1/27/09 - Back Pain persists....

I spoke with Eileen in Dr Casscell's office yesterday about my back and hip pain, and she suggested that I stop doing the exercises that hurt my back - do some back relaxing stuff, and call her in three days if it still persists - so I can come in and get X-rayed for that too.

The pain dulled yesterday during the day, but as night progressed, it got worse. Sleeping is the worst - or actually the task of moving in bed from side to middle to side. It's almost time to take more Advil, so hopefully it will subside this morning, and go back to the dull ache....

I went to Book Club at ML's last night - it was great to see everyone - we were 11 strong - and discussed the Echo Maker by Richard Powers as well as many other interesting topics.

This afternoon I go to the Wilmington Hospital Center for Joint Replacement to meet with the Physical Therapist. This should be interesting - I plan to discuss my current back and hip issues, as well as what happens after surgery. I know I get home visits for several weeks, but really want to scope out NOW where I will be doing my post surgery Physical Therapy. From everything I've read and heard, this is the single most important thing (besides the actual surgeon and surgery) that will impact my recovery. I want to ensure that I've planned out the best, most competent, PT that will get me going and make me work!

I had a recommendation yesterday from a Co-Worker for a local PT practice, but unfortunately, it is not in the Aetna approved list - so is not covered. That will be my challenge - find someone good, and covered!

More on that after the visit and evaluation.

1/26/09 - Dealing with Pain....

For the past three nights, I have had an incredible lower back pain - which radiates out to both of my hips - since I sleep (or try to) on my side(s). I have to say, when my back and hips ache, I don't even think about my knees - except for the nightmare last night that I not only have the Bilateral TKR coming up, but that I also need both hips replaced....

I'm hopeful that this recent pain is due to the exercises that I've been doing to get stronger prior to surgery, and nothing more sinister.

1/25/09 - TKR Animated Video

I found this very well done animated video on the web today - it really makes the entire process seem pretty easy! If only!!!!

http://www.edheads.org/activities/knee/knee1/index.htm

1/22/09 - Orientation at the Joint Replacement Center

J.D. and I attended the orientation to learn what to expect during my stay in the Joint Replacement Center (JRC). This is a section of the Wilmington Hospital that is segregated from the rest of the hospital (and sick people).

We heard from one of the Nancy - one of the nurses and Lisa from PT. Nancy stressed that when we were there, we are not sick, but there to work - and get healthy again. Lisa let us know that physical therapy would be a major part of the stay, beginning the first day after surgery. Nancy also talked about pain management - You mean there will be pain???? Yikes!

1/08/09 - first visit to Orthopedic Surgeon

After complaining for a few years to my Primary Care Physician (PCP) of my knee pain, he referred me to see an Orthopedic Surgeon. His office had me get X-rays of both knees - and when his assistant took her first look at my right knee X-ray - she said "that's got to hurt!" Turns out I'm bone on bone on the right knee, and getting close on the left.

Dr. Casscells told me the only choice beside pain for the rest of my life was Bilateral (both) TKR total knee replacement. I decided there and then to schedule both - and started my journey to a pain free life.