New year, new right knee! After putting up with an osteoarthritic right knee which severely limited my mobility, I decided to go with Dr. Ferrero’s suggestion for a total knee replacement. With the moral support of my six adult children and their encouragement, the doctor’s office scheduled my surgery for Monday, January 23rd. My daughter, Katie, took the day off from work to accompany me. She said she was just about as nervous as me, but I don’t think so and she noticed my hands shaking.
The surgery took place at our local hospital, University of Maryland Regional Medical Center in La Plata. I have to say that the entire staff at the medical center were very professional and caring making this surgery and overnight stay as comfortable as possible. A special shoutout to all the nurses and techs on Floor 2 East who provided expert care and concern for me. The two nurses assigned to my room Julie and Susan and their techs were very vigilant.
I especially welcomed the nerve block that the anesthesiologist performed prior to the surgery which lasted for 48 hours. I was remarkably pain free for those 48 hours. Once I got home and the nerve block wore off, the dreaded pain set in and I realized that orthopedic surgery and total knee replacement was indeed major surgery. I didn’t want to take oxycodone so I resorted to taking tramadol which combined with the ice and elevation of my leg seemed to help a lot. The major problem was trying to sleep at night, a real problem I didn’t expect. Laying in bed for hours hoping to fall asleep to aid in my recovery just wasn’t happening. Then during the day, because of the tramadol, I found myself napping a great deal. For someone who doesn’t nap, this was a whole new lifestyle.
Thanks to my two daughters, Marianne and Katie, I had all the safety equipment I needed at home. These included safety rails for toilet, a raised toilet seat, and a very comfortable recliner. Thanks to my son, Michael for installing the raised toilet seat and safety rails and my son in law, Dan, for installing a hand held shower wand. Needless to say, their help was invaluable and I valued all their visits during this trying time. I also appreciated the phone calls from my other children who live farther away. It is always a special delight to see the grandchildren, too.
Looking forward to starting PT and healing from the surgery to recover the mobility I used to have. I understand it isn’t going to be easy and I realize now that it is going to take time, but with God’s help and the help of my wonderful family support, I know it will happen.
A special thank you to Dr. Ferrero, his office staff, surgical team and the UMCRMC staff. Thanks, too, for my family and friends who prayed for a successful surgery. I truly appreciate all your prayers and well wishes.
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