The first one last October, I recovered really well - except for that part two months later when I got tired of
no one cleaning the kitty litter box for three weeks (because apparently walking short distances with a cane and being cleared to drive again meant I was all healed up) and I finally did it myself against doctor orders -and ended up spending the week before Xmas in the hospital with an infection below the surgery location that went septic.
Almost lost the leg below the knee; Aetna would have been so pissed after spending over $300k on that knee.
So now, everyone knows the drill. Grandma/Stepmom/Spouse does absolutely no cleaning that can scatter germs or bacteria for at least three months. Also, make sure Superwoman doesn't take over and start overdoing it with the "I can walk again" routine.
I can't wait for this last knee to be replaced. The pain really started ramping up as the weather got wet.
Update. The surgeon, who also did my right knee, declared this one was the worse he's seen once he opened it up and was pretty amazed I rehabbed to walking with a cane on it before. Bone spurs, no cartilage and indications that the lower joint was splitting.
Surgery went just fine, pain level (with nerve blockers still active) "four and sore" and the hospital food here is bourgie-good.
Four star level - dinner was Roast Beef Au-jus (Medium Rare) with roasted Garlic Red potatoes and Butter roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan, served with a fresh melon cup. Last time I was here, I had fresh made oatmeal with french toast that was like I would have made it at home.
Apparently the locals here come to the hospital cafeteria (where our food comes from) for low cost good food. My recovery nurse takes her boyfriend here for date night dinners.
This is Sharp Coronado Hospital in the San Diego Area. The rooms are horrible, the staff and doctors are great, and the food is better than a lot of restaurants in town. The staff complains they have to fight with the locals for tables in the cafeteria.
Anyway, going home tomorrow.
Haele