KNEE ARTHRITIS - Injections into the joint :
Second Synvisc Today........... - - Posted by SSchmidt (SSchmidt), 23 March 2004
Okay, it still wasn't unbearable, but a lot more uncomfortable than the first one. I noticed more swelling after the injection also. Still, if it works, will be worth it all!
Posted by KatieWhy (KatieWhy), 19 June 2004
I had MY second SynVisc shot today and it was only slightly painful. So far, my experience with SynVisc is that the shot isn't NEARLY as painful going in as the Steroid shots were. And, although I know I was told to not expect results for 4-8 weeks, my knee felt better today (BEFORE the shot <grin>) than it has in WEEKS, if not MONTHS. Am really hopeful this works for me.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 17 August 2004
I'm new to this site. I'm so glad I found it then I can give my husband a rest from all my complaining. 
I can communicate with people who understand what it's like to have knee pain all the time. I injured my knee in a car accident when I was 16 and have fought with it ever since. I'm now 49. I had my first scope two years ago and some meniscus removed. My second scope was 13 months later and I had more meniscus removed and a fractured cartilage so he did chondroplasty. I ended up on crutches for six weeks. I also had pt which really helped and I do this at home. I've had two cortisone shots and reacted to the second one. Puffed up, red and headachy. I need a tkr but am only 49 so he is trying to hold me off. I had my first synvisc shot last week and have my second one Wed. My knee is not as stiff and I am hopeful this will have helped. Anyway, I'm so glad I found this bulletin board. 
JAN
Posted by missmyknee (missmyknee), 17 August 2004
Hi Jan
Welcome to the forum. I hope the synvisc injections help you out. They aren't the most pleasant thing to go thru but when they work, it's worth it. I am 48 and will be having a TKR sometime in the next 6-8 mos. My knee is no longer salvageable thru many surgeries.
Keep us posted on your synvisc progress
Pam
Posted by KatieWhy (KatieWhy), 17 August 2004
Good Luck, SSchmidt! I am almost 8 weeks done with the Synvisc and I would do it again in a heartbeat! VERY happy with the results so far! Wish the same for you! Katie
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 18 August 2004
I have my second synvisc shot tomorrow. The first wasn't too bad so I'm hoping the second won't be. The only difference I've noticed so far is my knee is not as stiff. My other knee which my doctor also said was going down the same road has buckled on me four times today. I don't know what that's all about. Anybody know what causes your knee to buckle? It also has oa but not as bad as the other one.
JAN 
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 25 August 2004
Just had my first Synvisc injection on Monday and I still have a lot of pain and stiffness in my knee. I'm a little apprehensive about getting the second one next week. Anybody have any encouring words
?
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 4 September 2004
KatieWhy - how's the Synvisc working for you now?
Posted by KatieWhy (KatieWhy), 4 September 2004
Still doing GREAT! A little ache and pain every now and again, but very, very good. My last shot was June 25th. That's been well over two months. I've been able to toss my cane behind the seat in the truck, take my dog to the park and walk 2 miles without pain, and sleep through the night. I don't know that my knee is as involved as some of y'all's, but it still was affecting my life and my mental state. It probably took about 3 or 4 weeks after the last shot to get to the point that it is today. I go back to see my orthopedic surgeon some time this month to give him an update. Good luck!!!
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 5 September 2004
I am glad to hear some people are benefiting from the synvisc shot. I had my third one over a week ago and experienced some relief at first but it seems to be going back to constant knee pain When I had relief it was amazing but it's been four full days without any relief. I'm not sure what happened. I guess the shot caved in on me. 
Nancy did you ever finish your series?
JAN
Posted by missmyknee (missmyknee), 5 September 2004
Hi Jan
I had synvisc 1 year ago. My OS told me it would take 3-4 weeks after 3rd shot to start noticing any affects..................which I didn't. I didn't work for me. I will be getting TKR after the new year.
Pam
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 5 September 2004
I had my second injection on Wednesday. I had the same reaction as the first time - extreme pain, swelling, and increased stiffness. My OS said that we are not going to do the third injection and we're going to schedule a TKR. My knee is even stiffer than it was after my first injection. Hopefully, it will loosen up a bit before my trip to BC next week!
Nancy.
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 5 September 2004
Katie - I'm glad to hear it's working so well for you! It's well worth a try and I would do it again in spite of the outcome in my case! 
Posted by KatieWhy (KatieWhy), 6 September 2004
Thanks, Nancy, and sorry to hear it's not working well for you. I, too, am glad it's been successful for me. But I also realize the day will come that it WON'T. I'm only 49, too, and have been told by the doctor that my knee is in bad shape for someone my age and will be looking at an osteotomy down the road. But until then....(A little humor: it's kind of nice to see the OS b/c he's the only one who seems to think I'm "too young" for this or that; all the other doctors tell me, "well, you're getting to be THAT CERTAIN AGE...." <grin>) Katie
Posted by missmyknee (missmyknee), 6 September 2004
Hi
I was told I was too young for TKR too. I saw a world reknown doc in Cincinnati and he said my patella was so badly damaged that I either get the patella removed or the TKR. BTW, my age is 48. He mentioned the PFJR but said it would last me about 3 yrs. I want 1 surgery so I'll go for the TKR which I was told would last me about 20 yrs and give me 4-6 hrs walking ability /day and get me back to golf and cycling. It is the rotating platform design used in young active patients. This doc cares to give me quality of life. He was the first doc to ask what my prior activity level was before knee problems and what my activity level is now.
Pam
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 6 September 2004
Hi, Katie!
What a great idea - let's focus on the fact the we ARE too young. I feel better already!
Thanks,
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 6 September 2004
I too am 49 and need a tkr and like hearing from my doctor, you're too young, cause I never hear that anymore. Does anyone know what would cause a knee to give way when going up steps or standing from a sitting position? My other knee that is going down the same road my os says as my rotten knee has been hurting and giving way when I go up steps or stand from a sitting position. They have me in physical therapy for it but not much improvement. I'm still waiting to see how the synvisc is helping the other knee. I'm sure I'll end up facing both of these knees down with a tkr.
