Time out for pen making

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Woodchipper

Woodchipper

Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
5,963
Location
Cleveland, TN
Day started out good but it ended up as a disaster. Wife and I were shuffling things from her late sister's home. Our basement got cluttered so here we go. I pushed a large archery target with my hands and pushed with my right knee which is bad. Now it's worse! Went to the VA t and call the specialist I've been seeing for injections. They confirmed everything in place for knee replacement. Can't move without it hurting. Fortunately I got an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow at 9 AM. Miracle? So, take a turn for me.
 
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I hope that goes quickly and smoothly for you. They've come a long way with that procedure over the years. It's practically outpatient surgery these days. I wouldn't recommend standing still in front of the lathe (or anywhere) for very long, but I'm sure the doc and PT will take have a list of dos and don'ts for you.
 
I've had both knees replaced. One 11 years ago, the other one year ago. The new ones are good. Took the "bite" out of my steps. They don't hurt, but they're not as good as the ones I was born with!šŸ¤Ŗ. First week will hurt, I'm not going to lie to you. Get up and move anyway. Do your therapy! You'll be glad you had it done.
 
Praying for your complete successful surgery! Be sure to ask the physical therapist if doing more than the minimal amount of PT will help your recovery. AND be sure to do the PT no matter what!
 
Good luck. They say the new knees are capable of lasting 30 yrs now. It took me 2 years to get the VA to finally approve my knee replacement. I have dealt with a gum disease all my life and a Dental Pro-Op examination is required. Dentist denied going thru with my operation. The VA doesn't cover dental and I can't afford getting the dental work needed. Looks like I'll be living with a bad knee for a while. Good luck on your recovery!!
 
Hang in there and best of luck dealing with the VA. I'm told that new knees feel great. I'm on the list for a double but have to wait 6 more years. So keep us filled in on your recovery. I'm curious to see how it all pans out for you.
 
Our PT lives around the corner and is a good friend. I've been (un) lucky enough to see her in the office several times and have had her laugh at me when introduced as a physical terrorist. (spelled that way on purpose for the joke)

A good PT will know how to push and pull you along. Best of luck
 
Mojave Green, I have dealt with the VA for over 50 years. Never had a problem, excellent care, except for having to drive 125-165 miles to a VA facility. In the last few years, they have Community Care which says if you are over a certain miles for a VA facility, you can use approved civilian physicians. If you qualify, check into this.
Went to orthopedic doctor this morning. Basically, with my blood thinner, I busted capillaries and the joint filled with blood. He drew off a large syringe full. But over the years, this is the straw that broke the camel's back. He has gone on record as saying he couldn't tell me when to have surgery. But when it interferes with life, then it's my call. He is going to contact my PCP and cardiologist to see if I can tolerate the surgery. All of this and surgery should happen within 2-3 weeks. Surgery is 45-60 minutes, walk out of recovery, six weeks of PT. Probably get the left knee done after the holidays. Again, many
 
Woodchipper, I've had good care with the VA. I also use community care, and on my way back to ortho here in town. I'm just a bit salty that I have to wait for new knees lol. But I can't complain about the free health care.
 
I am having knee replacement in January. LOML looked at me with that "don't you dare"look - in Sept when the doctor said I would not be able to drive for 6 weeks to 2 months depending on my rehab. . . and then he suggested I have the surgery the 1st of October. She said under her breath, "We have thanksgiving and Christmas already planned! Don't mess it up!" So I asked for it to be in January! My part time work, We have three events coming in late October and early November of which I am involved in a major way, so I could not have it done at this time. I was looking to have this last February, but then I had the heart bypass in January. That put a stop to having it in February.

I had three of the 4 ligaments in the left knee snap playing a softball game in 1983. Full operation on the knee, both sides and under the knee cap. NOW, full knee replacement on that same knee

ME: "Doc, when this is over, will I be able to run or jog again?"

DOC. "NO! - unless a bear is after you."

ME: "Well, if I won't be able to run or at least jog, what is the point of knee replacement?"

DOC: "To stop the pain!"

ME (disappointed): "Oh, OK I will surely settle for that!"
 
I'm appreciative of this group. Members share not only pen making and related crafts but personal concerns.
Doing much better, can put a bit of weight on the right leg with walker.
Funny story: A couple of years ago, I did a hunter education class and had the sons of a fellow who owned a body shop. I asked him what he could do with this body. He replied it's a total wreck!šŸ˜‚
 
Wishing you a speedy recovery! Last Friday was my 1 year anniversary mark for my right knee replacement. As others have said, physical therapy is the secret. Do everything required in physical therapy & that knee will be working fine in short time. Even after you quit going to physical therapy, it helps to keep doing exercises with that knee. Take careā€¦
 
Billy, thanks for the encouraging words. As for PT, my wife's cousin stated that PT is an ongoing thing. We have a Y 1.5 miles from home. Will check with the surgeon about using their facilities.
 
I had both knees replaced in 2014. Back at work in the oilfield in 6 weeks. My job did not require a lot of walking and climbing stairs, I worked at a laptop most of the time in my truck. PT was no fun, but just do it and it will pass.
One of the best decisions of my life. Ended 12 years of almost continuous pain.

Mike
 
Update: Waiting for the approval of my PCP and cardiologist to give the OK. Since Tuesday afternoon, been sitting in the recliner with my laptop. Every say, I check emails, at least six forums and FB pages plus YouTube videos. I have watched everything from pouring resin to making furniture from scraps. Even priced table saws! As we speak, my son and grandson are building a platform so I can get into the front door with the walker. Note: he is an ME and the platform will be well engineered. Wife said everything was measured and confirmed at least twice. I asked him if was going to get a PE to sign off on it. Who would have thought 28 years ago, a split foyer house would be unhandy?
 
Woodchipper said:
I asked him if was going to get a PE to sign off on it. Who would have thought
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I'm an mechanical engineer (MS) and never saw the need for a PE. Designed plenty of automotive powertrain components, tooling, manufacturing processes and the like, without the need for it. I don't think it's a bad thing to get, but never had the time to study for it, nor the requirement to do my job.
 
My son said if a PE signs off on something and it goes down the crapper, the PE is liable. That is, the buck stops there. He never even considered getting a PE certification.
 
Those that do usually work in undisturbed m industries that require a sign-of. Also courts prefer PE's for testimony, why it's don't know. A PE is proof of general knowledge not specific knowledge.
 
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