shelleybutn
09-15-2008, 09:53 PM
Hi al my triple family. Here is a new thread for us....... i'm doing well. starting to be out of boot at home, not at work yet. alot of pain in my achilles but that will pass as it gets used to it.
shelley
shelley
Sponsor
klbs1961
09-15-2008, 10:01 PM
Hi Shelley,
Thank you for starting this new thread. How long have you been out now? I am going to ask you the same question I asked Alex, how did you manage to sleep the night before surgery? My surgery is in 3 weeks and 3 days, and I am getting anxious. Yes, I am ready to be out of constant pain and off the pain meds, but the fear of pain after surgery is really beginning to take its toll.
Kathy
Thank you for starting this new thread. How long have you been out now? I am going to ask you the same question I asked Alex, how did you manage to sleep the night before surgery? My surgery is in 3 weeks and 3 days, and I am getting anxious. Yes, I am ready to be out of constant pain and off the pain meds, but the fear of pain after surgery is really beginning to take its toll.
Kathy
shelleybutn
09-15-2008, 10:13 PM
kathy, i am now just over 4 months, may 9th was my surgery. the bone pain is completly gone, now just have soft tissue pain and such. the night before surgery i was real anxious. and i am the type of persone who doesn't sleep the night before something big. i don't really remember, i think i slept ok. i was just so over the pain. and so excited for the surgery. the morning of though......so nervous i think i peed 20 times before i went in to the operating room. :) at times i was so over this surgery, and very depressed. it's hard and really takes a toll on you mentally. but i finally can see the end of the tunnel. hang in there, we are here for you.
shelley
shelley
catldyfromnpt
09-16-2008, 01:00 PM
hi..
I'll have more of an update tomorrow after my doctors appointment (please.. can all of you send positive vibes at around 10:15am? I want this cast OFF now. I've had it.)
anyway.. like Shelley said, this surgery really does take its toll on you mentally. theres so many changes and its just very frustrating at times. Its a long process and if you lack patience, like I do.. its even harder.
to answer your questions (even though they weren't directed at me.. lol) I took a xanax the night before my surgery and slept fine. otherwise I would have probably just stayed up all night trying to figure out a way to run away (i should have. lol)
and time out of work tends to vary. I'll be out at least 6 months, maybe longer because my job as a baker/cake decorator requires me to stand for long amounts of time and my doctor doesn't want me back there. which of course, is difficult for me because I love my job. but we'll see. I'm planning on giving it a try when I feel ready, I work for an awesome company and they've been great about all this time off and they were great before the surgery (i put it off for 2 years and spent about 1/3 of my time at work sitting down because I hurt so bad and after awhile I realized I just couldn't do it anymore)
one thing I've noticed everyone on this board mentioning is being concerned about their "good" foot. I am too, and I can't deal with this crap again. the nurse in the hospital told me to try to always have a shoe on for support and in the beginning I was just too lazy, but these past few days I've made it a point to wear a shoe on my other foot and I've noticed a big difference.
this has turned into a novel. to be honest, todays one of those days where I'm kind of frustrated and really stressed about tomorrows appointment. I'll update again then.. thanks for reading if you made it all the way thru!
~Maryanne
I'll have more of an update tomorrow after my doctors appointment (please.. can all of you send positive vibes at around 10:15am? I want this cast OFF now. I've had it.)
anyway.. like Shelley said, this surgery really does take its toll on you mentally. theres so many changes and its just very frustrating at times. Its a long process and if you lack patience, like I do.. its even harder.
to answer your questions (even though they weren't directed at me.. lol) I took a xanax the night before my surgery and slept fine. otherwise I would have probably just stayed up all night trying to figure out a way to run away (i should have. lol)
and time out of work tends to vary. I'll be out at least 6 months, maybe longer because my job as a baker/cake decorator requires me to stand for long amounts of time and my doctor doesn't want me back there. which of course, is difficult for me because I love my job. but we'll see. I'm planning on giving it a try when I feel ready, I work for an awesome company and they've been great about all this time off and they were great before the surgery (i put it off for 2 years and spent about 1/3 of my time at work sitting down because I hurt so bad and after awhile I realized I just couldn't do it anymore)
one thing I've noticed everyone on this board mentioning is being concerned about their "good" foot. I am too, and I can't deal with this crap again. the nurse in the hospital told me to try to always have a shoe on for support and in the beginning I was just too lazy, but these past few days I've made it a point to wear a shoe on my other foot and I've noticed a big difference.