JAN
Posted by KatieWhy (KatieWhy), 6 September 2004
Hey, Nancy--I'll tell you what my Grandma used to say. She swore that if she ever started lying about her age, she was going to tell people she was OLDER than she really was, so folks would think she looked GOOD! LOL When she died at 103 a few years back, she never had resorted to lying about her age. <grin> Katie
Posted by KatieWhy (KatieWhy), 6 September 2004
I feel so fortunate to have the Synvisc working for me. I feel like some of the folks where I work: In real life, I work at a residential facility for folks who are blind and visually impaired. Some folks come to the Center, full of bitterness and depression over how their blindness has affected their life UNTIL they see how OTHERS have suffered more 
. I feel like that; I'm fortunate to have had good results with the Synvisc. I know that an osteotomy and possible TKR is down the line for me, but, hopefully, a LONG time down the road. A PKR isn't a possibility b/c, at least how I understand from the OS, a partial replacement for the lateral side of the knee doesn't exist. Not many people have that side of their knee go out. But the Synvisc has been wonderful--no anti-inflammatories are needed, no pain keeping me up at night, no restrictions on my activities. I'm going to HATE losing that. I hope to get the max on the benefits and get another 3-6 months out of it. Take care! Katie
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 8 September 2004
I had my last synvisc shot at the end of August. I've had on and off results. My knee will go a few days feeling really good then it's back to being painful. The good news is I'm on my 2nd day of no pain. It's just wonderful because the pain had become so constant. I'm hoping these pain free days stay for a while. I think I might be able to stop my Bextra if this keeps up.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 8 September 2004
Hi, Jan!
That is good news!! Hopefully, it will last this time. I've had a terrible time the past couple of days. Yesterday, I was in so much pain that I felt dizzy?? It's somewhat better today, but still nasty. I was supposed to get my last injection tomorrow, but the OS has cancelled it. I leave for my trip on Monday, so I'm a little worried about being able to prepare for it. The company I was working for is closing and I need to go to the plant to sign my severance papers tomorrow. Unfortunately, it's over an hour's drive and I drive a standard. Guess I could end up staying overnight. Is that enough whining
Thanks for listening,
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 10 September 2004
Hi Nancy,
Don't worry about the whining. I think we all feel like that. I just haven't decided whether this synvisc is helping or not. My pain is on and off again. Which it usually is there all the time so that's an improvement. But when it's there I know it. I work 30 hours a week as a circulation clerk at our city library and for the most part I'm standing so I'm sure that doesn't help.
Have a safe trip
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 10 September 2004
Hi, Jan:
It will be interesting to see how you're feeling at the end of 8 - 12 weeks. My injections have been a catastrophe thus far. My knee is still much worse than it was immediately prior to the 2nd injection. Stiff, sore, and clunking every time I take a step. I have an appointment with the OS on October 12th to discuss our next steps. Hopefully, I'll get an appointment for a TKR at that time. How do you manage standing at your job for so many hours a day?? It sounds a lot like torture to me. I have everything settled at work now. I've signed my severance agreement, but my actual termination date will not come until I'm off LTD so they are putting the money in trust until that time. Perfect.
Here's hoping your knee just gets better and better over the next few weeks.
Bye for now!
Nancy. 
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 11 September 2004
Hi Nancy,
Sorry to hear you had such a reaction to the synvisc.
Standing at work is getting harder. I sit whenever I get a chance, breaks, lunch, etc. I would always stand with my bad leg raised on and off but now the last year my right knee is giving me fits so that isn't working. I see my os Dr. Chopp (can you believe that name?) the 24th of November and if I'm no better by then I'm going to schedule tkr also. I really really like my os so that helps a lot. I feel like he's really competent and caring. 
Take care
JAN
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 14 September 2004
I have a really dumb question about synvisc . Is it possible that weight gain is a side effect? I have been losing weight (I belong to a TOPS GROUP). The first week after my first shot I gained a pound, each successive week after my shots I gained (all total five pounds). One of the ladies asked me if I had been on any new meds that would cause weight gain and the only thing I've had is the synvisc injections. I've cut down my eating since this started. This is the most I've weighed in my life. Seems funny since I've been really watching my eating. Just wonder if anyone else has had any unexplained weight gain?
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 14 September 2004
Hi, Jan:
I have gained about 10 pounds since I had my first injection, but I think it's mainly because of my decreased activity level. Maybe the injection has played a part as well. If so, I hope it's temporary. I have to be really, really active to maintain my weight in any way and have now gained about 50 pounds since my leg has been so bad. Do you like the TOPS program?
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 15 September 2004
Hi Nancy,
Maybe that's why I've gained. I'm not as active either. Yes, I like Tops because of the friendships I have made. I haven't really lost a lot but it does make me more careful. And the support is great. I went to physical therapy this morning and the therapist told me they have come out with a new knee brace you can wear for five years that is custom fit and somehow I'm not sure how, makes your knee so it theres more weight bearing on the good part and not the bad. If I have any good part left that is. My os has to okay it and you have to pass three tests they do to the knee to see if the brace will work. In the back of my mind I think my knee is too far gone but we'll see. Plus would I want to wear a brace? She's going to tell me more Friday. I guess it's new and custom made to your own knee. Could be interesting. She said after five years the degeneration of os is usually too much for the brace to work anymore. I think I'm probably at that point but I'll let them decide.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 16 September 2004
Hi, Jan:
Hi from my little vacation to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I grew up here and my heart will always belong here. It's wonderful to be here, but I wish I could frolick in the woods and mountains like I used to. It's been quite cool and rainy most of the time and looks like that will continue until next week It's still very beautiful and the air is so incredibly fresh. My knee isn't too bad. Still extremely stiff, but the pain isn't as bad as it was last week. That brace sounds intriguing. It also sounds very expensive. I was talking to someone at my workplace and she is getting an unloader brace. It's $1,500 and my company pays the complete cost. I'm a little iffy about whether it would work for me as well, but if it's free it's almost worth a try. Do you know what kind of brace you're looking at?
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 17 September 2004
Hi Nancy, Sounds like a wonderful place to vacation. I love the mountains. We've been to Colorado and Yellowstone and the mountains were just awesome. I live in a city of 90,000 people in Iowa and when we leave town we get to see lots and lots of farmland and cornfields. So, the mountains were so beautiful to me. Iowa is pretty too. though. I find out at physical therapy tommorrow about the brace, what kind it is if my os approved it. I am somewhat skeptical. I think they've tried so many things that have failed I've gotten skeptical. Enjoy your vacation. I'll let you know more, they said my insurance will cover it too, so that's a good thing.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 19 September 2004
Hi, Jan:
Unbelievably, I've been on vacation for almost a week. I have enjoyed my trip very much, but when I see my OS on October 12th I am going to insist on getting my TKR as soon as possible. I think that's where he is, too, but if he offers any other treatment plan, I'm going to object strongly. I can't even come close to keeping up with my 80 year old father and his girlfriend. In fact, they constantly end up helping me. Other than my extreme frustration with my physical limitations, the trip has been amazing. The weather is not fully co-operating, but we did have one lovely, sunny day. The rain reminds me of my childhood, so I actually enjoy it quite a lot. Enough of the whining!
