Name: Jo Burcher Wilton, CA Married 40yrs. 2boys,2Gkids
Here it is 3 wks since the surgery and there's hasn't been much to say; and that's the problem. Steve has been doing a lot of excercises and using the CPM 6 hours a day, but unforunately he has only been able to maintain a 75% bend. The PT lady told us today that she'll recommend that the Doctor rebends the knee this coming week, and then Steve will have "in-house" therapy. The bending of the knee would be accomplished while Steve is either "out" or in a twilight state. He will then go to the hospital for an intense therapy program.
I do have two positive things; he's transfered from a walker to a cane today, and we thought that the re-bending would mean surgery but it's just a gruesome power bend.
Thank you for you on going thoughts and prayers.
Name: Jo Burcher Wilton, CA Married 40yrs. 2boys,2Gkids
Steve's home from his office visit today, and will have what's called a "Closed Manipulation" in the next couple of weeks. We'll first need the permission from the workmans comp group which may be worst than pulling teeth because we also have to ask for more Physical Therapy.
Steve was able to drive himself to the appointment in our Jeep; he couldn't get on the motorcycle or trike. I'm a bit concerned that we may not be riding until the end of summer. But then it'll be cooler and we can head to the canyons of UT and AZ so it'll work out.
Name: Jo Burcher Wilton, CA Married 40yrs. 2boys,2Gkids
Thank you Nancy.
Today we're still in the holding-pattern waiting to hear from the Workmans Comp.
It's funny that now we're hearing of "the others" that also had long recovery times. So far only one person that had to have the re-bending procedure, but several friends Now say "oh my friend took 6 months to recover. or "my friend took a year to walk right". We sure didn't hear that from the doctor or anyone Before the replacement. I guess I'm a person who wants to have all the cards on the table face up before the event.
I've managed to keep the cats, dogs, and fish alive, the lawn mowed and the flowers blooming plus Steve is almost vertical; so life is still good.
Name: Jo Burcher Wilton, CA Married 40yrs. 2boys,2Gkids
Just to give a brief summary; Steve had the re-bending done on August 11. At this point the PT has told him he'll never be back to where he was before the joint replacement. Meaning that he would have been better off not to have had the replacement.
The doctor who did the re-bending told him that he'll probably never be able to walk more than a mile. And at this point he's right, Steve can't be up and around more than a couple hours.
He can't bend his knee enough to ride either the Harley or the Trike.
He's been working-out his knee over 5 hours a day, plus applying ice between work-outs; therefore our days are devoted to his knee.
So our lives are now wrapped up just trying to recover from a surgery that shouldn't have even been done.
And I guess that's what makes us so disappointed and deflated, we were told by the surgeon "you'll be back to your regular routine in 6 wks." It'll be 12 weeks the day after tomorrow, we're hoping he'll be back to his regular routine in 6 months.
Name: Kiska (Jackie) Palmer, Alaska aka Kiska at other sites
What a blow-knowing how you both love to hike and ride, this must be a difficult time. Good luck to Steve as he works toward a more complete recovery.
See you soon~
At this point, even if you have to pay for it out of your pocket, it would be worth it to get a second opinion. Search out the best orthopedic surgeon you can find and have him/her take a look at everything. I would want to be absolutely sure before accepting this information.
All my love to you both,
Corrie
Jo, sorry to hear about your DH having a surgery which wasn't necesary. Keeping him and you in my prayers. I sympatize with you so much, I do know what you went through with your DH after the surgery. Mine had several on his eyes and he is as difficult as yours.
I'm totally with everyone here, your writing is fantastic and you have such a sense of humor, with all the tragedy!
Name: Jo Burcher Wilton, CA Married 40yrs. 2boys,2Gkids
Thank you Adina, always nice to know that there's thoughts and prayers being sent our way.
The PT guy told him this week that he should never climb a ladder, replacemnt knees aren't meant to be on ladders. What the heck is that about..wish they'd stop telling Steve what he can't do. Wish they'd be more positive.
Name: Kiska (Jackie) Palmer, Alaska aka Kiska at other sites
Adina~thanks for the info as to your situation w/Dh, too. Was the surgery successful?
Jo~how is Steve doing w/the "don't do" list? For one so active, this recovery must be difficult. Will he be able to travel in a month? Taking frequent rest stops will be the order of the day.
Hang in there~there'll be hugs all around very soon.
Steve, Jo and Frank- 8-2007 at Hatcher Pass, Alaska
love, Jackie
Jackie, wonderful family picture! So nice to see Jo and Steve with your Frank.
Thanks for asking about my DH...his surgeries weren't all successfull, that's why he is almost blind now . He has lost his right eye after the first surgery, about 25 years ago , when they didn't have such a technology for eye surgeries as they have now. Then the left eye got worse and he had another surgery for detached retina on the left eye. This one wasn't successfull and he lost almost all his sight. He is now seeing only shadows and if it's a bit dark, nothing.
Jo, I hope Steve can understand he just had a surgery and needs to heal. My prayers are with you.
Thanks guys! We aren't feeling so down about this, just got used to it and with all the small things which are needed to be done for DH's comfort, such as keeping his things in the same order, so he can find them anytime, not having furniture in his way, reading him whatever he needs to know. It was a time when I was reading him at the movies on TV, but lately he isn't interested in movies except they are in Romanian so he can understand. But he loves sports and listens to all the comments on TV and all games...lucky we have 2 TVs!
