It's Been a Road

[kmchugh]

OK, so as some of you know, I injured my right knee way back in the early 80's, while in the US Army. That makes my injury service connected, and makes me a "disabled veteran." The upside is that treatment for that condition is provided by the government for the rest of my life. The downside is that that treatment is usually provided by the VA. (Those of you familiar with the VA understand the previous statement.)

Well, here I am, 51 years old and 30 years post unrepaired ACL tear. Time for a right TKA, really can't put it off any longer. So, a couple of months ago, I began working on the Memphis VA to arrange to have the surgery done outside of the VA system. Long story short, after taking my case to the director of the VA, they have agreed to allow the surgery to be done outside the VA system.

On November 15, I'm going to Jackson Regional Hospital, and have Dr Bradford Wright replace the knee. Thought I'd be pretty nervous about the whole thing, but at this point, that's not the case. I remember a conversation I had with an Army orthopod in 85, when he told me I would eventually need this surgery. I asked him how I'd know when it was time, and he essentially said that when constant knee pain overrode my fear of the surgery, it would be time. He was right.

[ethernaut]

OK, so as some of you know, I injured my right knee way back in the early 80's, while in the US Army. That makes my injury service connected, and makes me a "disabled veteran." The upside is that treatment for that condition is provided by the government for the rest of my life. The downside is that that treatment is usually provided by the VA. (Those of you familiar with the VA understand the previous statement.)

Well, here I am, 51 years old and 30 years post unrepaired ACL tear. Time for a right TKA, really can't put it off any longer. So, a couple of months ago, I began working on the Memphis VA to arrange to have the surgery done outside of the VA system. Long story short, after taking my case to the director of the VA, they have agreed to allow the surgery to be done outside the VA system.

On November 15, I'm going to Jackson Regional Hospital, and have Dr Bradford Wright replace the knee. Thought I'd be pretty nervous about the whole thing, but at this point, that's not the case. I remember a conversation I had with an Army orthopod in 85, when he told me I would eventually need this surgery. I asked him how I'd know when it was time, and he essentially said that when constant knee pain overrode my fear of the surgery, it would be time. He was right.
good luck. your choice of regional?

[kmchugh]

good luck. your choice of regional?
Need to talk to the anesthesia folks at Jackson about what they are used to doing. Wouldn't mind a spinal, or CSE. Also wouldn't mind a GETA with a femoral block. In the end, not going to ask for anything special or things they don't routinely do. That is the path to trouble.

[ethernaut]

Need to talk to the anesthesia folks at Jackson about what they are used to doing. Wouldn't mind a spinal, or CSE. Also wouldn't mind a GETA with a femoral block. In the end, not going to ask for anything special or things they don't routinely do. That is the path to trouble.
true. but personally, i would like to ask them if they'd be ok with what i (read YOU) am experientially (a real word?) comfortable with. me? regional with propofol. but i'm not you, and i don't know your surgeons. good luck either way.

[MmacFN]

Get it taken care of dude, you earned it.

[armygas]

good luck. your choice of regional?

If anyone does a lumbar plexus/sciatic block, you should seriously consider that....

[John Coctostan]

Need to talk to the anesthesia folks at Jackson about what they are used to doing. Wouldn't mind a spinal, or CSE. Also wouldn't mind a GETA with a femoral block. In the end, not going to ask for anything special or things they don't routinely do. That is the path to trouble.
personally, i'd opt for the spinal with additional intrathecal narcotic. it's not complicated to perform. it's a dense block that alone provides surgical anesthesia. maybe a little versed, if you desire. of course all of this is assuming the surgeon is not slow.

[Anthony]

Kevin,

Best of Luck bud - my choice for myself would be a Sci/Fem with Fem cath post and light prop drip...keep us in the loop

tone

[bettermj]

good luck!

[SuccsDrugs&Rocuron]

get well soon!

[skipaway]

My best to you. After all the re-hab, I bet you'll be very happy with your decision.

[premaseeker]

My best to you. After all the re-hab, I bet you'll be very happy with your decision.

Yep...hopefully you'll get 20+ (painless hopefully) years out of it if all goes well. My mother just had one @ 54 years young and she is practically a new woman...All the best...

[nurserebecca]

Good luck to you. Sorry to hear you have not had good experiences with the VA. I would say that some of them are very good. I work for one in Kansas.

[Skeebum]

I remember a conversation I had with an Army orthopod in 85, when he told me I would eventually need this surgery. I asked him how I'd know when it was time, and he essentially said that when constant knee pain overrode my fear of the surgery, it would be time. He was right.

Smart man!!

My personal choice would be spinal with TIVA (I know there are many ways to skin this cat..........)

Thank you for your service, good luck, God bless..

Skee

[lachiro]

Hey man it's been a long time coming. We will be praying for your speedy recovery. Oh yeah. . . Don't forget to strengthen and lighten up that structure before the surgery. . .it really helps. Much love, man