As my regular readers know, I am the caregiver for my mother. She is 86, legally blind, and severely arthritic. Between the osteoporosis and severe arthritic changes in her knees and ankles, she has trouble walking, even with a walker.
In the last two weeks, she has gotten worse. First, she was using the walker all day, loading the dishwasher and even doing the laundry, carrying the clothes on her walker to her bedroom where she could sit on her bed and fold them. She has tried very hard to keep some sense of independence. One day, she was simply tired and hurting too much, and asked for the wheelchair after supper to get around. Then she started using it by lunch time and now she's using the wheelchair all day to get around and doesn't walk at all. It's very painful for her to just to transfer from the wheelchair to the bed or toilet.
Being her caregiver, I need to be with her all the time now. She is very shaky when she is trying to transfer to and from the chair because she is afraid of falling. She wants both her mobility back and her independence from me watching over her all the time and waiting on her. She can't stand not being able to do things for herself.
Her orthopedic surgeon has tried all of the conservative treatments: pain medication, brace, steroid shots, special medication for the joint (I can't remember the name but it was a series of 3 weekly shots, $600 each), and nothing helped her.
Now, the only option is a knee replacement.
Mom is understandably concerned about her age and how well she will heal. Our doctor, on the other hand, is confident. As he teased her last week: "I have a reputation to maintain. I wouldn't offer you surgery if I didn't think you'd benefit and get well."
Knee replacements are more difficult than hip replacements. We have been warned that the initial few days are very painful from the surgery itself, but that once you are past that stage, and you're willing to commit to the necessary physical therapy, you will be successful and life will get back to dramatically increased mobility in about 6 weeks.
I'll be writing on her surgery and recovery as the weeks go on, starting with the two weeks before surgery, and telling you about her experiences. I'll also be interviewing other seniors who have had knee replacements and telling you about their challenges as well. One person is a neighbor that had the surgery when he was a year older than mom is now.
We also have several other friends who have had the surgery and some people who have been to different rehab facilities in the area and I will be covering that topic as well. I'll be getting advice from my physical therapist on how to select a rehab center and then I'll be going to check them out. I'll pass on the pointers I learn about what to look for.
From Decision to Surgery
The first few posts will be about getting ready. The plan for "Surgery minus 2 weeks: October 6-10" is:
* Getting medical clearance from her primary care doctor, including arranging the required tests
* Verifying coverage with the insurance companies
* Locating and comparing rehabs
* Updating personal medical history and making copies for all who will asks all those same questions over and over about allergies and medications (see topic in side bar about creating your own Personal Medical History so you have all that info at your fingertips)
Come back often to learn more about helping your patient or loved one get through knee replacement. Learn from our experiences, tips, and interviews.
See you soon. I'm off to cook one of mom's favorite meals. The Easy Chicken Pie recipe on the side bar made with left over chicken, vegetables, and Stove Top stuffing as a topping. Simple and delicious.
Kathy
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