Frustrated, and maybe wrong?

I had a bilateral hip replacement 8 weeks ago and face both knees being replaced in the next 6 weeks.  I have worked hard at at physical therapy, try to hold the pain medicine down to two or three a day.   Those around me (well meaning of course) keep saying "let me do that I can do it faster" or "I don't want to wait while you do it".  I am becoming exceedingly anxious, to the point of not sleeping feeling like a burden.  While intellectually I know it seems silly, its not silly to me.  Advice, docs and others who understand this phenomena.  My own surgeon did a little of the "don't worry about it....it will take 6 to 8 months for you to be up to speed.  

That didn't help much.  I appreciate your input in advance (tired in
Texas)

tg

[greenlydia]

You had a bilateral hip replacement just 8 weeks ago and NOW you are about to have TWO TOTAL KNEES DONE????? Is your doctor crazy? Are YOU? What is the rush? I KNOW there is pain. Lots and lots of pain. But I work in a hospital on the Ortho/Surg Unit and I know a great many "o-pods." (Orthopedic surgeons) I can't say I know a single one of them who will do two knees at the same time. There are a good many reasons for not doing both at the same time, the least of which is the trauma to your body! Knee replacement is a massive undertaking and is known to be one of, if not THE, most painful surgeries anyone can undergo.
The people around you are either trying to be helpful in their own bumbling way or else they are insensitive bores and you should tell them that.......in your nice, indoor voice naturally. But to let them get to you to the point that you aren't sleeping is saying to me that there is more going on here than just some nit wits at work. You've also said your own surgeon has sort of blown this off with his rather callous remark that in "6-8 months you'll be up to speed!" But if you have both knees done at the same time, that IS how long it's going to take you to be anywhere near up to speed and I doubt it will happen that soon! I really wish you'd rethink this and get a second opinion. Have one knee done and recover from that and then consider doing the other. With one knee at a time, you will be able to help yourself after just a few days, but with both done, you will be a virtual invalid! Who would recommend this to you? And who is going to wait on you hand and foot because that is the kind of care you will need with both knees done at once. You will need 24/7 care to do everything! EVERYTHING..........you hear me g/f? Every little personal thing we do, you're gonna need somebody there to help you do it!
Just give it some thought. That's all I ask. And really try not to let the idiots at work get to you.
Please let us know what you decide. And take care..........
Peace
Greenlydia  

[fuzzy882]

First thing is you have to take this time and heal. You are dependent on these well meaning people, of course, look what you have been through. But, I doubt your a burden.  Appreciate the help you are getting now, you are very lucky to have it.  

I hope all go's well and stay in touch

[gentle51]

I had a total knee replacement 4 years ado. I worked REALLY hard in the physical therapy realm for at least 3 months. It was a lot of hard work and extremely painful. I can'yt even imagine your Dr. suggesting such.Maybe you should think about all your options very carefully before letting your Dr. do both knees. There are many Ortho Drs. around that is for sure. Be careful please..

Take Care and Stay in Touch

[tg468]

I hope  I have responded individually for all your good advice and well wishes.  I will, indeed take your good thoughts, expertise and advice to heart starting MONDAY!  Thank you all for being a much softer place to fall than the floor :)

tg