pain I was dealing with daily and I did at least achieve mobile more so then what I had 9 months prior to surgery. But I'm left with a life time of restrictions and a list of things that are no longer apart of my life. Please don't think that I voiced my case to make you worry or try to sway your view one way or another. My purpose is to merely help others see both sides of the issue.... before making their choice(s) regarding the matter. In the hopes of saving some heartache. I've adjusted just fine to my out come but with that came about a year of sevre depression due to my life changing so dramatically. Some don't have the ability to bounce back as well or adapt to a new life when faced with such challenges. I viewed the issue one sided prior to my operation... because positive out comes is what I heard... naturally positive is what I prepared for and I honestly didn't give a true assessment of my life IF I were faced with confronting an unexpected out come. It's a RUDE awakening to say the very least.

What I'm getting at specifically is going into it prepared is the key... just don't waste your time assuming anothers out come will be your own. After all... their body will not be the one on your operating table. Life is still good after a bad THR.... but knowing what your getting yourself into and bracing for ALL possible out comes will be a benefit should things go differently then what your plan happens to be. THR is a life changing experience... how it changes is left to the healing process and what it's meant for you to have as an end result. Walk well and best of luck to ya~

[Guest guest]

I don't think anyone worth their salt would promise

you just how much you will be able to do after

surgery. Whnt YOU can do is be determined to work

hard during the rehab process and be thankful for your

progress week to week. I'm sure glad I got through

the fear and got my hip replacement. I have no more

of that sharp pain with every step and seem more able

than most people my age. Go for it!. Ruth

--- kenpittprop <kenpittprop@...> wrote:

> Hi all, new to group. At age 15 I was in car wreck

> and broke rt. hip

> in 6 places, no displacement but all the breaks went

> into the joint.

> I am now 43 and had first appointment with hip

> doctor. I have no

> cartilage in the joint and am now bone on bone. Dr.

> says joint is to

> far gone for anything less than full replacement.

> He says because I'm

> young and active I will get a " heavy duty " , full

> metal socket insert.

> What can I expect after the surgery? How long is

> physical therapy?

> How long before I can walk again? Climb a ladder and

> do construction

> work? Go snowboarding with my son? Can I lift heavy

> objects like

> furniture or appliances?

> All advice and information will be greatly

> appreciated. Thanks

> everyone!

> Ken

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Ken,

The other point that needs to be made is that while most hips are a

wonderful success and a blessed relief for the patients, it is not always

so. I'm one of the not so successful ones.

It is good that you are thinking carefully about it, then if have a bad

result you will know you were willing to take that chance. Don't let anyone

talk you into having the surgery done. You do it when you decide it is

the way to go.

I lifted heavy objects Ken, probably one reason my hip came loose and had to

be revised. But looking back I would do it over again. You will learn to

do what you need to do for you to have the outcomes you want for yourself.

Before I had my first hip done I couldn't work. Working, and maintaining my

employment means a lot to me and my self esteem. I had a woman in a meeting

last week who was quite shocked that I was in paid work and asked me how I

coped. I bit my tongue and didn't say " A problem with my hips, and using a

stick, doesn't mean my brain doesn't work. I'm good at my job. "

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

Re: What to expect

>I don't think anyone worth their salt would promise

> you just how much you will be able to do after

> surgery. Whnt YOU can do is be determined to work

> hard during the rehab process and be thankful for your

> progress week to week. I'm sure glad I got through

> the fear and got my hip replacement. I have no more

> of that sharp pain with every step and seem more able

> than most people my age. Go for it!. Ruth

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

[Guest guest]

While in surgery they put in a catheter so that was in there so I didn't need to go to the bathroom. The next day they got me up (bag of pee hanging off the walker and had me lurching around. By the next day they took out the cath and IV so I could go to bathroom. I think that's right. Now I realize what a fog I was in and things are getting murky.

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of pamSent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 5:31 PMJoint Replacement Subject: What to expect

How soon do they get you up after surgery..like to go thebathroom..etc. for TKR? I have heard several different ways they takecare of potty trips..I know this is unpleasent topic..but waswondering what to expect.pam

[Guest guest]

Glad it's murky LOL..then I won't worry so much about it. I just was

thinking how hard it is now to get to the bathroom intime..don't move

too fast these days..but just after surgery! I know I would never make

it in time.

Sorry..unpleasent topic..but was wondering. The more I know what to

expect the better I feel going in...I think..yep..still scared.

