Back to school

I’ve been out of the loop due to a dodgy Internet card, but I’ve finally gotten a new one.
Things have improved alot since I last wrote. My hip pain has decreased. A mixture of physical therapy and drugs are finally giving me some relief.
I have been getting out alot lately. It still feels odd to [...]

Who says stuff like that?

I had a bit of a setback these past couple of weeks. Both physically and emotionally. I’ve been trying to stay upbeat, but am still a bit down.
The hip pain that I’ve mentioned seems to only get worse and worse. The option of another replacement has even been tentatively put on the table. It’s something [...]

The Joys of Medication

Its been almost two weeks since I have been allowed to start taking my R.A. meds again. Namely methotrexate and Humira. I’ve had two doses of Methotrexate and one of Humira. This is my first attempt at Humira though. But I’m already loving the fact that I only have to have the injection every two [...]

Back On

Today I was finally able to start all my R.A. meds again. After fifteen weeks without anything but Prednisone, I am thrilled.
I had to stop everything before my first surgery. And since everything kept getting delayed, it meant more time without my meds. It was still worth it. My two most painful joints have been [...]

Another New Knee II

Im finally beginning to feel like  myself again. It’s been eight days since my second total knee replacement. It’s been a rough week but Im finally emerging from the fog of medication and pain.
In fact, today I only took a fraction of the pain medication that I have been on the past week.
I had my [...]

Physical Therapy-Guest Post

Why Physical Therapy is Important
There’s nothing more painful than an injury that requires a surgery, except the actual surgery and the recovery process of course. My brother-in-law met with a really bad accident a year ago; his hip bone was crushed and he had to have a series of reconstructive surgeries in order to be [...]

Another new knee

I had my second total knee replacement Monday. It’s been a rough week. And……that is a huge understatement.
There were some serious pain control issues during my hospital stay. There was a horrible horrible nurse who had some sort of personal vendetta against pain meds. So long story short, I check myself out early after sitting [...]

I can walk.

I’m moving around so well. Even with one good knee. It’s been four and a half weeks since my total knee replacement. And just a few more days until my next one.
My life has already changed drastically. Anyone looking in from the outside might not think that’s the case. But everyday I get out of [...]

Relief

I had a follow up appointment with my Rheumatologist today. Everyone was so excited about my knee! Im on week eleven without my R.A. meds with the exception of Prednisone. And it will be at least four more weeks.
It’s been so worth it.
Now that my most painful knee is out of the equation, I’m handling [...]

The Next Knee

I had my follow up appointment with my surgeon. My knee is looking great. I’ve been getting around without the walker and now I’m back to my trusty cane.
I looked like a complete goob today but couldn’t make myself care less. I got the usual stares that seem to accompany me wherever I go, but [...]

Reflections IV

So I have this voice in the back of my mind whispering that the worst is almost over.
But if four years of battling rheumatoid arthritis has taught me anything it’s that I shouldn’t let my hopes get too high too quickly. Isn’t that a terrible way to view the world? I know it is. But [...]

New Knee Part 2

I keep catching myself grinning when I get out of bed and walk. Every once in a while a small giggle escapes. I have even stood in the middle of the room and balanced on one leg. Because I can. And now that I can get in and out of bed by myself, I find [...]

New Knee Part 1

Im at home and recovery nicely. I was only in the hospital from Monday through Wednesday afternoon.
So….overall……this has been the best thing ever! The actual surgery went really well and it wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting. In fact, the post op pain is nothing compared to what it was before surgery.
They had [...]

The beginning

Well there is less than twelve hours left until my surgery. I think I have everything taken care of. My bed is still too low, but other than that, my apartment is completely ready for me.
I haven’t had to do much to prepare.
The surgeon prescribed me two different medications for today and I’ve had to [...]

Pre-Registry

I pre registered for my total knee replacement surgery yesterday. Just six more days! They drew some blood, took some xrays and sent me on my way.
There seemed to be alot of  mis communication between the doctor’s office and the hospital though. But in all fairness, my doctor wasn’t in town yesterday and I knew that. So [...]