To Effie-new device for knees

Diseases & Conditions Rheumatoid Arthritis
1
Good moanin Effie,
 
Yes, I intend to try the new contraption out. It will cost me $45.00 a month for 4 months, then they will see about getting my insurance to either rent it or buy it for me. Thats is if I have improvement. The rep said we would kno in 4 months whether it was improving my knees or not. This is some sort of promotional thing they have going on.
 
I went to their site and noticed 3 of the bigger hospitals was involved in the trials and the trial were favorable. So, I feel I have nothing to lose by trying it even though I will be paying out of pocket for 4 months, I don't think $45 a month will break me. LOL.
 
I don't know if I told you or not, but I need a break from all the surgeries I have undergone this past year. I do not have my head on right about knee replacements yet, and I will not endure this surgery until my head is on right. Thats is half the battle. My ortho agrees with this, he says its very painful.
 
Three to four months prior to me having my pump put in, when my pain mgt dr recom the pump I flat out refused to have it done and would not consider it. I had to work it thru my mind before I could consider it. Then by the time I made up my mind, I was begging for it. I truly think it would not have been as successful if I had done in the beginning. All of my drs agree with my theory. They even all agree that I am hard headed and stubborn as a mule. LOL.
 
My ortho got a taste of my hard headedness when I fell going up his walk and twisted a new operated knee, I was one week post-op. He wanted me to go to the hospital so he could admit me, we watched my knee swell to the size of a grapefruit in his office. Gosh that hurt so bad and I was crying, but I refused to go to the hospital. He let me sit in my room for 3 hrs thinking I would give in and go to the hospital but I would not give. He kept coming in the room and checking on me. I had no pain pills w/me and he had nothing in his office to give me. LOL. However, a week later when I hobbled in both knees the size of grapefruits, he met me in the hall and said you are going to the hospital now. I went that time and spent a week. I really screwed my knee up when I fell, twisted it really bad. He had repaired a partial tear of the ACL a week prior. I truly love my ortho he has really taken good care of me and knows me pretty well.
 
I think when pain mgt dr increased my dose of morphine in my pump a few weeks ago, its making my feet and legs swell something awful. I need to call them about this. GI put me on 80mg of lasix, heart dr had me on 20mg a day. Oh, well,all is good right?. Lots of love & hugs,    Susie

2
Hi Susie,

I know that this was directed to Effie,but just wanted to let you know that I'am glade that you are going to try this new contrapment.

I do agree that you do need to call your pain doc about your legs.I take Lasix my self 40mg and I also take Bumex it is also a diretic 20mg and I take both twice aday and it has helped with my edems better than just taking lasix.

So here is to Susie I really admirer you for what you have been through and for having the courage to try new thing's.So with that said please keep us up-dated on how you do withthis new vice.

Curley.........
a.k.a.Mela.........
3
Dear Suzie,
I am sorry that you have had to go through so much. Thank god you are a strong person. I understand when you say that you have to wrap your head around things first. I am the same way.

I am really worried about your leg swelling. I was taking lasix and I am suppose to still be on it but it causes me horrible leg cramps. Please make sure you are watching your potassium levels. I hope the doctors can find out quickly what is causing this swelling. It sounds dangerous to me.

Thanks for all the support and info. Take care. God Bless.
Judy/Effie

Post Edited (effie) : 8/9/2005 5:25:40 AM (GMT-6)

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Hi Effie,

Oh, so see there is someone else going thru what you are w/an over weight husband. Mine put on weight in 1990, he got sick in 89 w/blood clots in his leg after a knee surgery. We really think the blood clots were there before, the pain never went away and weeks after surgery they finally listened to him as to exactly where the pain was, behind his knee. Did the test and sure enough, he had three in main artery.

He has done poorly since, terrible circulation, now good leg is affected and has become discolored also. They keep telling him if he does not take care of his legs he will lose his left leg for sure. He get phlebitis (?) in both legs. He has been off of work for a week now due the phlebitis. Tomorrow he goes for a test to see if he has another blood clot. He cannot handle Coumidin, he hemoraged on it. He went to wound care last week cause of 2 open sores on his leg. He is also diabectic now. No, mam, he does not take care of himself or do what the dr says. He does not have high BP or high cholesterol. I have had high BP & on meds since I was 28 and 40 lbs lighter at the time of dx, plus high chloesterol. I take 2 different BP meds a day. I cannot handle sitting by and watching him kill himself with food.

I have so many health problems and I strive to make myself better. I will try anything to improve the quality of my life. I just don't understand him. He has a very good job and has been there 38yrs and he can retire at any time. I don't know if I could handle him retiring or not. LOL.

I am also having bad big D right now and stomach pain, past due for Remicade, hope I am not headed for a bad flare. Cannot do Remicade because of the infection in my back. My neighbor is stilling changing my bandage twice a day and she is getting alot of bloody pus out of the place. It still swells somewhat and feels like I have pressure in there. Lets see, I am starting into 4th week with that thing.

Here is to all of us to less pain tomorrow. I called pain mgt dr today about the swelling, waiting to hear back from them. Love & Hugs, Susie
 
Mela, I did not know you are pg. I read it on the cd board. When are you due? Love & Hugs   Susie