Bye for now.
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 19 September 2004
Hi Nancy,
My physical therapist has not yet talked to my os about the knee brace. She is supposed to call me this next week. She did say it's a possibility that he will say my knee is too far gone. She said it is called an oa brace and it is a new device. I asked her if it was big and cumberson and she said no. I guess time will tell if I can wear it.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 19 September 2004
Hi, Jan:
It will be interesting to see what it is. Have you noticed any improvement from the Synvisc lately? Oops! The sun just came out. I guess we should go out before it goes away!
Nancy.
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 4 October 2004
Hi, Jan:
Just wondering how you are doing. Have you had any improvement from the Synvisc lately? I'm back from my little vacation. I had a great time, but found it quite depressing not being able to explore the way I like to. My neck and shoulders seized up while I was away. Probably from all of the sight seeing from the back seat of a car. I have OA in my neck as well and need to treat it with respect. I spent a good part of my time with my head turned, looking out windows. My neck combined with my knee has pretty much incapacitated me since I've been back. Bah, humbug. Well, I'm off for yet another visit to the chiropractor. Let me know how you're doing!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 5 October 2004
Hi Nancy,
Glad you are back from vacation and had a good time. I've been having a lot of knee pain the last week or so and my other knee isn't much better either. I would have to say the only thing the synvisc did was take away the stiffness not the pain. I get my brace tomorrow so that should be interesting to see how that works. I also go to a chiropractor every three weeks because I have scoliosis. My neck and shoulder become very stiff from the scoliosis so the adjustments keep me from getting to bad. Isn't it just all a lot of fun?
Hang in there
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 10 October 2004
Hi, Jan:
Have you tried out your new brace yet? If so, how did it work? My knee has been stiffer than it was since I had the Synvisc injections. The pain seems to be similar. It changes every day - actually several times a day - so it's really hard to judge. We go group camping with a large number of friends - there are sometimes 70 or more of us! This is the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, and it is traditionally our last camping experience for the year. We have had just a beautiful weekend - very warm and gorgeous with all of the fall colours. The campground that we are using this year is close to home - 20 minutes - so my hubby and I decided to sleep at home rather than in a tent. Thanksgiving Sunday we have an incredible meal. We cook turkeys, hams, and pies in barrels that are partially buried in the ground. I have done much more walking than I should have - on uneven ground, no less - so my knee is pretty nasty. It was well worth it, though. Personally, I need to feel normal sometimes. I've had a wonderful time and am quite happy to "pay" for it for the next few days!
Bye for now!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 11 October 2004
Hi Nancy,
I got my brace last Tuesday. They told me it is an improved unloader brace. I've been wearing it a couple of hours a day like they told me to. It's so big and bulky. I think I'm going to mainly wear it when I'm at work. I had xrays on my other knee last week at my family doctor's office. He told me I have moderate oa in that one also and that my patella is not tracking right. 
Needless, to say they are going to send the xrays to my os and my os set up an appt. on Nov. 10th. Now I'm fighting with both knees. Both of my kneecaps hurt. I just want them to fix me and quit messing around with injections, braces, etc. I don't want this kind of pain at 49 that's for old age I thought. Anyway, enough of the whining. Your campout and Thanksgiving sound like fun. We also camp. Usually we try to get out 3 or 4 times a year. My husband and I also canoe and we took our canoe out this afternoon. Kind of hard to get in and out but I manage because it's so much fun. The fall colors are beautiful here too and the temperature is perfect. I think our days are numbered for outdoor activities. We hope to get one more fall campout in.
Hang in there with your knee.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 11 October 2004
Hi, Jan!
Too bad about your other knee. Whine all you want, by the way. You're entitled! I have some OA in my second knee as well. I get "flares" with it, but it's strong and I don't have too much pain on a day-to-day basis. I see my OS on Thursday. I'm hoping he will set my surgery date because I, too, am pretty much at the end of my rope. I'm really hoping that it can be done by Xmas - that would be a great present!!! I envy you the canoeing. It's such a peaceful, soothing, envigorating thing to do. I've only done it a few times, other than in the Corporate Challenges that we have in Ontario, and those aren't quite so peaceful. They involve 8 people in a large canoe - most of the folks have never or rarely canoed. They do this crazy race with a bunch of other canoes and many folks end up in the murky water. Quite a lot of fun, but not terribly relaxing. Does your brace take a while to be effective, by the way?
Take care,
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 11 October 2004
Hi..just reading the posts on this board.
I too am 49 but feeling 80 some days! I see my 2nd OS on the 14th to help determine whether I should have a TKR (both knees are bad) or an osteotomy. I love being told I may be too young, but to be honest, if those are my only choices I think I'll pick the TKR. I just want to be active again! The sooner, the better.
I have a trip booked in January and I've had to request a wheelchair to use while we are away. My pride is suffering already!
Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving...we had our turkey dinner last night. Looking forward to the left-overs tonight!
Kath in Ontario Canada
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 11 October 2004
Hi Kath and Nancy,
I guess I never realized Canada had a Thanksgiving in October. That's nice because you still have nice weather. By our Thanksgiving we will probably have snow and cold and then my knees will really be screaming.
Looks like all three of us are pretty much ready for a tkr even though we are "too young". That is one plus here being told that you're too young. Another thing is being able to forcast the weather. It's supposed to rain this week and I could have told the weatherman that just by my knees.
I'm not sure if the knee brace is effective as time goes on but if I have to wear that bulky thing for a long period of time I won't like it. Plus it pinches the top of my leg. I have a pt appt. in three weeks so perhaps they'll adjust it. I just want to be fixed and not patched anymore.
Take care
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 11 October 2004
They looked at an osteotomy for me as well, and hopefully have put that idea to rest. I'm sure that in my case it would not work because a lot of my disability is caused by the patella-femoral damage. What a lot to go through to find out that it didn't work! I think I have finally come to terms with the fact that I need a wheelchair when I'm out and about - including vacation time. My daughter was pushing me one day when we were out shopping and someone asked HER if I could walk? I wanted to shout that I had trouble walking, but could hear, understand, and speak quite well. I know that they weren't intentionally being rude, but it sure makes you feel insignificant. I think I would have trouble wearing that brace, Jan. The tops of my legs are large even when I'm thin - which I'm certainly not at the moment - and braces just don't seem to fit right. I think I'm babbling, so I will go now.
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 13 October 2004
Hi Nancy,
I think I've concluded by now the synvisc has not worked. At first my knee wasn't quite as stiff but now that has returned. I'm trying to get used to the brace because it does seem to work but after a couple of hours I have to get it off because it starts bothering me. What is an osteotomy? I've never heard of that.