Reading about some of you riding a bike after so long..I haven't been

able to do anything like even stationary bikes since I couldn't stand

the rotation ..just too painful. Oh to ride a bike again! That would

be so sweet..or just walk on a trail and not have to stay back while

the rest of my family goes-I love the out doors but just plan gave it

up since walking has been so diffacult these years. I want to go to my

kids sport games with out worry I may have to go up a bleacher more

then the first row..or be able to sit in at a park table and not be

scared I wouldn't be able to get back up. I have even stopped going to

some movie theaters because if I can't stretch my leg the cramping in

my knee is unbearable...I'm sure many of you have had the same

problems. Had some people say " excercise " " walk more " " lose weight "

(catch 22) Hello! the more it's used the faster it broke down. I try

to go past the pain..but just can not do it anymore...(I woul;d love

to walk for more then a minute..I'ld love to walk for hours ..heck, I

would love to run, play with my kids and not just watch them from

inside the house for fear if I fall I can not get back up) My kids are

32,26,21, and at home still are 16,15, and 8. I have a 6 year old

grand daughter who I want to do things with...and not always from a

sitting position.

ok..I'm done whinning...

pam

-- In Joint Replacement , " DeRouen "

<asd@...> wrote:

>

> While in surgery they put in a catheter so that was in there so I didn't

> need to go to the bathroom. The next day they got me up (bag of pee

hanging

> off the walker and had me lurching around. By the next day they took

out the

> cath and IV so I could go to bathroom. I think that's right. Now I

realize

> what a fog I was in and things are getting murky.

>

>

>

> What to expect

>

>

> How soon do they get you up after surgery..like to go the

> bathroom..etc. for TKR? I have heard several different ways they take

> care of potty trips..I know this is unpleasent topic..but was

> wondering what to expect.

> pam

>

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Trust me. You'll be walking, hiking, and more than keeping up w/ everyone.

You are going to be thrilled after the initial healing is completed. Don't

expect to do this after 6 weeks . . . in fact, I like to council that 6

months you'll think you're as good as your going to get . . . and you are

going to be wrong

You will ride a bike again. Pain free. Just make sure the seat and pedals

don't flex over 90 degrees.

Pat

PS go ahead and whine, that's what we are here for . . . to listen and

encourage and commiserate when things are bad.

>

> Sorr

> Reading about some of you riding a bike after so long..I haven't been

> able to do anything like even stationary bikes since I couldn't stand

> the rotation ..just too painful. Oh to ride a bike again! That

[Guest guest]

The pain meds make you constipated in the short term. Matter of fact

that was one of the down things about the operation (not counting the

pain). Even with the catheter they will get you up on the first or

second day for a short period of time (a minute or two). The PT will

come by daily and show you exercises to do in bed and get you up to

walk with a walker farther and farther each time in the hallway. Take

you meds a half hour before the PT comes this will help you do the

walking and exercises.

I think I got to us the bathroom on about day three for the first time.

Don

>

> How soon do they get you up after surgery..like to go the

> bathroom..etc. for TKR? I have heard several different ways they take

> care of potty trips..I know this is unpleasent topic..but was

> wondering what to expect.

> pam

>

[Guest guest]

Everyone keeps talking about a catheter. I had my hips replaced in Sept and Jan. Neither time did I have a catheter. The first night the nurses brought me the bedpan but after that they helped me get out of bed to use the toilet and not even the one that stays by the bed. I was angry then but now I realize that they were helping me to become as active as possible as soon as possible. I went home after 4 days knowing how to get myself in and out of bed fairly quickly. I guess it depends on the hospital. Good Luck.

We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love(and love to hate): TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

[Guest guest]

The catheter was no big deal as they put it in after you are sedated

and pull it out in an instant after 24 hours. I'd rather have one

than try to maneuver a bed pan. I never have so I really wouldn't

know. Also the catheter allows the staff to measure urine output

which apparently is very important.

Deb

>

> Everyone keeps talking about a catheter. I had my hips replaced in

Sept and Jan. Neither time did I have a catheter. The first night

the nurses brought me the bedpan but after that they helped me get

out of bed to use the toilet and not even the one that stays by the

bed. I was angry then but now I realize that they were helping me to

become as active as possible as soon as possible. I went home after

4 days knowing how to get myself in and out of bed fairly quickly. I

guess it depends on the hospital. Good Luck.

