Since learning last week that I needed a knee replacement, I started researching what’s involved in preparing for the surgery. After my appointment with the OASIS Osteoarthritis clinic, I learned the cold, hard realities. When the physiotherapist asked me if I had a particular surgeon in mind, I gave her a name. She then presented me with the list of wait times for the various surgeons who do knee replacements. I would have to wait up to 15 months to see my preferred surgeon. Then I’d have to wait at least another eight months before I could even have the surgery! Big time reality check.
By the time I had recovered the power of speech, I realized that I would have to choose a different surgeon, because there’s no way I can manage my pain for that long. So I chose a younger, female surgeon who works in the same office as my first-choice surgeon. She comes highly recommended and just performed a hip replacement for a good friend of mine, with excellent results.
But I digress. Now that I have a referral to the surgeon, I’m busying myself reading, doing exercises to strengthen my leg muscles, and investigating all the equipment I’ll need post-surgery. In addition, the physio at OASIS recommended a book called Total Knee Replacement & Rehabilitation: The Knee Owner’s Manual. It’s written by an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist who specialize in this. It’s extremely detailed and actually tells you what to expect week-by-week in terms of recovery. Needless to say, it’s a teeny, tiny bit overwhelming. But…knowledge is power.
The physio gave me a full list of the equipment I’ll need for post-surgery – stuff like a raised toilet seat, a bath transfer bench, a walker, crutches, high density cushion, reacher (not Jack) and a cane. When I mentally added up the cost of purchasing all these items, I thought I might have to sell a kidney to afford it all. Then I remembered that I can borrow stuff from friends who’ve gone through this. And I was told that I can borrow most of these things from the Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program. It’s a free program that lends out all sorts of health-related items, short-term, to assist people with their mobility and safety after surgery. Apparently, one of the most essential purchases is a special ice machine, to keep the pain and knee swelling under control. It’s relatively pricey, but thank goodness one of my former co-workers is going to lend me hers. The secondary benefit of the ice machine is that Harvey will have a constant supply of ice for martinis.
Yesterday I attended a free class on pole walking, to learn how to use my new urban walking poles. Apparently the poles take a huge amount of the load off your knee joint when you walk, which results in less pain. They also activate the core and upper body muscles. A win-win!
Having a year to wait and fret about my surgery is going to be difficult – more time for me to catastrophize and stress. Time to practice breathing meditation and listen to my sleep CD. We all cope in our own individual ways. I just need to have faith that it will all turn out okay and that the result will mean a happier, pain-free life.