It's a beautiful fall day, I don't work. I'm going to clean, do laundry and enjoy the rest of the day sitting outside reading.
Take Care
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 13 October 2004
Howdy!
An osteotomy is where they take a wedge of bone out of the tibea. If you have mainly medial or lateral compartment damage, the weight can be distributed to the "good" side. It's supposed to delay the need for a TKR in younger folks. I joined Weight Watchers yesterday - again! I gained 15 pounds while I was on vacation and think it's time to do something. Hopefully, I can stick with it this time. I finally broke down and bought some "fat" clothes a while ago and now they don't even fit me!!!! Well, I'm off to play video games with my grandson. Have a great day - reading outside sounds wonderful!!!
Nancy.
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 14 October 2004
Hi, Jan and Kath:
The day of my OS visit is finally here. In spite of the fact he assured me he would do a TKR immediately if the Synvisc injections didn't work, I'm really nervous about my appointment. What if he wants to try something else I also need to have metal allergy testing, so I'm not sure what that will do to the timing. The automotive plant that I was working at is closing shortly. My long-term disability will continue until June/05. From what I've been told, if they can determine there is any job (even in Toronto) that pays close to what I am making on LTD, then they will dismiss my case. I don't have to be employed, they just need to know that there are jobs out there that I could do. Anyway, my point is that I would like to have plenty of time to recover AND find a new job before June. I'm thinking that after not working for over 2 years, I'll be somewhat less employable. Good luck with your appointment today, Kath! Talk to you later,
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 15 October 2004
Nancy..would love to hear what your OS had to say today.
I saw mine for the first time (2nd opinion on whether to do a TKR or osteotomy). He was great! Ruled out a TKR due to my age, but suggested I also consider a partial KR. He feels I am a good candidate for either an osteotomy or PKR as they both buy time before having a TKR.
Here's what I understand the pros and cons to be based on both knees being done:
Osteotomy: longer recuperation as only one knee can be done at a time. 6 month mark to do the other. BUT, you keep your cartilage (what's left of it) and longevity could be 7-15 yrs.
PKR: shorter recuperation, great success rate, both knees would be done at once. Longevity could be 7-15-20 years. Problem is once they open the knee, if there is a "surprise"...something not seen on the xrays, the PKR turns into a TKR.
So, I am researching to find out about PKR as that is what I am leaning toward. I don't want to spend a possible year in recuperation. It also sounds like the PKR has a better outcome regarding pain than an osteotomy, and after all...isn't that what we are striving for? Less pain, better mobility!
I understand your concern re your LTD...for sure you have to give yourself enough time to get better no matter what the surgery. I would think between you and your dr, the decision would be reached on when to go back to work, whether it be to a new job or to your old job if your company hadn't closed. Either way, I think you would be eligible for LTD until the doc says you can go back to work?
Kath
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 15 October 2004
Hi!
Just got back from the OS. He is booking the TKR for early December. He said that I'm not a candidate for either the PKR or the osteotomy because I have too much damage in the patella-femoral area. He also said he wants to wait until at least 3 months after my last Synvisc injection just to make sure that nothing was introduced at that time. The earliest he could have booked was late November anyway, so not much difference. I'm very relieved, but not as ecstatic as I expected. Could be something to do with the 4 1/2 hour wait in the doctor's office!!! Well, I think I'll go crash!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 16 October 2004
Nancy,
I bet you are really relieved to get your tkr scheduled.
I see my os Nov. 10th. Not only do I have to discuss when to replace the left knee because of the synvisc not working and the fact that I hate the brace, but I have to see why my right knee is starting to hurt so bad and buckle. Tonight I stepped up a step and it just about sent me to the floor.
According to my family doctor it has something to do with my patella not tracking right according to his x-rays. He said I've been that way all my life but with arthritis and age.......we'll you know how that goes.
Take care
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 16 October 2004
Hi, Jan!
Yes, I am very relieved. It's also far enough away that I'm quite excited and not at all worried. I might have been able to see the OS I was originally referred to by December, but surgery would have been 2+ years. This is an amazing turn of events. I can really feel my frame of mind improving already. Good luck with your appointment. Funny you should mention your other knee - I think we must be related. Mine has been complaining more and more lately. It doesn't like all the extra work - like always having to do the work on stairs. I was looking at it on an xray when I saw the OS the other day and the patella is way over to one side. Bone spurs were also quite noticeable at the end of the tibea. I'm certainly a long way away from wanting to do anything about it, but it's a little disconcerting at this point! I'm babysitting my grandchildren as we speak while my hubby and my daughter are grooming some dogs out in the shop. I should go get pizza for the folks, so I will talk to you later!
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 16 October 2004
Hi all...it seems that once we have one knee go, the other suffers from the strain. The funny thing is, my left knee was hurting worse than my right knee (the worst one) while I was showing the OS how I walk. Walking is NOT a pretty sight! And to think I used to be so graceful!
It sounds like there will be a few of us having surgery around the same time. After doing some research, I am going to have the PKR done in both knees and take my chances there is nothing more wrong than what showed on the xrays. Though I don't have a definite date yet, it will probably be mid to end of November. I should find out next week.
Let's keep us all informed of our progress!
Kath
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 16 October 2004
Yup, my walk isn't very pretty either. Just watch us in a few months, though! We'll be tripping the light fantastic. What city are you in, Kath? I'm in St. Thomas.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 17 October 2004
Kath and Nancy,
We're all in the same boat aren't we? Maybe we're all three related like Nancy says me and her must be. I'm actually looking forward to seeing my os on Nov. 10th because I'm hoping he can help me get rid of some of this pain and to find out what's going on with my other knee. Our high today was only 48 degrees and I can sure tell that the cold weather isn't going to be too kind to me and my knees this year.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 17 October 2004
Maybe we should all move to Arizona. It's been absolutely freezing and very wet here the past couple of days and the bones are not very happy! The thoughts of another long, cold winter is not very appealing. Does anybody have a remedy for a stiff, sore neck? I've been seeing a chiropractor since I got back from BC, but it's still keeping me awake at night (makes a good team with my knee!) and it's nasty when I'm in the car. I really hope it gets better before my surgery! I think I'm just going to veg today. We'll probably visit the in-laws for a bit and then rent a movie. Aaaahhhh! Talk to you soon.
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 17 October 2004
Nancy...I'm in London! Wouldn't it be funny if we are both seeing the same OS and at the same time? His waiting room WAS crowded on Thursday...I'm going to send you a private note so as not to release his name on the website...hope you get it!
