KNEEtalk

DIARIES => Post op diaries (100-300 posts) => Topic started by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 03:22:53 AM

Title: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 03:22:53 AM: Howdy All,

Well, my surgery is all over, so I have moved to the post-op section. Here is a brief run down for those who haven't been following my saga.....

When I was in my teens I had sharp pain and buckling of my knee(s). Details are vague but I was diagnosed with patellar tracking/tilt issues and sent to physio. Pain eased and I thought nothing more of it. When I was in my twenties I noticed my knees had a tendency to ache at times, mostly with weather changes. I assumed that this was a result of my earlier knee problems and wasn't much to worry about. The aching got worse, though because it was only aching, not sharp pain, I still didn't believe it was anything major. I eventually mentioned it to my GP last year and I was referred to an OS. I had bilateral surgery - chondroplasty and lateral releases - in September 2007. About eight weeks later the aching was back with a vengance and physio became a battle to find exercises that would suit my super-irritable knees. When my OS reviewed me in May, he suggested a distal patellar tendon transfer (DPTT), which is also known as a TTT, TTO, Fulkerson's, and other names. This is what I had done yesterday, so I will now tell that story.......

My hubby and I arrived at the hospital at 9.30am with all my bits and pieces - crutches, bag of things to do, bag of toiletries and clothing. This is when I found out that I was being admitted through the Day Surgery Unit so all my stuff would have to be lugged around with me until I went to the wards after surgery!! So then everything had to be labelled (I am still peeling sticky labels off things :P ). Then it was time to say goodbye to hubby and get myself all dolled up for theatre. Striped gaping hospital gown, towelling dressing gown, sexy blue "slippers", and a hat 8). Add tape around my rings, black texta drawing on my knee, and betadine halfway up my leg and I was ready for the show ;D I sat down then in a nice, low, comfy sofa, only to be called for my surgery! I hauled myself up, handed over my belongings, walked to the theatre, and the show was underway.

Woke up! OUCH!! Thigh cramps and deep throbbing knee pain, and the shakes to boot. Morphine did nothing, so they went to town and gave me two Panadeine Forte (Paracetamol 500mg/Codeine 30mg per tablet) and some IV Fentanyl. Boy I wish I could take me home some of that stuff!! I loved the Fentanyl. Worked like a shot with no nausea. Beauty!! Then it was snuggle down under warm blankets and doze on and off between bouts of itchy nose scratching (stoopid air conditioning). Soon I was shipped off to my own room - I didn't even have to change beds as they had put me onto a bed while I was still out to it, rather than a barouche like last time. Tackled the water by the bed, as my mouth was dry and my throat sore. Add it to the IV fluids and I soon I was ready to explode ::) The trip to the loo was interesting. I was told I was allowed to FWB, but I did make sure I had a crutch. The biggest thing I had to watch was that my outstretched foot didn't get shut in the door!! Walking was easier than I thought it would be, though the throbbing in my knee afterwards was hard to deal with.

I tried to stay awake all day, as I knew I would have trouble sleeping at night, even if I was tired. I came up to the room just after lunch time. Afternoon tea was bliss (a hot cuppa and lots of biscuits thanks to a kind nurse who realised I hadn't eaten since the night before). I returned some SMS messages and phoned hubby and the kids, did some "circular loom knitting" (like tomboy stitch/french knitting), read a book, watched TV and scoffed pain killers. The pain wasn't really sharp, just a throbbing ache, but it was hard to get the leg comfortable. Getting up to the loo made the throbbing worse, but I was so dry I went through 4L of water during my short stay! I made an awful lot of trips to the loo!!!

Sleeping was a non-event. I caught short bursts of sleep and that was about it. I could feel my knee starting to hurt behind my knee, which is the sign I get normally that tells me my knee is swelling, so I put my leg on a pillow (lengthwise under my leg) only to be told off because I was risking a clot!!! I don't know how she expected me to elevate! A pillow is fine as long as it isn't under the knee only - it should be under the whole leg. By morning I was feeling nauseous from the pain meds, lack of sleep, and because I needed food. Yuck!

Morning came and the bandages got removed. I have Hypafix over my wounds (I had a scope done too), and the TTT wound has a long stitch through it too. I was allowed to shower with nothing covering my knee, so off I went. I only had a quick, warmish shower, but the wounds started weeping and my knee went boof - instant swelling. I could almost watch it swell. It's amazing what some thick cotton padding and a firm bandage can do to stop swelling, as my knee got much bigger once it was all removed. The pain also increased considerably and I could no longer do an SLR. At least I have some numb patches still ;) I got some tubigrip and an ice pack to put on, and then the physio came. I got given exercises - basically range of motion exercises, ankle pumps, and quad contractions. I don't see a physio until 6 weeks post-op!! The PT then watched me walk with crutches. He wanted me to step onto my leg with my knee locked in extension and use the crutches for balance only. I did okay, so the final verdict is that I DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A SPLINT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippeee!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Then it was time to go home, so here I am. At home, in bed, knee up with ice packs. And some extra tubigrip for swelling, as the nurse was really skimpy with what she gave me and I had a huge bulge of swelling between the end of the tubigrip and the top of my sock. I think I am going to be black and blue soon!! When I change the dressings I will take a photo for you all. I wish I knew how to scan the arthroscope pics and then post them. I had some more shredded cartilage to clean up, even though it was only September last year when it was done previously. I got some piccies of it as souvenirs - I wanted pics of the TTT, but I didn't get any :(

Anyway, I've written enough of a novel now. If you have got this far you are doing very well ;) As you can see, I am very bored already!!

Bye for now, and take care. More of the saga later ;)

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: KW on June 19, 2008, 03:36:30 AM: Hi Kathy, Glad you are home and all is well. I was able to be WBAT after my TTT's also and never had a issue. Just remember to keep up on the pain meds for the first week or so. Get some rest!

Karen
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: synlupri on June 19, 2008, 05:30:51 AM: Hi Kathy,

It never ceases to amaze me at how different everyone's recovery is after the surgery.
I had a TTT/bone graft, LR, scope, meniscus repair done on my r knee, and am NWB for at least 8-10 wks. I just had my first physical therapy appt today and I'm at 4 wk post op.

What are these drugs they gave you? They sound wonderful. The most I got was Percocet! They also gave me a nerve block which was supposed to last for 24 hours. That was nice, but hoo wee after that wore off I really felt the pain. Horrible, just horrible.

Glad you are home. Please rest and set an alarm to take your meds. Nothing worse than waking up to gawd awful pain because the last pill wore off while you slept. UGH!!!

Hey, what is a theater? And why do you call the surgey a show? Just curious. I appreciate that they kept you overnight. Me, I went in at 9:00am and was home by 1pm that same day. It was awful. No medical people to watch me and vitals. It just blows my mind that such an intense major surgery such as ours could be an outpatient.

Take care, sleep well, my TTT sister.

Hugs and happiness,
Syndi :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: WorkinWings on June 19, 2008, 05:44:22 AM: Kathy,

I'm so amazed--and happy--at how clearly you are writing, for someone who's just been through major surgery, general anesthesia, is on big-time painkillers, and must be in quite a bit of pain! Good job on the narrative! Thanks for the interesting read :D

Hope you are able to keep up the good job on the high spirits, and that this surgery does the trick for you for a long, long, long time! A new and improved chapter begins in your life!

Wishing you all the best in your recovery,

Angela
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 06:55:46 AM: Syndi - We call the operating room an operating theatre here, that's why I called the surgery a "show". Just a play on words! With different recoveries, there is also different protocols for each surgeon too. Also a bone graft probably means things take longer to heal, in your case. Fentanyl is an IV opioid pain killer. It also comes in a patch. It was certainly good. I only got the one dose however. Then I ended up with oxycodone (percocet), which was okay, and the Panadeine Forte, which didn't touch the sides. I could have had morphine, but I chose not to as I had low blood pressure and didn't want to risk falling when I got up to the loo. My surgeon infiltrates the surgery site with local anaesthetic, so it stays numb for 24 hours or so - very nice, but not once it wears off!! I have come home with Panadeine Forte for pain relief, as well as the Tramadol I was on prior to surgery, so I am going to be uncomfortable for a few days, as neither touches the pain much. They take the edge off a bit and that's all. So I am just reliant on ice and elevation to help keep things bearable. And laxatives to counteract the side effects of the useless pain killers ;) Having things to do keeps my mind off the pain also, hence my long postings here!! ;D

Angela - The big time pain killers only lasted until this morning, when I made sure I had a dose before leaving hospital ;) So I am only on the small cookies now, and am trying to keep busy so time goes quick. I am surrounded by things I can do in bed. Just going to the loo is a major pain :P Walking is okay, but the movements involved in getting in and out of bed, and on and off the loo are agonisingly painful. I am starting to wish I DID have a splint, so I could keep my leg straight while getting up/down!!

The only problem I will encounter if this surgery works will be going through it on the other knee!! Lefty's going to have a tough time being the "good leg" - it's been playing up lately, so even though my OS doesn't plan on doing the surgery on it, I might have to convince him to change his mind if it works well on the right knee. Anything for some relief - though I don't feel like it was such a good thing to try just at the moment!! :P

My darling 11 year old son baked me a get well cake last night!! He wrote "get well mum" on it with lollies and icing - at least I think that's what it says ;D It was waiting in the kitchen for me when I got home today. Gee, I love my kids!! The only problem will be trying to force myself to eat some - it's the last thing I feel like eating at the moment :'(

I just had a thought - I have hardware!! A screw in my tibia! I have never had metal in my body before. I wonder if my OS will remove it at a later stage? What a souvenir to keep!

Anyway, the family are all out right now, so maybe I might catch some ZZZs. Catch you round.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on June 19, 2008, 08:54:45 AM: Kathy

Welcome to the other side and all things considered you sound as if you are doing great.
I hope the pain is bearable today and you also manage to rest. Great news on the splint, thats promising start already.

Hope the swelling is ok today and I am so glad you are through it.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on June 19, 2008, 10:54:30 AM: Hi kathy,
Great story telling skills in your first post 'from the other side'.....

Cant BELIEVE you are able to weight bear already!! How cool is that!!! And no splint! You are surely superwoman!! I had a full pop cast after mine so weight bearing was out and i didnt have to worry about bending obviously - but the WEIGHT of the cast for the first few days was baaaaad.....also you get all kinds of aches and pains from being forces straight so better not to be.

Do the 'cushions round the leg' trick in bed to stop yourself bumping into your bad leg with your good leg. And elevate elevate elevate!!!!

Hardware eh? You get attached to it - quite literally in my case as my body has decided to grow bone over it so my leg looks a little defomed on the outside with this large lump of bone and my tibia looks slightly bowed in x-ray cos ive extra bone at the top - but heck, why not grow a little extra bone eh? You never know when you'll need it :)

We all want to see a piccy of your leg now!!!

Any problems other than general aches and pains after major op? This is the hardest part, even getting over anasthetic is hard, this time next week you'll be a different woman.
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 12:37:07 PM: Hi Tanya,

I have no worries about my good leg knocking my bad one - my surgery leg is way, way, way up in the air on pillows, so my good leg isn't going anywhere near it unless it takes up rocket science and blasts off overnight!

I don't know if not having a splint is a good thing - it hurts to move, especially on the horizontal plane. I usually have to grab my trackpants and lift my leg that way, and even that is painful :( I am just lying here doing nothing and I am quite uncomfortable as it is. Hopefully the swelling will subside with my RICE treatment and I will be more comfortable soon, as I think it's the swelling that accounts for most of the pain I have at rest. The pain on movement is centralised around the TTT site. I have quite a number of painful to touch areas also, which I hope start easing off - I always worry when an area that hasn't been operated on gets painful like that, though I know swelling and nerve irritation can account for some bizzare things.

Anyway, I took some pics. I will post this first, and then post the pics, as last time I tried to post the reply with pics included, I managed to erase my whole post :P

You will see how the bruising shadows the skin on my shin, and you may be able to notice that the same area is quite swollen (though it is swelling up towards the camera, rather than out sideways from my leg, so it's hard to see). I will try to post some more pics as things progress and change.

Enjoy!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 12:39:15 PM: Here is the first picture....
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 12:41:04 PM: And now another one...
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on June 19, 2008, 01:27:39 PM: Kathy, doesn't look too bad! Congrats for getting it all over with. I hope your recovery goes smoothly! Are you allowed to bend it? If so, do you get to work on ROM? Sorry you don't have a brace! I couldn't imagine not having one after my TTT. After my surgery, I thought I could be fine without it while getting around the house....no way! My leg flopped around! So I took it off only while sitting and put it on every time I got up. I hope your pain is manageable! Thinking about you!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on June 19, 2008, 01:38:56 PM: wow! It looks great! Did you really have a TTT?????? I thought itd be way more misshapen and swollen looking!

Youre not too badly bruised - yet, but it will probably still come up for a bit, I still had bruising coming out for around 10 days after my scope. When the main swelling went down the bruises came up.

It actually looks quite 'normal'!!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on June 19, 2008, 03:46:56 PM: Wow it looks neat and clean. Looks like a good job !!!!

hope the pain will be ok and just keep resting.

You are doing great :-*
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: KW on June 19, 2008, 03:55:11 PM: Kathy, Sounds like you are doing great. That looks like all 3 of mine. It looks really good..little swelling keep up with the ice! I hope you have little pain like I did....Sure the first week is no walk in the park but it will get better.

Karen
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 04:22:00 PM: I am certainly lucky in that I don't really swell much. The small amount that I do have is uncomfortable enough. I really work hard at keeping the swelling down early - I have hardly left the bed, and I always have a tubigrip on, elevate above my heart, do my ankle pumps, and I ice pretty much around the clock with the 20 min on, 5 min off regime suggested by my PT paperwork. It has improved quite a bit since I got home. It is more obvious in the earlier photos that I took, but they are too big to post, so I can't show you here. I will try to upload them on Facebook and give you the link instead. I have to work on flexion and that is inhibited a bit by the swelling, but more by pain. I am to flex passively to the edge of pain only, which isn't far at the moment. It starts to stab in the TTT site. My exercises consist of working on flexion, quad contractions (pushing the back of my knee into the bed with a small roll under my ankle), and ankle pumps. I am not managing much with the exercises at the moment, due to pain, but that should ease with time. I figure any flexion and quad contraction is better than none and puts me ahead of where I'd be if I had a brace/splint.

It is nearly 1am here, and I have managed a couple of hours sleep so far tonight. I got up to get a fresh ice pack, and I was disappointed to see all the lights were still on and hubby was still up - it wasn't nearly as late as I had hoped it was!! I am due more pain relief at 1.30am, so if I can stay awake until then I can top up on pain killers and it might see me through the night.

I am off to try and get some photos on Facebook.....

Bye for now,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: KW on June 19, 2008, 04:33:42 PM: If you can keep those quads contracting you will be way ahead of the game when you go back to PT!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 19, 2008, 05:20:15 PM: Hi Guys,

I managed to post all my photos on Facebook, so here's the link. I hope it works.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2004311&l=5e986&id=1060552469

The first four are from when I first arrived home, and show the swelling I had initially. By the time I took the later photos, the RICE had done it's job and things had settled down a bit.

Cheers,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on June 19, 2008, 05:50:06 PM: Kathy, looks so good!! Keep it up with that ice and pain meds! You are doing great!! How is your pain generally on the pain scale? Just curious. I had some pain on the Osteotomy site during the first few days off and on and some pain in my tibia, but my OS warned me of that, so i wasn't concerned. you have hardly any bruising!! I was bruised all over the place. So you are on the right track..I think I went down the wrong one!!! Well I hope you are comfortable tonight!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 20, 2008, 12:41:56 AM: Well, I survived my first night at home, and I actually managed to get some sleep!! I spent a little while on the laptop in the middle of the night, but then I was due my pain meds and they got me back to sleep.

I have heard you all mention blood rushes - well I reckon I get them in reverse!! I am fine when I walk around, then the second I swing my leg into bed the pain races down my shin! Weird!! I think it may be the very slight bend in my knee, which can't quite be eliminated when in bed, that is causing tension on the TTT site and thus pain, as if I prop my leg up by the ankle only (so the leg is dead straight), then the shin pain improves - I just get different pain instead!! The pain when I move can be harsh, though walking is good as long as I lock my leg straight. Generally when resting the throb can reach a 5 or 6 on the pain scale at its worst, and movement involving flexion can shoot it up to a 9 (assuming a 10 will render me unconscious). The period of time immediately after getting back into bed gives me a 7 or 8 level of pain in my shin, which subsides over 15 minutes to half an hour. I am not real concerned about the pain, as I know what it it from and it is too early to start worrying about the causes. My leg has been through the trauma of surgery and it is complaining bitterly!!!

The bruising that I don't have is mostly due to the fact that I don't bruise or swell easily. It is a good thing, though it can work against me in making people think my knees are better than they are. My PT is always talking about "at least you don't have major swelling - then we'd have more cause for concern" but I feel like saying that I may never get major swelling, as my body just doesn't go down that track, as you can all see from this surgery. The swelling I did get is a huge amount for me. I think my surgeon does a pretty good job with his surgery too. The TTT wound is neat and no bigger than it needs to be. I wouldn't be able to work through a hole that small.

Farrah - I don't know that you went down the wrong track and I went down the right one. I am early days yet, and I won't know if this has given me any improvement for a LONG time. For all that my knee looks good, it doesn't mean a successful surgery. I will be happy to come out of this with what I went in with - the thought of how much muscle wasting might occur in the 6 weeks before I see a PT really gets me worried. I am being very diligent about doing my home exercises, though the quad contractions are very painful so I can only partly contract them at the moment. I do use my quads to lock my knee when I walk though, so they are getting used regularly. I just have to make sure I don't fall into the trap of taking my weight through my crutches. I have to consciously slow down and go through the process of transferring my full weight through my TTT leg when I walk, or I will suffer down the track.

Anyway, I managed to make myself breakfast this morning after seeing the kids off. I used one crutch and SLOWLY carried things one at a time to the table by my bed. I am pleased that I could accomplish something for myself.

Well, I had better move along and clean my teeth and put my dishes in the kitchen before I knock them over. Bye for now.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on June 20, 2008, 01:45:38 AM: Hi again Kathy, I can't believe you can walk with one crutch!! I can't even stinking do that!!! I can do it with lots of pain though! Sounds like you are doing really well. I wonder if there is a difference between you and somebody with lots of bruising and swelling? I am just curious. If you ever get around to it, maybe ask your PT? I wonder if you have less pain b/c of that? I am not saying you aren't in pain, but I wonder if someone with lots of bruising and swelling would feel a little worse? Don't get me wrong here, just thinking out loud I guess. Well I hope things continue to go fairly smoothly for you! I love your attitude!! How is it going in the car?? :)

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 20, 2008, 02:55:31 AM: Hi Farrah,

There would definitely be some advantage to not having as much swelling, as the tissues aren't full of fluid putting pressure on nerves and other things in uncomfortable ways. I certainly haven't escaped the pain though, and it's constantly present and hard to control. I have only been in the car once, on the way home, and it was a painful experience getting in and out. I am not looking forward to having to repeat it.

By the way, don't make the mistake of comparing us. Remember that I was walking around as of two days ago, so I have nowhere near the muscle wasting you would have by now, after time NWB and in a brace. My leg never stops throbbing though, but walking just doesn't seem to set off the worst of the pain until it's time to rest, and then the pain starts to get bad. Doing my flexion exercises is difficult, as I can only get some flexion if I relax completely and take all the weight of my leg through my hands. I have to hold under my knee and around my ankle, then relax totally before I can get a flexion without utter agony. Any muscle tone present during flexion causes extreme pain!! I guess that maintaining ROM is good, but to have to do it so soon after surgery is incredibly difficult, as I am not supposed to cause pain, but I am supposed to do SOME flexion. I think my post op pain is probably a lot worse than that of those in a brace, as I have no support for my knee, but I then will have an advantage when it comes to starting PT, in that I will have reasonable ROM and no huge quad atrophy. I guess it's like robbing Peter to pay Paul.

My toilet seat raiser thingy just arrived, and in setting it up one-handed I managed to drop my bottle of toilet cleaner in the loo full of wee (as the kids naturally didn't flush when they went this morning!) :P Don't ask me how I managed it - I don't really know myself!! Nothing is easy at the moment!!!! At least I got to sit on the loo with a bit more ease than I have been. I wonder how long it will be before the kids have piddled all over it!?!

I am feeling a bit out of sorts at the moment. The day is dragging, I have nothing to do, and I am tired and in pain. I don't want to take too much of the pain relief during the day, as I want save my limit of daily doses for bedtime. I have used one out of the four doses allowed per 24 hours, at 1.30am this morning, and I'd like to take the rest around mid-afternoon, early evening, and late evening (four hours apart). I think I may have some nerve irritation as the lateral side of my upper calf is extremely hypersensitive to touch and sort of tingly also. It doesn't respond to the pain killers very well either. Grrr!!!

Oh well, I guess we all have our good and bad moments after surgery. I might take some Tramadol and try to snooze off my bad mood. Bye.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on June 20, 2008, 10:12:50 AM: :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

kathy hope the Tramadol helps you sleep. At least if you can sleep at times its a break from the pain.

I think all in all your photos look great. They actually look better than my leg right now so I think you are doing good.

I am thinking of you. have to get ready for my kids dance show tonight and sorting out 10 costume changes between them. They are both dressing up as Stephanie from lazy Town (dont know if you get that in Aussie - kids programme) and they have pink wigs and all. Knee is killing me today and by tonight I dread to think :-X

Hope you have a good day, take it easy and use this nothing to do time as time for you to psoil yourself , relax as best you can, read and watch tv f your choice.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on June 20, 2008, 10:51:08 AM: Hello Kathy, I hope you have good things come out of not wearing a brace out of surgery. I just can't imagine how you are getting around!! I will not forget my leg just flopping around all over the place b/c of lack of muscle control. Well I used an immobilizer for 2 weeks PO and by the end of that time, I had about 110 degrees ROM. I was way ahead of the protocol. One week later I had 115 degrees and was able to get rid of the CPM machine I was using. Early on, I hated that brace, so I took it off while sitting and began to bend and straighten my leg passively. Well I could bend it actively, but could straighten it back out. I hated that CPM machine at times b/c it was so boring sitting in 2hrs at a time 3 times a day! Oh well. I really admire your positive attitude despite your bad pain! Don't hesitate to take those pain killers and be sure to continue icing as much as possible! It always felt good to ice for me during the first few weeks.

As for me, I am not sure if you have been keeping up on my diary, but I am back to stopping PT and waiting for my next OS apt. I am suppose to talk to my PA today about changing some meds so I can get rid of that drunk feeling I have.

Well I hope you have an okay night!!!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on June 20, 2008, 01:49:59 PM: Hi Kathy,

Sorry I have been a bit MIA. Had a near car accident on Wednesday and been really struggling. In a lot of pain right now.

Can't believe you only use one crutch and don't have much swelling.

About to head into the A&E of the hospital I had the operation at.

Have a good weekend !!! 8)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 21, 2008, 12:16:57 AM: Hi Everybody,

It's day 3 post-op today and I know what the blood rushes feel like now!! Ouch! I stood up this morning and boy, oh boy, did I feel it down every inch of my shin :P This is after waking up to pain in my big toe and heel from the pressure of the heel on the bed and the blankets on my toe, and the throbbing of my leg because pain killers had worn off, and it had also started sliding off the pillows I prop it on and was no longer in a comfy position. I had managed the longest stretch of sleep since surgery though, so I was pleased about that - even though it was the heavy sleep of pain-killing drugs and exhaustion that has left me feeling rather muddle-headed and stiff all over. I certainly mustn't have moved much in my sleep.

Interestingly enough, ice is something that doesn't feel as good as it did after my LRs. I think it's the pressure of the pack on my surgery site or something, but it certainly causes it's own style of discomfort in my shin. I loved the ice packs on my knees after the LRs. They really soothed everything. I am disappointed that I don't have the same effect from the ice this time around. I still use it religiously though.

I went out to Scouts last night with the kids, just to get out of the house for a little while. I sat with my feet up and had a cuppa and a chat with other parents. It was nice to get out, and the short time of the Scout meeting was just enough for me to cope with. The car was a nightmare though!!!! Getting in and out of the front seat was an exercise in agony. I don't want to repeat it again in a hurry! I will try sitting in the back seat if I have to go out over the weekend, as my son is away and I will have the space to sit across the back of the car.

Farrah - I would think a CPM machine would be agony after a TTT. When did you use it and how long for? I find that flexion is painful and I have to do it slowly, so I can't imagine having to get in a CPM machine and have it flex my leg even a little bit!! My leg certainly flops around a lot, and I don't have good control of its movement, due to pain, but if I can keep it in extension using gravity and my quads, then I manage okay. Getting things on and off my foot is really hard - changing the tubigrip, and getting shoes (even slip-on ones) and socks on and off is one thing I have struggled with. I have just found that if I sit on the edge of a chair/bed with my leg extended down at an angle in front of me (touching the ground), then I can use gravity to help hold my knee straight while I wriggle the Tubigrip/sock/shoe over my foot. Trying to do it with my leg up on the bed means I have to brace my quads too much to keep the knee straight while I lean forward to reach my foot, and it hurts lots. I use my hands a lot to move my leg around in bed and when getting up/down. How are you going? When do you have your next appointment? I am glad PT has stopped for you again. It's not good to be doing it when it causes so much pain. I hope your OS scopes you soon. I think it's what you might need in order to find some answers. Good luck finding a more suitable replacment for the Lyrica. It can be hard to find the right drug to suit you. Some people luck out with the first thing they try, but most have to try a couple, or fiddle with dosages, before they find the right one for their body.

Kirsty - I hope you are okay after your near miss in the car. Have you managed to get the pain under control yet? It's hard with multiple drug allergies. You must have some really BAD days!!! How did the hospital visit go? I will catch up on your diary again soon. I did read about your near miss, but no further. I have checked most threads fairly regularly, but haven't always posted due to feeling foggy and dopey and not up to formulating something positive or constructive to post.

I hope everyone else out there is doing okay, and that you all have a great weekend. I am just glad to have my family home for company. Take care.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on June 21, 2008, 01:29:02 AM: Hi Kathy,

You'll have to check out my diary, but my PA called this evening. I have a new Lyrica schedule, I am NWB for the weekend, he wants me to call him back on Monday or Tuesday and give him an update. He has finally realized how bad my knee is and wanted me to come in for an earlier apt, but my OS is out until my already scheduled apt for the 27th. So I will see him in a week. My PA talked to my PT today and let him know that I will be out for a while again b/c the PT continues to irritate the problem. My PA was speechless today when I told him that I can't tolerate hardly putting my toes on the ground. He was shocked. That's when he realized how bad it was. There is a little more of an explanation on my diary.

