Informing yourself

I think one of the things that is helping me the most is informing myself about what I am getting myself into.

I am preparing my mind, body, house, everything for the upcoming events.

I think pre-planning is VITAL to this process. I know you can not prepare for every contingency, but it is important to have all your ducks in a row.

I am reading about many things

Pre-surgery
pre-op
surgery
post-op
recovery
physical therapy

...are just a few. For me knowledge is power and I am less scared and anxious when I know what is going to happen, why it is going to happen, and what I can and should do during this process!

Here are some websites I used to help me prepare:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kneereplacement.html#cat26

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/tp/kneereplacement.htm

http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/totalkneereplacement/TKR_exercises.html

http://www.nih.gov/niams

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/postoperativeexercises/qt/TKAFlexionEx.htm

http://arthritis.webmd.com/knee-replacement-surgery

Dentist

One down a million to go. :)

I had my dentist appointment today to make sure I have no dental issues. If you have dental issues when you have a joint replaced the bacteria and infection could travel to the knee and cause serious problems. It is very important to get your dental health checked out so that your surgery and recovery go well.

Great news!!!

I have NO DENTAL issues!!! My dentist was able to give me a clean bill of dental health.

Now on to the million other things to do :)

Things to do Before the Surgery

Get handicap parking placard

Go to dentist to get medical ok -done

Go to Primary DR to get medical Ok -done

move bed into living room

Total joint preoperative class -done June 24 - went well

Autologous blood donation - don't need better not to get

Pre-op with DR

Pre-op with hospital - done June 29 - went well

clean house - almost done

get supplies - almost done

mail my mom's stuff to her mom in CA - DONE Thank God I can relax now! June 29

long day

today was the last day of school....it was very tiring. Chronic pain is very exhausting.

I went to a graduation tonight and had to sit in a chair that made my leg hurt so bad. Then driving home was such joy! I am excited that my Meghan will be doing the driving tomorrow!!! :)

I tried to get up this morning and go do my water exercises, but after the excruciating episode this morning I did not have the strength or energy. :(

I read about the many things to do to prepare for after the surgery.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kneereplacement.html#cat26

I now have many more things to add to my list... :) being prepared is SO important that I have decided to make a list of all the things I am suppose to do before surgery!!!

Pain

"That which we call (pain). By any other name would (suck) as (bad)"

Honestly....I was awakened by a shearing, blinding, horrible pain in my knee this morning....

Just gives me one more reason to thank the powers that be that I am getting a new knee!!!!!!

I am off for a very busy last day of school today. I have 3 graduations to attend, offline grades to pick up, a beautiful baby to watch, and a lovely daughter to help get to her very busy life...though Meghan has helped tremendously with this...she does most of the driving when she is with me :)

Well have a great day!