Under the knife... again

[silverbat]

Hello fellow nurses!

As you may remember, I have severe Osteoarthritis as well as Rheumatoid arthritis. My knees are really awful.

I generally use a cane as an assistive device due to left kne OA, and have since a failed Unispacer placement 10 years ago.

The end of July, I was walking in the door, with my cane, purse, soda container and I stepped on the edge of a brick, which collapsed and my RIGHT knee popped loudly and I was unable to bear weight at all.

Long story short---ER says torn meniscus, messed up ligaments, tendons, etc., got immobilizer and crutches.. saw ortho and got rid of immobilizer and gained a walker. Saw other ortho dr and scheduled a RTKR for 9/21/15. Even though the left is worse according to xrays, it is the right that is causing horrendous pain. Ortho dr is pouting, he wants to do the left one first!! LOL

So as of Friday I am off on FMLA/Short term disability. Hopefully I can go back to work at about 4 weeks for strict computer useage only.

So, if any of you are willing to, please send prayers, good thoughts, light and hummingbirds to Prebyterian Hospital in Albuquerque NM for my surgery this coming Monday...

Thank you all!

[prmenrs, RN]

Best Wishes for an optimal outcome.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

I will send prayers your way and do NOT go back until you are really ready! Too many nurses make the mistake of returning before they are fully recovered. Take what you need without guilt...you have earned it!

[twinkletoes53]

I have had both knees replaced, and my right ankle fused, due to complcations from arthritis. I was off work for 3 months after BKR. I am sending best wishes & prayers your way. The first month of recovery is hardest. My surgeon allowed me to do my PT. In a heated rehab. pool once my stitches were out. Much less pain, and greater mobility.