I used my hands a lot to move my leg around during the first few weeks. I actually learned to loop my good leg under my surgery leg to move it around some. It helped keep it straight that way too. As for the CPM machine, I had to use it the same night as surgery! I started at only 15 degrees and increased from there. I was suppose to increase by 5 degrees every day. The first night I only used it for an hour or so as instructed. The following 3 weeks or so, I was suppose to use it for 2 hrs at a time 3 times a day (6hrs total). It felt good for my leg to passively get bent. I imagine it hurts you b/c you do it actively. WHile sitting on the couch between CPM uses, I would pull my leg to bent b/c it felt better than keeping it straight all the time. The first few days, I didn't do that though...it was the days and weeks after that. My ROM came around so quickly, that I stopped using the CPM so religiously (for 6hrs) after about the first 1.5 weeks or 2. My PT was fine with that b/c I was so far ahead of schedule...that was when I thought my recovery would be so smooth and fast!! Little did I know what was coming!!! :( Anyway, the CPM didn't bother me at all. I had to use it until my PT pushed my ROM to 115 degrees or more for 2 visits in a row. My CPM maxed at 115 and I had been hitting it for a week before my PT could push me to that amount. I was thrilled to get rid of that by the end though b/c it was so boring to sit there in front of my bedroom tv that didn't have all the movie channels. Sorry ice doesn't help you!! I had the GAme Ready machine which felt so great with the compression wrap that pushed freezing water through it! I loved that thing. I only had it for a week though b/c it was rented from the company.

Sorry to type so much!! Well back to resting on the couch with ice!! This will be my 4th or 5th time in a matter of just a few hours!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 21, 2008, 12:36:36 PM: I have had a low grade temperature on and off, which I had in hospital too, so I took my dressing off so I could check the wound for infection. It doesn't feel infected, so I am not particularly worried. I think my body is run down due to what it has been through (surgery, lack of sleep, medications, pain etc) and it is trying it's best to make sure it doesn't get ill (gastro, throat infection, wound infection, or whatever) and so it raises my temperature periodically to ward off anything that it might have been exposed to. If my temperature goes any higher than what it has been, or it persists for longer, then I will be straight on the phone to my OS. Here is a photo of my TTT wound.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on June 21, 2008, 01:39:31 PM: Quote from: kathat on June 21, 2008, 12:16:57 AM

Kirsty - I hope you are okay after your near miss in the car. Have you managed to get the pain under control yet? It's hard with multiple drug allergies. You must have some really BAD days!!! How did the hospital visit go? I will catch up on your diary again soon. I did read about your near miss, but no further. I have checked most threads fairly regularly, but haven't always posted due to feeling foggy and dopey and not up to formulating something positive or constructive to post.

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Sorry I haven't posted more, been really struggling since having my accident on Wednesday. Sounds like you are doing really well, which is just fantastic. Can't believe how small your scar is. It definitely looks a bit weepy. Do keep an eye on it.

My pain is still out of control, but not much I can do until I get in touch with my OS on Monday. I have his mobile number but don't want to ring him on the weekend. My own doctor is away for a couple of weeks which makes it really hard. I am seeing my shoulder physio on Tuesday and hoping he can get me in to see another doctor. I think I will try and make an appointment for Monday if I can. Am already on the cancellation lists of a couple of doctors. Currently it's about a 3 week wait to see someone else. If I can't get in to see one of them I will try and get in to see my old GP who is also a sports doctor.

I've also contacted my shoulder surgeon as I have been in agony with it. I had surgery on it last year. He won't be able to ring me back until Tuesday. Really hope he rings then. Just can't go on like this.

I thought it was a near miss, but discovered some damage to my car so she did hit me. The car is booked in for Wednesday to get repaired and will be ready to pick up on Friday.

Went back to the hospital last night as I was in agony. They gave me some sleeping tablets and a script for some more. Also suggested using some anti-inflammatory gel and going back to see my knee surgeon ASAP.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. :D
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 21, 2008, 03:59:28 PM: Yeah, it is small, isn't it?! It's all of about an inch long. The weepiness was from removing the Hypafix, which pulled a bit and started a bit of ooze. The fluid was haemoserous (serum and blood) with no sign of infection, so I am pretty happy. I wouldn't expect the wound to have totally healed so early so I am not surprised at the weeping. One of my scope wounds has a bit of weeping here and there too, and I remember it from the last scope also. It was a full 5 days before things really looked securely scabbed after last surgery, and it has only been 3 so far.

I hope you do okay over the weekend. What a set back the accident has been. How frustrating!! Back to the endless rounds of doctor's visits, medications and PT to see if things improve. Ugh :P Poor you!

Well, my left knee has been giving me grief today, now I am up a bit more. So I have two sore legs/knees!! The right (surgery one) still throbs constantly, and the blood rushes are consistent when I first stand up. The throb becomes worse with only a short time upright, so I still spend much of my time in bed with my feet up. My arms, shoulders, and wrists are starting to feel the effects of the crutches and other stresses I have put on them since surgery. Overall though, I feel better than what I did initially, and am coping better with things also.

Anyway, it's bedtime and I should try to sleep. Goodnight all.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on June 21, 2008, 04:18:37 PM: Wow, kathy, your incision looks great compared to my big 8" one! I looked like the bride of Frankenstein!! I usually find the 3 rd day post-op to be the hardest, pain wise. Since you are through that day, hopefully your pain will be better when you wake up. You amaze me girl, with what you are doing already!! Just don't overdo it, which I am sure you are prone to do!

Take Care and let your Family wait on you for a change!

Peg leg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on June 21, 2008, 05:00:10 PM: Wow Kathy, your incision is tiny I am so impressed. I hope the wound is ok and just look after yourself.
I am way impressed at you making an outing so early on. I think it took me more than a week as the first few days I was in so much pain I just lay in bed.
I am so proud of you but not surprised.....after all you are superwoman :)

Love and hugs
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lb573 on June 21, 2008, 11:27:34 PM: Hi Kathy!

You are my new hero! WOW! You are only a couple days post-op and already doing more as far as weight-bearing than i am at just over 10 weeks post-op. And your swelling/bruising is nearly non-existant...that is great!! Make sure to take it easy...you had a major surgery and your body needs time to heal...but you know all that ;) . How are you doing this weekend? Well i wish you all the very best!!

Leah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 22, 2008, 02:52:11 AM: Hi Guys,

Another good night's sleep. It must be just what my body needs, as it is willing to do so much of it!! I thought I'd struggle with sleeping like I did after my LRs, but having only one surgery leg this time has made a lot of difference to my ability to get comfortable despite the pain.

Joanne - the outing made my bed look like heaven when I got back home, and I really appreciated being able to rest! So it served to put things in perspective, as I was sick of my bed and fed up with my own company by then. You had a lot more done to the joint itself, which I imagine would add considerably to the pain levels you had. My knee feels great, all considering, and it's down the shin that most of the pain is.

Leah - I don't think it's anything I've done to keep the bruising and swelling so minimal. I've always been like that and never had big issues with swelling. I am just very grateful for it. I am certainly taking it easy. I lie on the bed in my sewing room, which is fairly central to the house, and I direct things from there!! I only get up to go to the loo or the kitchen, and for the occasional light chore (chuck in a load of washing or such). I have been out in the car twice, for short trips, when the kids have had to be taken somewhere, and I have migrated out to the lounge to watch a couple of DVDs with hubby.

Peg Leg - How did you manage to get an 8" incision? I must admit that I don't know how my OS managed to do anything through such a small incision, but 8" seems HUGE!! Or is it the length of both your TTT and your ACI incisions put together? I have found that the pain does seem to peak a bit AFTER the surgery and then settle some. I guess it peaks due to local and general anaesthetic wearing off (my OS infiltrates the joint and surgery site with local anaesthetic as he closes) and because you haven't yet worked out how to do things and you make painful mistakes!!!

I am still a bit concerned about my temperature. I am still running a low grade fever on and off. I will ring my OS office first thing tomorrow and ask for advice.

Hey you lot, don't make me a hero!!! I am only following my OS's protocol. I actually find it harder and more painful to hold my leg off the ground when I use my crutches than to put it down and weight-bear through it!! (I tried it once when I wanted to get somewhere quicker than I could "walk" - it didn't work as I'd hoped!). So maybe you lot who have to be NWB have it harder than I do! I am just wondering how long I should expect to be using crutches for. I know I am using them to catch me if my knee buckles, as if I don't have them to catch me then using muscles to stop the buckling could put too much stress on the TTT screw site. I am guessing that the "good quad control 0-90 (4-6 weeks)" is the phrase that says it all. I probably need that good quad control before they will release me from the crutches. And the TTT site would probably need to be healed too.

My bruising has started turning that nice dirty yellow colour!!! I have a patch over the TTT site, some down my shin, and some behind my knee ??? I took some pics, but the bruising doesn't really show up very well. If you want to see any of my photos, click on the link for them down below in my signature. I still have some to upload, but I am getting there, slowly. The recent ones include the ones of my incision, some I took last night to compare the two knees, and the ones of the bruising. I must try to put captions on them, to say when after surgery they all were taken.

Well, must go. My body is trying to tell me it's sleep time again. Honestly, I feel like I do nothing but sleep!!

Bye for now,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on June 22, 2008, 03:09:07 AM: Kathy, it sounds like you are doing so well! I can't believe how you can get around so well already also. I hope the pain is either not there or bearable. I really hope this surgery is it for you with that knee!! Good luck! I hope your fever gets better or gets treated!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on June 22, 2008, 12:43:23 PM: Hi Kathy, Just got caught up on your history and progress. Wow, you're setting the bar pretty high for all of us. Awesome progress. You're cruising. Keep it up!

Your new facebook friend,

Lenore
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 22, 2008, 01:29:37 PM: Hey Lenore,

I just replied to you on Facebook and then came to check your diary, only to find you had posted here. I don't know about setting the bar high - as I have said before, I am only following my post-op protocol, and the sports clinic I go to is pretty aggressive with their protocols. I am surprised they even told me to use crutches, as a matter of fact, though it makes sense to have them, especially without a brace for support. I would be pretty screwed if I tripped, or my knee buckled, and I had nothing to catch me except for my surgery knee :P

Well, I am off to bed. It's 10pm here. So far I have been sleeping okay, as my body wants to do nothing but sleep, and the pain killers play their part too. I hope things continue that way. I don't normally sleep well as I work night shift, so I am enjoying the novelty of it ;D

Goodnight everyone!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on June 22, 2008, 02:07:56 PM: My OS was aggressive about rehab (I started PT the day after surgery) but I remember him saying "this immobilizer brace is your friend" and he wasn't kidding. I fell 3 days postop and put full weight on my surgery leg. Came crashing down to the floor. Can't imagine what I would have done to it without a brace on. Phew! Just be very careful.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on June 22, 2008, 09:12:31 PM: kathy,

It's great that you are able to sleep. So many on here can't sleep well after surgery; i didn't for 4 weeks, when my brace could come off at night! As for my impressive scar, i guess I'm just lucky (not!!!)! My TTT scar was cut along the same line as my ACI, but it's longer on both ends than the original. I had a LR along with some patella shaving and chondroplasty. Since the patella has been a real source of trouble, he cut me higher to make sure he could reach it properly. I told him not to worry about a few more staples, just make sure he gets it done this time!!! He took me at my word! I''ll attach my picture; maybe that will make you feel better!!

Take Good Care! Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 23, 2008, 12:05:49 AM: Ow, ow, ow, ow ow!! I am SO glad mine isn't THAT long!!! And I am glad I didn't get staples! I can't even begin to imagine how they must feel coming out. Just the thought of it makes me cringe - my imagination is MUCH worse than reality!!

I am feeling crappy today. I got up and within minutes I had broken out into a sweat and felt light-headed and nauseous. I had to go back to bed and lie down. My morning was spent doing things in very small stages. I think I may be a touch dehydrated, and the pain killers would probably have dropped my BP already, so things have gone haywire. As long as I'm in bed I feel fine. I think it's time to cut right back on the pain killers :( and drink plenty of water. In the meantime, I am going to go back to sleep!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on June 23, 2008, 01:44:12 AM: Now THAT is what I call an incision Peg. Ouch!

Sorry to hear you're feeling crappy today Kathy. Sounds like a drug reaction for sure. Yuck! Hope you're able to sleep and wake up feeling better.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on June 23, 2008, 02:50:27 AM: Just call me "Bride of Frankenstein"!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 23, 2008, 04:29:26 AM: So much for keeping my fluids up - I have just slept nearly four hours of the day away!!! I don't know if the BP issue is still there, as I have only gone to the fridge and back since I woke up. I don't think it'll go away THAT quickly though. Blah!! I feel like I do after having gastro - flat, washed, out and unable to stand on my feet for long. My temperature seems to have settled down though, so something is going right.

My bruises have turned an even more disgusting colour of dirty yellow and cover more of my leg. Gross!! I am uploading photos onto Facebook as I write for those who want to see them ;D

The leg actually feels pretty good today. The throbbing has died down to a more manageable level when I am resting, though the blood rushes when I stand up are very uncomfortable, and movement still causes stabbing pains and throbbing in my TTT site. Passive flexion feels tight and pulls at the TTT area, but I am getting close to 90 when I have pain relief on board. Not real comfortable though :P Quad contractions are really hard. I have trouble making the quads engage with some control. They tend to avoid doing the work, and then jump in suddenly with a bit of effort that hurts the TTT site. It's hard to ease into a gentle contraction. I am only allowed to do the quad exercise where I have a small towel under my ankle, with a straight leg, and then push the back of my knee down towards the bed. I don't feel I am using my quads fully most of the time.

I am hanging out for a shower, but I don't want to do it while I am home alone, seeing as my BP is playing up. How annoying. I guess I'll have to find something else to do :(

I hope you all had a good weekend. Bye for now.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on June 23, 2008, 09:11:58 AM: oh my god!!!!!!!!!
Kathy!!! thats like the tiniest incision Ive ever seen!!!
Peg Leg - I am also Bride of Frankenstein, in fact my TTT scar is 20 years old and Ive grown bone over my screw so I have got FrankenLeg :)

Youre doing really well Kathy - you must be so pleased? Im thrilled for you - all signs are positive so far!!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 23, 2008, 10:51:36 AM: Hey Tanya,

I am certainly happy that the surgical recovery is going fairly smoothly. I just hope it has a good result when it comes to reducing the aching in that knee. The pictures from inside look like a cave, with all the stalagtites hanging from the roof!!! The OS has written "significant chondral wear". I can't wait to ask him how much has changed since last surgery (in Sept 07). It's worrying that there was a reasonable amount of wear (I could see from the pics) that has happened while I have been under restrictions and trying not to irritate my knee. I hate to think of where I'd be at if I hadn't seen my OS when I did last year.

I am feeling much better than I did this morning. I ended up having a shower (very carefully) and I had yet more sleep (will this tiredness ever end?!). The throbbing got worse as the day wore on, so I gave in and took a pain killer. So far so good. I don't feel anywhere near as bad as I did this morning.

I'd love to get out of the house for a while, but I HATE the car trips, and I don't want to run my neighbour ragged, as she is already driving my kids to school and back every day.

I had an explosion today!! The laxatives I have been taking FINALLY got with the game and worked - BIG TIME!!! Boy did I feel lighter afterwards ;D Constipation must be the WORST side effect ever from pain killers. Blah!!

I am going to try and scan my arthroscope photos. I am not really up to date with scanning, so goodness knows how I'll go, but it'll waste some time - I certainly have plenty to spare at the moment!!

Take care all.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 25, 2008, 01:21:30 AM: Hi Everyone,

I had a non-internet day yesterday. I was using my laptop to burn some discs, so didn't go online or check emails or anything for most of the day. I read, and watched some movies.

The sleeping all the time seems to be over, and now I am having trouble sleeping. My shin burns all night and the numb patch sometimes feels like it has wetness running over it. To top it all off I had "one of those days" yesterday - I trod on the cat and the resulting automatic reaction on my behalf caused PAIN!! Then my daughter kicked me (on my surgery leg of course) during a temper tantrum. BIG OWIEE!! Thankfully it was toward my ankle, so no damage was done, just pain!! Boy, did she get a telling off!! Then I find out that the discs I had burned hadn't worked and I had wasted a pile of DVDs :( I still don't know what the problem is, because I am doing nothing different to what I have done before. Then I got an invitation to go out with some friends, but it involves an hour in the car through the hills - too painful to do just yet :'( Then we ran out of margarine, and I couldn't go and get any more, so no toast or sandwiches for me :( My period is due (need I say more!). And my son is sick with a head cold, which I know I will get, because I always do :P And then I go online this morning and find out Joanne was admitted to hospital for IV antibiotics :'( Aaaaaarrrggghhh!!!! What a day!!!!

Sorry, I had to get it all off my chest. My leg hurt all night, and hurt even worse when I got up this morning, and I am not feeling very cheery today. Maybe I should leave things here and come back when I am feeling better. I'll think of something positive to write first.....

I managed to put the kids washing away yesterday.
I am enjoying the book I am reading.
My neighbour is getting me some margarine, so I can have toast or a sandwich later.
Only one more week to go until I see my OS - one week has already passed since surgery!!
My daughter's dance concert is this weekend.

Okay, time to go.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on June 25, 2008, 02:08:41 AM: Welcome to the manic moods of knee surgery Kathy. Wow, you sure have a bunch to be moody about today. Hope you are able to get some sleep and tomorrow is a better day.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 25, 2008, 02:25:37 AM: Hey, I have today to get through yet!! It's still morning here ;D

Actually, I am feeling a little better now. Getting everything off my chest has helped. I am looking forward to a shower today (I brave the shower every second day at the moment), and I am going to read some more of my book and just chill out (like I can do anything else LOL!! ;) ). Chocolate biscuits are sounding good. I have a stash I put away before surgery - they're bound to perk up my mood ;D

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on June 25, 2008, 09:29:50 AM: Well I dont know about you guys but Im loving pre-menstrual, post-op Kathy!!! Youre so NORMAL!!!!!!!!!!
even when youre pee-d off your posts make me laugh - poor cat, stop standing on the animals!!! And poor kids, terror mom when she gets her leg kicked (just think how the cat felt :)!!!!!

Well Kathy, it sounds like youre doing really well! When you have the energy to get annoyed with life its a good sign, all that sleeping you were doing was good for you, like stashing choccie biccies, you were saving up energy!!!

Im sick of my leg - anyone wanna take it on for a while?
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on June 25, 2008, 11:56:46 AM: Hi Kathy,

What you're experiencing right now is all very normal after knee surgery. I was feeling so crap for the first few weeks. Once I started back at work I felt so much better.

Just want to thank you for all your support, especially over the last week. My pain is more under control but still pretty sore.

I have posted a long message on my diary.

Hope you are feeling a bit better. :D
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 25, 2008, 02:32:20 PM: Hey, do you know what?! That shower I was looking forward to......well.....just as I put the shampoo through my hair the water went COLD!!!!! :o Just to top off my day :P There had been a burst water main nearby, as I found out later, and something must have affected our hot water somehow (water pressure, gas delivery issues due to the water main problems, who knows?!). Everyone else in the family got hot showers today. Not fair!! I had to rinse off in freezing water. It's winter here guys!! Anyone know how cold the water can get in winter?!! Brrrrr!! At least it would have done my surgery leg some good ::) And at least I am not in a country that has snow and ice in winter. Now THAT would have been a cold shower!!

Anyway, I have solved my disc burning problem (after wasting 10 DVDs >:( ), and I got my margarine eventually (when I no longer felt like toast ::) ). So my day DID get better. Actually, it started getting better once I posted here, and then I had a cuppa and some chocolate biscuits....and a cold shower LOL!!

I am off to bed, so I can start afresh tomorrow. Goodnight all :D

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on June 26, 2008, 12:10:07 AM: Tanya, I was just thinking the same thing!!!!! ;D ;D Our Kathy is normal after all!! So sorry, you're having a tough go of it, hopefully you will be a new woman when you wake up! Just imagine how bad things would have been without chocolate!!! ::)
I still think you're are getting along just super, Kathy! You are doing far more than I was at a week out. Good thing it's not summer, there, or you might be out mowing the grass on one crutch!!

Take Care and take it easy!

Peg

P.S. What Book are you reading that is so good?
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lb573 on June 26, 2008, 01:00:27 AM: Hi Kathy!

I agree that what you are experiencing is totally normal...i think my mom was ready to boot me out after the first few days post-op (after i was no longer high on the painkillers...lol). I got a wee bit cranky! Chocolate is a wonderful thing...i had a bag of cadbury mini eggs from easter (the biggest bag you have ever seen!) and i had that sitting beside me on the couch the first couple weeks post-op...nothing better when you are in pain and cranky!
Sounds like you are doing absolutely fantastic! When i had the TTT on my L knee a couple years ago, the day i was all pumped to go in the shower for the first time post-op, and i had just gotten in there and was about to turn on the water, when my mom came and yelled through the door for me to stop. Turns out there was a main break and the city had just turned off the water and were thinking it wouldn't be on until the next day...i was not impressed. All the effort of crawling into the shower just to be told it wouldn't happen...
I hope you have a great weekend and keep up the good work!!

Leah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on June 26, 2008, 04:11:28 AM: kathy
just a quick post as I'm not sure I make sense I am so full of drips.
hope you are ok and I am thinking of you
love and hugs
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on June 26, 2008, 10:00:37 AM: Hi Kathy,
what book are you reading?

poor you and your shower horrors - theyre always bloody doing work on my water mains, i come home from work, do PT, amd fainitly sweaty and smelly and off i go to shower to be greeted by a sucking noise and no water - it drives me mad!!!

So how is today going for you? Are you out chopping wood and mowing lawns yet? No doubt you will be in the next few days!!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 26, 2008, 04:08:46 PM: Hi Guys,

DON'T talk to me about mowing the lawn!!! Our's is so long that I get stuck crutching through it!!!! I wish hubby would hurry up and mow it, so I don't have to take the long way to the front door. If he doesn't hurry up then I might just be tempted to try mowing it myself ;)

I am reading "Belgarath the Sorcerer" by David and Leigh Eddings. It's a library book and is due back next week, so I want to finish it quickly. I read the Belgariad and the Mallorean, both five book series by the same writers, when I was younger, but I never knew that follow-up books existed until recently. I'm enjoying it.

I got out for a bit tonight. It was only to a committee meeting, and I wasn't going to go as I hate asking others to drive me everywhere, but a friend insisted she come and get me and bring me home. It was good to get out of the house, though getting in and out of cars is still a slow and painful exercise, and sitting in a car isn't very comfy either.

Recovery wise I am doing okay. I can get to 90 degrees passive flexion some of the time (after elevating to reduce swelling and taking pain killers). My quad contractions are getting a bit more reliable, though I am still a long way off straight leg raises. I have lovely yellow and grey bruises down my leg but the swelling is now confined to the knee and just below it (at the TTT level), rather than almost to my ankle. I still wear the tubigrip though - I think that if I didn't then I would have more swelling down my leg, as I notice I get a bit of puffiness there after I've had the tubigrip off (to shower for instance). Overall the swelling and bruising isn't as bad as I've seen on patients at work and in photos here, so I am happy with that. I really don't swell or bruise easily at the best of times, which is to my advantage at times like this. I have a numb patch that is irritating, because it is super sensitive, and sometimes itches or feels like it has water running over it. I have pain in all sorts of places on my knee and lower leg, which I guess will settle down as time passes. The worst thing is that my left leg (non-surgery one) is groaning at the work it has to do, and a couple of times it has hurt me more to walk on my left leg than on my right :P

Tanya - I am hoping that I get a hot shower tomorrow. Otherwise there'll be hell to pay - and I've got PMT on my side ;D

Joanne - I hope you're doing okay and that you get home soon. Thinking of you too :-*

Leah - Oh man!! I would have died if that had happened to me when I braved my first shower!! Getting that first one out of the way is a big hurdle, and to have it interrupted would have been torture :P

Peg - I don't even want to think about how things would be with no chocolate. Mum bought me these mini chocolate covered chewy lolly frogs (I think you call them "jellies", or jubes, or something similar). Yummy!! I scoffed the lot in one go - chocolate and sugar rush all in one hit ;D

I think I am doing well because I haven't been given the chance to lose much ROM and strength due to the aggressive protocol my OS and his team follows. It certainly seems to be a good thing so far. And maybe all those SLRs before surgery actually DID do something for my quads, even though I didn't feel like they did. I just hope that there aren't any complications - I am sure that other surgeons stay with more conservative protocols for a reason. I don't want to be the one to prove they're right in their beliefs!

Anyway, it's past midnight here, so I'd better get to bed. Not that I expect to sleep. I think I've used up all my sleep quota after surgery, and now I have to suffer restless nights :P Oh well. I can lie there and daydream of driving and shopping and walking properly ::) Goodnight!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 28, 2008, 01:25:22 PM: Hi Everyone,

I am looking forward to my OS appointment next week. I REALLY want some clarification about what is in store for me with my rehab. I was sent a copy of my surgery summary, and it says "early physio" and "she will be allowed to mobilise weight-bearing as tolerated. If she does not have leg control, she will need crutches and an extension splint until she has leg control". The good bit was that my patella was shown to be tracking better following the TTT. I just hope it is tracking over good healthy cartilage now. Anyway, I am curious as to what early PT means, and also about what leg control I need to be able to walk crutch free. I don't feel I have much leg control - I can keep it straight when walking, but that's as far as it goes. I certainly can't use my quads to do much else, even step out with that leg. I rely on momentum and my hip muscles to help swing it forward when I walk. I also don't know what I'd be able to do at PT if I went at this stage in time, though I am certainly eager to get started with it.

I went shopping yesterday. A friend took me and did most of the work while I carried my grocery list and bossed her around ;) It felt so good to get out of the house. When I got home it was so nice to put my feet up and ice my TTT site. I have since come out in some more bruises, which look fresh, so I think I may have overdone it a bit ::) My daughter had dance rehearsal today, so I sat on the floor so I could keep my leg out (rather than dangling down). It was a long three hours!! Her concert is tomorrow and I want to try and take my ice packs, as I don't think I'll be able to sit with my leg up much at all.

Anyway, I'm exhausted, so I am off to bed. Goodnight all :D

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on June 28, 2008, 08:58:07 PM: Hi Kathy, that's great that you could get out!! I remember the week of my surgery, I begged my husband to take me for a car ride or to a fast food restaurant every night!!

