My Awesome Experience!

24 Two weeks ago yesterday I went into the hospital for total knee replacement. I was looking forward to having this done to finally be rid of all the pain I had in that knee from RA. As I told my husband, "At least the pain after surgery will mean things are healing. The pain I have now is just aggravating." I expected to have pain after surgery but was a bit anxious about the fact I'd have to take some heavy duty pain meds because I have a history of alcoholism.

Imagine my amazement when I had almost no pain after surgery! Within 6 days after surgery I was off narcotics & walking without a walker or cane! My PT is still amazed at how much I can do so soon.

Today I saw the surgeon, got my staples removed, was released to go back to work this Friday, & told I can drive again (it was my right knee so I was concerned about when I could drive).

In the hospital, I was fortunate enough to be on a unit where all they care for is joint replacement patients. The nurses & CNA's were absolutely fantastic! Both nights I was there I was awake all night because I work night shift & don't normally sleep during the night. As busy as they were at night, the nurses took time to come in & chat with me just for the heck of it. The day I was discharged, the day nurse knew I wouldn't be leaving until evening & that the evening nurse didn't normally work that unit. She gave me all of my discharge teaching & everything I would need at home so the nurse who isn't that familiar with the unit wouldn't have to be burdened with it. That is what I call going above & beyond to help not only your patient but a coworker.

I wish everyone could have this great an experience as a patient & I'm so grateful to have had such an easy time with this surgery & recovery! Last edit by Joe V on Nov 14, '13 : Reason: removed font choice
Yaaaay! So glad the surgery was so successful. Sounds like you were a great candidate, both physically and emotionally :-DHope it continues to work out so well for you!

My wife had chronic knee pain for 12 years that wasn't taken seriously due to her age (early teens up until last year, age 25). After 2 surgeries that didn't do much and a steroid shot that did more harm than good, her final surgery (thankfully not a TKR) was expected to lay her out for a full 6 weeks. But on day 2 she was without pain and walking around! It's amazing how much a difference actually *fixing* the problem can make, I only wish everyone with chronic pain was able to have the same wonderful experiences as you and she did!

I recently went and stayed overnight with a friend in the hospital after elective surgery. She had been telling the nurses all day how her friend, the RN would be coming in. I was super sweet, didn't ask for anything, nodded and smiled alot. In fact, the only thing I said to the poor lady was what a beautiful unit they had, such nice furnishings, fixtures. The poor day nurse was totally intimidated, obviously following every procedure to the nth degree, explaining and educating, explaining and educating. I didn't mean to upset her!

Poppycat,Happy to hear a great story. I wonder if you'll get a survey? Probably not. Enjoy that new knee.

Quote from emtb2rnPoppycat,Happy to hear a great story. I wonder if you'll get a survey? Probably not. Enjoy that new knee.