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Post by juniper on Dec 10, 2010 6:29:55 GMT -8
My knee has been bad since fall, 2007. I tripped while attempting to run, and couldn't get the knee pain to go away. At the time, they told me my kneecaps were misaligned, and at some point I would need surgery to correct it.
Well, that point has arrived! January 11, i will be getting my right kneecap put back in the right place. Sometime in 2012, the left will be taken care of.
I should (oh, that dreaded word!) be able to walk, hike, dance, etc. without pain again, soon!
juniper
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Post by kmcm on Dec 10, 2010 8:32:13 GMT -8
I am excited for you! Even though the getting it fixed part is gonna suck, the fact that it's getting fixed is awesome! I expect youtube videos of you shimmying and shaking on the dance floor to appear sometime soon.
We are here for you to let out the frustrations of post-op annoyances as well, don't forget. It's ok to bitch and complain here, while you keep the faith for everyone else.
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Post by Pahz on Dec 10, 2010 9:23:53 GMT -8
Enjoy your eventual pain meds as much as you can.
I had the Oxy-family of narcotics after my knee replacement.
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Nico
Three Digits!
burger emergency
Posts: 143
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Post by Nico on Dec 10, 2010 15:21:50 GMT -8
Knee pain SUCKS. Yay for fixing it!
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Post by juniper on Dec 11, 2010 9:38:19 GMT -8
So far they have me on Tramadol. The amount of pain I'm in isn't the issue at the moment, really, it's the constancy of it. I have discovered that all of my close relatives are allergic to hydrocodone, so I'll be asking the doctor about using something else.
The doctor wants me out of work for 6 to 8 weeks. I can really only afford to be out for 4, though, so we'll see.
I know the surgery is going to hurt like hell, but I can't live like this forever.
My family got me a Kindle for the recovery time.
And thanks, KMCM. I am going to need here to bitch at, since I will have to be strong for everyone else. That's just the way of my family dynamic.
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Post by kmcm on Dec 11, 2010 12:19:34 GMT -8
My family dynamic is just the opposite. My dad has had both of his knees replaced, then had to have one re-done due to a staph infection. He and i will just look at each other and hug and roll our eyes. I know what it's like having to "keep on smiling, so everyone else thinks things are hunky dory." I'm damn sure everyone else on here does too, it's the whole reason that i started this little board. Yes, you hurt, and dammit it sucks. We ALL can relate to that here. If you can't take hydrocodone (vicodin) you MAY be able to take oxycodone (percocet) I have noticed that those who can't take one can usually take the other, and they are at about the same level when it comes to painkillers. If you can translate it, here is an opiate conversion table, it might help you understand how strong your meds are: www.londonpainconsultants.com/articles/uploads/opiate_conversion_tables.jpgWe'll be here for you. If you like, you can have my cell # and text-bitch with me anytime you like. I'm just glad you are experiencing forward motion with your knees, getting them fixed, even with all the BS that goes along with it. Hugs!
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Nico
Three Digits!
burger emergency
Posts: 143
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Post by Nico on Dec 11, 2010 14:13:23 GMT -8
Another pain medication that I've used is Talwin. The generic is Pentazocine - I've personally found that tapering off this medication is a bit easier than with Vicodin. So if you're worried about Hydrocodone, Talwin is another option.
I would personally always choose Talwin over Vicodin or Percocet - or even Tramadol - because I just have a much easier time with the withdrawal of the Talwin over any other painkiller I've tried.
I've obviously tried everything. Anyway, good luck with your surgery. I'll definitely be thinking about you, because I just came off of a very bad flare up of my own knee problem.
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Post by juniper on Dec 14, 2010 21:45:27 GMT -8
So, I've discovered that I can't take the new dose of pain medicine at work. Makes the filter on my mouth not work. Back to heating pads and chili flavored candy to get me through the day.
It was funny, though, last week when I first took the new dose. We're in a very low-tolerance field as far as drugs go, they don't even like us there on the legal prescribed stuff. No safety issues for me, but I work for an airline, so, they're as strict on everybody as they are the pilots.
My original dose (which is no longer enough) was just fine. This new one, though, I slur my words for the first hour. And, no filter on my mouth/brain. I apparently was a lot of fun to be around before I figured this out. And now that I have, no more meds at work.
Damn.
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Post by auntiewitch on Dec 16, 2010 18:21:27 GMT -8
Yeah, but think of all the fun you can have now: Say the things you want to but know you shouldn't, and blame the meds. (Did I mention earlier I use lots of dark humor?)
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Post by juniper on Dec 16, 2010 22:34:27 GMT -8
Oh, I do when at home. At work, though . . . That can get me fired. I talk to customers at a call center in a semi-supervisory roll. Anything they can take offense to . . . Well, it's a tightrope walk when I'm well!
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Post by juniper on Jan 5, 2011 0:04:05 GMT -8
So, less than a week now. I'm getting anxious (damned situational anxiety) and the doctors don't want me taking anything other than what I already am. So, lots, and lots of mint tea and chamomile getting sucked down.
And to clarify, the doctors are right. It's very low grade anxiety, I've been through this sort of thing a few times in the past, and the only time those in charge of my medical care and I felt it necessary to medicate was when functioning went right out the window due to the double whammy of my divorce taking forever, and my grandfather dying and my ex showing up at his funeral.
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Nico
Three Digits!
burger emergency
Posts: 143
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Post by Nico on Jan 5, 2011 0:25:19 GMT -8
When you find yourself thinking about the surgery, imagine me naked, falling down a flight of stairs, clutching a chocolate chip the size of a grapefruit in one hand and a picture of Hugh Laurie in the other. As I hit each step, I scream, "it's not LUPUS!" and take a bite of the chocolate chip. It's the longest staircase in the history of the world.
Good luck.
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Post by winterwhispers on Jan 5, 2011 15:42:21 GMT -8
I think I just wet myself laughing...
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Nico
Three Digits!
burger emergency
Posts: 143
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Post by Nico on Jan 5, 2011 16:02:28 GMT -8
Yeah, well just TRY to have an anxiety attack when you're thinking about me, Hugh and my collosal chocolate chip.
I don't think it can be done.
*nods*
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Post by juniper on Jan 5, 2011 22:01:24 GMT -8
Nico,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I will certainly use that, and if people think I'm nuts, well, then they haven;t known me long enough to know I'm nuts!
Thank you!
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