As for starting PT early, I started 2 days after surgery. I started working on quad control and SLRs with assistance. I also worked on ROM. It was nice to start working on that stuff so early and for the first month, I was doing great until I started more difficult stuff...then the pain that I have now started! Anyway, I hope you feel better from your shopping trip! I am in South Carolina visiting my husband's grandparents for the weekend. It is a 3hr drive away :(

Later then!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on June 28, 2008, 10:14:41 PM: Kathy,

I cannot believe how much you are doing so soon after surgery!! I was still so drugged feeling one week after; the anesthesia really does a number on my body. But, even if it didn't, I did not feel up to going like you are. You go girl!!! I looked at your bruises on Face Book; pretty darn impressive!! I had almost no bruising which really surprised me, because I did have quite alot after ACI surgery. Enjoy your weekend and let us know what the doc says next week!!

Slow Down Some (remember, you can get some pampering out of this thing!! 8) 8))

Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on June 29, 2008, 01:19:38 AM: Hi Kathy,

Glad you were able to get out of the house to do some shopping. That is a great effort !!!

I can't wait to see what your OS says. What day do you see him ? I see mine on Wednesday. Can't wait to see what he says.

If you started physio they'd probably just do some gentle massage so you don't get a build up of scar tissue. I can't do much either yet. Mainly just doing static quads and bending which is a waste of time now. Had to stop the other exercise he gave me as it was too painful and grinding after I had my accident.

Have a good Sunday !!! :D
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on June 29, 2008, 12:38:24 PM: Hi All,

Just got home from my daughter's dance concert and boy did it feel good to put my leg up and get ice on it!!! I wasn't on it much, but just sitting with it down was enough to cause it to throb after a while. It's not easy to get comfy in a theatre with your leg stuck out in the aisle and half off the edge of a step. But it was worth it ;D I love watching my Lycra-clad baby wiggle her scrawny litle butt ;D She loves every minute of it and it shows!!

Kirsty - I see my OS on Wednesday too. Static quads and passive flexion is all I am doing exercise-wise at the moment. I am really eager to see my OS. I'll have to start a question list, as they are mounting up. I hope your OS appointment goes okay and that your knee just needs some time to settle.

Peg - I think the bruises are pretty groovy too 8) There seems to be more every time I look!! I don't think I'd be doing so much if I had an incision like yours. I don't blame you for not feeling up to much for a while after your surgery. I don't really feel like doing lots, but I HAD to do some shopping, and I couldn't miss my baby dance. I was pretty much a wreck today. It was too long and too much and I lost the plot for a bit there when I got stuck halfway out the car :( I am feeling fairly fragile now, so nobody better look the wrong way at me, or I might explode :o

Farrah - Yeah, it felt real good to be let out of the house ;D I must admit that I am now ready to settle into bed and go into hibernation for the week!! My hands and arms hurt, my surgery leg hurts, my good knee aches, and I am getting a tension headache! But it has been nice to feel a bit more normal again. Though I got a bit sick of the questions :P A sign on my forehead was getting tempting ;)

I have my hubby home on leave this week, which is good and bad. He wants to do things together, which means it could be a busy week. The kids have their school concerts on Monday and Wednesday nights, and we have a Scout sleep over on Friday night. I also have my OS appointment on Wednesday. I also want to go with hubby to school a couple of times, to catch up with friends and the kids' teachers and arrange school t-shirts for the kids. So, it is shaping up to be a potentially hectic time. Or it could turn out very relaxing if I play my cards right ;) Some DVDs and chocolate could make for a lovely day or two ;D

Anyway, I'd better go and have some food, or my pain killers will give me heartburn :P Goodnight all.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: WorkinWings on June 29, 2008, 01:03:47 PM: Hi Kathy!!! Hello All!!

As I've said elsewhere, I've had my head stuck in my [email protected]#&$% for the past week or so, and am now totally behind on everyone's latest developments--sorry! Will try to catch up ASAP...

For now, I just wanted to let you guys know I have been very, very happy to be able to post some information that I think will be very helpful to everyone! I hope you guys will take as much advantage of this amazing resource as I have in the last few months! Please check this post of mine (I don't think you'll regret it! ;D ;D ;D):

http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?topic=42925.msg381510#msg381510

Best, best wishes to everyone,

Angela 8)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 01, 2008, 06:08:47 AM: Hi Everyone,

Not much to report, but I'll give it a go anyway.

I have hit a flat spot, it seems, as I have slept almost around the clock for two days in a row now. I don't know if it's the weekend catching up with me, the pain killers, or maybe I haven't been sleeping any good quality sleep for a while. Who knows?! All I know is that I feel tired all the time and doing anything is a struggle. I hope it passes!

The bruising has come out even more, and has appeared on my foot too. Ick!! I don't have much swelling now - just around the TTT site is all that's left, though the knee and surrounding area puffs up a bit after I've been on my feet. Flexion hasn't improved much - I can get to 90, though still not consistently yet. I have gone a bit beyond 90 a couple of times but it's not very comfortable and sets off throbbing pain that takes a while to subside. Thank goodness for ice packs and pain killers!!

I have a reddish patch on my lower leg that I am keeping an eye on, as it's painful to touch and hasn't turned into a bruise like all the other similar patches did. I will mention it to my OS tomorrow at my appointment.

So that's the boring details of my last couple of days! Hopefully I'll have more to report after my OS appointment tomorrow (Wed).

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on July 01, 2008, 10:10:23 AM: Hi Kathy,
I read your post, then I re read you post - then it hit me why I was staring at the screen with my mouth agape - 90 degrees so soon after a TTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Moly!!!!!!! Thats amazing!!! Well done you, I dont know what it is your doing, but its all good!!!
The sleeping thing is just the body wanting space and time to heal. Its a good sign so long as its not prolonged over too long a period of time, but its really just your body doing what it needs to do to get better.
Definitely discuss the patch that concerns you with your OS.
Hope your OS appointment goes well, be looking forward to hearing the outcome of that!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 01, 2008, 10:31:57 AM: Hello Kathy, I hope your apt goes well tomorrow!! I will definitely check in for an update.

90 is great, Kathy! Keep up the good work!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: synlupri on July 01, 2008, 07:08:08 PM: Kathy,

Did you say 90 degrees? As in NINE ZERO? Um, hello??? Do you realize how unbelievable awesome that is? I'm struggling to get 70 without absolute agony and your at 90 just a few days after surgery. WOW!!! Good for you. I hope the rest of your recovery goes as well as that.

when you say sleeping round the clock, is that in intervals or in a row? Because I'm barely getting 3 - 4 hours a night and I force myself not to sleep during the day. So again, you are ahead of the game.

Yeah the swelling is swell ain't it? LOL My boyfriend is a martial artist (3rd degree blackbelt) and they have this secret concoction that they make out of herbs and stuff. anyway, the use it after their workouts and it keeps the bruising to a bare minimum and let me tell you they beat the holy heck out of each other when sparring. The second week PO for me I asked him if we could try it on my lower leg because it looked like an eggplant. He said sure, and did his magical hand clapping thing and then rubbed them together and poured the solution on my leg and rubbed it it. The VERY next day, the swelling and bruising was down 1/2. Even my home nurse couldn't believe it. She wanted to know what was in it, but unfortunatley, its ancient chinese secret blackbelt stuff, so us commoners aren't allowed to know it. LOL Its good to be a girlfriend of one of these blackbelts. You definitely get some fringe benefits like this. LOL ;)

Hugs and Happiness,
Syn
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 01, 2008, 08:43:45 PM: Sleeping round the clock is just your body catching up to all the abuse it took in surgery. You'll bounce back just fine. Congrats on the 90 degrees. That is great!

Syn, I want some of that magic blackbelt voodoo concoction. Maybe my TKD instructor knows about it.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 01, 2008, 09:04:46 PM: Kathy,

Sleeping around the clock is also a sign from your body to slow down and give yourself time to heal!!! I am always knocked for a loop by the anesthesia and it takes me weeks to get over that sluggish feeling. Be kind to yourself, my friend! Let your hubby do some of the running next week, it will be good for him! Chocolate and dvd's are a good thing right now!! I also had a red patch on my leg and my PT drew a line around it to watch that it didn't spread. Turned out to be nothing at all! Good luck tomorrow at the doc.

Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 02, 2008, 02:15:41 AM: Hi Guys,

I realise that 90 degrees is pretty good, but don't forget that I haven't been put in a splint and have been allowed full ROM since surgery, so I haven't had time to stiffen up! I am happy to have reached 90 degrees though - there seems to be something special about reaching 90. By the way, today is two weeks since surgery!!

Syn - I reckon there would be a huge market for that "bruise balm". I'd love to be able to make mine magically vanish! As for sleeping - I sleep from midnight until 7am, then go back to bed at 8.30am and sleep till lunch time, and sometmes I doze off again in the late afternoon. Thankfully today I didn't sleep quite so long so I can actually DO something! While it's nice to sleep, it's frustrating when it takes over your life!!

Peg - I haven't been doing much this week, as I have been busy sleeping!! My red patch isn't doing much, so I think it's nothing to worry about, but I am watching it anyway.

Now, girls, I am in a pickle - I have to see my OS today and my legs are a virtual forrest!!!! How do I shave without accidently hacking off the ends of my stitches?! Hmmm.....maybe I'll have to tape them up....I'll just have to put up with little hairy patches where I put the tape ::) Oh well, they'll match the little hairy patch around my incision where I can't shave due to the dressing ;D

Anyway, I'll catch you all after my appointment - it's at 4pm, and it's now 10.45am, so a while to wait still. Bye for now.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 02, 2008, 01:38:12 PM: Hi All,

Well, what a day!! My laptop bit the dust and I have spent all afternoon trying to get it going again without the screen going stupid on me, which I think I have managed. Then we went to gett he kids from school and my son was ages coming out (on the day I was in a rush to get somewhere!!), then we drove straight to the OS clinic, getting there with 5min to spare, only to have to wait an hour and a half before being seen!!!!! I was glad I told hubby to take the kids out for tea while I was there. My son left his choir uniform at school, and he was supposed to wear it to the concert tonight, so we had to try to get back to school in time to get the classroom unlocked and get his uniform so he could get changed before the concert (which was at school, thankfully). In the meantime, I got very hungry, because I hadn't had time to eat!!

Anyway, back to the OS appointment. I got the long stitch taken out (what an experience that was :P ) and he was really proud of the incision. I got told things were going really well and he was pleased with my progress, and that the knee is tracking much better. He estimates that the 6 week mark will be when I will return to driving and work, and this is when he reminded me that I have had major surgery and recovery will take time. I get to start PT as soon as I can get an appointment (which I got for next Tuesday). The crutches go once I get good leg/quad control. I am eager to see my PT and see what he has to say about it all, and to get started on some exercises,.....and to feast my eyes on him ;D What a hunk!! ;)

I forgot to ask about the damage to the back of the patella!! I didn't even have it on my list of questions to ask :( How silly of me. I completely forgot all about it. I better remember for next time. I am curious about how much worse it has become - hopefully not a lot!

Oh well, time to catch up on everyone's threads, seeing as my laptop wouldn't let me do much of it earlier. And time for a cuppa! Bye!

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 02, 2008, 03:00:03 PM: Sounds like a rough start but good OS visit Kat. Glad to hear it. And a hunky PT guy too? Hmmm...sounds like you will have to do therapy for a very looooonnnng time. LOL
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on July 02, 2008, 04:01:44 PM: darn, I tried to post a reply and somehow lost it!!!

Anyway - Kathy did you REALLY have a TTT???? Come on now - fess up!!! Driving and working in 6 weeks? Thats a Tee Hee Hee not a TTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You must be thrilled, what a fantastic OS visit and just to add more joy you get to go back to hunky PT on Tuesday - I mean really, youre just bragging now!!! My PT is not remotely hunky, she is a tiny woman in her 50s, think personality of a Jolly Hockey Sticks PE teacher in the body of a tiny older lady and you got it!!

Im so glad it all went so well for you - brilliant news!!!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 02, 2008, 05:23:48 PM: Kathy, sounds like a great apt!! I can't believe how great you are doing!! Are you in pain much? You don't seem to complain about it too much. I am so happy for you. Does he think that this will be the end of your problems for now? I know there wasn't too much certainty that this was the final answer. I know you are in for a TKR some time in your life b/c of the defect behind your knee cap. I have one of those too!

Anyway, keep up the good work, kathy!! Don't drool too much at PT!!!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 03, 2008, 01:23:56 AM: HeHeHe....just imagining me rocking up every day at PT and wearing a bib to catch the drool ;D

Farrah - I do still have pain. It's the horrible sort where I don't really need pain killers most of the time, but I can't get comfy either. Certain movements cause pulling and pinching pains, and it still throbs at times. Getting comfy in a seat is difficult, as my butt goes numb from sitting with my weight shifted to one side so I can keep my leg straight, and my leg doesn't like it either and starts to play up. I think things will get easier as I get more flexion and as it feels less stretchy and ickky to flex. Overall I am not too uncomfortable, but not very comfortable either, and I still take strong pain killers before bed, and when I am in and out of the car or have to sit (like at the kids' concert) for a while. I need them just as much for my left knee (which is playing up) as for my right!! I don't know what the OS thinks about the surgery being effective. The patella tracks better, but whether it's enough to ease some of the aching remains to be seen. I think only time will tell. I certainly won't know anything until I start bending my knee more, as that's where the problem lies (the motion of the patella irritating my defect there). I hope that it DOES work and that it works for a long time!! I don't want to think about what's in my future if it doesn't work :(

Tanya - 6 weeks is just what my OS said, and I have learnt to take what he says in that respect with a pinch of salt. If I am only just driving at 6 weeks, then I don't imagine I will be up to working at the same stage! Though I guess if I can plant my foot hard and heavy on the brake then I can cope with what work throws at me.

Lenore - There's no reason to have surgery other than to see a hunky PT afterwards, is there?!!! ;D Eye candy is the best medicine ;) He's actually married with 5 kids, but he cycles lots and has the body to show for it, and he's got a great personality to go with it (though he can be a bit like the energiser bunny of optimism sometimes!!). It also helps that he's good at his job too ;)

Well, I had better see if I can fix my laptop problem. I have it running in safe mode at the moment - as soon as I start normal windows, the problems start again :'( Wish me luck!!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Robin M. on July 03, 2008, 01:48:36 AM: Hi Kathy,

Good to hear that your OS appt. went well. Now the real work begins-PT. Atleast you have a hunky PT to look at! LOL Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and hope your recovery continues to go well. Take care.

Robin
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 03, 2008, 02:03:06 AM: Hi Kathy, sorry you are still uncomfortable, but as you know, that will get better as the days/weeks progress. I Hope PT is easy for you!! GOod luck!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 03, 2008, 05:15:40 AM: Hey Robin!!! So good to hear from you. I miss our chats heaps. Hope you're doing better and that things are looking up. Keep in touch. Take care. (((((HUGS))))))

Kathy xxx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on July 03, 2008, 06:44:19 AM: Hi Kathy,

Sorry I have been MIA for a couple of days. Been really struggling, but starting to feel a bit better.

What a day you had yesterday ! Can't believe you had to wait so long to see your OS yesterday. I had to wait about half an hour to see mine, which wasn't too bad.

I'm so pleased your appointment went well. Like you I take what my OS says with a grain of salt. He told me the recovery would be 6 weeks, but it's 6 weeks today and still on crutches !!! Urrgghhh ! Maybe he just meant for me to be walking again. I don't really know. My appointment went really well with my OS yesterday. Really put my mind at ease.

I hope physio goes well on Tuesday. My next appointment is next Thursday.

Have a good weekend !!! :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 03, 2008, 08:03:03 AM: Hi Kirsty,

I never know what they mean by the word "recovery". I try to ask about specifics like driving or work, though even that can be a stab in the dark, as I was told 10 days off work for my LRs but I was only barely ready to return to work 4 weeks later! The OS also doesn't see his patients until two weeks PO anyway, so he wouldn't have been able to release me back to work until at least then to start with! I was lucky I planned the surgery before annual leave and had some time up my sleeve to recover. Now I know the system a little better so I have found it easier to deal with this time around. I planned 3 weeks sick leave followed by long service, so I don't have to worry about contacting work after every OS visit. I can just relax and wait until my 6 week visit before I have to think about work.

I am wondering if somebody stuffed up my time for the visit yesterday, as people who came after me were seen before me, and I got there 5 min before my scheduled time. I bet things got mixed up somewhere, as I have never had to wait so long before, even when he has been caught up in surgery. I was getting very uncomfortable from sitting, and was nearly in tears by the time I went in. I was just SO stressed out about so many things, and being made to wait so long was the last straw!!

I am really looking forward to seeing my PT again. He's good at keeping me going emotionally as well as physically. The only problem is the stress of organising somebody to take me there and home again, and what to do with the kids too, as they are on school holidays then. I hope my mother-in-law will take me, as I have done LOTS for her (she hates going somewhere that she is unfamiliar with, and has conned me into going with her on many occasions).

Hubby has rung me to say he has driven into the back of someone today!! Like we need another complication in our lives >:( I am on base salary, as I don't get penalty rates while I am on sick leave or long service leave, so money is tight enough without having to pay an insurance excess too. Thankfully nobody was injured. I think I am having a bad luck streak in the rest of my life to make up for things going so well for my knee!! Hmmpphh! ::)

I think I'll try a soak in the bath tonight, now I don't have stitches and the swelling has gone right down. That might cheer me up ;D I hope I can get out though ::)

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 03, 2008, 12:30:00 PM: Ugh! I am having one of "those" evenings. My leg aches, from knee to foot, and I just cannot get comfortable. I guess this is what I should expect to happen when things start feeling better and I get a bit too enthusiastic with flexion and quad exercises ::) That'll teach me!! Now I don't know what to do about pain relief. I could take some now and then be unable to take some until 1am, or I could suffer for a couple of hours until bed time and then take the pain killers. I think I'll take some now, and then again at 1am if I am awake. If I'm not, then it won't matter.

My laptop is still playing up. I think it may be overheating due to being on a lot and being propped on the quilt on my lap. I am trying to keep it on the table by my bed to see if it helps. So far, so good.

I haven't braved the bath yet. I am not sure if I'm game to! I don't want to get stuck, or have a fall. Oh well. Maybe another day.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: JoniF on July 03, 2008, 02:45:12 PM: Hi Kathy,

Sorry to hear about your husband's accident. Happy that no one was injured. Hope you're feeling better and sending you some (((HUGS))).

Take care,
Joni
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 03, 2008, 02:59:36 PM: Poop!! Just typed a reply and sent it to the void by mistake ::)

Hi Joni,

Thanks for the hugs - they were much appreciated. It's amazing that we never get used to having those "down" moments or days, despite them being a regular part of our lives. Chocolate and pain killers helped improve my mood ;D And so did an argument with hubby - we both got a lot off our chests and cleared the air. Now I am about to get ready for bed and hopefully have a decent night of sleep. I hope things are going okay for you. Take care.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 03, 2008, 03:06:21 PM: Hmmm..I like the idea of chocolate but painkillers and fighting with the hubby are not a good thing (although sometimes necessary). It's good you are able to work through the issues and go on. I think if we didn't have those "down" days we wouldn't appreciate the up days so much. A cliche I know but it works for me. Hope today is an up day!!! ;D
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 03, 2008, 03:18:45 PM: Well, pain killers helped jump on the nagging throb that had set up house in my leg, and the fight with hubby helped clear the air, so they were a good thing too (hubby has been whining all week about driving me everywhere and it just got too much and I snapped at him - he didn't mean it the way it sounded but I didn't know that!). And if you wait 20 minutes before wishing me a better today, then I'd be happy - it's nearly midnight and wishing me an "up day" for today just as it's ending is sort of a waste of a wish ;D ;D ;D

Anyway, I like the quote. It's certainly true that the down days help us appreciate the better days.

Have a good one!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 03, 2008, 03:56:01 PM: Have been having a fiddle with my pics and have managed to find a halfway decent photo of me that I could crop enough to post here. And it's recent too (April this year). So I thought I'd post it for you all to see, as others have done the same and I appreciate it.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: friendsfan on July 03, 2008, 04:42:31 PM: Hi I hope you dont mind me joing your thread, your doing great Kathy, I had a arthroscopy and TTT last thursday 26th June, and Im in a full leg cast for 6 weeks. Im on morphine for the pain as its just agonising, I feel lke a wuss reading your recovery, compared to mine...but we are all different, hope it continues to go well for you.

faye
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lb573 on July 03, 2008, 11:25:21 PM: Hey Kathy,

First off i am sorry to hear about the car accident, but it's great that there were no injuries! Are you having to deal with all of the 'fun' insurance crap? I was in a car accident a couple years ago, and i very clearly remember all the paperwork and stuff...not fun!
I was looking at your pics, and everything looks really good! I can't get over how tiny your incision is; my L knee is about 1.5 inches, and i thought that was small...not so much in comparison with yours! My R knee is about 3 inches...
Regarding the bath tub...don't rush it if you don't feel up to it! I am kind of a living advertisement for bathtub safety...and i didn't follow my own advice.I can't remember when i first braved the tub post-op; for the first while it was just showers. I think my first tub bath was before my first PT appt, and that was like 3 weeks post-op. I have only braved the tub a couple times since my fall...kinda nervous to have a repeat performance!
How is your PT coming along?
I hope that things are going well for you!!

Leah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 04, 2008, 05:59:58 AM: Hi All,

Faye - You're welcome to stick your nose in here any time. Do you have a plaster cast, or fiberglass? What a miserable time of it you must be having, being stuck in a cast :P I've never been in a cast, but just having to lie with my leg in the same position gets old real quick. I hope the cast does the job it's supposed to! My knees have only had a scope with LR prior to the TTT, so they've never been through the rigmaroles of surgery before, which I think helps recovery. The pain was awful to start with. I remember wanting to take the Fentanyl home with me as it was the only thing that gave me good relief post-op (and I was only given it once, in recovery). I took as much pain relief as I could have while in hospital, and I had stocked up on what I had at home (filled all those repeat scripts I had for my arthritic knee pain). You are right that we are all different though! Just as well - I'd hate there to be lots of me ;D Good luck with your recovery. I hope the pain settles soon.

Leah - I've made hubby deal with all the paperwork! He was the one who wasn't concentrating! I'm just glad I wasn't in the car, as my knee wouldn't have liked it :P I didn't end up having a bath. Once I had pain killers on board I didn't feel like moving anyway ;) We get to sleep over at the Scout hall tonight!! I bet I'll want a bath after I get home - it's going to be freezing :P PT starts on Tuesday. I am interested to see what exercises he gives me. So far I am just doing quad contractions and passive flexion. Not much else I can do with quads that don't want to do anything. They are slowly coming good though - I never thought I'd long for the day I could do a SLR ;) It makes it a lot easier when you can lift your leg around with muscles rather than with your hands!

I am off to read a book and try not to fall asleep. Being tired all the time is getting annoying!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: friendsfan on July 04, 2008, 12:35:48 PM: hi kathy, its a plaster cast and i am having a miserable time being stuck in it, its from the top of my thigh to my ankle...and boy do i know about it.
Is it normal to feel excruiating pain getting up? Coz the pain is evil as soon as i move my leg to stand up.
I have 4 bottles of oramorph here at home, so i have some decent pain relief, it just doesnt touch the pain at the minute.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 04, 2008, 04:58:15 PM: Kathy,

First-off, i am so thankful you weren't in the car, too! That could have been really bad for you. So sorry about the accident, just one more thing to have to deal with when you least need it.
I am happy you can start therapy, soon. I couldn't do anything for 6 weeks, but Jason saw me once a week because he knows how much the support meant to me. Now, I go 2x's a week and I like that better, but now my exercises are causing pain and swelling. The 1 step ahead and 2 steps back are killing me!! This has been the benchmark of my recovery since Oct. '06 and it is frustrating!! I hope that this does not happen with you. Will you please share your "Hot PT" with us by posting a pict???? We could all use some excitement! :D :D

Take care and here's to a much better day!! Peggy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 05, 2008, 10:58:45 AM: Faye - Ick...a plaster one...how heavy and gross! No wonder you are uncomfortable! I think all TTT patients complain about "blood rushes" in their leg when they stand. I certainly have them, and to start with they were foul :P Sort of a burning or stinging rush of pain. I imagine that the more immobile you are, the worse they are, as mine have improved as my mobility (flexion) has. I just kept my leg up and didn't do much for the first couple of weeks - sure, I went out at times, but I still rested with my feet up as much as I could when at home, and when out as well. I still do, as the pain gets a bit much when I am upright for a while and my knee feels real stiff (from swelling I assume). I hope your pain improves real soon. If it doesn't get any better then I suggest informing your OS, as things are easily missed when you have a cast, and ongoing strong pain can often be the only sign of something wrong. Post-op pain should improve, even if it's only gradually. Anyway, hang in there. One day it'll all be in the past!

Robin "Peg" - I wish I could post a photo of my PT, but they clinic has just updated their website and his photo isn't on there at the moment. I have previously posted a link to the website that has his photo on it. I'll do it again once they finish updating it. I am hoping things will pick up once I get to do PT. I am worried about the pain I get under my patella with flexion. I am hoping it is just from things being swollen and tight (causing extra pressure on damaged areas), and that it'll go away once my knee recovers more from surgery - I used to get the same pain when PT did patella mobs in certain directions. I, too, hope that my recovery goes forward more than back!! I was going nowhere fast after my last surgery. I don't even think I got to make a forward step when it came to the strength work ::) I guess I have to be happy that I got my ROM and mobility back, even if made no real gains otherwise.

We had a sleepover at the Scout hall last night. All I can say is the kids and I should sleep well tonight ;D I did okay in my sleeping bag, as it's a jumbo one, but I wasn't all that comfy because my leg is still sore in so many different places and I didn't have all my pillows to prop it out of the way. I kept bumping it :( OUCH!!

I finally managed my bath!! I just HAD to have one after the sleepover, as I was cold to the bone and a bath sounded like heaven. It was all the incentive I needed to get in and out ;) We have a tiled surround to our bath, so I could sit down on the edge (with a towel to stop my butt freezing on the cold tile ;D ) and pivot my legs into the bath. Turning the taps off involved a bit of contortion LOL, but I managed okay. Aaaahhhhh.....what bliss!!!!!!! And I had the perfect excuse to stop the kids climbing in with me ;)

My laptop is still giving me the runaround. I just don't know what to do with it. I have it in safe mode again :P I might have to break down and call someone to get it looked at :( Oh well. At least it works in safe mode, even if I can't get any pics or sound. It's a good starting point.