Jan...hang in there! It takes so long to get in to see the specialists that you should make sure he knows you aren't happy with the brace and are ready to take the next step whatever it may be. It took a year for me to get in to see the first OS and 6 more months to see the one I saw last week. That's 18 months of more damage to both my knees...I'm so happy that a decision has been made and there is hope that I can be pain-free!
Kath
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 17 October 2004
Kath!
That's way too funny. I kind of wondered because of the surgery time frame and stuff! If it's the same OS, he is wonderful!
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 17 October 2004
(Nancy, got your response and I just wrote you another..should show at the top of the board that you have another message and you can just click on it.)
Well, it looks like Nancy & I are seeing the same OS and were in the waiting room at probably the same time on Thursday! This is such a coincidence when you figure how many people from all over the world post on this site! Amazing!
Kath
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 18 October 2004
Nancy and Kath,
Now that is pretty wierd (the same os). Just goes to show you it is a small world after all.
JAN
Posted by KatieWhy (KatieWhy), 18 October 2004
Nancy and Kath: Totally amazing!!! What a small world!! Good luck to both of you--and all else. (Am still considering myself VERY VERY lucky that Synvisc has offered relief for me--almost 4 months now ...........) Good luck!!!!!!!!!! Katie
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 18 October 2004
Hi!
It's all quite strange, isn't it? The fact that we were in the same waiting room at the same time seeing the same doctor and totally oblivious to the fact is completely amazing. I knew that Kath was from Ontario and seeing an OS on Thursday, but it never occurred to me until she mentioned that she was looking at surgery in mid to late November. I'm now getting anxious about getting my exact surgery date! I'm hoping it is as early as possible in December so I'm somewhat mobile by Xmas! It just seems like we're always waiting for something. I don't think I'm getting any better at it. It's seems really cold here today. They are calling for possible wet flurries!!!! I'm going to go find some lunch. Better be low cal, I think!
Take care,
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 18 October 2004
Hi Nancy,
I think that's really neat that you guys have the same os. You can really support each other through this being so near each other. You're right we are always waiting for something. I'm pretty impatient about Nov. 10th getting here so I can see what is going on with my other knee. I sent in for the weight watchers at home diet plan and I have started to lose. It's hard at first but I'm getting to know the points system a little better and yesterday I stayed in the points and I think today I'll stay within the points too. I just think I'll have an easier time with my knees if I lose weight. Especially when they are replaced.
Take care and stay warm 
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 18 October 2004
Hi, Jan:
My second weigh in for Weight Watchers is tomorrow morning. Hopefully, I will have lost a couple of pounds at least. I haven't been perfect and I haven't been counting everything, but I have been pretty good. I really like the points system, actually. I've tried it before and you really can eat whatever you like. I try to eat as healthy as possible, but it's nice to be able to go for special dinners or treats and not feel like your cheating. Losing some weight will be better for the knees and the new knee will last longer, which would be a good thing! Let me know how the home version works!
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 19 October 2004
Hi...I've never done WW, but hear it is the best way to lose weight. I love the idea of counting points....you can barter with yourself to have that special food you are craving, as long as you ensure you have the points! luv it!
Kath
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 19 October 2004
It's actually a lot of fun if you get into it. I like the e-Tools online. You can look up the point value of any food, track your meals and exercise, chat, look up lots of recipes, etc. I'm a techie and love that kind of stuff!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 20 October 2004
Nancy,
How do you get into e-tools. I wonder if I can't because I'm just doing the home program. I'm going to do that and weigh in at TOPS. I have thought about quitting TOPS and going to WW especially since there's a meeting three blocks away from my house on Thurs. nights but the ladies in my TOPS group are so nice and we've all become pretty close.
I was in Barnes and Nobles book store tonight and kind of did a side step to grab a book and I could feel my kneecap on my right knee just kind of move. Boy did that hurt. Never had that happen just the buckling. I think I'm in trouble with that knee too.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 20 October 2004
Hi, Jan:
I liked a little bit. I signed up for Weight Watchers online before I joined. There's a monthly fee for it. I can get e-Tools now that I'm a WW member. It's pretty much the same, but a little cheaper. If you want to check it out, go to www.weightwatchers.com
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 20 October 2004
OK, I'm not quite sure how that happened. The website address came out really weird and I'm pretty sure I didn't type it that way!!!! It's actually:
www.weightwatchers.com
Nancy.
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 20 October 2004
Ha, ha, ha. Good joke. I'm trying it one more time just for kicks! (without the www)
weightwatchers.com
Posted by hmaxwell (Heather M.), 21 October 2004
The profanity editor won't let you type certain combinations of letters...so for example you can't type t followed by w-a-t. Which is the combo you need for Weight Watchers. Try putting the space in and then telling people to remove it...
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 21 October 2004
Thanks, Heather! That is hilarious! I couldn't figure out what could possibly be wrong with Weight Watchers!
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 21 October 2004
Nancy and Kath,
Nancy, that was pretty funny. I couldn't figure out why you were typing thingy.
I'll check that website.
After my incident with my knee in the book store Tues night I called my os's office to see if he had any cancellations. They can get me in Tuesday the 26th. I'm just afraid I'm not going to catch myself one of these times and go down and really wipe out me knees.
Anyway thanks for giving me that web site.
Take Care
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 21 October 2004
Hi, Jan:
I couldn't figure out for the life of me what was happening! I've seen people play little jokes with Word autocorrect that would do that kind of thing before, but . . .
Too bad about your other knee. It's really good to have one that's somewhat reliable, even if it is a little unhappy! So is this going to replace your appointment on November 10th?
Goodthingy
bye for now!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 21 October 2004
Hi Nancy,
Yea, this replaces my appoinitment on the 10th.
I was lucky he had a cancellation. I think it's a goodthingy too!
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 22 October 2004
Hi!
It's 4:29 am and I am still awake - again! Hopefully, I will be able to sleep better after my surgery. I took a couple of T3s, but they just don't seem to be doing the trick tonight. Whine, whine, whine! There is no school tomorrow, so I'm going to have 3 kids for the day. Two grandkids plus a girl my daughter babysits. It should be fun if I can only stay awake!! Oh, oh. I'm starving all of a sudden. I guess I could legally have breakfast!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 23 October 2004
Nancy,
You sound like me. I haven't been able to sleep because I'm so worried about my doctor's appointment Tuesday. 
Hope you had fun with the kids today.
And by the way, whining is allowed, because I sure do my fair share of it on this site.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 26 October 2004
Hi, Jan!
Good luck at your appointment today. Let me know how it goes.
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 27 October 2004
Hi Jan...how did the appt go?
Sorry I haven't been on lately...lot's going on! I am having surgery on Nov 4th for partial knee replacements. The funny thing is, I had also been on the waiting list for an osteotomy...just got my surgery date for that one...Feb 16th. I'll have to remember to cancel it!