>

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

> We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love

> (and love to hate): TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

>

[Guest guest]

I've only had catheters w/ my hip revisions. The hip replacement was bedpans at night and bathroom during the day. But I was 33 back then and things were much, much easier. I remember thinking, "hey, that was nothing!" Now I know better. I was really dreading that last revision. I've got a bad attitude right now because I know I have to get my right hip done soon and I don't want to start w/ getting that replaced every few years, too. Cripes, I'll never walk! PatEveryone keeps talking about a catheter. I

[Guest guest]

Pam, Yes, a sensitive subject, but one you should feel free to ask about because it's an issue you'll be dealing with from day one in recovery. About getting up after surgery....like natural childbirth, this is not a competition. Everyone is different, with different levels of pain and should do what works best for them. I had double knee replacement, but started getting up immediately to the bedside toilet. First, I did not want a catheter, which irritates...I'm prone to urinary tract infections. Second, I wanted to get up and moving as much as possible to decrease the risk of blood clots. Maybe I was more paranoid than most about that. I had a cousin who died in his 40s from a blood clot after surgery. Fear is a powerful motivator. Third, you can't really

drain your bladder on the bed pan, something else that can contribute to a UTI. It was very painful getting up, but the nurses were all for it for the above reasons. I was sensitive about the whole bedside toilet thing, and wanted the nurses and aid to help me to the bathroom. But they kept reassuring me that emptying a little pee was far from the worst tasks they deal with. I'm sure you've heard all about the constipation problems caused by pain meds. This is an ongoing problem, and you may be on stool softeners as long as you are on pain meds.

Even with the meds given to me in inpatient rehab, I still had a problem, and the doctor there ordered me an extra-powerful motivator. :-) When I got home, I found out there are orange- and cherry-flavored prunes. Had I known sooner, I would have taken packages of them to the hospital. Warm regards, Donna >> How soon do they get you up after surgery..like to go the> bathroom..etc. for TKR? I have heard several different ways they take> care of potty trips..I know this is unpleasent topic..but

was> wondering what to expect.> pam>

Finding fabulous fares is fun.Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains.

[Guest guest]

After BTKR, I remember getting on the bike at physical therapy and only being able to pedal back and forth. When I realized I couldn't make the wheel turn even one revolution, I panicked. One of those "what the hell did I get myself into...I didn't sign up for this" moment. Before surgery, I could get on a bike and ride five or ten miles. This was progress?! Just to goes to show how uninformed I was. The next week I could pedal the bike just fine. But in five minutes, I was sweating and wiped out. More reality. Tomorrow is my six-month anniversary. I still get tired and have never been so dedicated to getting eight hours of sleep every

night and naps on weekends. But I'm happy to report the knees get better every month. I can't wait for Sept. 8, 2007 to see how far I've come in one year. DonnaPAT ANDREWS <teganambrosia@...> wrote: Pam,Trust me. You'll be walking, hiking, and more than keeping up w/ everyone. You are going to be thrilled after the initial healing is completed.

Don't expect to do this after 6 weeks . . . in fact, I like to council that 6 months you'll think you're as good as your going to get . . . and you are going to be wrongYou will ride a bike again. Pain free. Just make sure the seat and pedals don't flex over 90 degrees.PatPS go ahead and whine, that's what we are here for . . . to listen and encourage and commiserate when things are bad.>> Sorr> Reading about some of you riding a bike after so long..I haven't been> able to do anything like even stationary bikes since I couldn't stand> the rotation ..just too painful. Oh to ride a bike again! That

Never miss an email again! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Donna..I have had reconstructive surgerys of the female

sort..so catheters cause me trouble later...but also know I would

never even make it to a bedside potty either. So may be a catch 22.

I can not use crutches because of two troubled hands so I was

concerned. When I had foot surgery , you did not let the foot touch

the floor..so I was on a knee thing with wheels. It was better then a

wheel chair..but was very hard on my knee.

I just wondered if they let you put your foot down to walk like with

a cane or a wheeled walker.

I have a appointment Monday afternoon..I want to ask my Orth. more

questions...I'm scared, but really tired of pain.

[Guest guest]

At The hospital I was in have what are called 'gutter walking frames'

and 'gutter crutches' which have long sections coming out of them so

that your lower arm rests in those parts and they are very easy to

use. They use these mainly for people that have arthritis in their

hands so might be an option for you. Why not ask if they have them and

if not can they get them. I am in UK but would have thought these

would be available all over the globe.

Marilyn (UK)

>

>

> Thank you Donna..I have had reconstructive surgerys of the female

> sort..so catheters cause me trouble later...but also know I would

> never even make it to a bedside potty either. So may be a catch 22.

