<== Since my wonderful sister-in-law Joanne raved about her MBT walking shoes (which came with her dog Snickers), Jan checked them out today and she is now struttin' like a rich Masai warrior wearing Swiss engineered yuppie shoes no doubt made in China (we await our stimulus check with baited breath). But first...she'll be wearing her CROCS while in the hospital (btw, have you seen the new D/E terminal at PHL? It has a CROCs store, a Peets Coffee shop, and LOTS of security gates/lines).
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Masai don't have bad knees...Jan is now a Swiss miss
<== Since my wonderful sister-in-law Joanne raved about her MBT walking shoes (which came with her dog Snickers), Jan checked them out today and she is now struttin' like a rich Masai warrior wearing Swiss engineered yuppie shoes no doubt made in China (we await our stimulus check with baited breath). But first...she'll be wearing her CROCS while in the hospital (btw, have you seen the new D/E terminal at PHL? It has a CROCs store, a Peets Coffee shop, and LOTS of security gates/lines).
Time for Jan's worser half to practice blogging...with "the kindest cut" a day away I kneed to get in blog shape. Here's another NYTimes article from last May: "New Advice". It's interesting to see how many TKR blogs are out there...most tend to be negative, but such is the nature of the Internet.
Sports after TKR? Yes! But excuse me, bowling is NOT a sport: "Non-Conforming Stress". Dr. C, can you prescribe a heavy dose of Asp(er)en? Drink lots of Buttermilk?
Yours in eminent support,
Coach J.D.
p.s. Have discovered "joint replacement therapy" has nothing to do with cannabis...
Sports after TKR? Yes! But excuse me, bowling is NOT a sport: "Non-Conforming Stress". Dr. C, can you prescribe a heavy dose of Asp(er)en? Drink lots of Buttermilk?
Yours in eminent support,
Coach J.D.
p.s. Have discovered "joint replacement therapy" has nothing to do with cannabis...
2/15 - One day more....
We saw the Holmes Bros at Arden last night, and they were wonderful. A trio of blues brothers!
JD found a very interesting article about Baby Boomers getting joint replacement surgery - check it out!
JD found a very interesting article about Baby Boomers getting joint replacement surgery - check it out!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/fashion/15generationb.html
Saturday, February 14, 2009
2/14/09 - Valentine's Day
JD bought flowers, and I bought chocolate - a match made in heaven! We're heading to Arden for their Valentine's Guild Hall dinner - and a Blues concert to follow. It's always interesting to have dinner (especially VD) with 100+ other people - since this is an organized neighborhood event. Not ours, but our wannabe neighborhood. Arden is an artsy communal area of North Wilmington, where you can buy the house, and the Arden community owns the land - and you lease it. It started back in the 1920's - kind of a bohemian area - each house is different and eclectic. Some are very cool - like our friend Finn's - which is adobe like.
I started taking Celebrex this morning at Dr. Casscells direction. This is to help with stiffness in preparation for the surgery. We also discussed an interesting pain reliever called the On-Q Pain Pump which is inserted during surgery, and provides local anethesia directly to the knee for up to five days after surgery. When I was teaching a jewelry class in early January, one of the attendees mentioned that her husband had knee surgery by Christopher Casscells, and he used the On-Q Pain Pump - and found that he needed very little of the narcotic pain medication - since the knee was feeling almost no pain. I was intrigued, and asked Dr. Casscells about it, and he was very willing to do it for me too.
I think I have everything I need for Monday, I've purchased some sweats that fall right below the knee - since I'm supposed to have shorts - I figure I can roll up one leg, and at least keep the other a little warmer. I'm ready, I think. Lots of books for my ipod, and a few knitting projects that are pretty simple and won't require too much thinking.... I'm working on some socks - almost ready to move to the heel and a sweater that is pure stockinette stitch. I've also got my book from the library that is for our Book Club - Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. She is always an interesting read....
I started taking Celebrex this morning at Dr. Casscells direction. This is to help with stiffness in preparation for the surgery. We also discussed an interesting pain reliever called the On-Q Pain Pump which is inserted during surgery, and provides local anethesia directly to the knee for up to five days after surgery. When I was teaching a jewelry class in early January, one of the attendees mentioned that her husband had knee surgery by Christopher Casscells, and he used the On-Q Pain Pump - and found that he needed very little of the narcotic pain medication - since the knee was feeling almost no pain. I was intrigued, and asked Dr. Casscells about it, and he was very willing to do it for me too.
