CityView Magazine

8 | September/October 2019 P U B L I S H E R ' S N O T E O n July 15, I had my le knee totally replaced. I am 70 years old and it is the first time in 40 years that I have been out of work for more than a couple of days. Aer this surgery, I was totally out of it for two weeks. Elsewhere in this issue you'll learn plenty about Cape Fear Valley Health's knee- and hip- replacement program. Because the date of my surgery got bumped up, I missed the informative pre-surgery classes that are part of the program. But I can share my own lessons from this experience: • Don't have the surgery unless all of your options have been exhausted. If you decide to have it, be sure your spouse is on board. I could not have done this without the support and help of my wife, Sandee. I talked to a man at PT who was discussing having the surgery and he does not have any family. I told him he'd better have a contract with a home-care service or he will be totally miserable. I am so grateful to my wife for all of her help. • Don't believe anyone who says it is a "cake walk." e four PT people I've worked with have all said the pain will last six to eight weeks. As I write this, it is four weeks since surgery and I am still having to take pain meds at night to sleep. • Do the exercises and ice, ice, ice the knee. e exercises make my knee feel better for a couple of hours aerwards. Meanwhile, I have learned to ice my knee for only 15 minutes. Anything over that is a waste. • Stay on top of your medications by keeping a record of what you take when. is includes over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol and Aleve. • Most importantly, don't miss a PT appointment. It will help the long-term mediation of pain. And always take pain medication an hour before you go to PT. I have been blessed by many friends who have come to visit and who have called showing concern. It has been touching. I will say that I have never experienced the pain like this in my 70 years. I had back surgery in 1989 but it was nothing like this. I have also learned that total knee replacement is not for sissies and I must move a lot slower these days. I am sure in six months I will be glad I did it but these dog days are tough. Operation Knee Replacement LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED By Steve Hopper Mention this ad and receive 10% off! How does your lawn look? Turf Fertilization/Weed Control • Tree & Shrub Insect Control • Tree & Shrub Disease Control • Turf Insect/Disease Control • Fire Ant Control • Core Aeration • Call for a FREE Estimate 910.426.2266 or visit us online at www.spring-green.com/shopper HOME IS WHERE THE IS A A A N A R T A U C T I O N T O H E L P H O M E L E S S C H I L D R E N S U C C E E D Thursday September 27 / 6:00 – 8:30pm SkyView on Hay 121 Hay St / Fayetteville Logo And Colors 7/30/2015 Variations for online and print use Before After Horizontal Vertical Small Reserve online at ConnectionsofCC.org or by calling us at (910)630-0106. ConnectionsofCC.org Silent and live auction of amazing art works by more than 30 talented local artists! Heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer Join us for an evening of HEART!

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