Vibes for my dad please....

My dad is going into hospital tomorrow for 9 days... he is having a knee replacement. His recovery will take 6-8 weeks. He's only 61 but this will be another of many operations and long hospital stays for him.....

(He's had skin cancer removed from his arm, he's had an operation for bladder cancer, he's had his prostate removed because of cancer and he's had a stomach operation for diverticulitis and he has had his knee operated on twice before now!)

Next year, it will happen all over again as he will be getting the other knee done. Both knees have gone due to arthritis.... I keep joking with him that when he go's through security at airports he will set the bleepers off!!!!

I love you daddy, get well soon!

Hugs and prayers that your dad comes through with flying colors.

Jana

Lots of hugs and good vibes headed to you and your family!!!

You got it, kiddo .

Cheers guys

{{{ Prayers & healing vibes coming his way!}}}

I have a couple of friends who had knee surgery. It worked really well for them.
One is in my exercise class. I can hardly keep up with him.
Your Father will be in my prayers for a quick recovery.
Lei

Al right, Gilly's Dad, time for 9 days of being spoiled by fine food, soft blankets, and kind nurses waking you up at odd hours to check your blood pressure! But seriously, I will pray for your Dad's healing!

Oh Gilly he's been through it hasn't he!

Sending pops (((((mega healing vibes))))) but remember he's in good hands!.

My mother in law suffers from diverticulitis..nasty!

sending vibes and hugs Gilly!

Gilly - sending stacks of good vibes for your dad. I hope it all goes well and he recovers quickly. Hugs to you too - this will be a worrying time I'm sure.

Mega prayers/vibes coming your way! Hope he heals quickly!

Originally Posted by Gilly

My dad is going into hospital tomorrow for 9 days... he is having a knee replacement. His recovery will take 6-8 weeks. He's only 61 but this will be another of many operations and long hospital stays for him.....

(He's had skin cancer removed from his arm, he's had an operation for bladder cancer, he's had his prostate removed because of cancer and he's had a stomach operation for diverticulitis and he has had his knee operated on twice before now!)

Next year, it will happen all over again as he will be getting the other knee done. Both knees have gone due to arthritis.... I keep joking with him that when he go's through security at airports he will set the bleepers off!!!!

I love you daddy, get well soon!

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After 20 years of working on an ortho unit and having seen hundreds of knee and hip replacements here's some advice:

The docs never let on about the pain, however tell your dad that his first reaction to the pain will be "Why the #&*@$ did I have this done!" The first 3-4 days are the worst as the incision heals...it will get better after that.

Take deep breaths and cough--4-5 times every hour and/or use that little machine (incentive spirometer) to breath in--this will help prevent pneumonia and blood clot formation--the curse of orthopedic surgery. I used to go by my patients rooms on rounds and yell into them..."I don't hear anyone deep breathing and coughing!" Very important and live saving.

Take your pain meds....don't be a hero! They might have him on a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) but if they don't take those pills and or shots!

With his prostate removed, he may have trouble voiding, but then again he might have a catheter for awhile. Once they remove it, after a couple of days he may experience again some difficulty voiding or dribbling...let him know this is normal, and all will be back to normal after awhile.

FLUIDS, FLUIDS, FLUIDS! Unless they want to restrict his fluids for some reason, he should drink water like a fish, and juices when he is allowed. This will: Keep his temperature down...a fever for a couple days is likely, and normal. It will loosen chest secretions...remember deep breathing and coughing, and prevent post operative constipation!

Good luck to your Dad....this actually has made me nostalgic for my old unit. I always gave my specials patients hugs and kisses...here are some for your dad across the ocean!

Lotsa vibes for your Dad, and for you, too!

Thanks again everyone! I just spoke to mum and they are on their way to the hospital. They had to call first to check that he had a bed (good old NHS!!). He is having his operation tomorrow. Today will be just the tests etc to see if he is healthy enough for the op (which I am sure he is).

I shall keep you all updated

Mom of Franz has given some excellent advice!

As you know i've had knee ops (sailing along trying to avoid replacement) and it is pretty horrible. I know of a lot of people who have had knee replacements and have been SO much better afterwards!

I'm sending tonnes of }}}VIBES{{{ your Dad's way, as I know how yucky knee stuff can be! and i'm sending lots of and calming }}}VIBES{{{ to you and your Mum!

aw gilly i just read this now
*sending mega vibes and :hugs*

I am so sorry for everything he is going through and I hope he recovers very soon.

Originally Posted by Sar

As you know i've had knee ops (sailing along trying to avoid replacement) and it is pretty horrible. I know of a lot of people who have had knee replacements and have been SO much better afterwards!

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Gosh! I didn't know that! At least we know who to ask for advice!

I think dad said that the day after the op, they put his leg straight on this machine that excercises it for him... it's going to be sooo painful though... just the thought of it

Originally Posted by Gilly

Gosh!

I didn't know that! At least we know who to ask for advice!

I think dad said that the day after the op, they put his leg straight on this machine that excercises it for him... it's going to be sooo painful though... just the thought of it

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Yes, Gilly, the machine works through passive motion to prevent stiffness and muscle wasting which will reduce the recovery time a LOT! It shouldn't hurt too much, as he will not be doing any of the work and it will work to go with the amount he can take!

I'm sure, too, that your Dad will take the meds to help too - which will allow him to improve and build strength without the pain!

to you all! Is the operation tomorrow? What time?