I am happy to report that in this period I can see small steps of improvement everyday. At first they seemed too insignificant that I wasn't bothering to record them. But it is important, and you don't want to stay in a mental funk, so declaring and celebrating the small victories is critical.
During this time I started to exercise the knee more and it actually needs to move now. I graduated from needing the shower stool and went back to regular standing showers. Daytime pain decreased and is very manageable with Tylenol, ice, and gentle massage. I can dress now without help, including the awful TED stockings! I was able to sit on the deck in the sun and enjoy some beautiful weather. That is very healing as well. The bruising and swelling decreased and the collateral damage to my foot has healed. All in all, this period I experienced much healing.
I was blessed by several visits from friends and family that have made this much more bearable. Others have offered to run errands for me. Knowing that people are praying for me is huge, and I believe those prayers have been answered by my fast healing process.
I still struggle with the night time pain which wakes me up about midnight or so. I have tried various over the counter sleep aids to get me to sleep. Melatonin seems to work the best for me. I have no problem going to sleep, but when the knee starts throbbing in the middle of the night, the pain wakes me and I can't get comfortable to go back to sleep. I have contacted the doctor again, and have a new med to try. I tested a half pill to see if I reacted, and I didn't. Hopefully this will help.
Thoughts on Preparation
I thought I was prepared mentally for this, since I just had the hip replacement 6 months ago. I made the mistake of assuming this would be similar to the hip. Expect the worst, then you will be surprised if it is not that bad. I was surprised by how bad it was and I think this actually caused me to have post surgical depression. I cried almost daily for about 10 days, due to pain and due to the feeling of hopelessness, like I will never see the end of this.
Make sure you really are physically strong, otherwise healthy, and in a good place mentally (not stressed, not tired, worried, anxious, etc.) When I have to do the other knee in future, I will be very careful about not getting too tired ahead of time, and making sure I am feeling strong and determined.
So here are some further thoughts about preparing at home. Some I did, some I wish I would have done. A lot will depend on your circumstance and who is your caregiver.
Things to gather in advance:
- Toilet seat riser/commode
- Shower chair/bath bench
- Walker
- Flushable wipes by the toilet (you won't be bending and moving with ease for a while)
- Portable right-height stool (for the caregiver who will be putting on your TED socks, etc.)
- Comfortable and soft but close-fitting underwear (you will not want tight, binding, bunching, hot or frilly undergarments while you are convalescing)
- Disinfectant wipes for the bathroom (easy and quick clean up; infection control is critical)
- Prune juice (I prefer this over the pills they give you)
- Organize in advance someone to come to your house and do massage, hair style (if this is important to you), Acupuncture, clean the house (if you are on your own), deliver meals, bring groceries
- Pay your bills ahead so that for a few weeks you don't have to handle that
Obviously if your surgery is the result of an accident, then you will need to call on a friend who "knows the drill" and can help you get as comfortable as possible. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need or want. People can't read minds and sometimes they are absorbed in their own lives (I am guilty of this as well), and the fact that you are going through a miserable time doesn't penetrate their radar. Speak up, reach out, phone a friend!
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