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Matt Crossman's avatar

Maybe this ridiculous recovering from surgery story will make you laugh.

I broke my arm sliding into third. Doctors put on an external fixator -- a contraption to hold my bones in place while it healed. It looked like a towel bar sticking out of my arm.

I had it on for six weeks. I could barely use that arm, couldn't drive for a while, had a hard time putting on shirts, etc.

The day I finally got it taken off, I had an apartment inspection. As I was walking with the inspector, I went on and on and on about only having one arm, how bad that was, yada yada yada.

I really laid it on thick.

Until I looked down and noticed that the inspector had a red rubber prosthetic hand.

Then I shut up.

Kirby's avatar

Very excited to hear about you coming to Mt. Pleasant! I live in Concord so just down the road. I have not read her book but I vividly remember listening to your interview with her on South Bound! It’s going to be good! I’ve had both my knees replaced (4 years apart) and it’s been a lifesaver. I’ll give you my advice, DO YOUR EXERCISES and if that means taking the strong stuff to do them, do it. With a knee replacement, this is the most important part of the whole thing so that you will have normal gait and maximize movement. It hurts (I shed a lot of tears) but it’s worth it. 😊 You’ll do great and in 3 months, it’ll all be behind you. See you in March!

Constance Hildebrand's avatar

I agree with Kirby 100%.

Ellen's avatar

Get well soon! Sending healing thoughts. Just had surgery 2 weeks ago myself. A nurse friend of mine said “resting=healing”. That became my mantra. Hope it works for you too!

Marcia A. Scaia's avatar

I hope you heal very well - that part is behind you! Could you share your ortho doctor's name? I know it's something I should be doing soon. Thank you very much.

Kay Starnes's avatar

Don’t skimp on the exercises! You will be so happy to be pain free again.

Frances Dellinger's avatar

Way to go, Tommy! I had a knee replacement in April last year. It is great! Walking those laps each hour is important! I named my loop around the inside of my house Talladega! Good luck and you already know....ice is your best friend!

Barbara Yager's avatar

You are going to be sorry setting the expectation that we are going to see you jumping up those steep concrete steps in your walking neighborhood. HEAL WELL we are all counting on your words!

Constance Hildebrand's avatar

Hoping your recovery continues well. Rehab is the ticket to success I found. Have you in my prayers, Tommy.

Terri's avatar

You’ll be doing ballet by summer 😎

RACHEL HILL's avatar

Heal quickly Tommy. You are loved!

Toni Rhegness's avatar

It never hurts to ice Good luck Tommy.

Robert Abney's avatar

My wife had had both of her knees replaced. A couple of expert tips:

1. DO NOT try to “tough it out” when it comes to your painkillers. For now, take them when you’re supposed to take them. It’s okay, I promise.

2. Walking is great. Range of motion is far more important. If your range of motion isn’t where the doc wants it to be, you go back under anesthesia so he can manipulate your knee. Or, you can do it yourself.

Excited for you. You’re going to feel so much better.

Mary Elizabeth Rickenbaugh's avatar

My husband has had both knees replaced. Be vigilant about doing your physical therapy. And don't be discouraged because it will take 6 months to a year for everything get to the new normal. Take heart. Talk to others that have had the surgery and work with your PT. You will be glad you did.

Dan England's avatar

You’ve made past changes in your life for the better. You can do this.

Janice Elder's avatar

SO happy you had this done. I'm a veteran of both knee and hip replacement (and will readily admit that the hip was easier), and it's life changing. The PT and exercises aren't fun but are important, as is icing and elevating. Napping is good too. Pulling for you, Tommy. The discomfort will soon be gone and walking without pain is priceless.