Bye for now.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 05, 2008, 01:04:05 PM: Kathy, I just wanted to say hello. I can't believe you slept in a sleeping bag last night!!! You are one brave woman! Sorry about that pain you have with flexion...could it be weak muscles not tracking your knee cap just right yet? I know that could be a problem early out of surgery still. Don't know... Would love to see a picture of your PT! I think I have seen it before, but have forgotten over time what he looks like. My PT is cute too, but definitely have no pictures to share.

Well it's time to become medicated for the morning...so I am off to eat breakfast and take meds. Have a great night!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 05, 2008, 01:53:24 PM: Farrah - It was an interesting experience to say the least ;D I must have provided a good deal of entertainment when I got in and out of the sleeping bag ;) - not an easy feat by any means!!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 05, 2008, 02:55:36 PM: Kathy and Farrah, I take pictures a lot, so my PT doesn't think anything of me snapping his pic! Kathy, a sleeping bag??? I can't even sleep vert well in my own bed! Rest up, today, and I hope it's a good one.

peggy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 05, 2008, 03:13:33 PM: Peg - did I say I slept well?! Ha!! Not possible with 17 kids in a cold hall ;D So a sleeping bag was the least of my sleep problems. I certainly wasn't comfy, and I missed my own bed, but one sleepless night was a small price to pay. I wanted to support my fellow Scout leaders (as it was all us new ones who organised this night) and help the kids have fun, even if I could only supervise and offer verbal help.

I think my PT would be a bit wary if I decided to bring a camera to a PT session!! Maybe if my kids came along and my daughter took some pics with her camera he'd be less suspicious ;) Oh well. I'll dig up a pic somehow.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Robin M. on July 08, 2008, 02:38:42 AM: Hi Kathy,

How are you? Spending the night in a sleeping bag on the floor? At 8 wks. post-op I couldn't imagine doing that. I can't even sleep comfortably in my bed the entire night. Hope your PT appt. goes well today.

I continue to have problems. I'm walking better but due to lack of flexion and extension I'm unable to wean from the crutches to the cane. A little over a week ago I had my 6 wk. post-op appt. Between the hour back and forth to the office and the 1.5 hr. wait to see my OS my knee was very painful.
My flexion is just at 94 degrees with a little help from my PT, flexion is -8, and extension lag is 25. Overall things could be alot better. I go to PT 3 days a week and have home exercises, CPM machine, and neuromuscular stim. to do 3 times a day. I'm very frustrated!! On top of all this I have a quarter-sized burn on my knee. PTA put a hot pack on me without enough padding underneath. I got what is probably a 2nd degree burn due to not having any sensation around the area of the incision. My PT was on vacation when this happened. My knee was much tighter than my OS likes to see at 6 wks. so he gave me a steroid injection to help breakup some of the scar tissue. He gave me a script for some antibiotic burn cream. We're concerned about avoiding an infection that could possibly go into the replaced knee. I go back to the OS this Friday to be evaluated again. The extension is a little better but the flexion is about the same. I think that my OS will be recommending a MUA.

I thought about starting a post-op diary but so far I don't have too much positive to write about,except that the bone aching arthritic pain is gone. Well maybe I'll start one after this scar tissue problem is resolved.

Take care and have a good day.

Robin
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 08, 2008, 10:20:44 AM: Hi Robin,

Far out!! I can't believe a PTA managed to give you such a severe burn from a hot pack!! I really hope it heals quickly and doesn't cause an infection - that's the last thing you need!! Is this the leg you had all the scar tissue problems with in the first place? If so, then I am not surprised things are going slowly. That poor knee has had to put up with a lot! Sounds like you'd have a lot to write about in a diary, with the burn, the ROM problems, the scar tissue etc. Sometimes it helps others to see they're not the only ones who have problems. And sometimes it helps to discuss all these things with others to get new ideas, as well as lots of support.

I had my PT appointment today, and it went well. The first thing he did was comment on my bruises ;D They're still there, right down to my ankle, but fading. Then he marvelled at the amount of swelling I didn't have - I don't think he believed me when I kept telling him that I never swell much, but he does now. He told me that usually people at my stage have still got significant swelling, whereas I have a faint bit of puffiness around my knee and that's all. He measured my ROM, which is nearly back to normal, so he said he won't need to keep an eye on that side of things :D Then he checked out my weedy muscles ;) :P I had to do a SLR, which I did, with huge effort. He then tried a couple of quad exercises, one which sent me through the roof with pain, and the other which was okay, so I have to do that one from now on, progressing to full SLRs as things improve. I also got told to do heel slides (active ones, rather than the passive ones I have been doing for ROM) and calf raises on my surgery leg. Because I was able to do a calf raise on my surgery leg, I got to ditch one crutch!!! Yippee!! I can't ditch the other one until I can easily do SLRs, the pain reduces more, and I can consistently walk with full weight through my surgery leg. I am happy enough to use one for the moment, as I don't think I'm ready for none anyway. I can't even use a cane, as it's not stable enough if I need to put my weight through it in a hurry (cause I tried it around the house!). Then came the massage :P Ouch!! "We really need to desensitise all this area" says my PT as I gritted my teeth and tried to stop myself from kicking him ;) Man!! I didn't know I had so many painful spots :P Actually, I did know, as they are what keeps me awake much of the night, in addition to the pain and stiffness in the joint. I just can't get comfy in bed anymore - I dunno how I slept so well for the first two weeks!! Anyway, then the PT asked what my OS had said about the damaged cartilage and the impact it will have on my future. Ooops! I had to tell him I forgot to ask. So he gave me a list of things to ask next time I see my OS :P I go back in two more weeks, but my PT won't be there, as he will be in Spain with some of our Olympic athletes (well, ooh-la-la!!). They go on to the Olympics from there, and he has to come home LOL! The upshot of it all is that I am well on track, and should things continue this way then I'll be returning to work after my next OS appointment (at 6 weeks post-op), and driving sometime before then (I hope). What my restrictions will be will depend on what the OS says about the damage and the likely speed of progression of it. If I can come out of it being able to handle long walks and possibly light cycling then I'll be happy.

Anyway, overall I am pleased with how things are going, apart from the sleep disturbances. I have a crack in my surgery knee that appears at times when I extend, but it's so far heaps better than how it was (very crunchy). I hope it stays like that - after my last surgery it was really good and it just got crunchier from there. I won't be able to tell much about how things have improved until some of this other pain settles down. I have a range of extension that my quads just shut down in, as it's the range where I had all my crunching prior to surgery and my body quakes at the thought of moving through that range, so I have to overcome that. I also get some pain that is in my knee rather than in my TTT site, but I don't know if it's from the scope, the TTT surgery, or from the damage I have. I'll just have to wait and see :P

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 08, 2008, 12:36:37 PM: Kathy, that pain under your knee cap is probably the cartilage damage...I have that pain too, but very intense and I think it's from cartilage damage. MY OS said it could be as well, but can't figure it out until the RSD/CRPS is diagnosed and treated...in other words get my pain under control. I hope your new PT routine works out for you. Good luck with it and make sure you do it everyday!!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on July 08, 2008, 12:45:12 PM: Hi Kathy,

Sorry I have been MIA for a while. Been busy studying for my anatomy exam which went ok I think.

You are doing so well !!

I am 7 weeks post-op this week and still on one crutch !!! Wish I could get off it. Just not ready yet.

Today I saw my knee physio and has given me a new program. So, will start tomorrow. I have to do it 4 or 5 times a week. Still can't go to the gym yet on surgeon's orders. See him in 5 weeks. Hopefully then he'll let me start in the gym.

Good luck with the new exercises ! :D
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 09, 2008, 03:20:25 AM: Farrah - The pain certainly feels like the cartilage damage is the cause. I hope it eases once I get more muscle support to the joint. I'm worried that it's here to stay, which would be an ominous start to my rehab :(

Kirsty - I hope you did okay on your exam. It must be hard to study with so many things going on in your life! Bummer about the gym. I never even got as far as the gym after my LR/scope surgery :( Maybe this time I'll get lucky and not stay stuck on the basic exercises forever.

It felt good to finally do some decent exercises. I did so many heel slides my quads were burning, and they ache this morning ;D I have to do modified SLRs (with my leg down at an angle to reduce load) but I was so sore after PT that I was unable to do them last night :'( I will take some pain killers and try this morning. I feel like I am making some progress now I have proper exercises to do ;D

I am still having laptop problems. I think I will look into buying a portable hard drive and dump all my stuff onto it then start all over again, except with XP not Vista ::)

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 09, 2008, 03:59:34 AM: Kathy,

I am so glad to hear you sounding so Up and excited to be in PT! It is so much better to be pro-active than just sitting around obsessing about everything. I too, have that same old pain under my kneecap when I do SLR's or step-ups and downs or anything that loads my patella. It is so hard for me not to think that I am starting down the same old road of struggling and not making progress. I am really wanting to keep a positive attitude, but I am a bit discouraged at the moment. It is amazing to me how a bad move on a softball field can so totally change my life.

Robin, it's good to hear from you! I think of you often and am hoping that things make a turn for the better really soon. How are your kids doing? I hope that they are helping you and not making this all harder. My 2 older kids were a really big help last summer after my ACI, but it was really hard on my youngest son. I felt a lot of guilt where he was concerned, but he has been so much better this summer. I agree with kathy in that I think there is a lot of support to be found on this site; I can't imagine what this journey would have been for me without the support i have found on KG's. Anyway, it's great to hear from you; don't be a stranger.

Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on July 09, 2008, 09:56:09 AM: Hi Kathy,

I will probably get the results on Friday. It helps to have a few distractions with all the things going on.

Hope your pain gets better.

Feeling really tired tonight. Chat soon. 8)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 09, 2008, 12:19:36 PM: Ooohh...ow..ow..ow!! Starting PT has had it's negative points :P I am back to regular RIE (RICE without the "C" ;D) as the exercises have stirred up all sorts of aches and pains! Lucky me ::) My knee buckled on me today, for the first time in days and days :( and I have had a touch of the old aches and pains too. On a more optimistic note, I feel almost ready to start driving again ;D When I was in the car today I pretended to drive and found I could easily use the pedals and had enough strength to brake hard (my little Toyota doesn't need much strength to brake). The hardest thing was shifting my foot from one pedal to the other, as my quads fatigued quickly and were a touch sluggish in moving my leg from pedal to pedal. Give it a few more days of exercises and I should be right to start driving short distances!

Peg - I know exactly what you mean about trying to be positive. Currently I am really excited to be on the road to getting back to where I was. I was extremely worried I'd end up on crutches long term, or have trouble regaining the quad strength I had, or not being able to get back to work. I am now feeling more confident that I will at least get back to where I was pre-surgery, which is a HUGE weight off my mind!! I am sort of resigned to having only modest improvement with this surgery, so any improvement on pre-surgery function and pain will be cause for celebration! But I still find that I have my days when I wonder if I am starting the same old uphill struggle to nowhere :P

Well, I hope you all have a good day. Mum is taking me out tomorrow, so I can do some shopping. She has been a bit suffocating (when I told her I felt I was nearly ready to drive she told me off!!) but I can't complain about her willingness to help when needed. She plans to take the kids out for a while after our shopping trip, so I will have peace and quiet for a couple of hours ;D

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 09, 2008, 06:01:12 PM: Hello Kathy, hopefully PT will get easier and easier for you. I am sorry about your aches and pains again. I hope you are very careful in your decision to start driving again. I am sure you will be ready mentally, but make sure you can do those pedals in an emergency.

I hope you enjoy your outing with your Mom and your alone time afterwards. Thanks for the info on my diary the other day about the nerve stuff. Good luck with PT!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lb573 on July 09, 2008, 06:54:01 PM: Hi Kathy,

Glad to hear that PT is going well, but not so good that you are having more pain. My previous PT always told me 'no pain, no gain' and that is pretty much what i follow when doing my PT exercises...to a certain extent. I know i have more pain on the days i have PT than the rest of the week. I think i was about 6 weeks post-op when i started driving, and i had no problems with it at all. It was actually better than pre-op as i had a hard time keeping my knee bent in order to drive pre-op...no problem with that now! You want to make sure that you are able to move pedal to pedal quickly in case of emergency and off narc's. I hope the outing with your mom goes well, and that sounds nice, a little peace all to yourself for a while! Well i hope that your day is going well!!

Leah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: WorkinWings on July 09, 2008, 09:29:12 PM: Hi Kathy,

Great to be able to read up a bit on your progress--still have lots of catching up to do, though...

Great job on the PT! The soreness sucks, I know, but maybe you'll soon find a balance where you do enough to advance as quickly as you can, without causing set-backs from overdoing it... But that should come soon as you get more experienced in how your new knee is behaving, right?

Do you think it might have buckled from sheer muscle exhaustion? That would kind of be expected if your PT was a bit over-enthusiastic, don't you think?

Good luck with it all! I hope you enjoyed the shopping trip, as well as the little break afterwards--without the kids and mom... :P

Angela
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 10, 2008, 10:09:10 AM: Hi Everybody,

Thanks for all your comments ;D

Angela - I am sure the buckling has started up again (it happened again today) because of a combination of fatigue and pain - the PT exercises have started up a whole new world of aches and pains :P My biggest worry is the ache that feels like the same old arthritis ache, and the retropatellar pain that I have had at times. The other aches and pains feel like they're the sort that comes with surgery and PT and all that stuff. It's not really bad pain, but it's relentless and irritating!! The ice does help, but it seems like I only just calm things down from one set of exercises and it's time to do the next set ::)

Leah and Farrah - I don't plan on driving until I have that pedal to pedal movement down a bit quicker. I am off the narcs during the day for the most part. I plan to just do what I used to do pre-op and not take the strong stuff if I know I am going to be driving. I find that the days I keep busy are the days I can keep my mind off the pain (both pre and post-op), provided "busy" doesn't mean irritating to the knees! I reserve the strong stuff for night time, for when I have to sit for ages, or for when I spend longer on my feet than my knees can tolerate.

I had a nice day today. Mum took me to the shops and I got a portable hard drive to back up all my files (so I can try and fix this stupid laptop!!), USB flash drives for the kids, and some wool to do some knitting while I watch some DVDs with the kids. Then we went for lunch, and Mum dropped me home and took the kids indoor rock climbing. They had a blast and I relaxed at home ;D Then I had a soak in the bath....BLISS!! I will do one last lot of exercises, then I will ice up and chill out (literally ;D) in front of a DVD with the kids. But for now, I am going to get some tea - I'm hungry for once!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 10, 2008, 10:58:07 AM: Hey Kathy, sorry to hear you're having pain and struggling with PT. Hope it gets better soon. I'm so glad you are still getting out and about and loving life. Keep it up!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: dawn7 on July 10, 2008, 08:38:31 PM: Kathy -

I'm glad PT is going well for you. The aches are a bummer, but it is nice to know that your are strengthening those muscles and inching your way to the finish line! I'm pretty goal oriented so I like to go to my PT appts and see if any progress has been made. At first I felt like I was taking steps backward since I was less active due to exercises and soreness. I had to remind myself that I was actually improving even though I wasn't 'doing' as much...

Hope it gets easier this week!

Dawn
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lb573 on July 10, 2008, 11:17:20 PM: Hi Kathy,

I would tend to agree with you as to the reason behind your knee starting to buckle. I totally can relate to PT bringing up all the pain, etc...i am sitting here right now with ice on my knee in quite considerable pain. Have you spoken with your PT about the similiar to pre-op pain that you are having? I know i have had aches and pains that are very familiar to pre-op, but my PT more or less shrugs it off, so i will talking to my OS on monday about it. Sounds like a good plan to get back to driving! It is amazing how much we take the 'simple' things for granted, until we are not able to do them anymore. Glad to hear that your day with mom shopping and then the time to yourself was good! Sounds like you are doing well, aside from the aches and pains. Hope things continue to go well for you!

Leah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 11, 2008, 02:24:53 AM: Hi Leah,

I haven't talked to my PT about the "same old" aches and pains because they started up AFTER my PT appointment, and now I don't see my PT for a few weeks because he is busy swanning around in sunny Spain with the Olympic team ::) I don't think there's any urgency to it. I avoid the one exercise that really hurts, as it was one I was never able to do pre-op either and the PT was happy for me to avoid it then. It was just a bridging exercise that helped lead up to SLRs (ie. it filled the gap between the simple quad exercises I do with my leg at an angle, and full SLRs - I was supposed to progress through from the easy ones to the SLRs as my strength enabled me to). I just skipped straight from the easy exercise to full SLRs - I can only do a couple, but I do them several times a day, and I still do the easy exercise too, to help build strength. I am also aware that I have lost a lot of strength in my surgery leg, so that could be contributing to the aches and pains too. I will wait and see how things are when I next see my PT. I have isolated some of my pain to the scope wound, so I must really dig in and massage it to break up the scar tissue that's forming there. It's good to be able to deal with some of the hurts!!

Dawn - I like to be able to see progress too! It was great to be able to finally do a straight leg raise. I look forward to PT, but I only go every couple of weeks, so I have to measure my own progress in the meantime :P

Lenore - I try not to let anything get in the way of having a good life! If nothing else, I can enjoy getting home at the end of it all and putting my feet up ;D That's always a relief ;)

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 11, 2008, 04:08:45 AM: Hello Kathy, sorry for your arches and pains, but I am sure some of it will improve as you continue...I am sure you know that...until then, just keep taking care of the pain as best as you can. That's so nice that your Mom took your kids for rock climbing....why didn't you go??? ;D I am glad you had some time to yourself too...you definitely deserve it since you keep yourself so busy and continue to do things with your family despite your recent surgery. I definitely admire you and wish I was as strong as you are. I can't seem to tolerate this much more! I called my GP this morning complaining about my continued depression despite the anti-depressant and they decided they wanted to see me tomorrow...so I have that apt tomorrow afternoon. I kind of hope they adjust the medication so I can feel mentally better again like I did when I first started taking it. My husband is anxious for me to be "happy" again. I am sure this is making him as unhappy as it has made me. I try to do my best to keep the problems to myself, but my attitude and facial expressions don't help! Well I hope you have a good Friday. Keep taking care of yourself.

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: synlupri on July 11, 2008, 05:03:11 AM: Kathy,

I'm sorry to hear about your pains. Just remember pain is weakness leaving the body.. or so the marines say. :) If that's the case we all should start up a new league of superheros cause we should all be really strong now. LOL

Hey, if you want to shoot me message or email and tell me what wrong with your laptop, I may be able to help you. I'm a computer tech/network admin by profession.

Hugs and Happiness,

Syndi
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 11, 2008, 06:32:05 AM: Hey Guys,

GUESS WHAT?!! I WENT DRIVING!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D And I did good too!! Wow, what a release it is to be able to drive again. Of course, by the time I drove to the shops and did a bit of shopping and drove home, I was so sore :P I am now doing the RICE thing ::) The driving was okay, but the walking around the shops was the killer!! I might have to go back to two crutches for those slightly longer outings :( (if you can call an hour "long" LOL!!)

Farrah - Good luck at the docs. I hope he can help you. I just think you need some resolution to your knee issues! I wish those appointments you are supposed to have hurry up and get organised!

Syndi - I think my laptop problem is a compatability issue with the NVIDA graphics card/driver and Vista (aka Blista lol), despite them supposedly being compatible. I have disabled the display driver and I have no problem. As soon as it's enabled I get screen interference, problems with start-up, and a flash of a blank screen followed by an error message ("display driver blah stopped working and has now recovered") over and over and over until the screen fuzzes up completely and I have to turn the laptop off. I have reinstalled the display driver, and rolled back the display driver, but both only worked for a short while. Safe mode works fine, as does normal windows with the display driver disabled. I am contemplating reformatting the hard drive, and possibly going back to XP. Grrr!! There are endless numbers of people who have the same problem, based on the number of websites that come up when I Google the error message!! No consistent solution though :( My laptop should still be under warranty, but I am not sure what they can do about the problem if I send it back. I also need to try reformatting first, as they will surely tell me to do it before they even look at the problem. Thanks for you offer of help. I will PM you my email address just in case you have any ideas.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on July 11, 2008, 12:16:26 PM: Hi Kathy,

That's wonderful you can drive again. It took me a while to drive very far as I was so sore after my knee op. Tomorrow it will be a test for me as I am driving an hour to see the Basset Hound puppies. Can't wait though.

Like you, I have been experiencing buckling but is gradually getting better. Still using one crutch, but may try walking without the crutch at home next week. It will be 8 weeks next Thursday and I really hope I can get off the crutch by then. My new physio program is much better. I am going to pilates tomorrow morning, so will be interesting to see how that goes.

Have a good weekend !!! 8)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: JoniF on July 11, 2008, 03:51:27 PM: Hi Kathy,

Congratulations on being able to drive. Please promise me you'll be careful tho.

Hope you're feeling better today :). Have you have anymore issues with your knee buckling? My tends to do that on a daily basis and somethimes I get so lucky that it will do it whenever I walk ;).

I wish we didn't "kneed" knees.....

Take care and feel better,
Joni
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 12, 2008, 03:28:51 AM: Hi Kathy, congrats with driving!! My GP apt went well...as expected, doubled my anti-depressant. I finally have my apts for bone scan (July 21) and Pain specialist (July 25th). Crappy news from my PA today though...you'll have to see my diary. He pretty much said there is nothing he can do for my pain between now and my PS apt. He says he has given me the strongest med possible and the fact that it isn't doing much for the pain means I have a serious nerve problem for sure! :( HE said the only recommendation he has is to take 2 weeks off work until the PS apt :( I said that's not an option financially!! I have other news on my diary as well about a friend of a friend givng my records to another OS in another state.

Well be careful with the driving. I hope you are feeling better by now!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on July 12, 2008, 09:37:34 AM: Hi Kathy,

How are you doing ? I hope you are enjoying driving again.

This morning I went to pilates and really helped. Been in absolute agony with my shoulder and back and helped relieve some of my tightness and pain. So, very happy about that. My recovery is going to be a slow process.

This afternoon I put a deposit on a Bassett Hound pup. I was pretty sore after my drive, but glad I did it. Here's one picture. Put another on my diary.

Have a good weekend !!!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on July 12, 2008, 05:50:59 PM: Hi Kathy,
Yes, a week away from you and I come back to find youre driving, practically off crutches and guess what? You only had surgery 3 weeks ago!!!! Youre some crazy healer woman!!!
Ah, buckling. It progresses to what I like to call the 'buckle wobble' where it 'almost' buckles but manages to catch itself, then to 'wobble' then to nothing. I am at 'wobble' now - but do still get a bit of 'buckle wobble' occasionally :) Specially after exercising!!! Those muscles just say 'im tired, im not doing it!!'.
I had a great holiday, and my knee is doing great - will update my diary!
Delighted to see you are doing so well!!!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on July 13, 2008, 11:52:32 AM: Hi Kathy,

I'm sure the buckling will improve as you get stronger. Mine is certainly better than it was this time last week.

Walking in the hydro pool has really helped too. Tonight when I walked in the pool it was so much easier and felt like I had more control. Can you get into a hydro pool ?

Did you have a nice weekend ? Is your laptop fixed now ?
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 14, 2008, 08:40:23 AM: Kathy, I can't believe how quickly you are progressing. That's fantastic. Keep it up.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lb573 on July 15, 2008, 03:06:04 AM: Hi Kathy,

Congrats on the driving; that is great news! It is wonderful to be able to take back some of the independance that is temporarily lost with a knee surgery. I still remember my first day back behind the wheel at about 6 weeks post-op...it was a great feeling!
You are doing so well, and i hope that things continue to progress this well for you!
I seen my OS this afternoon for a post-op visit, and the first since i fell...it was a good/bad appt.
I hope that your week goes well and that things continue going well!

Leah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 15, 2008, 03:45:05 AM: Kathy,

I'm just popping in to say hi and that I've been thinking about you! Glad to hear you drove ok and didn't run into anybody!! Don't overdo with the walking, you know how much it hurts later!! I'm sore tonight from walking around the mall today. But, it was fun to do it anyway! How are the exercises coming? Take care if yourself!!

Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Robin M. on July 16, 2008, 04:59:13 AM: Hi Kathy,

Hope you're doing well. How's the exercises coming along? Congrats on driving again. It's a great feeling to get that independence back!

Haven't been on the BB lately due to some computer problems. Not sure what was wrong but Dan was able to fix it. Went to see my GP last week and he put me on an antibiotic for the burn on my patella. The area was red around the burn and he was concerned about cellulitis. The area looks much better and at my follow-up appt. yesterday he decided I didn't need to be on a different antibiotic and to call the office if I have any problems with it. Last Friday I had a follow-up with my OS. My OS has me consulting with a plastic surgeon this Thursday to make sure that I don't need any additional treatment (skin grafting,etc.) with this burn since it is considered 3rd degree. Hopefully it's going to heal ok. I also go in for a MUA this monday the 21st. I'll be staying in the hospital overnight. My ROM is about 95 degrees with help from my therapist extension is really poor -10. My PT thinks I have alot of scarring under the quad tendon, you can feel the tightness. When I had the previous LOA and MUA that is the same area that was all scarred. I just hope my OS can break this all up so I can start progressing. My strength seems to be better but I'm unable to get off the crutches and wean to the cane due to the lack of full extension.

Not that there isn't enough to deal with already, I took Meredith to the orthopedist to have her ankle looked at. She's been complaining about it for awhile and the pediatrician looked at it at her well visit and made recommendations. Unfortunately it hasn't improved so she recommended we see an OS. She had an appt. yesterday. The x-ray didn't show any fracture and appears to be normal. The OS said often times kids suffer from overuse injuries which he usually recommends PT for strengthening,ankle brace, and a shoe insert. He said in Meredith's case she does not have a normal exam. She has alot of laxity as well as cracking and popping in the joint. He ordered an MRI. He's concerned about ligament or cartilage damage.She has the MRI tomorrow and the follow-up appt. next Friday the 25th.Hopefully the MRI is normal and doesn't find anything that requires surgery.

It's getting late and I need to get some sleep. Take care and talk to you soon.