Like you and Nancy, I'm also having trouble sleeping. But, I figure once I'm hope recuperating I can rest all I want.
Let us all know what the dr said.
Kath
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 27 October 2004
Hi Nancy and Kath,
I went to my os today. We decided to hold off on the tkr for the left knee because he is concerned about the right knee. He is going to scope my right knee on December 6th. He thinks I have a tear in the meniscus and wants to get in there and repair it before there is further damage and it becomes like my left knee. Then we are going to go from there on the bad left one. I'll be off work for two weeks after that so you might be hearing a lot from me. Guess we'll all three be laid up.
It is so nice to have this support because we know what the other is going through.
Thanks for being on line for me.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 27 October 2004
Hi Jan and Kath!
Congrats on your surgery dates! Kath - I think you should go for the osteotomy as well. It sounds like a fun surgery! Was that date from your appointment in May? It's probably a good idea to fix your "good" knee prior to the TKR, Jan. Then you'll at least have a leg to stand on! Your surgery will be almost exactly the same time as mine, hopefully.
I was down another 2.2 pounds at my Weight Watchers meeting yesterday. Hooray for me! It seems very slow in light of the amount of weight I have to lose, but it's way better than going up and at the end of a year I will have lost 110 pounds and will need to gain a bunch of weight! Can't wait for that moment.
Bye for now,
Nancy.
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 27 October 2004
Hi, again!
I received a call from my surgeon's office this morning and they have scheduled my surgery for November 22nd!!!! Aaaaagggghhhh. My pre-op is next Thursday. I can just imagine how you feel, Kath, because I'm in a little panic. I don't know why early December seemed so much later, like I had lots of time. I am excited, but mostly I'm scared to death. Not quite sure what of, though!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 27 October 2004
Nancy,
That's great news. I know how you feel because I'm scared to death of going through another scope. I think it's the whole hospital, surgery thing. But once you get there if you're like me you'll calm down. I just have to stay busy and not think about having another scope. Just think about how much better you will feel once you have your knee replaced and you won't have to think of going through it anymore.
Take care and hang in there
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 28 October 2004
You're right! I have so much to do before my surgery, I won't have time to think about it. I had it all planned out, but I can always do my Xmas shopping online and I can decorate a little early this year. At least I'll be feeling better for Xmas! I was surprised when I had my scope last year. I worried about being scared before hand, but I was just fine on the day of the surgery. Silly, silly, silly.
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 29 October 2004
Hi Nancy and Kath,
I called my os office yesterday and asked the nurse if I could just come and talk to my os. I left my appointment feeling overwhelmed and with a lot of questions. He was in such a hurry. I understand they get busy but I wish they could take a little more time with patients. Anyway, I'm going in Wed. and just telling him we need to talk. I have so many questions and concerns since both knees are involved now. Maybe I overreact but I'll feel better when I talk to him and get some answers.
We are having a nice warm sunny day, almost like summer, but we are expecting snow showers Monday. I think this will be the last of Iowa's warm weather untiil April.
Hope everything is going good for both of you.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 30 October 2004
Hi, Jan!
I think you're doing the right thing - talking to your OS now rather than waiting and fretting until you have your surgery. I'm glad they got you in so quickly. My OS was very busy the last time I saw him, but he gave me the feeling he had all the time in the world to spend with me. I was very impressed.
We've had some great weather up until last night. It started pouring during the night, and is still pretty wet out. It feels 10 degrees colder as well. I'm sure we'll be seeing snow flakes before too long.
Well, I'm off to the Y to do some stationery biking and stretching. I can't even peddle fast enough any more to keep the display on. I'm looking forward to January when I'm sure that will all change!
Talk to you soon!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 31 October 2004
Hi Nancy,
Actually, because my os was booked full, his nurse managed to swing an appointment for me with his Physician Assistant next week. She told me however, they would have him see me instead of the PA. I hope that is true because I want to talk to him since he does my surgery.
Guess I'll find out Wednesday if it works out that way.
Have a good weekend.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 3 November 2004
Hi, Jan!
Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. I hope you get all of your questions answered and get some peace of mind. I go for my pre-op assessment tomorrow. I hear that it takes quite a while. It'll make the whole thing seem more real, I'm sure! I'm down 5.4 pounds at Weight Watchers now. Doesn't seem much for 3 weeks, but it's certainly better than gaining!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 3 November 2004
Hi Kath and Nancy,
Unfortunately my mom has just been diagnosed with what is probably terminal cancer. I'm still going to my os today but I'm putting everything on hold. She had had breast cancer on both sides 24 years ago and they said this is probably from the breast cancer. She had been not well all summer and last week turned jaundice and was sleeping all the time. She's down to 105 pounds. We admitted her to the hospital and they found a tumor on the liver bile duct and the liver is probably involved too. Because of her age 79 and where it's located they don't want to do invasive surgery because she's so weak. They tried to get a biopsy with an endoscope but couldn't reach it. We had to break the news to her last night. The cancer doctor was going to help us tell her. He didn't come until 10:30 p.m. and then he was so awful. She is confused and asked a lot of questions. He looked at me and my sister and said well I can see I'll be answering the same questions all night do we have any new ones? He was just awful and we are going to complain today. My mom has always been my strength in this world. Nobody can love you like a mother. Sorry this is so long and rambling. I'm tired. Good luck to both of you guys. Keep me posted and I'll keep you guys posted. Someday I'll face these knees off.
Take care
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 4 November 2004
Hi, Jan!
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. That must be devastating for you. I know what you mean by nobody can love you like a mother. I lost my Mom over 10 years ago and still miss her terribly in spite of the fact that she lived 3,000 miles away and was really not herself for years prior to that. That cancer specialist sounds like a real jerk. It's difficult to imagine how he could get so desensitized to serious illness that he could act like that. I'm glad to hear you're putting a complaint in. Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing!
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 7 November 2004
Hi Nancy,
Hope things are going good for you. Your surgery is coming up isn't it? I saw my os Wednesday and got a lot of questions answered. The plan for now is when I am able to, to get the right knee scoped and looked at and then proceed from there. He really wants to get this right knee stable before replacing the left.
We're in a holding pattern with my mom. They put a catheter in the liver leading to a bag on her side to drain bile for now. When that is sufficiently drained and she is feeling stronger they are going to do a biopsy and see exactly what we are dealing with. They do think it's cancer but want a definite answer because of possible different kinds of chemo.
To top it off I'm checking in on her cat and had to contact the vet and put the cat in the vet hospital. They think she has cystitis. Her cat hadn't been acting right for a couple of weeks and last night it was really sick. We're just not telling her about the cat right now. Hopefully we'll have it home before she gets home.
