Imamama, pity party of one

[imamama]

Feeling bummed out and sorry for myself right now! Went to a new orthopedic surgeon today about my knee... looks like more surgery is in my future... I feel like screaming, but yet I want to be optimistic and believe this time will fix it. I told him I didn't want a miracle, just want to feel 31, not 71. He said my knee cap is sitting at a weird angle and the surgery I had in Jan of '01 didn't really help. Lovely! All that pain and suffering for nothing! Anyway, I really liked this doc and a runner friend recommended him b/c she had 2 runner friends who thought they'd had everything possible done and would have to live with their problem forever.. until they went to this doc.

The one upside... paid short-term disability from work!! woo hoo!!!!

The blue million downsides... being out of commission for quite a while... he's going to be moving part of the bone below my knee cap and attaching it with screws to keep me knee cap where it should be... no weight baring for 6 weeks aaacckkk! With the other surgeries, weight bearing was encouraged to promote strengthening the muscles.
My parents have always been amazing in helping out with dd through the 4, yes 4, surgeries I've had since she was born, but I don't want to put them out.
I live in a 2-story house.... there's no shower downstairs, or I'd just move my mattress into the den and campout! I could make it up the stairs after a week or so, with the cruches, but there's always that chance of re-injury by falling, etc.
Next, do I want to spend my summer recovering.. not only infringing on my fun, but more importantly, dd's. I think I'm going to wait until after the summer... someone tell me that's a good idea!!! I'm not in excrutiating pain, so I'm sure I can last the summer....

I guess I'm nervous... I don't want anymore surgery, but I don't want my life and activities to be affected by this problem anymore.

Thanks for being a sounding board! I've got some serious thinking to do this weekend... heavy man!!

[Marla]

Amy, sorry to hear about everything you are going with your knee. Have you always had problems with your knee?

I think you have to figure out when the best time is for the surgery, and decide how much pain you are in. Does the doctor feel that you must do the procedure immediately, or can you wait until after the summer? Will it be easier for you to have the surgery when your dd is off for the summer or in school? I can give you my two cemts (I'd enjoy the summer and have it in Sept), but only you know the answer.

[imamama]

Thanks, Marla, I value and appreciate your two cents worth! I'm really leaning towards after summer. I think it'd make it easier on my mom (who would do the majority of keeping dd) to do it while she's in school, then mom could have a rest! And dd would get her mind off of it. She seems a little freaked at the whole prospect of it. She keeps coming up and kissing my knee... what a little doll! She was 2 1/2 when I had the last knee surg, so she doesn't remember it that well... she just remembers that she couldn't jump on me or touch my knee... partly I think b/c of the scar!!!!

I fell and dislocated it back in '93. Then, fell again a few months later and knocked it askew. I didn't have health insurance at the time, so the doc wouldn't do surgery then (so much for the patient coming first!!). Anyway, it's gotten worse over the years, then especially bad during and after pregnancy... so, I had the first surg when dd was 4 mos old. Yikes! Like I said, I have wonderfully supportive parents!!

Oh well, I'll stop babbling on! Thanks for listening! I think it's nerves! I dread coming out of the anesthesia... it makes me REALLY sick!!!

[Amy]

I say move in with your family and take LOTS of pain medication. LOL Sorry, couldn't help myself. Actually, if you don't end up killing off your mother, that might not be a bad idea considering you don't have a downstairs bathroom in your own home.

[imamama]

I have a downstairs bathroom, just not a shower... but who'd be around to smell me?! I guess I could sponge bathe in the sink!

If I didn't cherish my sanity, I'd move in with my mom... but you know, my insurance will only cover so many "crazy pills" per month!!! LOL

With my past surgeries, I've always stayed with my dad for the first week or two, but he and my step mom both smoke, and since I've quit, I don't want to be cooped up with it.. yuk!!

[Amy]

I think I would rather risk the sponge bath and wahing your hair in the kitchen sink, rather staying with any parent. LOL I know for a fact that my Mom would try and be SOO wonderful, but the independence in me, would loathe the babying.

[imamama]

I think my issue would be the lack of privacy and peace and quiet... yes, I said peace and quiet even though I have a 4 y-o! She goes to bed early... mom doesn't! And that woman talks a blue streak!! I'd never get a chance to just lie back and enjoy the pain killers!!!!
Heck, I'm seriously thinking of installing an outside shower on the deck!!!!

[KarlaB]

Ow!!! Another vote to wait it out and go for the surgery after summer.

Tell them how sick you get from the anesthesia and they should be able to give you something for the nausea right away with the anesthesia.

One of my friends had knee surgery 2 yrs ago and was still in a lot of pain. She got a 2nd opinion and was told the procedure done on her was stone age and that it did no good! At this point she doesn't even have the option of another surgery bcuz of what the drs here did!!

Another very important question - is your computer on your main floor so you don't go thru IB withdrawals as you're recovering??

Good luck as you make you decision!

[AnnW]

Karla brings up a very good point..you convalesce where to puter is!!!!!!! LOL

I would wait till September also.

[imamama]

Yes, my puter is on the first floor, thank goodness!!! Being able to keep in touch with IB is much more important than showering!

[RCT]

Sorry you have to go through this, Amy, Follow your gut...if it would be easier on you and your dd to do this in the summer...go for it....sponge baths aren't that bad...

Good luck on your decision and surgery...

[littlesista06]

Amy, just wanted to wish you luck with your choice and the surgery too.
Lucky are we who have GREAT parents to lend a hand!!

[Cathy]

Ouch, AmyD!!!! Wait until after summer. The heat isn't pleasant by itself.....nevermind adding pain, dirorientation, confinement, and an at home 4yo. I hope you are happy with whatever you decide, and that the surgery fixes the problem for good!

[imamama]

Thanks, gals! I'm now trying to figure out how to get bf down here as a Home Health Nurse to help me recoup! She's an RN. I'm going to check into the possibility of getting an HHC nurse since I'm a single mom and won't be able to bear weight on my leg for 6 weeks. Fortunately, the company is pro-HHC. I'm thinking it'll fly! I'll check into agencies around here and she can get a temporary work visa. How cool is that?!!! I really hope it happens! And putting the surg off til Sept. or Oct. will give me plenty of time to finagle things the way I want them!!!!

[littlesista06]

Sounds like a plan!!
Good thinkin'!!