Robin
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 16, 2008, 01:58:37 PM: Hi All,

Things are going okay. I haven't been around much because a friend lent me the Star Wars set and I have been busy watching it - each movie is over two hours long and there is six in the set!!! Kept me occupied and resting at the same time ;) My strength is improving, as I have noticed with my exercises, but I still find I have to pace myself, as my knee gets sore and stiff if I am on my feet for too long. I am still really doing light stuff around the house and a bit of basic shopping. I do lots of resting in between each thing I do, but the knee/leg still hurts by the end of the day most days (unless I have had a particularly restful day). I try to do my exercises early in the day, as I can do more reps and it is less painful - by the end of the day I sometimes can't even do a SLR due to the pain when I try it. On the good side, things are improving steadily. I have switched from a crutch to a cane when around the house/yard, though I also walk on my own sometimes - I just avoid doing it when I am tired or sore. I can't imagine returning to work in two and a bit weeks time, but I guess it's entirely possible if things keep improving as quickly as they have done. I am desparate to be far enough down the track to be rid of all the surgical pain, so I know whether the old aches are back or not. I have aching, though it's hard to determine what the cause is at this point in time. All the surgical pains can be a real trial, as I am sure Tanya would know ;D I am forever wondering what the cause of each weird pain is - I have a badly bruised feeling to the lower medial side of the knee, bruised feelings in patches all down my leg, aching in the knee, dull pain behind the knee, retropatellar pain on certain movements, stabbing pains to the medial side of the TTT site, and the newest one is an electric shock feeling that shoots down my lateral shin to my ankle. I could easily turn into a raving hyperchondriac ;D If pain is weakness leaving the body, as Syndi quoted, then I should be a bodybuilder when I finish with all this ;D ;D

I am sort of feeling restless at this point in my rehab. I feel well enough to go out or do lots around the house (until I actually try it ;) ) but I obviously can't. I know it's because of where I am in my rehab - some things progress quicker than others, and with my progress so far being so good, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that I am only four weeks post op and some things just cannot be rushed. I think sometimes it would be easier if I was in a brace or something to slow me down and make me FEEL like I am still not far post op!! It's frustrating to feel well enough to do something and then have to stop halfway through for a break because my knee can't cope with it all in one hit. Part of me hopes I get the okay to return to work after my OS visit on the 30th, and part of me worries I'll be given the okay to go back to work!! I plan to make sure I get the PT to assess me the day before my OS visit, so I can be sure of my physical capabilities. If I am not yet ready physically to do manual handling, or other things I have to do at work, then I want to make sure the OS knows it. OS's tend to forget that it takes time to build up strength, and often look only at wound and bone healing rather than physical capacity.

Robin - Good to hear your burn looks better. I hope it will heal on its own without the need for surgery - I am sure you are sick of the sight of operating rooms and hospitals by now!! Having the MUA will be bad enough for you to deal with, though at least it should get you moving forward again. I hope Meredith's MRI shows nothing too problematic. Things always seem to happen all at once, worst luck. I will keep my fingers crossed for both of you. Take care and keep in touch.

Well, that's all for now. I am going to try to have an earlier night - next week it's back to 7am starts to the day, as the kids return to school. No more sleep-ins :'(

Take care all,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 16, 2008, 02:19:01 PM: Sounds like you're doing well Kathy. Good to hear. Progressing form a crutch to a cane is good news too. Don't push it. You'll probably have all kinds of strange new pains, pops, snaps, etc. for a while. I didn't have the same surgery as you but I'm still experiencing new things every day even at 8 months postop.

Getting back to work might be better than you think. Sometimes it's nice to feel productive again and your coworkers will welcome you with open arms. Makes you feel good.

Feeling restless and frustrated is the hard part. It's so hard to want to do things and then your knee tells you it's too much. Just make sure you listen to it.

Keep up the good work and have a great day! You're doing awesome!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 16, 2008, 06:08:21 PM: A Cane already! You are crazy and superwoman!! Be careful and don't over do anything. Sorry your kids have to go back to school....look at it this way, you will have some alone time during the day until you go back to work!! What do you do for work? I have forgotten. Well I have to get back to work now. Have a good sleep!!!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 19, 2008, 01:45:25 AM: Starwars, that's funny! Glad you have somethiing to occupy yourself with. So glad you are progressing as planned. I hope you get a long with the cane better than I did! I hated it; made me feel like an old woman. I have a birthday on Monday and with all this knee drama the last 2 years,the cane just added insult to injury (pun intended ;D). So the kiddies are off to school soon! Maybe you could get your hands on the complete series of 24, that kept me entertained for weeks!

Take care and take it easy. May the force be with you!

Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on July 20, 2008, 07:54:05 PM: FEEL THE FORCE KATHY!!!!!

Youre so funny!!! A cane already - Im afraid I have something to tell you - you had a TTT!!!!!!!!!!!! You really are some superwoman Kathy!!!! I was only thinking of post op aches and pains this morning when I realised I hadnt had any the past week or so - but you do get weird ones dont you? Its like, all normal, then 'ooooh, ouch...what was that?' and you dont know if it means anything or its just one of those things!!! So much of it resolves itself with time, a few weeks post op you do realise one day that there are less and less of the random pains. But its hard to know when they are happening!!!
I do still have the odd twinge doing step downs - but things are definitely improving for me, particularly as the day goes by, the more i manage to do and the more walking about, the better i am at the exercises, so the morning session is usually harder for me than the last one in the evening - guess its my brain kicking in through the day eh?

I managed a mile and a half walk yesterday, I could feel fatigue a third of the way in - but i just pushed on. the big difference for me (and i think youre gonna find this too kathy), is that now although stuff is still difficult for me, my actual joint is not getting so sore. So I get tired, I sit down, I am ok again - thats what Im hoping you get in your recovery too - I dont mind things being hard, but you need to see improvement to know there is light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Ive been watching The Dog Whisperer dvd box set for the past few weeks - its funny how you get hooked on dvd box sets!!!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 22, 2008, 06:23:02 AM: Hi All,

I am just back from PT and I am not sure how I feel about things right at this moment. I had a different physio, as mine is currently in Spain, and I am hoping that part of my disappointment comes from the fact that he doesn't know me and I don't know him. He looked at where I was at and was very happy with my ROM and scar tissue, but he felt I wasn't where I should be with muscle strength. I get pain with bent leg exercises, so I get to do a couple of variations of SLRs instead (oh joy :P ). I am not allowed to ditch my cane, though he wasn't worried that I had moved from crutch to cane - he just wants me to have some additional support. He was under the impression that I had a graft somewhere in my knee (dunno where THAT came from!!), so even though I told him I was pretty sure I didn't, he still wanted to play it safe. I can cope with that, but the aching and pain from under my patella is very disappointing, as it's actally a bit worse than it was pre-surgery (the "at rest" ache when my knee's bent, and the retropatellar pain on loaded flexion/extension). If it ends up being a trade-off (and I get functional improvement, such as being able to do more walking), then I can accept it, but if it's all for nothing then it's going to be harder to deal with. As for the TTT pain - it's improving as the days go by. It still throbs by the end of the day, but it no longer stops me from getting to sleep, and it affects my exercises less than it did.

Peg - I hate the cane too, but it's shorter and is easier to get in and out of the car, hide under tables at coffee shops, etc. I prefer the crutch for both comfort and that lack of "getting old" feeling about it!! I still use the crutch at time.

Tanya - I hope that things improve to the point where I can suffer muscle fatigue before joint pain!! It frustrates me so much to have made such gains in ROM and everything else, but still be at the basic "SLR" stage of rehab and not be able to progress beyond it. I realise it's only early days, but the return of the joint aching has me a bit down in the dumps, especially as the other (surgical) pains are all improving and the aching is getting worse (so it's more apparent it's probably not related to the surgery).

Farrah - I'm a nurse in a rehab hospital, of all things!! I work night shift, which is the only way I can cope with nursing still. I woudn't get through a day shift anymore.

Anyway, must rush - it's time to get the kids from school.

Bye for now. Take care.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 22, 2008, 09:14:29 AM: Having a different physio is always a challenge. Especially when they think you have a graft and you don't. Eeek! Don't you love when someone is trying to rehab you and they don't even know what your problem is? Scary!

Glad to hear your every day surgical pain is improving. You'll have lots of frustrating PT days Kathy. You'll also have lots of those joint ache pain days too but it still sounds like you're doing incredibly well for so early on. You are working those muscles hard so there is bound to be some aching going on. Your muscle strength will come back in time. Don't despair.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 22, 2008, 10:08:29 AM: Hi Lenore,

I can't blame the PT too much - reception has messed up my notes and I have two sets, so he would have had very little history and only a brief note from my usual PT (in unreadable scrawl probably) and the surgical report. Not easy. He would have had no comparison either, as he didn't know me pre-TTT and the other notes (from my LRs) were elsewhere. If it had been my first visit he would have had longer and could have done his own thorough assessment, but my own PT did that, and didn't even bill me for a long visit, as he knew me well enough to leave out lots of the assessment (pre-surgery functioning etc).

As for the aching, I wish it was as simple as getting aches from all the exercise - I do, but for not-so-good reasons. The ache I get is a bone deep arthritis ache that is not a good sign. I have to expect it to some degree, but it should go away within an hour or so after activity/exercise - mine isn't. I seem to have very irritable knees and it was the whole reason behind trying the TTT in the first place (to rearrange the tracking and reduce the pressure on the damaged areas to hopefully reduce the irritability). If I do things that cause prolonged aching then I am risking further joint damage :( So I can't push through it in order to build strength. It's all rather depressing really, but I am still hopeful of some improvement. I am happy to be having my usual PT when I go next!! ;D ;D

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on July 22, 2008, 10:17:26 AM: Hi Kathy,

I just want to say that you are doing remarkedly well. My progress has been very slow. On the weekend I started walking around the house crutch free, which was a big step. Also able to do more in the hydro pool, so that has made me happy.

Can't believe I am still using a crutch almost 9 weeks post-op. Very frustrating, but I know I will get there. Rang my OS's rooms last week, but haven't heard back. I am worried about the painful grating I am still getting. Not sure whether it's the operation I had and the bone still needs to settle or whether it is my arthritis or cartilage.

You are doing so well. Keep up the good work !!! :D
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 23, 2008, 01:25:40 AM: Hello Kathy, sorry about your PT apt! I hate having a sub PT as well, but have been luck enough to only have to have had one in the past 7-8 months of off and on PT.

The pain you are having that isn't the surgery pain, but the knee cap problems sound too familiar! I hate that cartilage defect under my knee cap that could be causing a lot of my pain. They, of course, don't know yet. That was a pain that started at about 6 weeks and just got worse and worse as the surgery pain got better and better. The pain is just awful and I can't wait to get it figured out. I know your OS didn't know for sure if the TTT would make things better for you, but I hope they didn't make things worse like they have with me so far.

I can't believe I forgot your occupation! I knew that! I guess when I posted last time, I was out of it! Well it's dinner time here. So I am going to go eat and take my night meds. I hope that pain isn't anything like mine!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 23, 2008, 07:56:46 AM: Hey Farrah,

Do you know how big and deep your cartilage defect is? Mine covers 1/3 of the underside of each patella, across the lateral facet and over the median ridge, and is down to bone. My left one doesn't bother me so much, as that leg has always been stronger and has more muscular support, so I get the aching there, but not the outright pain so much. My right has always had more of the pain on flexion, though it's worse now than it was. I guess that the dangly bits of cartilage that were removed maybe provided some protection and padding, even though they crunched and caught all the time. Also I have less strength (so less muscle support) at the moment, so I am hoping that it's one variable that I have the power to change (difficult when many exercises cause pain, but hopefully not impossible). The left seems to have been better recently. It aches now and then, but not as bad as it did. I am hoping that all the exercises I have been doing combined with the enforced rest (due to the TTT on the right leg) has helped. I am hoping it doesn't go back to it's old achy self when my activity levels pick up. It certainly had problems in the immediate post-op period when my right leg was out of action, as the left had to do all the sitting and give lots of support - now I can share the load more, the left has settled again. I hope it stays that way!!

Kirsty - Congrats on being able to go crutch free, even if it is just around the house! Every step forward is to be celebrated!! Keep on enjoying your hydro - it's great to be able to do something you enjoy, so it doesn't become a chore.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 23, 2008, 09:43:47 AM: Morning Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear your ache is a bone deep arthritis ache that you might not be able to get rid of. That's so awful. Hope your regular PT helps some and you are able to get some relief soon.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 23, 2008, 10:59:17 AM: Hi Kathy, my articular cartilage defect under my right patella (TTT knee) is 22 mm in diameter and is 1mm from bone. At the moment, they don't know if that is what is causing my pain or not, but will hopefully get it figured out soon enough. Since my bone scan results showed that I may not have RSD, they may want to do an MRI on me after speaking with the radiologist. I am suppose to hear back about that today. I think most of my pain is from that defect b/c it's all under my knee cap and around it. It's so painful that it's unbearable most of the time! It doesn't seem like a defect like mine wouldn't cause this much pain, so I am not certain myself what is going on. The nerve pain keeps me up at night and the knee cap pain always kills me. I have my pain specialist appt on Friday and hope to get more answers or more info from my OS before then.

I hope your pains get better and figured out exactly what the cause can be. When is your next OS apt?

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 23, 2008, 12:51:39 PM: Hi Farrah,

My next OS appointment is next Wed (30th). It's weird that your patellar defect could be the cause of so much pain. I am wondering if there is something else going on as well. Mine is down to bone and still is bearable for the most part. I get take-my-breath-away pain when I try single leg squats on my right leg, or other loaded bent leg stuff, though it's not entirely consistent as I can sometimes do the same things with less pain another time. But during normal day to day stuff I just tend to get the aching more than anything. It can get bad and I hate the feeling of walking on my knees when they're bad - sort of like a bruise when it's pressed is the closest way I can describe it - but mostly it's draining rather than outright painful and unbearable. I guess it just goes to show how different each one of us is. If the defect is one centimetre more in one direction it could mean heaps more or heaps less pain. And the amount of muscle strength we have also makes a big difference - possibly why you are having so much more trouble now than you did immediately post-op, as you would have lost strength along the way. 22mm is fairly big. I think mine are 3cm, which is not far off. I don't know how thick the cartilage is, though I know the thickest bit is the median ridge (so I've worn right through the thick bit!!). Having 1mm left could be really good, or really bad. I am not sure about that. I hope you get some more answers. At least they seem to be doing more to help now, which is a step in the right direction.

Lenore - Having my regular PT ALWAYS makes me feel better ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D I only need to see him to feel good ;) Actually, I have learnt how good he really is since this visit to a substitute PT. Next time he goes away I'll be tempted to go along!! LOL!!

Anyway, I am still hoping things will improve. I am madly doing SLRs in all directions and have added weights too (just little ones for now). My left leg is getting attention too. I am so used to rehabbing two knees that I don't want to get out of the habit, so I have kept up my old PT exercises on my left knee except for when I was too sore to move after the TTT. I am determined to get back to my walking at the very least!! I won't be telling my OS that things are going well this time though. After my LRs I said things were going well, because they were at the time, but then I was stuck trying to get it through to him at the next appointment that things had gone downhill since. This time I am going to say that I have recovered well from the surgery, BUT that things are still "iffy" regarding long term improvement, and that I am getting pain and aching already. I am interested in what he has to say about my defects and how they have changed since my LRs. I am also interested in what my long term prognosis is - am I a candidate for ACI, does he see me having TKRs eventually, how much will I have to adapt and restrict my lifestyle and activities, how much do I have to protect the knees (will hiking over hills be okay if I don't do too much, or will using cane/crutches be useful for those instances, or should I avoid the activity altogether). So much to ask. I think I'll ask if he minds me emailing him. I think he has an email address where I can contact him.

Oh well. That's next weeks problem. This week it's packing for a weekend away. A friend and I are taking another friend away for her 40th. So the three of us are going to a country town for a girls weekend away. I am looking forward to it. I will take my crutches just in case we want to do more than my knee can cope with. And I'll get to "test" things with my knee before I see my OS, so I can give him a good picture of how it holds up to various activities (as I need to convince him that I am ready/not ready to return to work).

For the moment, though, I am going to bed. I'm tired. Keep well, and I'll catch you all in the morning.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 23, 2008, 05:36:32 PM: Hi Kathy, I don't know if the defect under my patella is what is causing all my pain. My OS doesn't know that yet either...I am just assuming it. I have similar problems as you though. I can't do any weight bearing with a bent knee. That means walking and any PT exercises that are standing. I also couldn't do any other extension or flexion exercises if they involve weights on a machine or on my ankle. I have problems with SLRs too. I can't do one without a ton of pain in my knee cap. My knee cap also shifts a lot and pops always and still grinds. When sitting on the edge of the exam table at the OS's office, when I lift my foot up to extend my leg, I can only go so far b/c of pain. Sometimes it gets stuck too and I have to "reset" it to do to be able to do whatever I was trying to. I just wish they would figure this all out. The knee cap pain isn't all that I have. I also have the nerve issues that get very irritated when things touch or especially bump it. I scream whenever my dogs come near my leg...worse when they touch it!!!!!! Oh my gosh is that a horrible feeling! At night, I can't sleep the way I like to b/c they pain on the nerve area is so sensitive with touching the sheets or the pillow. It hurts so much doing that!! The bone scan shows that I possibly do not have RSD, so what next? Ya know? I am doing all this nerve treatment stuff....Lyrica meds, a PT exercise, and the nerve gel. Nothing helps, but the PT exercise where I rub the towel on the sensitive area does not make it any better, but feels worse! The gel also makes it a lot worse, so I have stopped using that. I have increased the dosage of Lyrica by 75mg at night now and that has helped the tingliness. Sorry to go on and on. I really hope that you don't have the same issues as me. I am sure the location of our defects makes a difference.

I hope you have fun on your ladies weekend out!! Those types of trips are always fun...better when you can walk :(

I can't wait to see what your OS says next week about your progress. You are doing really well for the "normal" recovery part. Sorry about the other things that sound all too familiar to me. I hope you are sleeping by now!!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 24, 2008, 03:41:10 AM: Hey Friend,

I'm sorry to hear that you are still having the old pain. And believe me when I say I understand about not seeing your own PT. Twice, I've been scheduled to see another one when mine had conflicts, and twice I've had conflicts and had to cancel!! Though they were legitimate, I told Jason I really couldn't see myself seeing someone else! We've been together since Oct. '06 and he knows me so well; it just makes things easier.

As for the old pain, I also have that to complain about. My patella defect was so small to begin with, i was never told the size! Now, my OS says it cover 40% of the underside of my patella!! I also feel the same pain when i do SLR's and I am sure that's why I still have the extensor lag. It just hurts too much to straighten my leg out all the way. Jason says it's weakness, but i fear that it's a matter of function. My surgery has improved my gait, but i have the same pain also when I load the patella in any way. I am pushing through and doing the exercises, because if i don't do everything to try and build muscle, then I know I don't stand a chance to improve. I have to know that I've done all I can.

Kathy, remember that's it's early on, still. Give yourself a bit more time to heal. I am now almost 14 weeks, and things are a bit better each week; for that I am thankful. Have a great time this weekend!!! You really deserve it!!

Take care! Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 24, 2008, 06:19:17 AM: Hey Peg!!

Thanks for your comments. You seem to be the most similar to me in diagnosis and treatment, so it's good to see you are having some improvement as time goes on. I am tempted to push through the pain, but every time I think I'll try it, my PT reminds me not to push things too hard (I swear he has ESP!!). He stresses that I risk shredding the rest of my patellar cartilage if I work through the pain. He's given me guidelines of how much aching/pain I should accept and I am not to go past that point. I think my lack of swelling makes things hard too, as swelling can't be used as an indicator that I've done too much. My OS also agrees that I shouldn't work through the pain. I suppose that the last year or so has supported that. I pushed to get more strength, but the aching lingered around and I just couldn't get stronger - I suppose that shows how much the aching inhibited the muscles, even when I didn't push through the pain to exercise and stuck to what my knees could tolerate. I don't have any problems doing SLRs at least, but they don't seem to do much for my strength, no matter how many hundreds I do :P My PT agrees with Jason about the weakness thing. He said that while there is a functional issue (a defect that causes pain on certain movements), if the surrounding muscles can become stronger then they will better support the joint and there will be less stresses through the defect, as the muscles will be able to take more load - make sense? It's just a matter of working out how to gain strength when there is pain involved. I have to do exercises either side of my flexion pain, so I do flexion exercises only in the range where I have no pain, and avoid the range where I do have pain - so I sit in a chair and straighten my leg out to just before the point at which I get pain, and then lower. It still irritates though, and I ache a lot afterwards if I do too many :(

Anyway, I am now just waiting to see what my OS has to say next week, and I am looking forward to having my own PT back again to get his opinion on things. In the meantime, it'll be loads of SLRs for me :P

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on July 27, 2008, 02:37:08 AM: Kathy,

That's a good point about the surrounding muscles helping when stronger. I am having a much better week, little repercussion from water therapy this week. I have been to the gym 6 days this week and I am cycling about 20 minutes with more tension, doing leg presses at 110 lbs., adductor and abductor machine, my PT exercises and swimming 40 laps with the pull buoy( so not a lot of kicking). Today, I went to a beginning spinning class(cycling), I learned how to set my bike seat and all. I am going to attempt this, but only at my own speed. Jason said he really built his quads with spinning, and he thought I should try it and see how I did with it (with some limitations of course). My knee aches, but so what, it has for 2 years. My clicking is still there, but not painful, so I try and ignore it. I've decided to go all out on the quad building; it's all or nothing.

It's a big week for you, an OS appt.,AND your hunky PT coming back to work; take a deep breath, don't hyperventilate!! Hope your weekend away has been fun!!

Peggy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 27, 2008, 02:43:50 AM: Spin classes are awesome!! They are impossible for me right now, but when my knee is better, I will get back to them right away!!! I used to do 3 classes a week back in August-October...loved it!! You definitely will have to go at your own speed though. The ups and downs and all the different motions they tell you to do can be very difficult on your knees...at least they were for me. That's why I had to stop. I loved it though...you feel so great mentally when you are done with a 45minute or 1hr class!

Kathy, I hope you are having a good weekend! It is a big week for you...hope it all goes as planned and you get to hear what you want to hear!! Good luck!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 28, 2008, 02:26:37 AM: Hi Everyone,

Well, I had a lovely weekend. It's so nice to get away with other females and do the "girly" things without kids and partners complaining. We did a tour of the towns sites, and pottered through antique shops and secondhand shops before having a driink in each of the pubs and checking out their dining rooms and menus so we could decide where to have our evening meal. On the way home we checked out a huge old house that's open for tours, and had a snack at a little coffee shop before heading home. All very nice. We did a fair bit of walking, some over hilly ground, so I found I was quite achy afterwards but each knee was different. My right felt like it functioned/moved in a more "oiled" fashion than the left, though I had to baby it a bit as I didn't want to risk any damage before I am fully recovered from the surgery. My left has more control and strength but hurt doing the hills. On the hills I had to use my crutches as I have no control over how slow I go downhill - I haven't for quite some time. My left really hurt (as I relied on the crutches and my left knee to do most of the work. When I did try to use my right UP the hills (still without too much load though) it felt like it worked better than it used to, but I am going to remain cautious for the moment while hoping for the best. Overall, both knees are now paying the price for the weekend in different ways. I wish it was longer since surgery so I could have really pushed both knees to give a better comparison, but I guess that'll happen soon enough.

Spin classes sound great. I have to be able to spend more than 5 minutes on a bike first!! I really hope I can get back to doing some cycling, but after the way my left knee has nagged at me this weekend, I think I'll have to wait until I've had a TTT on both knees before I get back to more of the cycling and hiking. I think I'll do some long walks this week and see how things hold up. I am hanging out to get out and walking, especially after getting a bit of a taste of it this weekend. I miss it so much!!

Well, there's no time like the present. I might start with a jaunt round the block.

Bye for now.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lilrosie06 on July 28, 2008, 06:41:32 AM: Hey guys....Just popping in to say hello and see how you all are doing? Im sorry Ive not been on more. Busy busy time for me right now. Knee giving me trouble....but muddling through till after the wedding. I see you guys are getting out and about despite the old knees. Thats great! Anyways, just wanted to let yins (some Pittsburghese there) know I was thinking about you. Ill be on more often after the wedding next weekend. Take care....

Hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 28, 2008, 12:39:57 PM: Hey Donna,

I hope the wedding goes well and is a wonderful day...and I hope the weather is beautiful too. Fingers crossed that the knee behaves for the big day. I'll be thinking of you.

(((HUGS)))

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lilrosie06 on July 28, 2008, 03:20:16 PM: Thanks so much, Kathy. ;DI cant believe its almost here already!! I will post pics as soon as I can afterwards!! Have a GREAT week!!

DONNA :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on July 28, 2008, 05:11:24 PM: Hi Kathy, I am so glad you had a fun "girly" weekend! It's nice to do that now and then. Sorry your knees are paying for it now! You still seem to be recovering pretty well with your surgery leg. I hope that your OS appt goes well this week. I forgot which day it was though.

Big week for me, Kathy. I am having a Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block tomorrow and an MRI on Wednesday! Hopefully I get some results out of those!!!! Well have a good night!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on July 30, 2008, 08:22:55 AM: Hi All,

I am just back from the OS. I have been given the okay to return to work, but my work has a problem with the sick certificate and unless the OS will write that I am allowed back "on full duties" then I will not be allowed back :P So I am chasing the clinic to try and get them to rewrite the certificate - currently it just says I can return to work next week. If all goes well then I will be back at work on Saturday night (at least I'll get good penalty rates ;D ).

As for the aching, the OS reminded me that I have had a big procedure, and also that the knee has to get used to its new tracking, so I should expect some aching. I really hope that's the case. If all goes well then I could get 10-20 years out of the surgery! Wouldn't that be good!!! But he stressed that it'll be a long haul and I am not to push things. I have no restrictions as such, but I am to be guided by pain and aching. So I can do whatever my knees allow me to do. The extra damage caused over the last few months was negligible, apparently, so that's good news. All those stalagtites in my scope photo were just window dressing ;D. At least what I have been doing hasn't been making the knee much worse. It makes me more inclined to push a bit harder in the future. I have walked every day, slowly around the streets where I live (avoiding the hilly ones), and it has really boosted my spirits. It makes my knee joints ache a bit, but it's so good to feel the muscles ache from the exercise that I am inclined to ignore the other aches unless they get real bad. I love being out in the fresh air, even in the rain we've had lately. I just hope my OS's optimism holds true and that things go well. The stats I have read on TTTs suggest that when they are done in a case such as mine, where damage is already beyond the 'minor' stage, then the TTT has only a modest level of success, and then only in 2/3 of people. I would be happy with a 'modest' level of success but I wouldn't want to be in the 1/3 of people it doesn't help.

I am still waiting for the OS's secretary/PA to call back. I have phoned again and got her answering machine :P I left a message and hopefully I can get this sick certificate sorted out. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow - which sucks, because it's my shopping day and I have lots to do. I won't be home to answer the phone. I left my mobile number as well, at least.

My father-in-law had his bypass last week and came home today, so we are off to see him tonight - he didn't want us to visit him in hospital.

