Saturday, October 10, 2020

Facing A Huge Situation

I have not given these pages much information regarding a medical development of severe disability and horrendous pain in both of my knees and legs . The right knee is considerably worse than the left . This is not a particularly new situation .  I think the first x-ray of my knees was in 2002 because of pain . But , that was nothing compared to what I am dealing with at the present time . I guess it is about a couple months ago that I started having difficulty with walking and was starting to experience unrelenting pain especially in my right knee . Throughout the years I have had periodic knee problems .  But , my back disability (injury 1992) was so encompassing that I more or less just pushed through the knee issues and eventually I was better .

But , now we have almost twenty more years of  "wear and tear" on knees that are probably also arthritic . My legs and ankles are very very swollen . Ice packs help a little . The recent increase in severity of pain and disability prompted me to see my primary care physician .  That was 10 days ago .  I was quite a sight . At least I thought so . Along with wearing my back brace I had knee supports on both knees and I had to use a cane and could only walk slowly . But , outwardly I think that I really looked pretty good . A smile always makes you look better . And , as they say "I clean up pretty good" !  Fortunately , I have a very good rapport with my physician and the office staff .  They treated me exceptionally well ! And , of course adhering to all the COVID 19 guidelines .

The "long and short of it" is that I most likely need Total Knee Replacement of both knees . Unfortunately , they will not prescribe any pain pills for me at this time (due to the new opiate regulations) and I really should not take anti-inflammatory medicine because I have taken them for many years because of my back pain/issues and my kidneys (they are old) will be endangered because my lab studies already show some abnormalities ! The pain has been very very severe .  I will have x-rays of both knees soon and I am scheduled for a consultation with an Orthopedic Surgeon on October 21 .  I was delighted to learn from my physician that there is now a technique called Minimally Invasive Total Knee replacement and I may be able to have that procedure .  The incision is shorter and the quadriceps tendons are not dissected .  And , the knee cap (patella) is not flipped over . Thus , a shorter recovery time .  

Considering my senior age , the less invasive procedure would be preferred . Depending upon what the x-rays show I will probably have both knees done at the same time .    You can click the photos to enlarge .

This is a specialized technique available from only surgeons with specialized training . The nearest surgeon is located about 150 miles from here in a geographical area near where I lived prior to moving here . So that is a possibility because I still have one acquaintance in the area , actually living in the same town as the Orthopedic Surgical Clinic .

If you follow my blog you know that I do not have family to help me and I have outlived all of my close friends .  So , where ever the procedure is performed I have no idea how all of this can be arranged regarding transportation and post operative help at home . If I go out of the area perhaps I can live in a hotel for a week or so with home health care along with physical therapy which starts the first day following surgery wherever I have it done.  I do not know if a Rehabilitation Center for a few days would be an option .  As you can see , there are a lot of unknowns to be arranged somehow .  And, care of my precious Ivy is a huge concern of mine .  At the moment, all I can do is to take one day at a time !  Somehow -someway it will come together if it is meant to be . 

I am not only taking one day at a time .  Sometimes it is one minute at a time as I attempt to continue "taking care of things" .  There are times I can do more than other times , as you can tell by my blogging posts . And , there are times I can not walk even one step .  Night time has been really rough at times and I am awakened with unbelievable knee pain along with back pain .  Not getting much sleep . Daytime naps help .

Had to reschedule "The Workers" to work on the generator hook-up for some time next week .

That's it for today and that is plenty - - - and I will be OK !  I'm a "tough old lady" and I will live each day to the best of my ability .

Hope everyone is doing well (or at least OK) during these tumultuous times in our lives with the government and the pandemic.  Let's keep the hope for better times .

Mary

6 comments:

  1. Oh my, I do hope you can have the minimally invasive surgery soon and find relief from your pain. I admire your spunk and determination. Keep hoping!

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  2. Had a total knee replacement and it was much easier than expected. I took opioids for three weeks and that was all I needed. I would insist on the pills in case they are needed. Good wishes.

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  3. Wow, What a surprise. Miss your wonderful eclectic blog. Glad you are well-and busy. I have a friend publishing her first book-due July 21. So, so much work. Good luck with your next. Thanks for knee encouragement. My age(81) and both knees are my concern. What will be-will be!

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  4. You are in my thoughts dear friend Mary. I hope the surgeon agrees that the minimally invasive surgery is the correct option. Keep us all posted with updates.

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  5. Hi Mary, I just wanted to wish you the best with your knees and recovery. I had both of my hips replaced at the same time. The surgeon makes all the difference. Anita told me about you, and I found your blog. Bonesmart is a wonderful resource for joint replacements and support. I hope you have help and are healing well.

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    1. What a delightful surprise to see your thoughtful comment. I have not been able to have any surgery because I do not have anyone to help me. Perhaps, in June my Grand Daughter will be able to assist me after she finishes her virtual student teaching and finishes her teaching credential. She has an incredibly heavy and challenging life at the present time including home schooling her own children. They live in Madera and we hope we can make it all work out. I had a lovely telephone visit with Anita today. Thanks again for your concern. Mary

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