this has turned into a novel. to be honest, todays one of those days where I'm kind of frustrated and really stressed about tomorrows appointment. I'll update again then.. thanks for reading if you made it all the way thru!
~Maryanne
klbs1961
09-16-2008, 04:41 PM
Maryann,
Thank you so much for the honesty and support! BTW, what on earth is patience? I do not believe that is a real word, because I am always being told I have none! I had something like this done 20+ years ago, and it hurt like &*(*&&&%%$%^#$%#%#!!!!!! Think I will lye about the stairs leading to the house, if I can, my husband is a nurse, and is one of those honesty will help people. Glad things are getting better. I hope you are still on the board when I have surgery! kathy
Thank you so much for the honesty and support! BTW, what on earth is patience? I do not believe that is a real word, because I am always being told I have none! I had something like this done 20+ years ago, and it hurt like &*(*&&&%%$%^#$%#%#!!!!!! Think I will lye about the stairs leading to the house, if I can, my husband is a nurse, and is one of those honesty will help people. Glad things are getting better. I hope you are still on the board when I have surgery! kathy
scribytoo
09-17-2008, 01:28 AM
Hi All. Two weeks post surgery today. It's so comforting to know others who have been or are going through this. Today felt a bit like a milestone...a very early one. First I had to get down my four steps to go to my post-surgical appointment. I had a bit of an anxiety attack and finally sat on my butt and slid down. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get up because I have two replaced knees but my husband was able to pull me to my feet.
Then I made a dumb choice and sat in the front seat to go to my appt. Since it's 1/2 hour away and I couldn't get in a comfortable position, I was breaking down from discomfort in other parts of my body. Once we got there, my meds kicked in and I calmed down.
Then I had to get up on a table. I was amazed but the surgical assistant and my husband did an awesome job of supporting me. Off comes the behemoth splint. The P.A. had my lying down because she said some people get light headed at first sight. Out came the staples and, while that was happening, we had an extended conversation about how sensitive feet are. Having been through 2 total knees, I've come to the conclusion I'd rather do knees than feet! Really wasn't fond of the post-surgical pain though it was well controlled by the meds after I got home and started taking them on time round the clock.
Now I'm in the fiberglass cast, in lovely purple. It's more manageable. My surgeon's only real comments today were summed up in "ok, now you can hurry up and wait." Getting into the house involved my husband and a friend backing me up in the wheelchair. I am concerned about their backs!!
It hasn't been long enough to go too bonkers yet. At least I can look forward to a shower now, with my cast cover suggested by you all. But this "walking on one foot" is really hard on my knee. I'm trying to be careful with my "good foot."
Anyway, thanks for listening. You are so right about the mental strain of this. I think the range of emotions today was from complete terror at the steps to utter misery riding (rode in the back with my foot propped up coming home, to a bit of elation getting the dressing off that was at least the size of my 28 lb. dog's butt!
Til the next turn of events....Linda in South Dakota
Then I made a dumb choice and sat in the front seat to go to my appt. Since it's 1/2 hour away and I couldn't get in a comfortable position, I was breaking down from discomfort in other parts of my body. Once we got there, my meds kicked in and I calmed down.
Then I had to get up on a table. I was amazed but the surgical assistant and my husband did an awesome job of supporting me. Off comes the behemoth splint. The P.A. had my lying down because she said some people get light headed at first sight. Out came the staples and, while that was happening, we had an extended conversation about how sensitive feet are. Having been through 2 total knees, I've come to the conclusion I'd rather do knees than feet! Really wasn't fond of the post-surgical pain though it was well controlled by the meds after I got home and started taking them on time round the clock.