Bye for now.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on July 30, 2008, 11:08:07 AM: Hi Kathy, Sounds all good. Back to work is wonderful but be careful you don't try to do too much. Just because OS told you "no limitations" doesn't mean you really are. You'll probably ache for a while. Slowly that should go away with time. Mine has. Good luck getting the sick certificate re-written and enjoy being back at work again. Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lb573 on July 31, 2008, 10:23:14 PM: Hi Kathy,

That is awesome to hear that your OS is releasing you back to work! You are progressing so quickly (reminds me of my L knee TTT/LR). I know i continue to have pain as well, but my OS said much the same thing as yours in that in takes time for the knee to get used to its new position; for the time-being it is the medial issues that we are concerned with. I hope that you are able to get the sick note sorted out and you can get back to work soon. I had PT this morning and we are finally making plans for a tentative return on Aug 13 (just over 4 months post-op...); the schedule and restrictions have to be approved by my manager and return to work coordinator. How is your father in law doing? I hope you have a good weekend!!

Leah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on August 02, 2008, 01:54:27 PM: Hi Kathy,

Sorry I have been MIA on your diary for a while. Really been struggling with my pain, but is a bit better now.

That is wonderful you have been given the all clear to return to work. Hopefully you can go back soon. Sounds like you are making wonderful progress. Can't believe you are up to walking around your local area. I still finding walking a real chore. Hope it gets better soon.

Just updated a long post on my diary. Off my crutch and pain is a little better, which is great. Having hassles with TAC, but hoping to get it sorted soon.

Enjoy your weekend.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Robin M. on August 03, 2008, 02:39:22 AM: Hi Kathy,

It's good to hear that you're doing well and can return to work. This is the first I've been on the BB since the MUA. Things have been very busy with extra PT sessions not to mention all the exercises and time I spend in the CPM machine at home. Hope you had a good time on your girl's weekend.Take care and talk to you soon.

Robin
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on August 06, 2008, 11:26:03 PM: Hey,

I've been MIA for awhile for various reasons; the kids are out for the summer, I've been really busy with my gym workouts and most recently, more pain. I really don't know what's up unless the exercising and accelerated PT are the culprit. The bottom line is that if I can't strengthen my quads, I'm not gonna improve. I'm still clicking with every step, not usually painful, but every now and then I turn the wrong way and there's pain. I am now having the deep ache in the knee joint and my sleeping is the pitts. I made more progress in PT last week and I was so excited, and now this! I really prefer my roller coaster rides to be at the amusement park!! Take care and I promise I'll check back in soon.

Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on August 07, 2008, 03:50:49 AM: Hi Kathy, it's been a few days! I hope you aren't running away from us since you are recovering so smoothly so far!!!!! How's everything going? I hope you aren't in a lot of pain and I hope PT is going well if you have started it.

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on August 07, 2008, 09:14:40 AM: Hi Guys,

No, I'm not running away. Just taking some time out to get back into the swing of work and push the exercise thing a bit. I sometimes feel I don't know whether I am coming or going! I am doing some long(ish) walks, which has boosted my spirits a lot, but the aching lurks in the wings, waiting to take hold at the end of the day. I find that being tired or cold always sets the ache off as well, and so does some of the exercises I am doing, though I am sick of trying to determine what bit of my life causes the aching in order to change it. I just figure I am going to do the exercises I have been given, go for my walks, and lump the aching. I don't feel I have a chance to get stronger if I don't.

The good news is that during my recovery I did all my PT exercises on my right (surgery) leg, and then did them on my other leg with weights, and it has really given my left leg a boost. I think because I could do the exercises and then spend the day resting, it meant my knee didn't get irritated like it did before surgery. Now it's a different matter - I can do a single leg half squat with discomfort rather than pain but I find that stairs and hills still cause the knee to be irritated due to the repetition. I hope it improves, but I am inclined to push for a TTT on it, as I think it has a better chance of giving me good functional improvement than the one I just had because the left knee is stronger to start with.

As for the right knee, it seems to be a little better. I find I can't sit/sleep with it bent for long, or it aches to buggery, which I am not too keen about as it was an old problem that improved after my LRs and now has returned. I have crunching and grinding that has returned since surgery, though it's not yet quite up to the standard of the disgusting sounding noises that came from my knee before surgery. The knee seems to be less irritable and settles quicker after exercise than it used to, so it looks promising, though I can't squat on it at all without it collapsing under me. My PT has me doing some exercises to help the issue, though I think they irritate the knee a fair bit. I'd like it to improve so I don't go down hills like my Nana (sideways and holding on if I can), but overall I am just happy to be walking better without the severe aching I was getting after a short distance. I still think I limp or something, as my back aches a lot when I walk. Maybe I have more than my leg muscles that need to be built up :P

Overall it seems to be a long hard slow slog!! I HATE exercises with a vengence - I'd rather be out walking or cycling or something more interesting, so I am determined to get this all out of the way ASAP!

Cheers,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on August 07, 2008, 09:49:59 AM: Hi Kathy,
Sounds like youre doing great.

Few things - sit for a bit, achey knee - that does improve with time, with a TTT that takes a long while but it will stop happening to some degree.
Crunching/grinding - welcome to my world!!! If the noises dont hurt - ignore them!!
My back has been aching from walking too!!! I got Fergal to video me walking so I could see what I was doing, and it turns out my legs are moving fine, but Im hunched over looking at my feet. So I am endeavouring to stand up straighter when I walk - my back gets very tired from it though. Think its just a habit I developed over 3 years of total instability, always watching where the next step was.

It IS a bloody long hard slog isnt it? But we will get there!!! I am now walking 1.6 miles a day - takes a little bit to warm up, the middle bit is grand, the end bit is tiring. But Im just increasing distance each week by a little. Measured it in the car yesterday - 2 miles a day will be a nice place to be.

You would think Id be losing weight with all this extra exercise eh? But no. Im afraid not. I seem to sweat a lot walking too :) Maybe Im just not used to moving!!!!!!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on August 08, 2008, 08:08:11 AM: Hi Tanya,

I have no idea how far I walk. I go by time - I am walking around 30 minutes, sometimes more if I feel up to it. It's hard to deal with the fatigue part of it. I never used to think about whether I could walk home again after a long walk. I'd just walk for ages and then turn around and go back. I was always so fit that it was never an issue, and I could walk or ride as long as I wanted in a day. Now I have to stay close to home so I can finish up when I start tiring out, so I do laps of the block, or go in a circular sort of pattern so I always have a short cut back home if I need. It's so frustrating!!!

My back was a bit better on today's walk, though it could be because I cut it short due to being achy this morning. I think most of it is muscular - my body just isn't used to standing upright for long periods (due to my knees) and I need more abdominal and back muscle strength. I tend to look at the ground too, so it could be part of it also. I also have some scoliosis, which could have an effect too. My GP thinks I may have early arthritis in my back, though I think it's just soft tissue, as it feels nothing like my knees do. I think my knees and the scoliosis are both at fault for my back aches. Thankfully I have been prescribed a stong slow release anti-inflammatory for when my back gets too bad, and it settles things down pretty well. I can only take it for a week before I end up with mouth ulcers and headaches :P

Anyway, my son is busting to use my laptop, so I'll leave him to it and go and make tea.

Bye for now.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: tanyap on August 08, 2008, 09:15:58 AM: Hi Kathy,
I think we are living parallel lives on the opposite sides of the world because Im walking in circles near home also for the same reason!!! Lately Ive been trying to walk wearing totally different trainers, good arch support, and cushioned soles, but they feel very big and bulky to me so my brain is tensing my leg a little which brings on the aches. I know if I persevere Ill break through it, but its been a hard weeks walking for me. The trainers are much better for my feet though so I want to wear them.

Ive been watching my reflection in people windows as I walk past checking that Im upright properly - yesterday a lady was looking out and Im sure she thought I was looking into her house - but I was only using her shiny window reflection!!! Getting Fergal to video me really helped, I hadnt realised the extent of my hunching.

Im having a lot of cracking at the back of my knee - its tendons, I know by the feeling (all my joints crack), I think that my gait has changed, Im using more bent leg than before cos the quads are stronger, and it feels to me like a bit of tension is building and I need to 'crack' to release it. It could also be cos of different shoes causing a small amount of tension in the knee. I cant just fling my leg about yet, I suppose a better example is that I couldnt just jumpinto a swimming poll and let my leg go any which way, I just dont trust it enough yet. I suppose time will help, I havent been able to use it properly for 3 years, it will take time to rehab that kind of disuse?

Im sick of knee rehab though!!! Just a day of good knees would be lovely!!!
xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on August 09, 2008, 01:31:23 PM: Hi Kathy,

I think you are doing wondefully well. Can't believe you are already walking that much and had your surgery after mine.

As for me I seem to have made more progress with my left knee. It feels really stable and the bone pain is improving. My right knee is failing me big time. Waiting to get a hinged brace for my right knee so it doesn't buckle all the time. Seeing my OS in just over a week. Can't wait to see what he says.

I get my puppy in a few weeks and can't wait.

Enjoy your weekend.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on August 09, 2008, 01:50:35 PM: I'd be looking forward to getting a puppy too!! We saw some gorgeous maltese/poodle cross puppies today. They were all black with curly coats and they were so dark it was hard to tell where their faces were!! That's my kind of dog! Good to see one of your knees is improving, though it's a bummer when the other one doesn't want to join in the party!

Mum and I took my daughter shopping today, as it's her birthday soon. She didn't know what she wanted, and I got her to look through some catalogues and she ended up deciding to get some shoes. Because she is super hard to fit, we ended up taking her shopping, and we had a blast. She found two pairs of shoes that fit and were what she wanted, so we bought them and then I suggested we look for a coat, as the winter stuff is now on sale because summer gear is coming in. Jordi found a nice coat, a couple of dresses, a long-sleeve t-shirt, and a hoodie, and Mum bought the lot. Half of it was on sale, so she did well. Add a bit of bling (rings, earrings, necklace) and Mum has got enough for both her and my Nana to wrap for Jordi's birthday. Sure, she knows what she is getting, but she is so happy about getting to choose, and is saying that this will be her best birthday yet!! She was allowed to keep one pair of shoes (the rest gets put away till her party) and she has kept them next to her since she got them home!! I reckon they'll be in her bed tonight!! My knees are reminding me of how much they hated pacing the shops, but it was worth it to see Jordi's smile. Sorry, it's not much of a knee thing to talk about, but the knees are pretty much the same, so there's no news there for the time being.

I hope everybody has a good weekend. It's pouring with rain here but we're having a relaxing weekend so far.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on August 11, 2008, 01:40:29 AM: Hi Kathy,

Glad things are going so well for you! When is your daughter's birthday? My son will be 11 on the 15th (Friday)
and he is sooooo excited!! My 14 year old is away on a Mission Trip, so Joshua is loving that!! We have also been looking at Puppies. We have a Boxer, but the kids want to have a small dog for a change (we've looked at Cockapoos , Malteese, Yorkies, etc... We'll know when it's the right one. We will go through rescue, so it will take a while for the right one.

Talk to you soon, Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on August 14, 2008, 01:54:04 PM: Hi Peg,

My daughter will be 10 on the 31st. As I am working that weekend (I was off having surgery when the roster was done), we will be celebrating the weekend before instead. My son was 11 in June. They are growing up so quickly!! Alex has been doing lots of cooking. He made peppermint slice tonight - rather soggy on the bottom, with runny icing, but he was happy to eat it anyway!! I enjoy being able to trust him to be safe in the kitchen now. Cooking keeps him out of mischief and gives him useful skills for later in life.

I am still walking regularly. I find it hard to get out when I am working, but I walk on my days off (4 days a week). I have noticed my right leg getting stronger from it. I still get aching, but it's more tolerable now. I don't think it'll ever be great, but I am happy with things so far. My left is doing fairly well, but I am eager to have a TTT on it to improve it more. It aches more than the right now, and gives me grief on hills and stairs. My right just isn't strong enough to cope with hills and stairs, but my left has the strength there - I have the feeling that it will do really well with a TTT. It has come a long way in strength with all the walking and the exercises I did while recovering from surgery, but it hasn't made a difference to the aching I get with hills/stairs, so I think a TTT is the only way to get past the problem. My right was never as strong as my left, and has always been the worst knee, so I predict that my left will do much better than my right. The exercises I was given where I have to raise my leg out straight from a sitting position are more tolerable now, but still cause problems. I can do the exercise with less pain (as my muscles are stronger), but I still get loads of prolonged bad aching afterwards. I stopped doing them for a week and it is definitely that particular exercise that is the problem. I still had good strength gains that week, so the walking must be doing me loads of good. I might try cycling again, on top of the walking, as I can do it when the kids are home, or after dark, or when it's pouring with rain.

Overall, I am very happy with the results from the TTT. I can potter around the shops (slow pace, coffee break, flat ground) for about three hours or so, and I can walk for exercise (faster pace, rougher/inclined ground) for about 30 - 45 minutes (though when my knees have had enough I'd better be close to home!!). It's a HUGE improvement on pre-surgery, especially as it's only been two months and I have a long way to go still. My right knee still doesn't have much strength, though it's getting better, and I don't feel like I can rely on it at times, but the horrible constant aching has gone. It aches at times, but it's much more bearable for the most part. My left still gives me problems, but nothing like my right ever did. I am hoping the next few months give me even more big improvements and that I can go for a TTT on my left next year with a nice, strong, reliable right knee. Then I just have to hope that the TTTs last a L-O-N-G time!!!!!

Kathy ;D
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on August 14, 2008, 04:25:22 PM: Kathy

Way to go ;D

I know you will still have pain and issues but overall it seems that the TTT has gave you a better quality of life with that knee. Every day that you can go a little further is a good day. Post surgery is not easy that is for sure, its all the little mile stones and the pains and the constant checking what that pain was.
But we will get there !!!!

At least you can go out now with your daughet etc and know hopefully the pain wont be as bad.

I am pleased for you, it wont be long before we are flying the Kathy & Tanya flag :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on August 25, 2008, 03:48:49 AM: Blah!! I am having a yuck week. Both knees have been aching for the last week, and I am not sure what has set them off. The good thing is that the right isn't as bad as it used to be, but it's still been pretty uncomfortable regardless. PT tomorrow might be able to shed some light on things. I have not been out for my walks due to the extra aching, so I'm feeling rather miserable about that, and I can feel my stress levels rising. Walking was great for chilling out and relaxing.

On a better note, work is going well. One of the day staff has come onto night shift and I am enjoying working with her, so now I have two good colleagues to work with on a regular basis (they work opposite each other, so I work with either one or the other on a given shift).

I am having to fight to get onto my laptop at the moment, as my son's internet connection has been having problems, so he keeps using my laptop. I also have been busy trying to get back into the swing of working again and haven't felt like going online very often. I have been doing lots of reading, and have started knitting a jumper for my daughter, when I haven't been battling the never-ending housework!!

Hope everything is going well for all of you out there. Take care.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: WorkinWings on August 25, 2008, 02:26:32 PM: Kathy!!!!

It's a NEW week, now ;D

Wishing that this one is a much better one for you!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on August 25, 2008, 06:02:01 PM: Hi Kathy, I hope this week is better for you and that achiness has left. Could it be your weather? just curious. Sometimes that could happen. So how is work going for you? Is it difficult getting around? Are your coworkers helping you get things sometimes? Or are you just doing everything you used to do, but slower? I hope you are enjoying it and not coming home in too much pain. Well I just wanted to say hello since it has been a while. So goodbye for now!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on August 25, 2008, 07:17:13 PM: Hope the knees are ok and PT wasn't too bad. Just wanted to pop by and say I am thinking of you and hope you are doing ok.

Hope you get online soon :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on August 26, 2008, 10:26:25 AM: Hi All,

PT went okay. No clue as to what has caused the aching, but it's slowly easing off finally. I am wondering if it's a combination of the weather, all the getting up and down I do at work, and some of the additional stuff I've been doing around home. I was also on a strong anti-inflammatory for my back and I have stopped that now, so maybe it was helping my knees a bit too. Oh well. I am to continue as I am until I see my PT again in 4 weeks. He just stressed that it'll be slow going and that I am to focus primarily on functional gains (in other words I don't need to push to be able to go up and down stairs over and over in a day, as long as I can do a flight of stairs once without pain and difficulty - same for other activities...as long as I can cope with what I NEED to do to be able to function on a basic level). He was happy with where I am at, and was pleased to hear about my walking going well.

Work is ideal right now. We have a good bunch of patients and things are fairly quiet. I do have to get up and down a bit, but for the most part I can sit with my feet up and relax. I can cope with pretty well anything that might get thrown at me, though I haven't tried to kneel on a hard floor yet!! Though it's only a slim chance I'd ever need to do it on the ward I am on - my old ward required me to kneel every now and then. Farrah - I am not as slow as I was prior to surgery, as the aching in my worst knee is better than it was. I must admit that I get stiff by morning though, and then it's an effort and a half to get out of my chair ;D But that's not a new thing anyway. One of my co-workers gave me a heads-up on a position that's about to become available for a night staff clinical nurse (which would possibly suit my knees more). The only issue is that it heads more into a management role, and it's not really my kind of thing. It's a really hard decision. It would be more money, and I could keep the same hours I currently have, but it means more responsibility. And for 1/4 of the year I would be relieving the after hours coordinator (who runs the hospital overnight, does the staffing for night shift, arranges staff to replace people who have called in sick overnight, and is the one who deals with any emergencies at night). Yuck!! So far my knees have coped with my job, but it will ultimately depend on how well the TTT works, and for how long. Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions!!

Oh well. I am off to have a cuppa and a relax, before I have to go to work. Have a good day.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on August 27, 2008, 02:34:13 PM: Hi Kathy, it sounds like you are doing really well. I can't believe you are able to do your job already! Despite aching, I am so happy for you! Do you walk pretty normally? More money and more responsibility vs less money and less responsibility and being happier? Hmmm...I am an architect, so I know how to answer that question! Architects don't make a lot of money, but I love what I do. Of course we have lots of responsibility and stress, but I love it and would never trade it for any other job. So I would go with what makes you happier. That's just my opinion :)

Well keep up your good work and I hope things improve for you. Keep us posted on your job decision when it comes around.

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on September 11, 2008, 07:01:57 PM: Hi Kathy

Hope your doing ok today. At east being a nurse you have a good background to understand all this knee stuf. As for the promotion I guess its a tough call, do you want the responsibility or do you enjoy just going home and switching off ? Its a toughy ! Farrah is right htough most importantly do what makes you happy.

Farrah move over here architect trainign here is 7 years and they get paid a lot !!!!

Thinking of you Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Kaputt_Knee on October 20, 2008, 08:39:22 PM: Hi Kathy

just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday! As I'm away from home working I can't access the nice things in Facebook >:( So this is the only way I could think of to wish you a fabulous day

Alpine Sue ;)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on October 20, 2008, 10:26:23 PM: Kathy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

We miss you on here ! Come back and tell us how you are
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on October 30, 2008, 01:00:21 PM: Hi Guys!!

Thank you so much for the Birthday wishes. It was an uneventfull day, but we made up for it by having two celebrations in one weekend - just what I needed in my busy schedule...NOT!!

It is concert time of year and I have been so busy. We have had relatives over from interstate, I have been sewing lots of dance costumes and helping a friend with her sewing too, and I've been helping prepare for a Cuboree/Hoporee (the Cub Scout and Joey Scout versions of a Jamboree, and this year they have been combined into one big event).

I am sorry I have not caught up with you all over the last few months (golly, time flies!!). I have been busy and have also felt that I have had nothing much to talk about.

I had OS and PT appointments earlier this week. I saw the PT first. He assessed everything prior to the OS visit. I have some crunching in both knees that has returned since surgery (no real surprise there), with right worse than left. He isn't concerned about my ROM, as it's never been an issue. He did something to my kneecaps that made me squirm in pain - he then told me that he was simulating stairs and hills by pushing on my patella in a particular way. OUCH!! Obviously it's still a problem....I could have told him that without the painful test! He discussed my limitations and improvements and said that I can now do my exercises without his input and don't need to see him unless I run into problems. The OS said the same thing. The general consensus is that I had reached the end of the road so to speak, and any further improvement wouldn't be dramatic and would just be the result of improved strength. The OS apologised for not getting a better result and told me to come back to see him if I ran into any problems such as swelling, buckling, or increased pain.

As for the results, I can get through the day to day sort of stuff much better than I did. I don't ache constantly, and rarely as badly as I did prior to surgery. I get less aching in my right knee, although it still limits my activity to a degree. I find that my left is the ones that aches more on walks, though it has the better strength and it is the dominant leg for stairs and hills - but they cause it to ache a fair bit. My right is the one with limited strength for hills and stairs, but the aching is less for the most part. I find that the added activity of things like a day at the zoo is what starts my knees aching. I'm disappointed that things aren't that little bit better, but at least I can do those extra things now without being in serious pain partway through. I just have to pace myself so that I don't have too many of those sort of activities too close together, or I'll pay big time. My feeling is that I will be back at the surgeon's office at some stage to get a TTT on my left knee. I think that it'll eventually end up the same as my right knee was.

For the moment I am walking half to 3/4 of an hour a few times a week (I can't quite manage to fit in a daily walk) and am doing lunges to build up quad strength, though I have to be careful I don't overdo them. I am just hoping that things will either improve or stay the same for a long time to come!!! I don't want to have to think about more surgery and PT for a good while!

Anyway, it's past my time for bed and I have a busy day tomorrow. I'll see you all around.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on December 28, 2008, 12:57:10 PM: Hi All,

I have tried to touch base with a few of you on your diaries, but I know I have missed a few so I will write here also. Sorry for leaving it so long between visits. I have needed some time away from all things knee related, though I don't think it's done much! I have also been busy with my kids and their issues.

Knee-wise, things are pretty much the same. We went away for 5 days prior to Christmas and I pushed myself a bit, as I wanted to do things with my family rather than sit on the sidelines and watch from a distance. My knees suffered as a result and they've been rather temperamental since. I enjoyed the holiday, though I wish I'd had the foresight to take my walking stick!! I think I'll stay clear of sand dunes in the future - they were my undoing on this trip!! It was bad enough that everything seemed to involve slopes and steps. Thankfully the sloping walkways were designed to be wheelchair accessable, so they were not very steep - my knees will be forever grateful for that!!

Overall I feel a bit let down with it all, knee-wise. I feel a bit "cast aside" in a sense, as my knees are still trouble but there isn't much to be done until they get bad enough for replacement surgery. I just wish that I'd been given more info on what I am supposed to do in the meantime to cope with it all. I don't know whether to chat to my GP, or ring the local Arthritis foundation for more info on support groups, or what. We got ourselves (the kids and us) a Wii for Christmas, with the WiiFit board also, so I am giving that a go to see if I can find some activities that might help my leg muscles and not irritate my knees too much. I get sick of the same old stuff that I am desparate for some variation. The more things I can do to help get keep/improve my strength, the better. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle, especially at times like this, where any small amount of activity (like the five minute walk to the local shop) sets off sharp knee pain - the price I am paying for our holiday. Oh well.

Sorry for the moaning. I am feeling a bit sorry for myself at the moment. I am due to go back to work this week after two weeks off, and my knees hurt, and I haven't done most of the things I'd wanted to do in my time off. AND I am working night shift on New Years Eve!!! Bummer.

I hope you're all doing well and that you had a great Christmas.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on December 28, 2008, 07:42:59 PM: Hi Kathy,

Good to hear how things have been going.

It is nice you were able to get away before Christmas. Whereabouts did you go ?

In relation to your question about dealing with arthritis, sorry to hear you have been left in the lurch. My best advice would be to go and see a good sports physician. They deal with this thing all the time and should be able to give you some good advice on managing your arthritis. There are meant to be some good Sports Physicians at Sportsmed SA. Their website is www.sporsmed.com.au Geoff Verrall is quite well known in sports medicine circles and has spoken at Sports Medicine Australia functions. I wouldn't waste your time with your GP as they don't have a very good idea on managing these problems. Your idea of contacting Arthritis SA is a good one too. Another idea would be to look into doing a pain management program. They are often run at private hospitals that specialise in rehab. I am looking into doing one in Melbourne.

All the best for a great year in 2009. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: JoniF on December 28, 2008, 10:47:36 PM: Hi Kathy,

Happy Holidays!!!

Sorry to hear you are still having problems with your knee. It's great that you were able to get away witht he family for Christmas. Two weeks off of work sounds great.

Hope all is well with you and the family.

Take care,
Joni
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on December 29, 2008, 02:10:49 AM: Hi Joni,

How are things going with you and your knees? Have you had any more appointments or have you been left to do your "own thing"? How're the headaches? Have they improved or gone?

Kirsty - we went to Kangaroo Island. We have wanted to go for a while but getting there is expensive (just over $400 return for the four of us and the car to go on the ferry). It's pristine Aussie wilderness with Kangaroos and Koalas and all sorts of other wildlife pretty much unspoilt by human contact. It was lovely to listen to all the animals scuffling through the scrub during the night. We went to Seal Bay and watched the sealions on the beach, toured through Kelly Hill Caves, saw amazing rock formations at Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks, visited HUGE sand dunes (which the kids slid down on sand boards), toured a couple of lighthouses, watched the penguins at night, and saw the pelicans being fed. All the "touristy" things. It was a wonderful way to spent 5 days.

My OS and PT are through Sportsmed, though I must admit I hadn't thought to see the physicians there. I had thought of going back to my OS just before my referral runs out, just to touch base and find out more about what he expects me to do (eg. who I should see for pain management and general issues with my knees) and when he thinks I should see him again (ie. under what circumstances). Friends have got some good rheumatologists, and seeing one of them was another thought, as they seem to be good at the day to day management of arthritis. Oh well, I'll think more about it in the new year. I'll ask around in the meantime and see who friends recommend.

Hope you all have a good New Year's Eve. I'm working :P but at least it pays well ;)

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on December 29, 2008, 09:02:17 AM: Hi Kathy,

I went to Kangaroo Island as a teenager and absolutely loved it. Really loved the seals at Seal Bay. When I was in year 11 and 12 I wrote some things about my time there. Would love to go back some time.

To be honest, I wouldn't bother going back to see you OS. I did a little while ago but was a complete waste of time. My sports physician has been the best one in helping me to manage my pain, not just medication wise either. I have also been seeing a sports psychologist which has helped a lot too. I would be very wary of seeing a rheumatologist as often they just medicate people. A sports physician will take more of a holistic approach and would be able to help you more. Speak to your physio about who they would recommend for your type of problems.

