I will be on an interesting vacation this fall

[flyingfysh]

I will be staying at a place that used to be a private mansion on top of a hill, with great views in every direction. I will be waited on hand and foot, and will even be getting breakfast in bed. If I need anything, all I have to do is press a buzzer. And there will be people there to help me with exercises designed just for me. Finally, I will be supplied with narcotics - the potent stuff, nothing weak.

Doesn't this sound like a fun vacation? Actually, maybe not for most people. I will be in a hospital to have my knee joint replaced. It will probably be about 4 days before I can go back home. This will be at New England Baptist Hospital. Everything I mentioned above is true. I already met the surgeon, he does about 600 of these a year.

[mnhtnbb]

1. Good luck with that!

The Ortho surgeon who replaced my knee 2 years ago usually sends patients home the next day. I got to stay a 2nd night because they were adjusting my pain meds due to my low tolerance for them.

My advice is to take the pain meds before you need them to stay ahead of it. Take them before your physical therapy. Do your exercises! Be prepared to get up and walk the same day of surgery. No laying around to be waited on. Get moving! And once you do go home? Get up and walk at least every hour when awake.

Good luck!

[Kali]

2. just had my first one done last month

do your exercises, but don't OVERdo them. first couple of hours were rough then all has been progressively easier. good luck. and always take the drugs!

[MLAA]

3. Best of luck!