Do I proceed to a TKA or live with what I have?

[Jill M]

Wanted to post an update with everyone. I am doing pretty well. I am over the c-diff. The heat and redness spells I was experiencing seem to be less frequent. I still ice and elevate the knee after activity and at the end of my work day.

I just spent a week in Denver for a work conference. I was walking out of one of the conference rooms and must have lost my footing on the carpet and my ankle rolled (the TKR one). I fell hard on my left knee, it is all black and blue.  I somehow threw my right leg behind me as I was falling. I managed to avoid any injury to my TKR.    It must have been my TKR protective instinct! LOL
I spent the rest of the day with my left knee elevated and iced- thank goodness I brought my polar care with me to Denver.
I got home late last night and I am exhausted. Today was the KY Derby- big party here in KY!

Jill

[missmyknee]

Hi Jill

Next to the word " infection" the next fearful thing, is to fall on the TKR knee/leg. I'm so glad to hear you avoided disaster and was able to continue witth your conference.

OH, no c-diff......I can fully commiserate with you on that. I'm glad it has cleared up and hope it doesn't come back. I lost 10 lbs with it and was in so much pain with abd cramps. I couldn't even drink water , my stomach would cramp horribly with it. I will never take clindamycin again. I list it with drug allergies.

Hope all this is now behind you and you can enjoy your summer with a new knee. 

Pam

[Jill M]

Hello all!

I went to for my 6 month f/u yesterday. Everything looks great. X-rays show implant is in good position. Dr. B measured my flexion at 116- that first thing in am without any stretching. He was really pleased.

He doesn't want to see me back for 18 months unless I have issues!!!!!

I have been increasing my exercise. He said I could increase activity as tolerated and use pain as my guide. I still have some stiffness and occasional swelling but overall feel wonderful and very blessed! 

Jill

[missmyknee]

Hi Jill


That's wonderful news !!! What a great 6 mos ck up you had. I hope your knee continues to heal in a positive direction. You are still in the healing phase at 6 mos, but what great news......flexion of 116.

Enjoy everything life has to offer.....you are very blessed ! 

Wonderful wishes

Pam

[Rennschnecke]

Wow, 18 months to your next check-up.  Will you be able to cope without seeing an OS for that long?  Won't you get withdrawal symptoms?

Seriously good news after all your anguish, pain and suffering.  I know this is an ongoing process but at 6 months out it sounds excellent.  I hope it continues on and on ... 

[starpolisher]

I've just talked to a friend who had c-diff.....what a nightmare....and what a miracle you survived!  I am so fortunate that I haven't had that horrible experience!  I am so terribly sensitive to so many antibiotics.....I am like you, Pam.....the fear of infection and falling are very real but whenever I go out, I just ask for some extra guardian angels to make sure I don't fall!  I am sure we all fear falling and infection! There are so many things we have to be very careful of!  I've tripped a few times and been so scared but thank God I was near something to grab!.......well I am very fortunate and just try to be extremely careful!  Take care everyone! 

[Jill M]

Thanks for the replies Pam, Rennschnecke, & Starpolisher-

I am pretty excited about not having to see by OS for awhile. I know my husband is greatful to have a little reprive from making the 6 hour drive to Michigan. 

Like I said in my earlier post- I am blessed. Even with the travel my out of pocket expenses have been fairly low. We are able to use hotel points to stay when we travel and we use my husband's company car.

Like Pam said,  I am still in the healing phase.  As everyone knows, AF is unpredictable, so I hope and pray that I continue to do well.

Jill

[Jill M]

I haven't been on Knee Guru for awhile but wanted to post and update. I had my 2 yr follow up appointment with Dr. B in December. He was extremely pleased with how I am doing. Flexion is approx 120 and no extension mostly related to a lot of standing or walking. It is relieved with icing and Ibuprofen.
I am truly blessed to have had the result that I did. I definately don't take it for granted. It wouldn't have been possible without the other Knee Geeks that helped me along the way! 

Jill

[missmyknee]

Hi Jill

Welcome back! I am so glad you posted about your progress and 2 yr check up on your knee. That's fantastic to have 120 flex!! You have come so far since those days on the forum. I am so very happy for you and hope you continue to enjoy your new knee. 

Pam

Do you ever talk to Janet?

[Jill M]

Thanks Pam. I haven't spoken to Janet. I hope she is doing well.