> I can not use crutches because of two troubled hands so I was

> concerned. When I had foot surgery , you did not let the foot touch

> the floor..so I was on a knee thing with wheels. It was better then a

> wheel chair..but was very hard on my knee.

> I just wondered if they let you put your foot down to walk like with

> a cane or a wheeled walker.

> I have a appointment Monday afternoon..I want to ask my Orth. more

> questions...I'm scared, but really tired of pain.

>

[Guest guest]

Pam, They will want you to get up as soon as possible. I got up the first day. Some wait until the second. You can put weight on your feet right away. But, at first, you will probably have a person on each side of you holding you up until you get your sea legs. From what I've read here, it seems most get more comfortable and less scared the more they know what to expect. Will you have a class at the hospital before you go for surgery? That seems like a turning point for many. It was for my brother. Sounds like you are doing your research. Keep asking questions! We're all here to tell you what to expect.

You'll hear different opinions, but when it's time you'll know what the right answers are for you. I didn't do enough research before surgery because my mother made it look too easy many years ago. If I could only have got a phone line to heaven to talk to her after surgery. Thank goodness I found this site when I got home. The wonderful people here made all the difference in my recovery...and still do every day. Tomorrow will be six months for me, and I am so glad I have new knees. We're getting some snow today, and I'm having arthritis attack. The knees are swollen for the first time in two months. But, still, I'm walking, not limping, today. And the knees are strong and only a little sore. I'm so much better than I was before. Is your surgery scheduled yet? Warm regards, Donna pam <againmine41@...> wrote: Thank you Donna..I have had reconstructive surgerys of the femalesort..so catheters cause me trouble later...but also know I wouldnever even make it to a bedside potty either. So may be a catch 22.I can not use crutches because of two troubled hands so I wasconcerned. When I had

foot surgery , you did not let the foot touchthe floor..so I was on a knee thing with wheels. It was better then awheel chair..but was very hard on my knee.I just wondered if they let you put your foot down to walk like witha cane or a wheeled walker.I have a appointment Monday afternoon..I want to ask my Orth. morequestions...I'm scared, but really tired of pain.

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[Guest guest]

>> I'm sure you've heard all about the constipation problems caused by pain

>> meds. This is an ongoing problem, and you may be on stool softeners as

>> long as you are on pain meds. Even with the meds given to me in

>> inpatient rehab, I still had a problem, and the doctor there ordered me

>> an extra-powerful motivator. :-) When I got home, I found out there are

>> orange- and cherry-flavored prunes. Had I known sooner, I would have

>> taken packages of them to the hospital. >>

That's a great idea!! I'm still having trouble, because I'm still on pain

meds, and the " gentle remedies " don't seem to work very well. What does

work for me, because I'm lactose intolerant, is ice cream <grin>. It might

be the only time in my life I'm being rewarded for eating ice cream!

Barb Young, THR 2-13-07,

very active 63 years

[Guest guest]

There are also " Canadian Crutches " or " forearm crutches " in American

English. I used them from the third day after surgery until the first

follow-up visit, on Dr's orders. Gutter crutches still need a hand to

steady them, not just the forearm rest. See the picture on this page:

http://www.sportstek.net/rgc.htm. They also limit your ability to place

weight on the crutches. Talk to your doctor about it, and see if he/she

thinks it's a solution. I found that wearing a good elastic wrist brace

(http://www.ossur.com/bracesandsupports/wrist/wristbandsw/thumbloops) with

the forearm crutches helped (I have left wrist pain from a synovial cyst

that comes and goes-- sort of like bursitis of the wrist), with a

biking/driving glove over that.

They're a lot easier to use and coordinate than the standard, underarm

crutches. Be sure you get the height adjusted properly-- the PTs will help

you and explain how, if you ask.

Each country and hospital have their own practices. I got mine from a

volunteer service that loans out certain types of equipment, and sells

others at cost.

All the patients who underwent joint replacement (knee and hip) were

encouraged to go to the john and shower under our own power, starting from

the day after surgery. No one was discharged until the PTs approved of the

way you handled stairs with crutches.

Greywolf - RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

mdavison@...

Re: What to expect

At The hospital I was in have what are called 'gutter walking frames'

and 'gutter crutches' which have long sections coming out of them so that

your lower arm rests in those parts and they are very easy to use. They use

these mainly for people that have arthritis in their hands so might be an

option for you. Why not ask if they have them and if not can they get them.

I am in UK but would have thought these would be available all over the

globe.