Now I'm in the fiberglass cast, in lovely purple. It's more manageable. My surgeon's only real comments today were summed up in "ok, now you can hurry up and wait." Getting into the house involved my husband and a friend backing me up in the wheelchair. I am concerned about their backs!!
It hasn't been long enough to go too bonkers yet. At least I can look forward to a shower now, with my cast cover suggested by you all. But this "walking on one foot" is really hard on my knee. I'm trying to be careful with my "good foot."
Anyway, thanks for listening. You are so right about the mental strain of this. I think the range of emotions today was from complete terror at the steps to utter misery riding (rode in the back with my foot propped up coming home, to a bit of elation getting the dressing off that was at least the size of my 28 lb. dog's butt!
Til the next turn of events....Linda in South Dakota
shelleybutn
09-17-2008, 10:46 AM
Linda, glad you are doing well. the purple will cheer you up. isn't it amazing how much lighter it feels now?!? take care, keep busy.
shelley
shelley
catldyfromnpt
09-17-2008, 09:12 PM
Linda,
I'm glad your appointment went well. I had stitches, not staples and had to take a xanax on the way because I was convinced it was going to hurt, but it didn't. I worry too much.
stairs scare me. I was going to attempt mine this morning. I had one crutch and I was going to carefully hop down each one. my mom said "let me try first.. " she couldn't even do it.. so we used the wheelchair, she pushed me down the ramp. I hopped out, grabbed the walker that we'd already set there and hopped to the car.
getting in and out of a car is a b*tch. we borrowed my Sister in law's SUV to come home from the hospital and for all my appointments, but today i felt up to riding in my own car, so i had my mom drive. getting out was a little difficult, but I managed.
do you like to read? i spent ALOT of time reading for the first month. getting around was hard, i was bored, so i laid on my bed with my foot up and read at least 1 book a day. tv helps too, and you get all the new shows now. lol
again, I'm glad your appt went well. keep us updated on how you're doing!
~Maryanne
I'm glad your appointment went well. I had stitches, not staples and had to take a xanax on the way because I was convinced it was going to hurt, but it didn't. I worry too much.
stairs scare me. I was going to attempt mine this morning. I had one crutch and I was going to carefully hop down each one. my mom said "let me try first.. " she couldn't even do it.. so we used the wheelchair, she pushed me down the ramp. I hopped out, grabbed the walker that we'd already set there and hopped to the car.
getting in and out of a car is a b*tch. we borrowed my Sister in law's SUV to come home from the hospital and for all my appointments, but today i felt up to riding in my own car, so i had my mom drive. getting out was a little difficult, but I managed.
do you like to read? i spent ALOT of time reading for the first month. getting around was hard, i was bored, so i laid on my bed with my foot up and read at least 1 book a day. tv helps too, and you get all the new shows now. lol
again, I'm glad your appt went well. keep us updated on how you're doing!
~Maryanne
scribytoo
09-18-2008, 12:58 AM
Maryanne,
I've read about 3 books so far and am waiting for more in the series to arrive! We also updated our cable so I'm seeing a few more movies. Today someone stopped by that I could help out with some stuff on the computer and that was great! I almost felt useful! I got a fun thing for my car that I think I'm going to like...it's a swivel seat thing that makes it far easier to sit and turn. Not that I plan on going out anywhere for a while again. But I will eventually.
Thanks again for the support!
Linda
I've read about 3 books so far and am waiting for more in the series to arrive! We also updated our cable so I'm seeing a few more movies. Today someone stopped by that I could help out with some stuff on the computer and that was great! I almost felt useful! I got a fun thing for my car that I think I'm going to like...it's a swivel seat thing that makes it far easier to sit and turn. Not that I plan on going out anywhere for a while again. But I will eventually.
Thanks again for the support!