I think I have everything I need for Monday, I've purchased some sweats that fall right below the knee - since I'm supposed to have shorts - I figure I can roll up one leg, and at least keep the other a little warmer. I'm ready, I think. Lots of books for my ipod, and a few knitting projects that are pretty simple and won't require too much thinking.... I'm working on some socks - almost ready to move to the heel and a sweater that is pure stockinette stitch. I've also got my book from the library that is for our Book Club - Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. She is always an interesting read....
Friday, February 13, 2009
2/13 - Friday the 13th!!!!
When I went for my orientation at the Joint Center in late January, several of the folks in my session were scheduled for today, Friday the 13th.... now, I'm not superstitious, but I don't think I'd want to have my surgery today - and not at the end of the week when the doctor is tired... I want him fresh, relaxed after a nice weekend!
I think I've done everything I can to get my "affairs" in order - I've cleaned up my office - so that it won't be the disaster it was this morning when I come back, and Andrew will be keeping my chair warm while I'm out. Project work is in very capable hands with Andrew, Tom and Vanessa, my audix message has been changed, email auto notifier has been updated, and I've got my living will from the lock box. I am confident that I won't need it, but just in case....
I can't tell you all how much it mean to me that you've sent me notes or stopped by - and wished me well...
Less than 2.5 days left...
I think I've done everything I can to get my "affairs" in order - I've cleaned up my office - so that it won't be the disaster it was this morning when I come back, and Andrew will be keeping my chair warm while I'm out. Project work is in very capable hands with Andrew, Tom and Vanessa, my audix message has been changed, email auto notifier has been updated, and I've got my living will from the lock box. I am confident that I won't need it, but just in case....
I can't tell you all how much it mean to me that you've sent me notes or stopped by - and wished me well...
Less than 2.5 days left...
Thursday, February 12, 2009
2/12/09 - Life is Good.....Back Pain is virtually gone!
I woke up this morning to virtually no back pain! Yeah!!!!
Dr. Gold and his nurse Sharon have worked miracles on my lower back - all in preparation for the surgery on Monday. The goal was no back pain, and I think I'm here!
Life is good.....
This morning, Dr Casscells gives me my second Supartz injection in my left knee. We hope this will give me some relief until the left knee TKR in April. I didn't notice any difference this week, but from what I've read, you may not notice anything until after three injections - and some people never notice a difference - depending on the state of their knees.
I'm hopeful, cause I'll need my left knee and leg to support the right one for the first few weeks until I get my strength back!
Dr. Gold and his nurse Sharon have worked miracles on my lower back - all in preparation for the surgery on Monday. The goal was no back pain, and I think I'm here!
Life is good.....
This morning, Dr Casscells gives me my second Supartz injection in my left knee. We hope this will give me some relief until the left knee TKR in April. I didn't notice any difference this week, but from what I've read, you may not notice anything until after three injections - and some people never notice a difference - depending on the state of their knees.
I'm hopeful, cause I'll need my left knee and leg to support the right one for the first few weeks until I get my strength back!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2/11/09 - The search for the Perfect PT place
I've been visiting Physical Therapy (PT) locations - figuring that since I'm mobile now, it would be a good time to do it. I will be doing PT at the Joint Replacement Center starting next Tuesday, and again on Wednesday and Thursday, then Visiting Nurses comes to my home three times a week for in home PT. This can go on for two - four weeks, then I'm on my own (well, JD will need to drive me at least for a while) going to a local PT place.
It's interesting how many locations and different setups there are. PT Plus (associated with Christiana Hosp) has two locations - one in the basement of PMRI on Rt 52 and one on Foulk Road. They couldn't be more different. The one on Rt 52 is small, has private rooms for therapy, limited "machines", and three therapists. This is two minutes from my office. The one on Foulk Rd has a full gym, a small "pool" or tub for water therapy, open tables for therapy and I believe more therapists - it's also much closer to my home. Then there is Pro PT in Branmar Plaza, which JD previewed for me (I'm checking it out this morning), which has a larger gym, 6 therapists, water therapy.
I'm also looking for a place I can continue to work out once the PT is over. And a place that may have a personal trainer to help me and guide me to a better and fitter place.
I'm looking at the whole experience as my chance to finally get my body in shape - with someone to help me... The Physical Therapist - from now til sometime in May or June, then a trainer after - if I need it then.... Maybe I'll have religion by then, who knows.....