All the best for a great 2009 !!! :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: JoniF on December 30, 2008, 02:33:52 AM: Hi Kathy,

In September I bent down to save a little lizard from becoming my dog's snack and ended up with a severe pattelar effusion on my right knee. After almost three weeks on crutches and in an immobilizer my right knee is still giving me grief. While at my last os appt, he mentioned that a PFJR would be the best option for my left knee. He finally acknowleged that all other previous surgeries on my left knee have failed. I'm extremely hesitant to have another major surgery when all others have been unsuccessful. I'm still dealing with migraines unfortunately. They just can't seem to diagnose what's causing them. I called my neurologist and let him know that I am not looking for anymore meds, just to be headache free, so they are sending me over 1.5hrs away to a hospital that has a headache clinic. I'm just so tired of dealing with the headaches already, so I hope they can find an answerr for me.

How are you feeling? It's so good to hear from you. I missed you ((((hugs)))). I understand completely about needing a break from anything havaing to do with knees. They do tend to run your life unfortunately. I'm so happy you were able to go away for Christmas. The trip sounds wonderful and I'm happy to hear you were able to enjoy yourself despite your knee issues. Do you have anymore appts. to see your os?

I'm sorry you have to work on New Year's. Will you get to spend any time with your family? My mom is coming to my house, then we are going to go to my sister's house and spend New Year's with her and her family. Mom will then sleep over and we will spend New Year's Day together. I'm hoping that we can all get along ;).

Take care and hope to hear from you soon,
Joni
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on December 30, 2008, 03:38:46 AM: Hi Joni,

I will get to see my family for New Year's Eve, as they are coming over to spend the evening at our house. I will go to work and they will stay and party with hubby and the kids, but at least I will see them all before I go to work.

I can understand your reluctance to have another surgery. I really hope to stay surgery free for a few years now. I don't know how realistic my goal is, but I can hope ;) How successful does your OS say the PFJR has been? It's the sort of surgery I'm a bit wary of, though I guess that even if it would only buy me a year then it's better than nothing. The PFJR seems to be improving in design as time goes on, and there are some success stories out there. But it's still a scary surgery to contemplate.

I have been discharged from PT and from my OS now, so no more visits for now. My OS said to come back if I have problems with buckling and increased pain. I said I already have buckling, mostly when I am tired, but he didn't respond to that! Not much he could say, really. We both want to keep my knees going as they are for as long as possible, as more surgery just isn't the desirable option. I just have to find a doctor to support me on the way, now that my OS has done all he can until things get worse. Ahhhh, how depressing it all is sometimes!!

Aaarrggghh!!! Now my 11 year old son is in a foul mood because his endeavour to sew a top has failed ::) I could have predicted it, as he used non stretch fabric and no pattern. He came to me to ask for help but didn't like my suggestions and stormed off in a foul mood. To make matters worse, his 10 year old sister made a tank top that fits beautifully, all of her own design!! No hems, the seams are on the outside, and one of the pieces is the wrong way aroound, but a good job for someone her age. I remember making tops by cutting two arm holes in a rectangle of fabric and then putting buttons down the front ;D I had better go and do something.

Bye for now.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: JoniF on December 30, 2008, 01:31:14 PM: Hi Kathy,

I glad that you will get to spend some time with your family over the holiday. I really hope your knee issues resolve and you are able to stay surgery free for a long time. I will ask my OS more about the recommended surgery when I seehim on the 15th. I 'm not even sure how many he's done. I still find it odd that last year he discharged me telling me about how it would be a great undertaking to realign me and told me about a procedure that was not nationally done in the US and now I'm being offered a PFJR. I guess you can say I'm just a little confused and have alot of questions.

That's great that Jordie was able to make a tank top. I am so uncordinated and wouldn't even know where to begin. I'm surprised that your son gave it a go as well. How did he make out? Boys never seem to want to listen to anything anyone has to say, they always think they know better ;).

Hope all is well.

Take care,
Joni
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on December 31, 2008, 03:35:28 AM: Ugh!! Another difficult night. My right knee has been making it hard for me to get to sleep, and to make matters worse, the school holidays give me no reason to get up early, so I sleep in late which adds to my difficulties in getting to sleep the next night!!! Oh well, back to work tonight so I'll be a walking zombie before long ;) I am just hoping that the knee settles down a bit...that the ache is just from overdoing things on holiday. It's under my patella, so at least I haven't done something to wreck the TTT I had! I have been using ice a lot, which seems to help, and I have been trying to keep up the exercise to keep the muscles strong (well, to keep them from getting weaker...I can't really call them strong lol).

Joni - my son is pretty clever when he wants to be, but he's rather bull-headed about doing things HIS way also. He ended up putting together a pretty credible t-shirt and a pair of shorts. He rushes through things though, so his cutting was all jagged and his seams slap-dash, but he readily grasped the concept of how to put shorts together and insert sleeves into the t-shirt (AFTER he had done it his way and ended up with sleeves so narrow he couldn't get his arm through ;D ). My daughter is more meticulous, but slower on the uptake. She carefully cut a skirt out, hemmed it, and made the casing for elastic (after a bit of explanation) then inserted the elastic and finished it all off. She's got more of an eye for what looks good and how things will fit, and she will take her time over things, but it takes her longer to grasp concepts such as how clothing fits together in three dimensions. She also worries about things like fraying, and chosing the right material. At least my son calmed down enough to stop shrieking at me. I banned him from sewing for an hour or two in order for him to calm down. Not a good thing to be wielding scissors and using a sewing machine in a foul temper ;)

I can understand why you'd have lots of questions, especially when PFJRs are said to be very temperamental things and rely on good alignment. If you have such poor alignment then why would a PFJR be suggested...unless the alignment can be fixed at the same time (OUCH!!). I'm confused too!

Oh well, I'd better go and rescue my neighbour - the kids have gone over there to play so she has my two plus her four!! What a houseful.

Hope you all have a great New Year's Eve tonight. Happy celebrating!!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on December 31, 2008, 11:52:42 AM: Hi Kathy,

Sorry you didn't have a good night's sleep. Unfortunately I know that feeling all too well.

I had the best night's sleep I had in a while last night. I haven't slept properly for a couple of weeks since injuring my knee in bed.

Today I had my MRI. Can't wait to get the results of Friday morning. Am in a lot of pain still. Doesn't matter what I take for pain relief, the pain is still there. Just hope if I need surgery that I don't need to wait long. I'll ask my sports physician on Friday about good ones in Adelaide.

Have a good New Year's Eve. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on December 31, 2008, 09:57:10 PM: Hi Kirsty,

Thanks for thinking of me, despite your own worries. It would be good to have a name of a doctor or two to get me on track. I am also going to join Arthritis SA, as they have a list of specialists and stuff that members can access. There is also a course they run that starts in Feb, so I might sign up for that too, as it's close to home (many of them are further afield).

Lack of sleep can be one of the hardest things to deal with. I always find it ironic that I sometimes struggle to get to sleep at night, but when I work I struggle to stay awake!! Last night was good, because we had a bit of a party at work. Our wards all run off a main corridor, and in the corridor is a kiosk area with seatiing, so we set up there and take it in turns going out for a nibble and a chat. The staff members left on the wards just need to stick their heads out the door if they need us (each ward has two nurses on it at night). It's a good opportunity to catch up with other night staff and helps the night go quicker.

I have the same problem with pain relief at the moment - it doesn't seem to do anything. Previously I'd find that pain relief was useless in the day, as nothing could ease the aching that occurred on movement, but meds would take the edge of the night-time ache. Now it doesn't do anything. The pain is different this time though. It's less of an ache and more of a dull burning/throbbing. It's also more localised than the old pain, which was obviously patellar in origin but still diffused itself around the front of the knee. There must be something new going on in there...maybe a bone cyst or something :P Thankfully it's not debilitating pain - it's just bad enough to keep me awake at night, but I can ignore it well enough through the day.

So you didn't get to take the results with you? Bummer! I like to read the little slip of paper to see what it says. My GP knows I do it and it doesn't bother him - he just tells me to check out the results and come back to see him straight away if there's anything I don't understand or that he needs to know about, otherwise I am to take the results to him next time I visit so he has a copy for his files.

Anyway, it's off to bed for me now, as I'm falling asleep where I am sitting!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 01, 2009, 03:07:17 AM: Hi Kathy,

Sounds like a good idea getting onto Arthritis SA. I'll get those names for you tomorrow. I find my sports physician great in helping me to manage my pain and working out how much is enough exercise and what I should be doing. It is just hard because I don't know what normal is anymore. So, he guides me how much I should be doing. Will get some names from him tomorrow for you.

It is so important to get a good night's sleep. I had a pretty rough night's sleep last night. Will probably need a sleep this afternoon.

It sounds like you had fun at work last night. Didn't sound too taxing which was great.

I have learnt a lot about pain management through my sports physician and psychologist. I have a pain plan that I work to.

Hope you are feeling a bit better today.

Unfortunately they wouldn't give me the MRI results. Just curious to know what it is. I have a lot of pain when I do anything, blows up and is very unstable. I suspect I've torn something at the back of my knee. Can't wait to see what my sports physician says tomorrow and then my knee surgeon says next week.

Have a great 2009. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Lovice on January 01, 2009, 09:03:58 AM: I had this same surgery done to both of my knees 11-10 years ago. I understand what it was like. Hope it works for you though. Well, it did work on my right knee haven't had any problems with it yet. My left knee that surgery help until about December 2005. Hope you have a good and speedy recovery.

Lovice
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: JoniF on January 02, 2009, 01:56:34 AM: Hi Kathy,

I am sorry to hear that you are still in alot of pain. Are you going to go back to your OS and let him know the problems that you are having? I was really hoping to read that you were able to get some relief from pain after your surgery. I know your dr. wasn't too confident that this would work; howver, I had my fingers crossed for you.

Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Take care,
Joni
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 02, 2009, 06:02:34 AM: Hi All,

Joni - I don't plan on going back to my OS. Believe it or not, I have had some improvement from the surgery. I guess it goes to show how bad things were beforehand. The recent pain is fairly likely to be from overdoing it and should settle (fingers crossed). I don't have the constant bone deep ache in my right knee that I used to get whenever I stood up (and sometimes at rest too), so I can't complain too much. I can get through the days better than before, so I guess the surgery has bought me some time. I know my OS won't want to do anything anyway, and I know I'm not ready to accept more surgery, so seeing him would be a pointless exercise. He knows the surgery didn't work all that well, but that it did have some benefit. From what he was saying prior to the TTT, even if it hadn't worked he still wouldn't have wanted to do anything surgically - he would have sent me on my way to manage things conservatively for a while. My age is against me and things just aren't bad enough yet. I guess when it hurts so bad that I don't want to walk, THEN I might think of accepting surgery! I just wish the referred pain to my right foot would disappear. I find it harder to ignore than my various knee pains. I might suggest getting my foot x-rayed next time I see my GP, just to rule out foot problems, but the foot pain only comes when my knee is playing up, so I'm sure it's referred pain (or else I have arthritis in my foot too :P).

Lovice - You are so lucky to have had such success from your surgery. Unfortunately I'm unlikely to improve beyond what I have now, as it's been 6 months since surgery. As I said, I have had some improvement, so it's not been a complete waste of time, but it's not been a resounding success either - I think my knees were too far gone before surgery to make it as successful as it could have been. Oh well, I am not regretting anything. It's pointless thinking about the "what ifs".

Kirsty - It sounds like you struck gold in your choice of sports physician. He's a keeper! I hope you got your afternoon sleep. I always find it difficult to decide whether to have a daytime nap. I worry about compounding the not-sleeping-at-night problem. I worked last night and have only cat-napped today, so I am hopeful of a good night's sleep tonight. Night shift where I work is never particularly taxing, which is the only way I have managed to keep working through all of this. I have my moments where I stress about my job and whether to look for a career change before the inevitable happens and my knees give up the ghost, but mostly I figure I'll take things as they come and not worry too much about things that might never happen. Good luck for your appointment.

Take care,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 02, 2009, 09:47:46 AM: Hi Kathy,

Yeah, I'm pretty lucky with my sports physician. He works really closely with my knee surgeon which makes such a difference. I don't know what I'd do without him. They also try and minimise my physio as they know I have a lot of issues to deal with. I no longer see a physio for my knee. I told my sports physician and knee surgeon that I thought it was a waste of time and they were fine with it. Don't think my physio was, but that's not my problem.

I sent you a message on facebook with some suggestions regarding sports physicians. I seriously wouldn't waste your time with your GP about your foot. I would ask a sports physician when you have found someone you are comfortable. with. GPs have no clue when it comes to joint related problems. They are notorious for this. That's why I stopped seeing a GP a long time ago for my joint related problems.

Know what you mean about your work. It's hard to know sometimes. I feel the same sometimes.

I went pretty well with my sports physician today. He thinks I may have a problem with the cartilage under my knee cap or the nails may have moved. Also have a problem with the back of my knee still swollen but not entirely sure why. He is sending my scans to my knee surgeon to look at and will speak to him next week. Will ring my knee surgeons rooms on Monday to see if I can get an earlier appointment. My sports physician assisted with my surgery which makes a big difference. At least he has more of an idea what is going on with my knee. Just pray that I can avoid an arthroscope or any more surgery.

Have a good weekend. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Lovice on January 02, 2009, 10:32:46 AM: Kathy,

So far I have only had success with the TTT performed on my right knee back in '98. My left knee was okay after the TTT in '97, until the end of '05. It has been downhill from there. I am basically homebound and can't really do anything. I am unable to work, I am luck if I can stand long enough for a shower at this point. I just hope this specialist can help me. I am so tired of being stuck in the house and also sick & tired of pain meds. I do hope that your knee continues to get better and your pain disappears.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 03, 2009, 01:17:14 PM: Grrr!! My kids were pains in the you-know-what last night!! My daughter had a friend sleep over and they kept me awake for much of the night. I got up twice to tell them to be quiet and both times I had heaps of trouble getting back to sleep because of my darn knee. I was like a zombie this morning and ended up going back to bed and sleeping for three hours during the day - needless to say, my daughter and her friend didn't get much of an opportunity to do the baking they wanted to do with me. Both kids (as my son was involved in the late night giggle-fest too) got a stern talking to about consideration for others, the danger of lack of sleep (when driving, working etc), and the matter of earning our trust. And they wonder why I refuse to have other kids over for sleep-overs more often than not!! I really have to psych myself up to it. They have been given one more chance to prove they can be trusted to be quiet, not roam the house at all hours, and actually get SOME sleep, or else sleepovers are going to be a thing of the past this year.

On a lighter note, my hubby has made noises about letting me get a kitten. I am keeping my fingers crossed, as a Ragdoll breeder here has got a litter due soon and they expect kittens in the colours I'd prefer. They'd be ready to leave Mum in April, which is when I have 2 weeks leave from work - an ideal time to welcome a new baby into the house!! Heres hoping!!

Anyway, it's bedtime. I'm exhausted!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on January 05, 2009, 06:21:38 AM: Kathy, so sorry about that sleep over!! I guess that's just how it goes....loud and no sleep!

THat's great that you may get a kitten!!!!! That will keep you and the kids thrilled! Hopefully you pick out the cuddle one. Don't get the energetic one b/c he/she will run and hide all the time and will not be friendly. The cuddly ones are quieter and not as afraid to be around people. That's just my thoughts! I grew up with cats and have had my share of lost cats! We were only allowed outdoor cats, so you can imagine how many ran away, got hit by cars, or were attacked by who knows what outside! Now I am married to a man who is allergic to them and for some reason, I have grown to become allergic to it too (mine isn't as bad). So we only have my 2 dogs. I just bought a new Beta fish though! He's just gorgeous! He's a baby, so I will get to see him grow.

Okay, my bed time. I hope your knee feels better soon!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 05, 2009, 07:07:52 AM: Hi Farrah,

I have had at least one cat since I was the same age as my kids, so I am really missing having one in the house. I'd love two, a boy and a girl, but I would be grateful just to be allowed one, so I won't complain. My last cat wasn't a real cuddy one, but she loved to be nearby and was such a character when she was younger. I am hoping for a cuddlier one this time. My neighbour's cat regularly pops in for a visit. I think she likes the chance to get away from a houseful of kids (there's 4 of them) who have never had cats. She smooches up to me and follows me around, then asks to be let out when she's had her fill. Do you know, the average lifespan for an outdoor cat is only 3-5 years?! I think that's shocking!! I've always had outdoor cats, until my old cat turned into an indoor one. I must admit we were forever treating cat bites and other injuries (including a snake bite!), and we lost one cat at a young age due to being hit by a car. I will never have an outdoor cat again. Much cheaper (once my cat started staying indoors, the emergency vet trips ceased) and the cat lives for much longer. It's better for the birds and other wildlife too.

I have changed my pain regime and it seems to be helping. I have had some better sleep in the last couple of nights. I have been using ice packs frequently during the day, especially before and after my exercises, I am taking Panadol Osteo (a slow release form of Tylenol) regularly, Tramadol 50mg at bed time, with an extra one overnight if I need, and at work I take slow release Tramadol 100mg if I need (as it doesn't make me drowsy or nauseous like the faster acting one. I use heat pads/deep heat at work, as the cooler air overnight makes ice packs a very unattractive idea and they don't work anyway when my knees ache from the cold (funny, ice packs help, but cold air on my legs makes them ache). I have cut out the codeine based pain killers completely, as I've built up a tolerance to them and they weren't doing much for the pain as a result. I reckon I can change between Tramadol and codeine based pain killers as I build up tolerance to each, and it should keep me going for a while. Now I just need to get my exercise regime sorted.

It's back to work tonight for me, after days off. I always find it hard to get motivated to go back to work after days off! Anyway, must go and sort out dinner. Bye for now.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: arkitect06 on January 05, 2009, 02:38:23 PM: Wow! I didn't know an outdoor cat only lives 3-5 yrs old! It makes sense though! That explains why ours only lasted that long! I always wanted an indoor cat, but now that I am married to the most cat allergic person out there, it's not possible. It's okay b/c I love my dogs. They have a lot of personality! They also are very cuddly! :)

It sounds like you have your knee pain under control! I am glad your new regime is helping! What is suppose to be next with your knee? I thought the TTT was doing well for it? Is it the cartilage damage that is still the problem? How does your knee feel at work? Aren't you up all day as a nurse? Do you walk normally? Sorry for so many questions! I haven't exactly caught up on your diary in a short while since you started updating again.

Well have a good night!

Farrah
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 06, 2009, 06:25:20 AM: Hi Farrah,

Yes, the TTT did help, but I still have large patches of bare bone on the back of my kneecaps, so I still get pain from too much activity or the wrong sort of activity. The TTT simply reduced the excessive pressure that was being put on some of the damaged area by bringing the knee back into correct alignment (and thus redistributing the pressure more evenly across the whole patella), so I don't get such constant aching as I was beforehand. I am currently paying the price for too much activity AND the wrong sort while I was on holiday (climbing up sand dunes....what was I was thinking??!!!). It's taking a long time to settle, but I seem to have things better under control now.

Next for my knees....probably replacement surgery. I still have the option of a TTT on my left, if it seems to be needing it, but for now it's benefiting from not having to support the right one constantly. I am in no hurry to push for more surgery. Don't want to go there just yet. The pain/ache isn't bad for the most part. It is just there enough for me to be aware of it most of the time. If I overdo things then it gets worse and I find it keeps me awake at times. The surgery has done a lot to ease that constant gnawing ache, but hasn't made as much impact on the pain that comes with activity. I've had to slow down a huge amount over the last couple of years. I think once the damage progressed through to the bone it really started to affect my activities much more (though I'll never know for sure - it's just my opinion).

As to how I managed at work - I do night shift. Permanently. I sit down for most of my ten hour shift (there's not much to do at work on night shift where I am), which is good for my knees, but I find it uncomfortable to sit for so long. My knees get very stiff and I squirm and fidget a lot of the night as I am very aware of all the minor aches and pains that I can usually ignore. I also suffer from coccyx pain which limits the comfortable positions even further. The cooler air (the ward is air conditioned and it's always on the cold side) seems to set off that cold weather sort of ache in my knees sometimes too. I fight a battle every night I work about whether I should take pain killers to settle my knees down. I don't like to take them for such trivial pain, but the nights are very long if I don't take anything besides my Panadol Osteo (SR Tylenol). I find the slow release Tramadol is good for work, but I still don't like to take anything if I don't have to. I feel like I am forever at my GP to get pain killers. The Tramadol SR only comes in a 20 pack and I don't get any prescription repeats for it. Grr! If I worked day shift then I wouldn't be able to work. I am glad I changed to nights when my kids were young (as it suited me better when they started kindergarten, as I could be home before and after kindy). I am also glad I moved wards to a less heavy ward.

Walking....most of the time I walk with a barely noticeable limp. Everyone has commented on how my walking has improved since the TTT. I used to always be asked why I was limping, but nobody asks that now. In fact, one of the nurses I work with, who has started working with me since my TTT, was shocked one night to see me limping, as she'd never seen me walk like that before (it was a bad knee night that night). Not having the constant bad ache has really made my right knee move better when I walk, and I can feel it is less stiff. My walking does deteriorate as I do more of it though. I tend to stick to shorter walks with rest stops when I go out, or I start having problems with buckling, stiffness, and stumbling. Hills and stairs are hard. If I have to do hills then I take my stick (which I stupidly left at home when we went away :P).

Anyway, I hope you have a good day.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 06, 2009, 09:53:26 AM: Hi Kathy,

I do hope you can get a kitten. Pets are such great good company. My puppy Rusty is great company. I love him to bits.

It sounds like your pain regime is working, which is just great. Sometimes it is hard to find the right balance.

Had some huge stuff ups such as the clinic didn't send my MRI scans to my knee surgeon's rooms. Was furious when I found out. Updated on my diary with the latest sagas.

Have a good week. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 08, 2009, 12:02:17 PM: Hi All,

I am getting a kitten!!!! Hubby agreed on the condition that we work hard to get our lounge and dining room set up how we had planned. Tonight we bought a lounge with recliners (Yippee!!) and a dining suite and dresser. Now we need to paint (my job), and get a TV wall unit. The kittens I have been interested in were born today and I have put my name down to reserve one. I know the females are all reserved, so I hope there are some boys in the litter. They will be ready to leave Mum in April, so I have plenty of time to get things ready - there are a few things I never had for my other cats, and a few things that need replacing. I am so looking forward to having a cat underfoot again, especially a kitten, as it's been a long time since I've had a kitten (my cat was nearly 19, and she was the most recent kitten I had, so it's been a while!).

Kirsty - Bummer about the scans not being sent to the surgeon's rooms. Those sort of stuff ups are extremely irritating when you are in pain and waiting for answers. I hope they get there soon.

My knees are pretty much the same. Not much has improved, but they're no worse either. I have decided to push the exercises a bit more to see if it helps. Losing strength will certainly make them worse, so I try not to rest up too much - I just do short, frequent bursts of exercises instead.

Well, shopping has made me hungry, so I'd better go and eat something.

Bye for now,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on January 08, 2009, 05:27:53 PM: How exciting Kathy. A new kitty? Weren't you the one talking about Ragdoll cats? They're adorable and have such a sweet nature. I've never owned one but I've heard all good things about them.

Don't push too hard on those exercises. You don't want to overdo it.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 09, 2009, 11:50:54 AM: Ugh! Had a really bad night's sleep last night. I fell asleep okay just after midnight, but woke at three and my knees kept me awake for a couple of hours. On top of that, I also had a sore throat. It took a pain killer and a sleeping tablet to get me back to sleep. So I've gelt groggy and had a niggling headache all day, as well as the sore throat. Blah!! I hope I sleep better tonight, as I have to work tomorrow night.

Lenore - Yes, I was talking about Ragdolls. I put my name down with a breeder to go on the reservation list for a litter that was due on the 9th Jan. Just after I did that, I got the news that the litter had been born - 5 bouncing babies! I haven't heard any more so far, but I am waiting to hear what their sexes are and if I managed to get one (I don't know how many were reserved - if people before me want specific sexes and coat patterns/colours then we won't know much until they're coats darken (they're born white) and those specific orders are filled). If I don't get one from this litter then I am not sure whether I'll look to another breeder or wait until this breeder has more - I know they have another litter due in February. I picked a Ragdoll because of their placid nature. Hubby isn't too keen on cats and I am hoping a less aggressive cat might be more tolerable for him. Anyway, I hope your surgery is successful and gives the desired results. Good luck!

Oh welll, I am off to do a few things before I try and get some sleep. Have a good day everyone!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 10, 2009, 07:53:00 AM: Hi Everyone,

The breeder posted photos of the new kitties. Check them out...

http://www.ragsrus.info/Ragdoll%20Lizzie%20and%20TJ.htm

Aren't they cute?! I am SOOOO hoping we get one. I think they're waiting for the kittens to show their colours so they can fill orders for set coat patterns/colours. I'd like one just like it's Mum - a blue Lynx point.

Cheers,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 10, 2009, 11:03:09 AM: Hi Kathy,

They are sooo cute !!! My aunt in Adelaide has two of them. They are such characters. One of them was on Harry's practice as he had a behavioural problem.

Sorry to hear you haven't been sleeping well. Would you ever consider getting the other knee done ?

I officially hate my knee today. My OS has to do something if there is no improvement when I see him in 3 weeks. My knee keeps hyperextending backwards. Just HATE it.

Tonight, I had a friend around for dinner which was really nice.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on January 10, 2009, 04:27:29 PM: Wow! They're gorgeous. Hope you get one. I bet your hubby will fall in love with it. I think a lot of men think it's not macho to love cats so they pretend they don't like them.

Sorry you're still not sleeping well with those darn knees. Did you push the exercises too much?
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 10, 2009, 09:38:54 PM: Kirsty - it's not the other knee that's giving me problems, it's my TTT knee mostly (worst luck). I think the sleep problem will sort itself out once the kids go back to school and I am forced to wake up early most days. It means I will be tired enough to fall asleep readily at the end of the day. I could set my alarm and wake up early every morning now, but I just can't bring myself to do it :P

Lenore - I haven't really done more than usual with the exercise, as I haven't had time. I have actually slipped a bit with my exercises in the last few days - probably just as well, with all the walking I have done around the shops!

Well, I am off to bed shortly. I am very tired at the moment, though I bet I wake up around lunchtime and spend a restless afternoon trying to get back to sleep (the usual pattern after my first work night following days off). Hubby is taking the kids to my Mum's to sleep the night, so I'll also be worrying that they've remembered to take everything! A typical mother sort of thing to do, I know.

Have a good day/night (depending on where you are!).

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 17, 2009, 10:23:39 AM: Hi All,

Well, my sleep pattern has definitely gone to the dogs!! My body clock doesn't know if its night or day and I sleep for a bit, then wake up for a few hours, then sleep again, and nothing seems to be able to get me back to sleep once I have woken up (or get me to sleep initially, if I am having problems). I think I need to get back into the routine of school.