Marilyn (UK)

>

>

> Thank you Donna..I have had reconstructive surgerys of the female

> sort..so catheters cause me trouble later...but also know I would

> never even make it to a bedside potty either. So may be a catch 22.

> I can not use crutches because of two troubled hands so I was

> concerned. When I had foot surgery , you did not let the foot touch

> the floor..so I was on a knee thing with wheels. It was better then a

> wheel chair..but was very hard on my knee.

> I just wondered if they let you put your foot down to walk like with

> a cane or a wheeled walker.

> I have a appointment Monday afternoon..I want to ask my Orth. more

> questions...I'm scared, but really tired of pain.

--------------------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

I will be going in Monday to ask more questions, check on classes, and

see when I could get scheduled. The nurse says she will take all my

information so at least that will be taken care of..one less thing to do.

I was thinking I was being a big baby about not wanting to wait any

longer..then the phone rang...took me forever and a bunch of pain to

walk 5 feet to get it and hurt like everything to sit back down.

Nope..not a baby for wanting pain to stop.

This cold weather does make it all worse...but I want to be better so

I can enjoy summer this year. Been over 25 years.

pam

[Guest guest]

" Gutter crutches " I will ask. I have bad arth. in hands and CTS. so I

would fall very easily.

[Guest guest]

Pam, A walker, which is what they start everyone out with at my hospital after knee replacement, might be best for you until you graduate to a cane. I liked using crutches for longer outings, but my surgeon never recommended them. I just happened to have a pair from a knee injury and used them interchangably with my cane. You can pad the rungs where your hands go, but sounds like crutches may not work for you, and they aren't necessary. Actually, it sounds as if you might want to look into some padding for your walker. Donnapam <againmine41@...> wrote: "Gutter crutches"I will ask. I have bad arth. in hands and CTS. so Iwould fall very easily.

Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debatein the Answers Food Drink Q&A.

[Guest guest]

Had to drop the . off the website address you gave, as it wouldnt let

me access it.......I have just looked at the gutter crutches on the

site and they are different to the ones I had. The ones they gave me

had curved gutter extensions that were padded and didnt have the same

handle as the ones in that picture, the handle they had was much

smaller and only needed a slight grip with the hand....I cant grip

with mine at all and that is with wearing a thormoplastic brace

moulded for my own hand and lower arm, so couldnt use a normal crutch

and dont think that I could have managed the ones in the picture

either.

Marilyn (UK)

> >

> >

> > Thank you Donna..I have had reconstructive surgerys of the female

> > sort..so catheters cause me trouble later...but also know I would

> > never even make it to a bedside potty either. So may be a catch

22.

> > I can not use crutches because of two troubled hands so I was

> > concerned. When I had foot surgery , you did not let the foot

touch

> > the floor..so I was on a knee thing with wheels. It was better

then a

> > wheel chair..but was very hard on my knee.

> > I just wondered if they let you put your foot down to walk like

with

> > a cane or a wheeled walker.

> > I have a appointment Monday afternoon..I want to ask my Orth.

more

> > questions...I'm scared, but really tired of pain.

>

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

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[Guest guest]

you can get gutter walkers too as that is what I had for the first

day out of bed

Marilyn (UK)

> " Gutter crutches " I will ask. I have bad arth. in hands

and CTS. so I

> would fall very easily.

>

>

>

>

>

>

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

> Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate

> in the Answers Food & Drink Q & A.

>

[Guest guest]

concerning the pain pill constipation issue -- i had one knee done in October -- they gave me the stool softeners and stuff -- that was a total waste because i have issues with constipation anyway.... so about 3 weeks after surgery i had not been moving things the way i should and i started having severe pain and had to resort to drinking magnesium citrate which clean things out but boy you feel like "crap" (lol) after.... so i decided when the 2nd knee was done i would really keep on top of things -- so i took one ducolax each evening... well then i had to be careful not to go the other way -- well again i let things get out of control and woke up one morning doubled right over -- at 6:30 am my hubby was at walgreens buying more magnesium citrate in grape flavor (wow they actually make it so you could drink it) -- within a couple hours i was sore but feeling better -- the problem is believe it or not you use your knee joints and the muscles above your knees to strain (i know this is a weird subject) -- but its part of the process.... so your knees hurt when you are done! so my advice -- if you have issues with this to begin with and even if you don't ask the doc if you think you are gonna need something more than softeners -- don't let it go because you will be sorry about it.... you just feel plain lousy.... hope this helps someone.... love from new hampshire.. alice

rtkr - 10/06

ltkr - 1/07

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