It's interesting how many locations and different setups there are. PT Plus (associated with Christiana Hosp) has two locations - one in the basement of PMRI on Rt 52 and one on Foulk Road. They couldn't be more different. The one on Rt 52 is small, has private rooms for therapy, limited "machines", and three therapists. This is two minutes from my office. The one on Foulk Rd has a full gym, a small "pool" or tub for water therapy, open tables for therapy and I believe more therapists - it's also much closer to my home. Then there is Pro PT in Branmar Plaza, which JD previewed for me (I'm checking it out this morning), which has a larger gym, 6 therapists, water therapy.
I'm also looking for a place I can continue to work out once the PT is over. And a place that may have a personal trainer to help me and guide me to a better and fitter place.
I'm looking at the whole experience as my chance to finally get my body in shape - with someone to help me... The Physical Therapist - from now til sometime in May or June, then a trainer after - if I need it then.... Maybe I'll have religion by then, who knows.....
Friday, February 6, 2009
2/5/09 - Final Trip to Dr before Surgery
The week started out rough, but got gradually better as Dr. Gold worked miracles on my aching lower back. I will never hesitate to go to a Chiropractor again for sudden piercing pain in my back.
I met for the final time before surgery with Dr Casscells and was able to go thru my list of questions, and get answers to all of them. Now I know why I had to wait for almost 90 minutes before he saw me. If he spends as much time with each patient as he did me, he must always be running behind. I was prepared though, since I waited quite a while the last time, and brought both my knitting (I'm working on a pair of socks for myself - Rose, Purple, Teal - What else?) and my ipod with my current book.
Some of the questions and their answers - since some of you (my readers) provided me with the impetus to ask these.....
Q1. Why general anesthesia rather than a spinal (like all of the other Doctors)?
A1: Spinal causes the patient to be bed ridden for up to 8 hours after surgery, and must have a catheter (since they can't use bathroom). He wants his patients up and using the bathroom the same day as surgery.
Q2: Why not the OtisMed or Zimmer (female) Knee? What do you use and why?
A2: Dr Casscells has been doing TKRs for over 20 years, and has always used the Biomet (it's gone by different names over the years - but this is the current company). Here is a link to their website: http://www.biomet.com/patients/vanguard_complete.cfm. There are multiple other pages out there, feel free to puruse.... Anyway, What Dr. C told me is that while these other companies market primarily to the patient, BioMet is for Surgeons, and has 9 different sizes of knees (rather than 3 or 4) - and the top (that goes over the femur) and the bottom (that goes over the tibia) are interchangable - so if your top is bigger than your bottom.....All women will understand this! Also, this company uses a Vitamin E embedded cushion between the two bones for people my age (young)!
Q3: What else do you do differently?
A3: Rather than use staples to close the incision, Dr. C brings in a plastic surgeon who stitches the inner layers, and then uses steri-strips to close the incision. This ensures that the scar is less noticable, and heals much faster. Also much less chance of infection. - which I've learned is the biggest risk.
I met for the final time before surgery with Dr Casscells and was able to go thru my list of questions, and get answers to all of them. Now I know why I had to wait for almost 90 minutes before he saw me. If he spends as much time with each patient as he did me, he must always be running behind. I was prepared though, since I waited quite a while the last time, and brought both my knitting (I'm working on a pair of socks for myself - Rose, Purple, Teal - What else?) and my ipod with my current book.
Some of the questions and their answers - since some of you (my readers) provided me with the impetus to ask these.....
Q1. Why general anesthesia rather than a spinal (like all of the other Doctors)?
A1: Spinal causes the patient to be bed ridden for up to 8 hours after surgery, and must have a catheter (since they can't use bathroom). He wants his patients up and using the bathroom the same day as surgery.
Q2: Why not the OtisMed or Zimmer (female) Knee? What do you use and why?
A2: Dr Casscells has been doing TKRs for over 20 years, and has always used the Biomet (it's gone by different names over the years - but this is the current company). Here is a link to their website: http://www.biomet.com/patients/vanguard_complete.cfm. There are multiple other pages out there, feel free to puruse.... Anyway, What Dr. C told me is that while these other companies market primarily to the patient, BioMet is for Surgeons, and has 9 different sizes of knees (rather than 3 or 4) - and the top (that goes over the femur) and the bottom (that goes over the tibia) are interchangable - so if your top is bigger than your bottom.....All women will understand this! Also, this company uses a Vitamin E embedded cushion between the two bones for people my age (young)!
Q3: What else do you do differently?