Linda
catldyfromnpt
09-18-2008, 09:50 AM
Linda, the swivel seat is a great idea! I didn't have any problems turning.. my problem was getting my foot in the car without banging it on anything. I'm NOT graceful. LOL
and to answer your question from the other thread. open diary its lots of fun I've been writing there for years as Catlady. let me know if you join!
what are you reading? I'm always looking for new authors to try! and movies.. I love them! we had hbo, but I'd seen all the movies so decided to try cinemax for a change and I've watched alot of movies. my neighbor offered me dvd's from his collection but that requires getting up and putting a new one in every so often and its easier just to change the channel. I've gotten lazy. LOL
and to answer your question from the other thread. open diary its lots of fun I've been writing there for years as Catlady. let me know if you join!
what are you reading? I'm always looking for new authors to try! and movies.. I love them! we had hbo, but I'd seen all the movies so decided to try cinemax for a change and I've watched alot of movies. my neighbor offered me dvd's from his collection but that requires getting up and putting a new one in every so often and its easier just to change the channel. I've gotten lazy. LOL
scribytoo
09-18-2008, 05:11 PM
Thanks. I'm going to check it out. We got the Starz and Encore package because it gives more movie channels. They are slightly older, after they've had their run on the other channels, but they have a good variety. For example a drama channel, comedy channel, westerns, etc. The books I've been reading are from the Elm Creek Quilt's books. I'm a new quilter and have really enjoyed the stories. Not sappy romance novels, just stories of womens lives. I've been feeling the same way about the DVD's...don't want to get up to change them. The last couple of days I've been gettin up more and sitting in the recliner. We added a thick foam cushion to make it taller for getting up, which helped.
Well, I'll let you know about the diary.
Later, Linda
Well, I'll let you know about the diary.
Later, Linda
catldyfromnpt
09-18-2008, 09:59 PM
Quilting keeps you busy too!! I add a pillow to whatever chair I sit in to make it easier to get up! I use the wheelchair instead of my computer chair cause i can lock it.. don't feel like getting up and having my chair roll away before I've grabbed the walker. that wouldn't be good. lol
klbs1961
09-19-2008, 03:03 AM
I want more info on the swivel thingie for the car. Where did you find it, what was the cost? Anything to make life easier please
scribytoo
09-20-2008, 03:02 AM
It is called a Swivel Seat Cushion and I got mine from Allegro Medical but have seen it at many medical supplies online. I've seen it run from about $20 up. It's like a lazy susan cushion you put on your car seat. I've always gotten in and out by using my feet and not turning in the seat. So it really helps avoid the extra pressure on lowerback, knees, etc.
I'm finding myself getting into anything that makes life easier and less chance of injuring anything!
Linda
I'm finding myself getting into anything that makes life easier and less chance of injuring anything!
Linda
catldyfromnpt
09-26-2008, 11:03 PM
Where is everyone?! its like we've all disappeared.. I'm doing good most of the time. other times the days just drag. it'll be 4 months on October 12th. I'm ready to be done with this. past ready.
hope everyone else is doing okay =)
hope everyone else is doing okay =)
shelleybutn
09-27-2008, 08:36 AM
i'm here. been busy traveling with work. have been squishing into a shoe to go to work, lasting half of the day, then i put the boot back on. not doing too bad. real sore, but everywhere else. my big toe hurts, arch, achilles......well, at least my bones don't hurt!
catlady, email didn't work. got sent back. oh well.
catlady, email didn't work. got sent back. oh well.
scribytoo
09-27-2008, 07:59 PM
Hi all,
I think I've just been going through the fourth week blues. I know I have 6 more weeks in my cast and can't seem to get enough upper body strength to get around. My balance isn't what it should be so I tend to stumble with my walker occassionally and that scares me. I'd love to try the crutches because I think they'd be a bit easier to sustain a walk around the house but I'm scared. So I'm pretty limited to where the wheelchair goes. Though my friends from church have been great about coming over nightly to help me get dinner and take out the dog, I feel like I should be able to handle that on my own by now. I just wish I could get over the fear of falling.
All things considered, though, I'm getting along ok. Not really wanting for anything except to be free to move again. And I know it's coming. There's lots of other things going on that I wish I could participate in but it's ok to be taking this time. I know I couldn't work this way since most of my work is on foot. So I try to keep my mind exercised.