When it rains it pours.
JAN
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 7 November 2004
Kath,
I'm betting you're in the hospital right now if you had your pkr done the 4th. Let us know how your doing when you get home to read this.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 9 November 2004
Hi, Jan!
How are you doing? How is your Mom? I hope they are getting some answers regarding her condition.
I guess Kath had her surgery on Thursday. I wonder how she's doing. She should be home shortly, I would think.
I had an interesting problem yesterday. My doctor's wife discharged me from their clinic? For being rude I posted the whole big story under the crisis section, but here it is again:
I am scheduled to have a total knee replacement on November 22. Last week, I went to the hospital (not in my town) for pre-admission tests. I got a call on Friday from the clinic nurse telling me that I needed a retake on my urine test. Said just to call my family physician and they could do it there or give me a requisition. I called the office and was told I absolutely had to have an appointment, but they were triple booked all morning. Called again this morning, but she couldn't book me until tomorrow. I said that I couldn't understand why I needed an appointment and was told that if I was going to be rude, that she (the good doc's wife) would discharge me from the clinic. She said that the test was nothing to do with them, it was entirely the clinic's responsibility. She was yelling at me and I told her that she didn't need to be difficult - I just needed to make sure that if I did have an infection, it could be treated in time for my surgery. Then she REALLY started yelling at me and said that I either take the morning appointment nicely, or she was going to discharge me - she wasn't going to tolerate rudeness in HER clinic. I said "fine, I'll take the appointment". I guess I had a "tone" in my voice, because she said "That's it - you're discharged". I said "Great". She said "Consider yourself discharged and good riddance!!!!!". This woman has been difficult many, many times previously and I have always bitten my tongue. I'm not really sad about losing this doctor, but the timing is really bad.
To say the least, I was shocked. As a result, I have to drive for over 1/2 hour to get my urine test done. Also, I have to find another physician before my surgery. Not exactly how I wanted to be spending my time.
How's that for run-on mouth! This morning, I'm babysitting my grandson, I have a Weight Watcher's meeting at 9, a dentist appointment at 10:30, then I'm feeding my hubby, daughter, and grandson, then I'm running off to have my re-test done, then I believe I will crash.
Take care - I will talk to you soon,
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 10 November 2004
Hi Jan & Nancy & everyone,
Jan I am so sorry to read about your Mom. I lost my mom 15 yrs ago from breast cancer which had spread to her liver. It's not easy to watch a parent go downhill...I hope when and if the time comes, you have wonderful palliative care as we do here. Anytime you need to chat, we are here!
Nancy....what on earth is your Dr's office thinking? I would be tempted to write a letter to him, documenting the conversation you had with his wife and ask for his response. I will write you privately with the name of my physician.
I had my surgery on the 4th and came home yesterday afternoon which is 1-2 days earlier than expected...I am apparently on a pilot project for early release, and my name was submitted by my surgeon. I don't know much about it, except that there are certain criteria to be met in order to be part of it. I am SO happy to be home. No one can sleep in the hospital...your vitals are checked every 4 hours and the hospital noises are hard to get used to.
At any rate, both my legs are in TED HOSE which are very ugly stockings from toe to thigh, and since I'm so swollen, my legs look like sausages! It's difficult to be incapicitated with both legs, but I am struggling through. I have a walker which I am managing fairly well with. The pain is tolerable now...the worst is pain in my calves which I imagine is from the manipulations during surgery.
I could write VOLUMES on what to expect, and Nancy, I am going to write you some suggestions for your stay.
For now, it's almost bed time. I'm glad to have this over with and from here on out, things only get better!
Kath
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 10 November 2004
Howdy!
Welcome back, Kath! It's good to hear from you. I'm glad you're home - it's probably much more comfortable there. Let us know how you're getting around after having both your legs done. I just can't imagine going up and down stairs or getting up from sitting after surgery on both knees!!!
How are you holding up, Jan? Have you spoken with your Mom's doctor again?
I'm supposed to be (according to my Daytimer) writing a letter to my ex-doctor as we speak! I'm going to call and ask to speak with him - I doubt very much I will be put through, but I need to try once - and then I'm going to send the letter to him with a copy to the Ontario Medical association and see if I get a response.
Then, I'm going to call to see if I can get an appointment with a new doctor. Not exactly what I want to be doing right now, but it seems to be necessary!
Well, here goes! Bye for now.
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 12 November 2004
Hi Kath and Nancy,
I'm glad you got through your surgery Kath. Do you have to have physical therapy now?
We reported the cancer doctor to the hospital and they asked us to file a formal complaint. They told us we are not the first to have problems with this oncologist and he was one write up away from having his privileges suspended. He now has to go before the hospital board because of his rudeness to us. I don't feel bad for him either because he was so terrible. It sounds like Nancy's dealing with a doctor or I guess a doctor's wife who think they are a little above the rest of us. Most of the doctors I've ever dealt with have been compassionate and caring but every so often you run into run that is on an ego trip.
They are waiting for my mom to get a little bit stronger and then hopefully tomorrow they think they can do the biopsy. I hope then while we are waiting for the definite news we can at least get her home and comfortable.
I'm going to try to schedule my knee scope for after Christmas in the hopes that maybe things will be calm for a while and my mom can do okay.
Take care
Good luck finding a new doctor Nancy
and good luck Kath with those new pkr knees
I'll email you guys again soon.
JAN
Posted by redhead (redhead), 13 November 2004
I received all three injections of Synvisc, and I can tell a big difference. A lot less stiffness, and it is a lot easier to go down steps. No pain in the night.
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 14 November 2004
That's great, Redhead! Everyone is so different and some people have wonderful results, so it certainly makes sense to try it. When did you finish your injections?
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 14 November 2004
It is good to hear that some people benefit from synvisc. I think my left knee was too far gone but hopefully down the line it could help my right knee.
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 16 November 2004
Howdy!
How's your Mom doing, Jan? I hope she is getting stronger.
I got a call yesterday from the hospital. The nurse said that I have a low-grade bladder infection. Because my surgery is scheduled for Monday, she wasn't sure if my surgeon would postpone it or what. She called again in the afternoon and said that he isn't convinced that I have an infection because I have no symptoms, so I had to run to the hospital (about 45 minutes away) and take another urine test. If it's positive, my surgery will be postponed - not sure for how long. Hopefully, I will get the results back tomorrow! If I haven't heard by the afternoon I will call. I really would like to know if I'm having surgery on Monday or not!!! I was a basket case yesterday, but am feeling quite positive today, so that's a relief.