A3: Rather than use staples to close the incision, Dr. C brings in a plastic surgeon who stitches the inner layers, and then uses steri-strips to close the incision. This ensures that the scar is less noticable, and heals much faster. Also much less chance of infection. - which I've learned is the biggest risk.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
2/2/09 - There is hope....
I had a really good night on Sunday evening. My back was not spasming, and I slept pretty well. I went to an all day meeting with an optimistic outlook - thinking maybe the lower back pain was receding. After about 15 minutes sitting in the conference room, I was almost in tears, and left the meeting to call my PCP to get a referral to a Chiro. Had to leave a message, so started checking it out on my own, and got a recommendation to see Dr. Gold. He answered himself, and after hearing my saga, told me to come right in - he'd work me in.
Sharon, his assistant, was pleasant, sympathetic (which I needed right then), and she did a procedure which included sonogram with little electric charges, and then followed by targeted electrical stimulation. She covered my back with warm blankets, and I layed like that for 10 minutes. Then Dr. Gold did two minor manipulations to my lower back, and amazingly, I had very little pain for the remainder of the day - even sitting in the same conference chair - and into the evening - the meeting included a dinner out.
Even sleeping last night proved to be relatively (my knees still bother me - who would have thunk it?) pain free - except perhaps for JD, who complained of my snoring....
I feel a little tension in my lower back right now, however, I've got another appointment with Dr. Gold later today, and hope that he'll make that go away.
My ultimate goal is to have no pain in my lower back when I enter the hospital - so that I can concentrate on making my recovery fast!
There is hope.....
Sharon, his assistant, was pleasant, sympathetic (which I needed right then), and she did a procedure which included sonogram with little electric charges, and then followed by targeted electrical stimulation. She covered my back with warm blankets, and I layed like that for 10 minutes. Then Dr. Gold did two minor manipulations to my lower back, and amazingly, I had very little pain for the remainder of the day - even sitting in the same conference chair - and into the evening - the meeting included a dinner out.
Even sleeping last night proved to be relatively (my knees still bother me - who would have thunk it?) pain free - except perhaps for JD, who complained of my snoring....
I feel a little tension in my lower back right now, however, I've got another appointment with Dr. Gold later today, and hope that he'll make that go away.
My ultimate goal is to have no pain in my lower back when I enter the hospital - so that I can concentrate on making my recovery fast!
There is hope.....
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Weekend Knit Away
What a great weekend! This weekend away with the girls was planned well over a year ago, and got postponed with our friends in Philly's house blew up... So, we put it on hold, and one year later, seven (7) of us headed down to the Eastern Shore of MD.
My back was bothering me most of the weekend - one of the ladies with us had a lot of experience with both knee and back pain, and noticed that I was "throwing" my hips and back when I walked - to keep from putting extra pressure on my right knee.
I'm going to see if my PCP will refer me to a chiropractor this week, and see if I can get myself aligned. I think I'm totally off right now.
But the weekend wasn't all about pain and suffering. We had a wonderful bonding time. I arranged for two visits to Fiber artists - Blue Heron Yarns and The Sanguine Gryphon both in Easton, MD. What a treat - and I think it worked out well for them too - since everyone purchased a few (or many more) skeins at each place.
We had a few "classes" - great learning experience. Sandy taught a few of us Tunisian Crochet - very cool - I think it would make a great runner or placemat. Will give it a try when I can find a long crochet hook. A couple of others spent quite some time working on the Knit One below scarf pattern - using some of the beautiful silk from Gryphon.
We all decided that we would do this again, but want to do it longer next year!
My back was bothering me most of the weekend - one of the ladies with us had a lot of experience with both knee and back pain, and noticed that I was "throwing" my hips and back when I walked - to keep from putting extra pressure on my right knee.
I'm going to see if my PCP will refer me to a chiropractor this week, and see if I can get myself aligned. I think I'm totally off right now.
But the weekend wasn't all about pain and suffering. We had a wonderful bonding time. I arranged for two visits to Fiber artists - Blue Heron Yarns and The Sanguine Gryphon both in Easton, MD. What a treat - and I think it worked out well for them too - since everyone purchased a few (or many more) skeins at each place.
We had a few "classes" - great learning experience. Sandy taught a few of us Tunisian Crochet - very cool - I think it would make a great runner or placemat. Will give it a try when I can find a long crochet hook. A couple of others spent quite some time working on the Knit One below scarf pattern - using some of the beautiful silk from Gryphon.
We all decided that we would do this again, but want to do it longer next year!
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