[Rhodes22-list] The left knee replacement procedure went well

[ROGER PIHLAJA]

Hi Joe,

I discussed doing both knees at the same time with my orthopedic surgeon, Dr Ware.  He didn’t recommend it because I have a pacemaker.  Having been thru PT with one “good” leg to lean, it must be really hard to have both knees done at the same time.

Regarding your wiring, the experts recommend against soldering the extension pigtails.  Not only is a soldered connection more likely to corrode, it also creates a “hard” spot in the wire that is more prone to vibration fatigue failure.  Of course you are going to use pretined, multi strand copper wire marine grade vs solid core wire.  Heat shrink tubing over the connections is also a good idea.  Document, label, and photograph everything as you take it apart.  As long as you don’t go crazy with extension wire length, I don’t see any reason not to do it.  I’ve done similar projects on my boat and some of them are 30+ years old with no issues.

I’m glad you think my advice is helpful.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 25, 2022, at 9:22 AM, jpd9668 <jpd9668 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hey Roger, good to hear your positive attitude. I've always heard knee replacements can be quite painful. If it's any consolation, my mother had both knees replaced at the same time at 88 years old. The doctor told her doing both at the same time is the same amount of pain except you only endure it once! Now, hurry up and start providing your incredibly helpful technical information to us Rhodies out here! You can start by answering this: I'm replacing my electric panel. The wires are so short, it's impossible to get to them to make proper connections. I m considering connecting "pigtails" to the new panel to allow clearance. And have been advised against this because it increases the chances of corrosion. I plan to use marine grade wire and heat shrink connectors. I think if properly done, these connections should be fine. Oh, by the way, i will mark all existing wires and corresponding extention wires. What do you think?Keep up with your PT and you'll insure a better recovery.  Good luck!Joe DempseySV Respite Deltaville, VASent via the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
> -------- Original message --------From: ROGER PIHLAJA <roger_pihlaja at msn.com> Date: 5/24/22  9:58 PM  (GMT-05:00) To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] The left knee replacement procedure went well Hi All,My left knee replacement procedure went well yesterday.  The hospital had an issue with their surgical tool sterilizer.  So, the procedure was delayed a few hours while they repaired it.  They accepted my “positive Covid test < 90 days” and didn’t even give me another rapid Covid test.This time, I had no issues with uncontrollable shivering while in the recovery room.  The catheter made it pretty painful to pee last night.  There was some blood on the catheter and in my urine when they removed the catheter this morning.  I have to keep my pee bottle close at hand because I can’t hold my urine very well yet, although it’s getting better.  The nerve block had my left leg completely numb below the knee until this morning.  But, I have good feeling and movement in my left ankle, foot, and toes now.I had my first PT session already this morning.  Lots of bending and stretching, with snapping and popping in the joint.  They had me up and walking with my walker and we did a lap around the hospital wing, about 100 yards.  With great pain and effort, I was able straighten my left knee to -5 deg and bend it to 95 deg.  The therapist said that’s very good right after surgery.  I’m resting in a recliner chair with my legs propped up.  The PT session was very painful and exhausting.  I’m glad it’s over!I had another PT session after lunch.  We worked on climbing a ramp and stairs and getting in and out of a car.  After that, they sent me home.  We had to make a stop at the pharmacy and got home about 4:00 PM.All in all, it went pretty well.  The knee is swollen and sore; but, I’m in good spirits and life is good!  Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers.Roger PihlajaAM T767Sent from my iPhoneOn May 21, 2022, at 12:21 PM, ROGER PIHLAJA <Roger_Pihlaja at msn.com> wrote:Hi All,My left knee replacement surgery is scheduled for next Monday, May 23, 2022.  Deb & I have to arrive at the Alma hospital at 6:15 AM.  The procedure is supposed to be at 8:00 AM.  They will probably keep me overnight and send me home on Tuesday.I had blood and urine tests at Midland hospital this week Thursday.  Oddly, I was not scheduled for a Covid test?  I called Dr. Ware’s office to see if there had been an oversight.  I was told, “Because you have tested positive for Covid within the last 90 days, you do not need a Covid test now.”  I reminded the nurse scheduler that the positive Covid test result on March 21st was the rapid response test they gave me at Alma hospital.  I had a PCR Covid test the next day at Gladwin hospital, which came back negative.  The rapid response test is known for inaccuracy, especially when the subject is not showing any Covid symptoms.  So, the positive test result on March 21st was almost certainly a false positive.  I was told it didn’t matter.  Yes, the policy makes no sense; but, that’s the policy.  If I get sent home on Monday because I didn’t have a Covid test or I flunk one of their rapid response Covid tests at the hospital, I think I’m going to start searching for a new doctor and a new hospital!I’ll try to send out a group e-mail when I get home on Tuesday.  Wish me luck!Roger PihlajaASM T767