Glad to hear others are doing well.
Linda
I think I've just been going through the fourth week blues. I know I have 6 more weeks in my cast and can't seem to get enough upper body strength to get around. My balance isn't what it should be so I tend to stumble with my walker occassionally and that scares me. I'd love to try the crutches because I think they'd be a bit easier to sustain a walk around the house but I'm scared. So I'm pretty limited to where the wheelchair goes. Though my friends from church have been great about coming over nightly to help me get dinner and take out the dog, I feel like I should be able to handle that on my own by now. I just wish I could get over the fear of falling.
All things considered, though, I'm getting along ok. Not really wanting for anything except to be free to move again. And I know it's coming. There's lots of other things going on that I wish I could participate in but it's ok to be taking this time. I know I couldn't work this way since most of my work is on foot. So I try to keep my mind exercised.
Glad to hear others are doing well.
Linda
klbs1961
09-28-2008, 12:03 AM
I have been here, just busy. I sent you an e-mail, but to date, no reply. Busy cleaning house and such. Got to see Neil Diamond on Saturday; now I can have my surgery!
Kathy
Kathy
klbs1961
09-28-2008, 12:06 AM
Have you tried a knee scooter? I have one ready for me, and I need to begin pratcicing.
scribytoo
09-28-2008, 02:55 PM
I've avoided the knee scooter because I just had a Total Knee replacement on that leg in May. I haven't been comfortable about even trying to use it for that reason, besides balance. Perhaps I should be rethinking...it seems everyone around here doesn't speak well of them.
I did use the walker to enter the kitchen today. And realized I couldn't get anything out of anywhere. But I'm determined to hang in there.
Linda
I did use the walker to enter the kitchen today. And realized I couldn't get anything out of anywhere. But I'm determined to hang in there.
Linda
catldyfromnpt
10-01-2008, 12:03 PM
Linda.. I got a barstool for the kitchen.. then you can sit at the counter, microwave your lunch or dinner.. or even make something simple.. I started doing that after a few weeks and it made me feel better.
mimi2945
10-01-2008, 02:51 PM
Hey catlady and all,
I'm still here...don't know why I stopped posting..just did. I got my second cast off Friday and got THE BOOT...I hate it. The only good thing is that I could finally wash my whole body...my foot is healing and the xrays looked good. Of course I still have to stay off it for another 4 weeks...you have to be really careful when the cast comes off because you can easily put that foot down without thinking...haven't done it yet but the possibility is there. I don't know what happens to the day..it just goes by and I realize that I haven't done anything constructive..not even read a book. I spend alot of time on the computer just surfing...I guess that's constructive in its own way.
I did get to go to lunch after the doctor and that was the highlight of the month..the first time out in 8 and a half weeks! OMG, it was great...I think the main reason we're kept in is for fear of falling which I did last week...fell on my right side (not of my foot) and have some of the biggest bruises I've ever had...let me tell you ceramic tile in my bathroom is HARD! My knee slipped on the seat of my scooter, really my own fault for not holding the handlebars at the same time I put my knee on it, so be careful 'cause it can throw you if you're not careful.
that's about it for now...glad to hear everyone is doing good and sorry I didn't stay in touch better. Have a great week.
Paula
I'm still here...don't know why I stopped posting..just did. I got my second cast off Friday and got THE BOOT...I hate it. The only good thing is that I could finally wash my whole body...my foot is healing and the xrays looked good. Of course I still have to stay off it for another 4 weeks...you have to be really careful when the cast comes off because you can easily put that foot down without thinking...haven't done it yet but the possibility is there. I don't know what happens to the day..it just goes by and I realize that I haven't done anything constructive..not even read a book. I spend alot of time on the computer just surfing...I guess that's constructive in its own way.
