It's been ten days since my right knee was replaced. Today I am driving!
This surgery and recovery are polar opposite from last time. Anesthesiologist suggested a right side spinal block and from what he explained, I voted yes. I just didn't want to hear anything, see anything or smell anything. I didn't. Recovery time was much quicker with less of that hazy feeling after general anesthesia. No headache (most common side effect). It seemed to block the pain for a couple of days.
Even the hospital stay was day and night. Altho the room was tiny, I felt like a guest at a 5 star resort. They gave me a goodie bag with word games, pencil, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste, ear buds and free use of an iPad while I was there! Both physical therapy and occupational therapy were substantial. No one questioned me as if I were a drug addict if I asked for pain relief. They sent me home with ten days of oxycodone (instead of three) and by day five, Aleve, Tylenol and Ibuprofen managed everything. I'm keeping the rest until all six weeks of physical therapy is over ... if memory serves me, I may need some help occasionally.
My first physical therapy session was one week after surgery. They took off the bandage and assured me the staples won't come flying out when I am exercising or walking around. My bending range of motion is great (what they would expect at the end of six weeks). Totally flat is close, but no cigar. Don't think the left one goes totally flat either.
No need for walker although I do use it outdoors so I can bring my phone and water. I am trying to use the cane in my left hand but it doesn't not come naturally. At home I don't use anything.
My nursing staff at home have been wonderful and the boys are making me get well cards and not bothering me if I am in my room. A neighbor took Jesse to the farm on Saturday and I entertained the dudes for almost two hours. I asked Mr. 6.75 to clean off the dining room table for $1.00. While he was cleaning, Dad's hose had an aneurism. Both boys went running to the front door (after hearing dammit) to see what was happening. Mr. 6.75 came back and asked for his dollar ... but I reminded him the work was not finished. He quickly did the job, got his dollar and took it out to Dad to help pay for a new hose. Brought tears to my eyes.
We read a few chapters of a great little boy series, Captain Underpants. Found some Minecraft songs on YouTube then went to the table to play Legos. I had planned ahead and purchased a new "girl" set, a Hot Dog Stand. Even though I like to keep all my girly Legos together (and in my room ... to keep them special), I didn't have the heart to stop the boy Lego figures from having a BBQ.
Life is going well for me!
I can't believe you are able to drive at TEN days, having right knew surgery! I wasn't allowed for 4-5 weeks. I'm glad you are doing so well.
ReplyDeleteHow long ago was your right knee? I've been exercising pressing on gas and slamming on brakes since Day 1. No longer on oxy (or won't drive if I do take one for PT) so there you go!
DeleteI need to remember to ice it more and take Aleve on a more timely basis. Other than that, no pain.
I don't remember how long ago I had my surgeries. 10 and 7 years ago? I did and ice machine all the time in place of taking drugs and used a perpetual motion machine several hours a day.
DeleteNo one ever offered me the perpetual motion machine! Today I did exercycle ... I wish someone here had one at home and I could ride every day ...
DeleteWhen I had my right hip done, I couldn't drive for 6 weeks!!! Left hip, 3 weeks. Yes--keep the Percocet or whatever you have for pain close-by. I usually took half a one before physical therapy the first couple of weeks. Glad this is going so well for you!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAgain, depends how long ago maybe? I don't know. I'm just so excited how much less pain this time around. And quicker walking unassisted. Thank you Universe!
DeleteCongrats that alli's going so well. Always is a therapist's dream in any discipline to have a client who follows recommendations for independent practice and takes some responsibilitiry for themself. At least reading this, I'll know what to do, or not do, if I need this surgery in the future.
ReplyDeleteEvery surgery is different ... even on the same person! But I agree doing all the exercises as much as you can, is really key to walking normal again.
DeleteI'm amazed at your recovery! And I can't believe you got word games in your goodie bag. :) I'm so glad things are going well for you. The trick to happiness is realizing what we have, and you certainly do. Those boys are so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed every day at how much easier this time is. PT is the hard part. The boys rode along as Mom dropped me off (I'm gonna let her be my driver for another week ... not knowing how I will feel AFTER each appt) and now Mr. 3 is playing Dr with me. Even put a sandwich bag on his hand for a glove ....
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