Nancy.
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 18 November 2004
Hi, Jan and Kath!
I found out today that I do have a bladder infection and so my surgery has been postponed until December 7th. I'm pretty disappointed tonight (and a wee bit angry at my ex-doc's wife), but at least it's only a couple of extra weeks. It'll give me a little longer and some additional motivation to work on my complaint to the College of Physicians and Surgeons!!
I hope everyone is doing well!
Nancy.
Posted by kath (kath), 18 November 2004
Hi Nancy....it's so disappointing to hear your surgery has to be rescheduled! Make that letter a good one!
One thing to do while you have the additional time....build up those quads! I think I would have had a much more difficult time if I hadn't been working on them all along. Even so, it's surprising how weak you can feel after surgery. Every little bit of muscle helps!
Kath
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 18 November 2004
Hi Nancy and Kath
I'm glad you are going to complain about your doctor problem. We certainly did about my mom's doctor and things have changed with the way they treat us. Our family doctor has called in hospice for us. They don't know how long she has. Like the doctor said only God knows.
Kath, are you in physical therapy?I did pt when I had my knee scope and they were always talking about building up the quads. I still do my exercises. I bet you are disappointed Nancy about having the surgery rescheduled. I really need to get my right knee scoped but I'm so afraid of being laid up and not being able to get to the hospital to say goodbye to my mom should something happen then.
I guess I mix the news about my mom and my knee together now. I hope you don't mind. I know it's a knee site but this is so much a part of my life right now and it is going to be so hard to go through.
I like to stay in touch with you guys to see how you are doing and hope I can be in touch when I finally get my knees done.
Take care and good luck getting over the bladder infection Nancy.
JAN
Posted by kath (kath), 19 November 2004
Hi Jan...anytime you need to air about your Mom, feel free. We all have other things going on besides our knee problems, and certainly the people on this site understand how overwhelming things can be when you are also in pain. I hope your Mom is comfortable...she is your first priority right now and it's perfectly understandable that you may need to postpone your surgery depending on how she is doing. You may also want to post on the Spiritual Help & Encouragement board on this site if things get particularly stressful....there are so many out there willing to give a word of help and support.
I have had a PT come to the house twice a week since I've been home from the hospital. She has been extremely helpful. I had my staples removed on Tuesday, so I was finally able to shower last night. What a comedy act that was...me trying to get into the bath tub with legs which wouldn't bend. If only we had waited until today, as my PT showed us the easiest way for me to get into the tub! On Monday I transition to the physio clinic at the hospital. I am faithfully doing the exercises 3 times a day, despite the fact it hurts! (I'm just whining)
I hope to be on my crutches next week rather than the walker, but time will tell.
Take care! Kath
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 24 November 2004
Hi Kath and Nancy
Just wondering how Kath is doing. Hope you're recovering quickly.
Nancy, I bet you're getting anxious to get your's over with. My knee has been buckling again but I just don't want to be laid up and have something happen to my mom and not be able to get there to easily.
We transferred her to a nursing home and today she seemed to be having a pretty good day. She can't go home because of the broken pelvic bone after her fall in the hospital. I'm really learning to take life one day at a time right now. I also have come to realize how important my sisters are to me. Even though we aren't together a lot or talk a lot, when we need to pull together we do. We've cried a lot of tears together in the last three weeks.
I do hope you both are doing okay knee wise. I'd much rather think about knees then cancer right now. Not to minimize knee problems but there are obviously much worse things to have.
Take care
JAN
Posted by grannynan (grannynan), 24 November 2004
Hi, Jan!
Good to hear from you.
You are so right when you say that there are much worse things to have than knee problems. When I'm feeling my lowest, I try to put things in perspective by remembering it could always be worse. I have a friend that was diagnosed with breast cancer in September. She had surgery immediately. They found cancer in a lymph node as well, so she is now doing 6 months of chemo and will follow that up with radiation 5 days a week for 7 weeks. She looked absolutely radiantly healthy just before she started her chemo 4 weeks ago. Now she is just so ill and doesn't look or feel like the same person. I can't imagine what she's going through knowing that she has to continue that treatment for 6 full months. She has really helped me put things in perspective.
I think of you, too, postponing your surgery because you need to be there for your mother. I'm really glad you have your sisters. My sister is one of my best friends. We are very different people, but I can always count on her.
Take care and let us know how you're doing.
Nancy.
Posted by Mitidai (Mitidai), 15 December 2004
Hi Kath and Nancy,
I hope you are both doing okay. Nancy, you must have by now had your knee replacement. Hope you are doing good if you have had it done already. How is your pkr doing Kath?
We lost my mom December 3rd. She just went down hill really fast. I was devastated. This is the first day I've done okay. I have to believe that my mom is in a better place.
I went to my os today and we rescheduled the scope for January 14th. I also had stress fractured my foot at some point in time when my mom was in the hospital. I had been walking back and forth a lot to the hospital from work and guess that's when I did it. Anyway, my os x-rayed it today and found a it had gone to a complete fracture on the side of my foot so now I have to wear a cam boot for six weeks. When it rains it pours. Of course the first thing I wanted to do when I got home was call my mom to tell her. It was just a jolt to realize that I can't do that anymore. It's going to take a long time to get over losing her if I ever do or at least to get used to it.
Hope you guys have a good Christmas and that things are going well for you.
JAN
Posted by kath (kath), 16 December 2004
Hi Jan...I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. It is so difficult to lose a parent. My father-in-law passed away last New Years Eve, and we miss him terribly.
You are going through a lot right now. I know exactly what you mean when you say your first inclination was to call your Mom to tell her about your fracture...after my Mom died, it took me a long time to stop having those urges..where for a few seconds you just forget your Mom is gone. I like to think of her "up there" somewhere having a cup of tea with the rest of her friends and family we have lost...though at this time of year it's probably a rum and eggnog she would be drinking!
I haven't heard from Nancy...she had her TKR on Dec 7 and I'm hoping everything is fine...I've sent her a couple of notes, but she hasn't been online.
I had my 6wk check-up with my OS today and everything is on track. I still have some swelling and pain, and still need my crutches, but each day is getting better...slowly, but surely!
I hope that you will be feeling physically better soon...I'm not sure what a cam boot looks like, but can you decorate it for Christmas? I decorated my crutches...since they are part of my wardrobe for awhile, I thought I might as well fancy them up with nice Christmas bows.
It will take a while for you to come to terms with your Mom's passing...just remember that grieving takes time and each in their own time. As you say, she is in a better place, no pain, perhaps reunited with an old friend or loved one, and maybe having a glass of cheer while watching over you!
Kath
Updated Mon Dec 1 2008