I did get to go to lunch after the doctor and that was the highlight of the month..the first time out in 8 and a half weeks! OMG, it was great...I think the main reason we're kept in is for fear of falling which I did last week...fell on my right side (not of my foot) and have some of the biggest bruises I've ever had...let me tell you ceramic tile in my bathroom is HARD! My knee slipped on the seat of my scooter, really my own fault for not holding the handlebars at the same time I put my knee on it, so be careful 'cause it can throw you if you're not careful.
that's about it for now...glad to hear everyone is doing good and sorry I didn't stay in touch better. Have a great week.
Paula
catldyfromnpt
10-02-2008, 11:27 AM
Paula,
those scooters are sounding more and more dangerous :(
I don't do very much some days either. and the days blend together. I do manage to make dinners on occasion, folding laundry, little things like that.. makes me feel more useful.
congratulations on getting out of the cast.. i had mine off for 2 days and it felt wonderful, but he had to put another one on after he looked the xrays.. i go back on the 8th and it better come off and stay off. I remember when I didn't have the cast on, I was very nervous about accidently putting weight on it.. and I hardly did anything those 2 days! but it was nice to soak it and not having that weight on my foot was awesome!
keep in touch and be careful , okay?!
those scooters are sounding more and more dangerous :(
I don't do very much some days either. and the days blend together. I do manage to make dinners on occasion, folding laundry, little things like that.. makes me feel more useful.
congratulations on getting out of the cast.. i had mine off for 2 days and it felt wonderful, but he had to put another one on after he looked the xrays.. i go back on the 8th and it better come off and stay off. I remember when I didn't have the cast on, I was very nervous about accidently putting weight on it.. and I hardly did anything those 2 days! but it was nice to soak it and not having that weight on my foot was awesome!
keep in touch and be careful , okay?!
klbs1961
10-02-2008, 11:20 PM
I told my doctor yesterday that we had a scooter at home, and the first he said was to practice! I promised I would do that this weekend when the kids are gone. They really like to make fun of mom.:mad:
Tomorrow is pre-op at the hospital. Any suggestions regrading questions I should ask. I understand that some docs, have the nursing staff insert a catheter. Not my idea of a good time.
Kathy
Tomorrow is pre-op at the hospital. Any suggestions regrading questions I should ask. I understand that some docs, have the nursing staff insert a catheter. Not my idea of a good time.
Kathy
scribytoo
10-03-2008, 12:41 AM
Kathy,
I had a catheter in for the first day after both of my total knees. They didn't do it for my triple. I really wish they had. It never bothered me and using the bed pan and getting up to go (the next day) was a lot more of a drag than the cath ever was. Didn't even feel it when it was in or even when taken out.
Linda
I had a catheter in for the first day after both of my total knees. They didn't do it for my triple. I really wish they had. It never bothered me and using the bed pan and getting up to go (the next day) was a lot more of a drag than the cath ever was. Didn't even feel it when it was in or even when taken out.
Linda
shelleybutn
10-03-2008, 09:34 PM
no catheter here. was interesting using the bedpan the first few times. never used one before. but got the hang of it. you start to assess the "how much do i want to drink this vs. i will have to get up and pee!"
shelley
shelley
klbs1961
10-03-2008, 11:09 PM
In other words, intake vs, outflow? Were you still on the IV to push fluids?
scribytoo
10-04-2008, 03:26 AM
I was on the IV. So not much control over intake! It all worked out ok, though. You know, in all of this, going to the bathroom had been my biggest worry. It's all worked out, though. Just taken a little planning. I am grateful to have a commode in the bedroom for the nights and times I'm just too weary to move myself. But overall, it's really turned out to be my best exercise.
shelleybutn
10-04-2008, 01:42 PM
this was after i was home, off IV. the first two weeks i was only drinking what i had to stay hydrated. didn't want to pee too often. too much work. but once you get a system down, it's fine. you just have to get into a routine and do the same thing every time--or that is when you fall :)
klbs1961
10-05-2008, 07:24 PM
Has anyone used the (I don't know the name) handlebars for the toilet?
klbs1961
10-14-2008, 04:14 PM
Walker - the most important thing I have is my rolleraid! I could not survive with out it! We also put a handle bar on the frame to the bathroom door, that helps a lot!