We are about to paint the lounge and dining room. The furniture is all out of the way, and the kids helped hubby wash the walls this afternoon. I am just avoiding looking at the ladder, as I know what it'll do to my knees!! I am tired now, after a busy day, but I know I'll sleep for only a bit before I wake up again :P My son had a busy day at a tennis tournament yesterday and I had to get up early (after not much sleep) to take him to the tournament. After a long day driving him back and forth and cheering him on, I was sooooo tired, but I STILL managed to wake up at two o'clock this morning and I didn't get back to sleep until around 4 or 5am. Yawn!! It's not even my knees keeping me awake at the moment. They've settled a bit and aren't responsible for keeping me awake over the last few days.

I am eagerly waiting on pictures of my baby kitty. The breeder posts pictures at roughly weekly intervals as the kittens grow, so I am looking forward to the next batch of photos.

Well, I'd better go and sand some more walls :P

Bye for now,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 18, 2009, 05:41:02 PM: Hi Kathy,

Any further update on the kittens yet ? Very exciting. I hope you hear something soon.

Sounds like you have been keeping very busy. Don't push it too much with the painting. I hope you can just do a bit at a time. My Mum does all the painting when they do their house up. She gets so much satisfaction from it.

Sorry about your sleeping pattern. I'm sure once school goes back it will be a lot better. I find if I have a regular schedule it helps a lot.

How's the knee feeling ? I hope a little better. Hopefully as time goes by you will find it easier to sleep at night.

Hope you had a good weekend. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 21, 2009, 05:56:27 AM: Hi Guys,

The knees suck again. Too much of the getting-up-and-down while I've been painting :P And the shifting of furniture doesn't help either!! Not that I've done much, but I helped with some of the light stuff. Oh well.

My son has got tonsillitis, so I took last night off work. Trying to sleep with a whining child hanging around is near impossible! Why do boys whine so much?! He just walked around the house whimpering, as if it would help! And he woke us up at 6am to tell us he felt bad, and then came in two or three more times before 7am. Yawn!! At least I slept well last night!! I was so tired from interrupted sleep yesterday that I crashed and slept right through. All the painting helps me sleep too, I'm sure. But now my problem is I've been tired all day and haven't felt like doing anything! I can't win ::)

We have definitely got one of the kittens. It will be a blue Lynx point. We are waiting to hear if we get the boy or the girl. They must have had an order for particular colour marked girls, as only one is taken, AND they ended up with more girls than originally thought. There are three girls and two boys. There are only two blues (which is what I wanted) and both are Lynx points. They will look just like mum ( http://www.ragsrus.info/Ragdoll%20Lizzie.htm ). So we might get a girl, after assuming we would get a boy. I had planned to get a girl, but then we were told that any girls from this litter were reserved, so we adjusted to the idea of a boy and emailed them our preferences of coat colours and patterns so they could select one when their coats started filling in. Then we were emailed with a list of what the kittens coats and sexes all were for sure (and got photos!), and then they emailed again to say someone else was after the blue Lynx boy, and could we confirm which kitten we wanted ASAP. We emailed back that we would take either of the blue Lynx points (boy or girl). So now we are waiting to hear which one we get. I can think of good things about both. My boy cats have always been very cuddly and smoochy, but my neighbours both have girls that are the same. The boys get HUGE (up to 10kg), which would be good when it comes to holding it's own against the dog, but more expensive with worming pastes and other weight based stuff (food too!!). I just think of how my knees feel when I lift the 8kg bag of dog food we buy and I start to think the boy kitty might not be so good ;D The girls get big, but not quite to the size the boys do. Anyway, we should hear soon. Then we have to think of names!! What a difficult thing THAT is, especially when we have four of us with individual opinions!!

Have a good weekend, when it comes.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 21, 2009, 07:37:28 AM: Hi Kathy,

That's very exciting about the kittens. I hope you hear soon.

Sorry to hear your knees are playing up. Maybe you have just been doing too much painting. Can you do it more gradually and take breaks so they don't hurt so much ?

Boys and men generally aren't good patients. I hope your son is feeling better soon though.

Off to the hydro pool in a minute.

Chat again soon.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 21, 2009, 09:19:28 AM: Hi Kirsty,

My idea of painting is to do a bit, then have a coffee break, do a bit more, then check my emails and play on the laptop for a bit, etc. Very easygoing. I have learnt not to push things too much and I take lots of breaks where I put my feet up. I am taking a day to do one coat, which is fairly slow, and I have had a full days break without painting too. I think my knees would be much worse if I didn't. I am sure that they will ease up fairly rapidly, as I haven't pushed things as hard as I did when we were in Kangaroo Island. I am eager to have it all done though. I am sick of the furniture cluttering up the rest of the house! I want it back to where it should be. I am good at bumping into it when it's too squashed up!!

I hope my son is better soon too. I do feel sorry for him though, as he had the all-over-aches so bad that even his testicles hurt, and his tonsils are huge and white-coated.

Oh well, off to do a bit more painting.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 22, 2009, 01:39:13 AM: Hi All,

Well, we got our boy kitty!! And the new pics are in...

http://www.ragsrus.info/Ragdoll%20Lizzie%20and%20TJ.htm

Don't ask me which one ours is, cause I couldn't tell you. All I know is that it isn't the one with the pink nose, as that's the bicolour. Ours will have a light dusky nose (the darkest ones being the seal the lighter being the blue, and a pink nose means they have white over their nose). We are so excited. We sort of got worried, because once we had told them we'd consider the girl, then it felt like we'd given up our own child. We'd become attached to "our" boy already!! But they saw through us and reserved us the boy, as we'd said we preferred a boy initially. Phew! I am so relieved that we still have a boy. It sound silly, but logic said it shouldn't matter which kitten we took, though emotionally it did, though we didn't realise it until we'd said we'd take the girl, then it felt rude to change our minds. Oh well, it's over now and we have a boy kitty waiting for us to come and visit in 6 weeks time ;D

Now it's time to do the final (I hope) coat on the walls. I really want it all done today, so we can put it all back in time for a relaxing weekend...well a relaxing Saturday anyway!

Bye for now,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on January 22, 2009, 10:50:30 AM: OMG! I want one, I want one! He's gorgeous!!! What is his name? I'm so excited for you Kathy.

Happy painting and hope your son is feeling better too. Have a great day!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: JoniF on January 22, 2009, 05:09:23 PM: Hey Kathy,

Congratulations on the new edition! I'm soo happy for you that you are getting another baby. ANy suggestions for names yet? Maybe you can have everyone pick a name, put it in a hat and agree that whichever name is chosen, that's the name kitty will have.

Hope your knees aren't given you too much grief.

Take care,
Joni
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 23, 2009, 05:59:52 AM: We have lists of names everywhere around the house! I guess we need to wait until he's a bit older and we can see what he looks like as he grows, and what personality he has.

The painting is finished!! Yahoo!!!! Now we can move everything back to normal. Yay!

Well, time for a shower. I stink!

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 23, 2009, 07:44:06 AM: Hi Kathy,

That is great news about the kitten. You must be getting really excited about it.

I have decided to get in an extra house mate. My current house mate is not happy about it although I have discussed it with him. He reluctantly agreed to try it if we get the right person. My circumstances have changed and may mean that I need to work part time. He wouldn't even talk to me when he walked in tonight. If his attitude doesn't change I will ask him to find someone else to replace him. I refuse to live with someone that has a grudge against me. He already spends all his time in his room so can't see what difference it would make. I don't need someone who is going to bring me down. Hopefully he will get over it in the next couple of days.

Been really busy job hunting as my current role finishes on the 6th of February. Taking a week's break in Newcastle and the Myall Lakes. Updated more on my post-op diary.

Have a good weekend. :)
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 29, 2009, 12:33:03 AM: Eeewww!! Hot weather!! We are currently having another record breaking summer for our city, being in the middle of the longest run of days over 40C (104F) in a century. We had the hottest night on record for our city last night at 33.7C (92.6F), after our third hottest day on record at 45.7C (114.2F). Yuck!!! We had a power blackout last night, so we woke up melting in the heat, as it stayed around 36C for most of the night, only dropping to 33.7C briefly, just after midnight. Thankfully all amateur sports gets cancelled in this heat, so we don't have to stand around in the heat while the kids play tennis. The car is like an oven and takes forever to cool down even with the air conditioner going full bore. I can't really go anywhere anyway, as I have the dog inside keeping cool, and I don't really want to put him out in this heat unless I really have to. It's just too hot to want to do anything. I feel like a limp noodle ;D

In the midst of all the heat, the kids started back at school after our summer break. Poor things! It's hell just having to brave the outdoors long enough to pick them up and drop them off. The classes have air conditioning, but it's still hot indoors by the time they've had 30 sweating bodies in a room for 5 or 6 hours (they aren't allowed outside to play while it's this hot). I pity the poor grade 6 and 7 teachers, as many of those kids have hit puberty and the overload of hormones mean their body odour can get quite overpowering :P Ick!!

Oh well, I'd better do some housework before the house heats up too much. In a couple of hours I won't be able to move a muscle without sweating all over :P

Bye for now, and stay cool 8)

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 29, 2009, 09:48:09 AM: Hi Kathy,

It's much the same in Melbourne. Today is reached 44.3 degrees ! Yuck !!!! Going to get a cool change I think tomorrow evening, but still in mid 30's over the weekend.

Hope you don't swelter too much getting your cleaning done.

I really feel for the kids going back to school when it's this hot.

Just 4 days till I see my OS. Can't wait to see what he says.

How's the knee going ? I hope it isn't causing too many problems.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 30, 2009, 06:33:29 AM: Hi Kirsty,

It's not forecast to drop below 40C here until Monday, and even then it's expected to stay in the high 30s till the end of next week - Friday is forecast to be 35C. I hope it isn't as hot as they predict!! Thankfully my kids don't seem to suffer much from the heat. I guess I never did at that age either. They don't like not being allowed out to run around at lunch time, but they sleep well at night and don't complain that it's too hot at school or anything. If they did, then I'd consider picking them up early, or keeping them home when it's really hot like this.

The knees seem to like the heat for the most part, but the right one has been giving me a bit of trouble over the last few days. It's just an irritating sort of achy pain and I have trouble getting it into a comfy position at times. Nothing major, just annoying. At least it's good weather to be using ice packs ;D

I hope the cool change comes through for you. I hate it when a cool change doesn't come, or is so wishy-washy it doesn't do much to relieve the heat. Mid 30s is still hot, but the nights are generally much cooler, and things are so much more bearable as a result. And the air conditioners don't strain as much, and there are fewer power issues (we are still having rolling blackouts as the power company can't keep up with demand - something to do with the Basslink interconnector). I am just looking forward to some cooler nights for the time being - it's supposed to be not so hot overnight from tonight (mid 20s tonight, then slowly dropping to 19C by Friday night. Much more civilised than the 30C nights we've been having ;D

Good luck with the OS appointment. I hope something can be done for your knee. I hate how knee problems can linger on for ages - it seems to be one of the hardest joints to diagnose and treat.

I am waiting on the next installment of photos of the kitten. Hopefully they'll be posted over the weekend. It's frustrating that they take so long to post the next batch, but I know if it was me in the same situation, the time would get away from me and I'd be worse than they are!! I just have to blink and weeks have gone by without me checking Facebook or KneeGeeks sometimes.

Time to get some dinner, I think, though I don't feel like doing anything. My stomach is demanding food though, and I am sure the kids are ravenous as per usual, so I'd better hop to it.

Have a good weekend.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on January 30, 2009, 12:28:47 PM: Hi Kathy,

Can't agree with you more about the weather. It is horrid. Last night we had a power outage and the air conditioner stopped working. It was soooo hot last night and hardly slept at all. Hence it was a very long day at work today. We're going to have pretty hot weather over the next week to. Not much relief in site at this stage.

Really hope my OS can do something. My quads have improved but all the hyperextending of my knee just doesn't seem to be getting better despite doing my exercises religiously. It hasn't helped this week that I've had to juggle work, interviews and applying for them this week.

Can't wait to see more pictures of the kittens. When will you get him ?
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on January 31, 2009, 01:50:54 PM: Hi Kirsty,

The kitten will be able to come to us when he is 12-14 weeks old. It's all got to do with the fact that Ragdolls are slower to mature, being the largest breed of cat, as well as that the breeder gets them desexed prior to them leaving for their new homes. It means we should be able to take him home around the end of March, maybe the beginning of April. I have posted a photo of "our" boy on my Facebook site (the breeder emailed us photos of all the kittens today), or you can see all of the babies on the website ( http://www.ragsrus.info/Ragdoll%20Lizzie%20and%20TJ.htm ) - our boy is second from top in the right hand column.

I am so hanging out for the weather to cool down. Today was the first day since Monday that it's been less than 43C, but it was still over 40C, and will be tomorrow too. Oh well, winter will come soon enough and this will all be a distant memory! Time flies nowadays.

At least your quads have improved. It's a sign that your knee isn't all bad. The hyperextending isn't good though. It seems to suggest there's some sort of ligament laxity or something. Is the pain settling at all? It's good that you are seeing your OS again. That knee needs to be checked out more to find out what's wrong.

Take care and keep cool,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Robin M. on February 03, 2009, 03:54:44 AM: Hi Kathy,

How are you? I saw the pics of your kitten. He is so cute. What a beautiful breed! I bet you and the kids are so anxious to bring your baby home. Have you finished your painting? Hope you're doing well and the temps have cooled a bit. Take care.

Robin
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on February 03, 2009, 04:16:18 AM: Hi Robin,

Yep, we've finished the painting. Just as well. It's bad enough trying to paint in summer, without having to do it in such heat as we've had lately. The paint just dries up on the brush and in the pot. So I'm happy we finished it before the heatwave. I still have some staining to do (of a bookshelf), but that can wait until it's cooler and the house has recovered from the rearranging (it's a pig sty!).

It's now under 40C, but it's still hot. I'm hangin' out for the weekend, as it will (according to the weather people) be much cooler by then. Phew!! Only three more days to go!!! The evenings are at least manageable now, instead of being really uncomfortable, so we can get some relief once the sun starts to set. Sometimes I wonder why we live in such a hot place....

Anyway, I must go and collect the kids from school. Bye for now.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on February 03, 2009, 06:46:17 AM: Hi Kathy,

Welcome to the post op diaries section for more than 100 posts !!!

Glad you got the painting finished.

I had a good appointment with my OS. Updated on my diary.

Only 3 more days of work till I go on holiday. Yah !!!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on February 08, 2009, 01:09:07 AM: WE HAD RAIN!!!! Finally our hot spell has eased off and we had some rain last night!! It's due to be much cooler for the next week and it's such a relief. ;D

I finally bit the bullet and got myself mobile broadband. It's a pre-paid account and I have a small plug-in modem to take with me when I want to use the internet away from home (we have normal wireless broadband for home). So now I can use the internet at work, or while I am waiting for the kids at one of their many activities. It's also a great way to keep the kids occupied while I we're out! I don't know how fast I am going to use the 2Gb I have paid for - I am monitoring it so I get a rough idea of how fast I go through it and what uses up the most Gb, so I can "budget" my allowance.

Hey Kirsty, I hope you are having a great time on holiday, wherever you are at the moment ;D I hope you manage to forget about your knee for a while, however briefly, and just enjoy yourself.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on February 10, 2009, 02:52:59 AM: Kathy,

Hey. Just a brief note to say hi and i'm happy that you're getting a kiitty and that you got rain!!!! I'm not happy that the knee continues to be a pain. I have been a lurker for a long while now, not having much good to talk about. I am making the rounds tonight saying hi to all of my old friends. I have a lot to report, I'm just not quite ready to talk about it (that seems to make it too real, you know?). Any way, I am around and i do check up on you and I do appreciate the corny emails you send!!! Hang in there and keep on keeping busy like you seem to do so well!

Peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on February 11, 2009, 03:57:41 PM: Hi Peg,

Nice to know you're still hanging around. I know what it's like to not want to talk at times. I have days when I feel there's not much to say at all, apart from the same old, same old.

I'm at work at the moment. I have finally got mobile broadband so I can use the internet at work. It's a great way to waste time and make my night go quicker.Then I might be less inclined to do it at home!! Maybe some of my housework might get done ;D But then again, maybe not!!

This week has been so much cooler. It's been lovely. We're in for more hot weather, but not quite as bad as it was. Thankfully we didn't get any fires like Victoria did. We have been so lucky in that respect. I used to live in Gippsland, one of the areas where the fires are raging currently in Victoria. I'd hate to be there now.

My weeks seem to be a repeat of each other at the moment. I am working the same nights, and have the same things to do. Hubby is at home on long service leave, which has its good and bad points. He picks the kids up from school sometimes, which is nice, but he also comes in when he hears me get up to the loo, and then he wants to chat when all I want to do is go back to sleep :( He doesn't quite understand how little sleep I get and how important every second of sleep is to me. Oh well. Two and a bit weeks left and counting ;)

My knees are pretty much the same. The weather change has started them aching lately, and I have had some yucky slipping and crunching feelings which hurt. I am sure they'll go away again, like they did last time I had them. But they're annoying while they hang around. I never know when they'll happen. It's all the same sort of stuff. Pretty uninteresting really. I am trying to decide whether to enrol in a "moving towards wellness" course (gee they think of tacky names for these things!) that's run by Arthritis SA. It means less sleep on Tuesdays (I am working them all for the duration of the course, typically!) but the course isn't run again until May at the very least. The course is also run on Thursdays at the same time, but further away. Thursdays would suit me better, but the location wouldn't. The Tuesday course is much closer to home. Oh, I don't know....

I hope you are coping with all the events in your life - you sound like you have a lot to come to terms with. Take all the time in the world coming to grips with it all. It's not like your knee is going anywhere while you do ;) I just hope you have a good team looking after you, so you don't have to stress about that side of things.

Take care,

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Peg Leg on February 13, 2009, 04:09:46 AM: Thanks, Kathy, I really miss talking with you and Robin like we used to do! I am so glad you are not near the fires. I have been following that and wondered about your location. I saw a picture of a Fireman giving water to a Koala and it was very touching but so tragic. Glad you have access to the internet at work, that sounds like a great way to pass the time when things are slow. Thanks for the emails....they make me laugh!!! We are off to a big weekend with my Daughter. She is a Senior this year and she has interviews this weekend at a wonderful college for Scholarships! We are excited about the weekend, but it will require a lot of walking and in dress shoes at that!!! (no heels, but not my usual gym shoes). Wish me luck and kirby, too!! Hope your weekend is good; when does the Kitty come home?

Take Care,

peg
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on February 14, 2009, 12:22:52 PM: Bummer....I just wrote a really long post and with the press of a button I deleted it :(

Aaaaarrggggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!

I suppose you really didn't want to hear all about my trials and tribulations trying to buy track pants for my daughter anyway ;)

I hope your weekend doesn't wear you out too much. I can sympathise with the dress shoe thing. I live in my gym shoes - I splurged on the expensive pair that was the most comfy. I just went into the shop and decided to try on lots of shoes until I found the most comfy, regardless of cost. The pair I got were expensive, but not the most expensive I tried on. I wear them everywhere. I rarely even succumb to the desire to wear open shoes (like sandals or flip-flops) in the heat, as my gym shoes make so much difference to my comfort.

Well, it's bed time for me. I hope all goes well with your daughter's interviews.

Kathy xx
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on February 15, 2009, 11:57:10 AM: Hi Kathy,

Dropping in to say hi and let you know that I am back in town.

Had a really nice holiday and feel very relaxed. Still getting a lot of pain at night. Hope it improves soon.

Glad it is much cooler in Melbourne, although the fires are a real worry. My cousin got evacuated from Belgrave today.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on February 15, 2009, 12:18:34 PM: Hi Kirsty,

Great to hear you managed to have a relaxing holiday ;D I was worried that your knee may have put a damper on it all and caused you stress instead of allowing you to relax. I must admit that even when my knees played up when we were away before Christmas, I still found the time away relaxing. Just getting away from day to day stuff helps me relax, even with knees to deal with.

I hope your cousin doesn't lose anything to the fires. Fingers crossed that they are out before too much longer. Cooler weather will at least make things more comfortable for the firemen and everyone else dealing with the fires in some way, as well as all of you who just want to be cooler ;)

I need to start doing more strengthening stuff for my knees. I have noticed my knees have deteriorated a bit, and are aching more. It could be the weather changes we have had recently, but I am inclined to think it's also due to less exercise, as my bike has moved from the lounge room so I cycle less (not that I did heaps to start with), and I am walking less due to the heat we've had. I really must look into getting a treadmill, though I don't know where we'd put it!

Well, it's bedtime for me. I have a busy day tomorrow and I'm working tomorrow night (which guarantees I won't sleep well tonight!). I hope you have a good week. Are you back at work tomorrow, or do you have some more time off before you return?

Take care,

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on February 16, 2009, 10:37:05 AM: Hi Kathy,

Didn't let my knee get in the way. It was difficult at times, but didn't let me stop me. When I first got to the airport for my flight out of Melbourne I was feeling very stressed out. Jetstar didn't seem to give a stuff !!! Finally a Jetstar staff member got her act together and took me down to the gate. My Mum was worried they wouldn't look after me. The staff on the flight were absolutely terrible. Feel like putting in a complaint about them. They were great coming back though.

My cousin got out safely, which is good. Apparently the fire in Belgrave was deliberately lit, which makes me feel sick !!!

Funny you mention about your knees not doing so well with less exercise. I find when I regularly exercise that my knee is so much better. Have you thought about joining a gym ? Good way of getting to know some other people and keeping active.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on February 16, 2009, 01:20:48 PM: Hi Kirsty,

I find that I never get to a gym! If I go after school then I have to do something with the kids. During school I am often sleeping. And after hubby get home I am cooking and settling kids. I also can't do much knee stuff at a gym anyway, only the rest of my body. I prefer to get on my exercise bike at home, where I can do 5 minutes here and there as it suits. It's all my knees can manage, and I fit it in whenever I can (like when the kids are cleaning their teeth for bed or something). It's the reason I want a treadmill, because it works so well to do it at home, and I can walk for longer than I can cycle. I just have to get accustomed to using the bike in its new spot. Or move it.

I've never flown Jetstar, but I've had friends say it's certainly "no frills"!

I'm glad your cousin got out safely. I cannot believe that people can be so vicious as to deliberately light fires. They deserve to burn at the stake! Slowly!!

Haha! Silly me. I went for a long walk on Saturday. No wonder my knees are aching today!! My daughter had to plan and do a hike for a Cub Scout badge. We made it an easy walk, but it was still too much for me. Gotta get that treadmill ;) Gotta save up first!!

Now I gotta get me something to eat. I'm at work, and I came straight here from Cubs, so I am starving now. I just wish this headache would go away. I've had it all weekend, on and off. Hormones :P Ick!!

Have a good week.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on February 21, 2009, 03:20:57 PM: Hey Kathy, thanks for the e-mails with Koala pics. For some reason I can't view them but I'm going to try and see them from my work computer on Monday.

Instead of buying a treadmill would you consider getting an elliptical machine instead? I use one at the Y and it's a fantastic aerobic workout without hurting the knee. It has to be so hard when you have lots of running around with family and no time to yourself to workout. Going for long walks is nice but don't overdo it.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Sore knee on February 21, 2009, 06:19:05 PM: Kathy

LOVING the e-mails. Your pics are soooooo cute. I never realised Koalas lived in urban areas at all....well that says a lot for me. Given I ahve only really seen them on tv etc I loved all the pics. Its a shame for thm.....its obviously very very hot !!!!!!!!!

Hope the knees are better today....good on you for even giving a hike a go
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: kathat on February 24, 2009, 09:21:44 AM: Hi All,

The knees are being a pain this week. Sitting around, sewing, seemed to be the thing that did it this time. They don't like being bent for long periods. The sharp pain I often get behind my right knee is back to tell me it doesn't like something I'm doing. Grrr!! I retaliated by ringing to book into an Arthritis Association course, but I got an answering machine ::)

Lenore - I am a bit wary of elliptical trainers, as they give more range of motion than treadmills (though less than a bike). I really only have a few degrees of "good" flexion before my damaged areas are put under pressure, so anything with more flex than walking can really irritate. I think I am safer with a treadmill, and it would have the advantage of being a form of exercise I can do even when my knees are being irritable. Walking is what's done the best for me to date, and I am reluctant to change it (though I do add to it when I can).

Joanne - Koalas don't really like to live in urban areas, but the drought has affected their trees and they have come closer to civilisation to find the trees they like to live in. The kids' school had a koala in one of their trees last year. It walked right by me one day, on its way to the tree!! They make funny noises, sort of grunting like a pig. When we went camping the kids went for a walk to look for koalas around the camp site and they came back because my daughter was scared the wild pigs would get her!! It was the koalas she could hear, but she thought there were pigs nearby!!

One more night to work for the week. I am so tired and I really don't feel like working, especially as the nights are quiet and seem to go really slow as a result (the 10 hours seem like 20!!). I'll get lots of knitting done, that's for sure ;D

I hope everyone is having a good week.

Kathy
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Silkncardcrafts on February 24, 2009, 09:47:23 AM: Hi Kathy,

Thanks for sending the koala joke. Loved it !!! Made my day. It's been pretty rough in the last week, so needed some cheering up.

Been in a lot of pain with my back and found out Rusty needs major leg surgery, so been feeling pretty down generally.

Any further thoughts on getting a treadmill ?

Saw my sports physician today and said I can go back to pilates as my shoulder and back have been horrendous. He wants me to start using the stepper in the gym again, which is great. Doesn't want me to get bored in the gym.
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: lenorem9 on February 24, 2009, 11:07:22 AM: Definitely stick to whatever works for you with the machines. The only reason I mentioned the elliptical is because it works so great for me. I can set the stride to all different lengths and inclines so it doesn't bother my knee. Sounds like the treadmill is your best bet with your flexion problems. Hope you can get one soon.

Yes, the sitting around is torture on the knees isn't it? I've read a description somewhere on here where people are calling it "movie knee". Makes sense because when I go to the movies and don't have an aisle seat after 2 hrs I can barely get up and bend. It's awful.

I forgot to check your koala pics at work yesterday. I'll try to remember when I go in today. For some reason my home computer can't view them.

What are you sewing and knitting? Will we see pics when you are done? Good for you making good use of your down time.

Have a great day Kathy!
Title: Re: Kathy's DPTT (TTT) Post-Op Diary
Post by: Robin M. on March 20, 2009, 01:41:26 AM: Hi Kathy,

I'm checking in to see how you're doing. Thanks for the emails, the kaola pictures are cute. Hope you and your family are doing well. Take care and hope to talk with you soon.

Robin