I’m in Rehab after a successful total knee replacement operation. The procedure went well. And best of all, no ileus (the shutting down of my gastric system that I had to endure after my left knee surgery last year). I escaped the dreaded NG2 tube shoved down my nose by chewing gum. I did some research and found that chewing gum can prevent the ileus by tricking the gastric system into jump-starting. It seems to have worked for me. However, the pain level was higher this time around. Old age no doubt. Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes. I hope to be back to normal in a few days as the Happy Drugs wear off.
George, if the picture above is any indication, you had quite a surgical team working on you. Pity you only have two knees.
I confess that the move to REHAB pleases me to no end, Drongo. Hospital stays, although necessary, are miserable with hourly interruptions to take your vitals, drawing blood, and PT treatments. The pace at REHAB is more relaxed. You can actually SLEEP!
Excellent! I bet Stilwell is green with envy over your rehab team.
I would put my REHAB team up against Stilwell’s cardiac nurses anytime, Jeff!
And every one of ’em an Ivy League grad!
/Glad to know you’re feeling better. Good luck with rehab.
Thanks, Deb. I’m feeling more like myself as the pain Meds are wearing off. I can actually read now!
Remember George we’re only as old as we think we are. I think Im 136. Hope you’re feeling better soon. Ed
I feel like I’m 12, Ed. After a year of living with my left titanium knee, the decision to get the right knee done was a no-brainer. I’m convinced the secret to aging well is to keep moving!
Hi George-Hope things are on the upswing re: pain. A friend is doing this in three weeks, with the second knee a month later. I am concerned that timetable is unrealistic. She won’t do both at once because she doesn’t want a general anesthetic. And she needs to do both to use her leave time. Ach!
Pain management is working, Patti. I’m feeling much better. My blood pressure and glucose numbers are coming back to normal. As you know, I waited a year before having my second knee operation. People who have two major surgeries in a short period of time are really stressing their bodies.
Glad to se you’re out of the medical internment and back able to read and make an occasional post. Keep up the improving, healing, and PhysTherpy. Assume you’re reading some light ‘n’ easy at this point.
Actually, I’m listening to the audio versions of Neil Simon’s plays, Rick. I tried to read th NY TIMES yesterday but my meds still fog my brain. TV and audiobooks are the only things I can handle right now.
Glad to hear all went well, George.
The knee surgery went well as did the recovery, Beth. Not getting an ileus again was huge. A nurse just walked into my room at REHAB while Diane was visiting and asked, “Which one of you is the patient?”
I must admit, the good news about your health and recovery is more attractive to me than the photo…and I stand second to none in my appreciation of the female form, and have no problem with sleaze. But there’s just something offputting about the general look of those women…I suspect your rehab nurse would insist that any one of them really must be the patient (“getting your unfortunate implants out, dearie?”).
The REHAB nurses have been very good to me, Todd. When your health is on the line you want the best.