Medical Update

On January 7 I met with my orthopedic surgeon, who, true to form, was in a hurry and arrogant as usual. I went in with my list and made him answer my questions. Unlike my mom (and most other older women), I am NOT charmed by his handsome looks! I want him to do a good job. I asked him what types of knees I would be getting (Zimmer female-specific titanium), if he would replace my kneecaps (only if he can't resurface the old ones), how long he expected me to be in surgery (2-3 hours), and if he planned to try to straighten my legs (yes). He told me that he performs about 500 replacements a year, and that St. Joe's is one of the top hospitals for knee replacements. I do know that outcomes have more to do with the quality of the surgeon and the hospital than any other issue, so this is probably as good as it can get.

Yesterday I met with the nurse practitioner for about an hour, for labs, physical exam, and instructions on when to stop supplements (now), ibuprofen (the 17th) and how to prep for surgery. I then met up with Millard for 1-1/2 hours of education with a group of patients. I was the only one under the age of 60; the only one under 200 pounds; the only one doing both knees at one time.

I am feeling much, much more confident about the procedures. I also know that I will feel pretty good for the first few days (because they leave the epidural in place), and that the real pain work will begin on day 3.

Onward and upward.