Donstar

Sorry that you need these surgeries but glad they will improve your current quality of life. Do you have dates for these operations?

"Life is getting back to normal." I'm driving again and all new joints are operating as expected for this stage of recovery. My most recent joint replacement still requires a lot of attention but experience has taught me that time will quiet the remaining pain. I joked with my surgeon that another joint replacement would take my mind off my most recent surgery and he responded by saying the next will be a hip! There are no plans for another surgery but, unlike me, I don't think he was joking! I certainly wouldn't refuse further replacement if required but hope to spend time out of the "post-op" period. I can't stress enough that if you have been recommended for total hip, knee or shoulder replacement that you welcome the offer. Post-op "recovery" may sound daunting and painful, however, this is far better than the insidious erosion of mobility you are currently experiencing. Imagine what it would feel like to wake up most mornings feeling better and more mobile than you did the previous day! Prior to my first surgery in June 2025, even getting out of bed was becoming a formidable task. Since the day after my first surgery, I get out of bed everyday easily and unassisted. Making the switch to feeling a little better each day rather than a little worse, is hugely motivating!

Next Friday will be my 6 week point from my right knee replacement. The surgeon says it will be fine if I choose to drive after this checkup. I know I could drive now but best to do as my surgeon (and my wife) tell me. Richard compared being 62 to 72. I remember when I was in my early 60's I was experiencing slow but regular decline in my mobility. Thanks to good medical support, i continued to fight the speed and spread of this decline. During my 60's I worked on non-surgical methods and just when I turned 70, my orthopedic surgeon recommended joint replacements. In a little over a year, I had one shoulder and both knees replaced. This hasn't been a terribly fun experience, but worth the discomfort as my future mobility health trajectory has reversed. It is a treat to now be watching my mobility. balance and confidence steadily improve!

Happy Birthday! I also turned 72 this year. In some groups I consider myself to be a young senior and in others I realize I have serious years behind me! In June I spent a week in the hospital due to a blood clot following knee replacement surgery. The hospital Doctor assigned to my care specialized in Geriatric medicine! He is a great Doctor but the fact I required this type of specialized care made me feel old! Aging comes with new challenges but I sure appreciate getting older! It most definitely beats the alternative!!

Yesterday we brought home a 6yr old Havanese dog from a nearby SPCA. We've had her for 24 hours and we are delighted with how well she is adjusting to her new home. It was a huge decision to adopt a dog at this stage in our lives but we believe we made the right choice! it was reported that her first 6 years were ones of neglect. I think she's already realizing her life is going to get a whole lot better... so is ours!

I have both but typically use the 4 legged walker (wheels on front, ski's on back). The four wheeler is starting to be used on "longer" outdoor walks. The 4 legged walker is particularly helpful in practicing good walking posture. Both of my knees are at different stages of recovery and I'm trying to not develop poor habits. I can actually manage with a cane but it's very difficult not to favor one leg over the other. My PT recommends I continue with my 4 legged walker for a while. Yesterday was four weeks since my last knee replacement and I'm excited about my progress to date. It has been a hell of a rough journey so far but it is exciting to witness systematic and continuous improvement. I went for years watching the decline of my "mobility". It seems that everyday now I am alerting my wife to something I can do now that I couldn't a day or two ago! I encourage anyone facing the prospect of knee replacement to share any concerns with others who have had the surgery. It isn't an instant fix but rather is a considerable amount of short term pain for long term gain. Recovery time and pain levels vary for individuals post surgery but the end results are typically very positive and I've never encountered anyone regretting having had the surgery.

I'm getting out in public more these days and rely on a walker for anything more than short distances. I am impressed with how kind others are in their efforts to assist when they see me doing the old man walker shuffle! I find teenagers hanging out at the mall are often the first to get ahead of me to open a door or to offer me the opportunity to get in front of them in a lineup! I am very fortunate that this is temporary for me and I have a developed a huge appreciation for those seniors struggling to maintain some mobility. Walkers, canes or scooters will assist with mobility but they don't eliminate the challenges. Chances are the individual using these devices are hurting. A few kind words of recognition from a stranger can take away the discomfort for a few moments. I am looking forward to paying forward all of the kindness I have received!

It's been a little over three weeks since my second knee replacement. I can now walk around the house without a walker or cane but still have a lot of healing ahead. This morning I was able to bring a cup of coffee to my wife in bed. A few days ago, this coffee would have ended up on the kitchen floor! Knee replacement surgery is very common and will typically enhance the recipient's future quality of life. However, the recovery process can present significant challenges, pain and discomfort. I encourage anyone facing a recommended total knee replacement to welcome the opportunity. Just be aware that your body may take several months to fully welcome the new parts!

I am a huge fan of the Slate. (SUV for her, base pickup for me.) Unfortunately, there are no plans to sell in Canada but maybe this will change. I think if/when Ford offered a high range. EV Maverick, it would be my first choice.

T3's and Ibuprofen. I do have a cryotherapy unit (ice machine) and a lift chair that will allow me to raise my legs above my heart. There are topicals that I can use once the wound is fully healed.

Recovery is pretty harsh at this point. I could probably seek more medication to ease the discomfort, but I don't want to be dealing with withdrawal when I am physically able to drive again. How are you doing?

My overnight hospital stay turned into five. I developed a post operative fever and an erratic heart rate. A blood clot in the lungs was the culprit. This is apparently a common post surgical complication and easily remedied. I was the youngest in a four bed ward and a Doctor with a Geriatric specialization was in charge of my care. All of the nurses were good and some were outstanding at dealing with old people. It was very evident that my age triggered a different level of care! My advice to any senior going for a hospital stay is to have a trusted family member advocate visible. If not, you will still be well cared for, but you may discover that your voice isn't as strong as it once was!

Tomorrow I go in for my third joint replacement in jus a little over a year year! I am not worried about the surgery but I am a little annoyed about going through the recovery process again! I keep my frustrations to myself as I do appreciate that I am truly lucky. Knee, hip, and shoulder replacements are routine, safe and improve mobility. The next couple of days will be slow but every day following will see steady improvement in my mobility.

June 19th I will receive my third joint replacement in 54 weeks! A well meaning friend said, "In a year you'll feel like a new man!" I'm sure I will feel much better a year from now than if I didn't have the surgeries, but I'm not expecting a reversal on the impact of aging. I try not to waste time "waiting" to feel better. I won't be able to drive for at least six weeks following my upcoming right knee replacement. I've started looking for a used mobility scooter or electric trike or mini golf cart to rent/buy that can take me to the local malls and shops. I know my wife will drive me wherever I need, but if there are tools to help me maintain independence, I will take advantage of such devices! I am sure there are members who have experience shopping for a vehicle that doesn't require a licence or peddling! Any recommendations?