In Case of Emergency * I.C.E.

 This is so Important!!

Accidents happen, they are not meant to, but they do!!

Can you imagine you are in a Motor Vehicle Accident.
You arrive at the hospital in an ambulance with a few personal belongings.
You are in a state of shock, or worse still, unconscious. 
Unless you are dead, or very badly injured, the police will probably not notify your family.

The staff in an Emergency Department are very busy people.
They are there to take care of you.
Perhaps even save your life.
They do not have time, to chase your relatives!
One Paramedic in Australia came up with a brilliant idea..

 

Most of us carry a cell phone.

On that cell phone we have a list of the people we Call.

And most of us have a long list, I know I do!!

So to help your family know about you, In Case of an Emergency.

Place I.C.E in front of at least three names to be contacted, should the need arise.
It can be more than three..... but,  It is important to have more than one.
There is not time in a busy hospital to keep phoning people who don't answer.
I.C.E.  Your Phone Now.

 

If a phone is found in your possession it is likely names and numbers will be observed.

Even in countries other than Australia, I.C.E. in front of three names will be recognised as special.

HELP OTHERS HELP YOU!

Total Knee Replacement

As we age our body breaks down.
After the age of fifty the cartilage in the knee's wears out.
The reason  for this is because the cells in the cartilage, no longer replenishes.

Not everyone will need knee replacement surgery.
As a very active person I never suspect I would be one of the many who would.
Following a bad fall,  suedo gout developed in my left knee.


Other Reasons for Replacement may be, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
As constant pain, inflammation and swelling from these conditions, takes away a persons quality of life.

 Total Knee Replacement is a surgery where the damaged sections of your knee joint are replaced with a prostheses.
In the operation the end of the femur and the Tibia and occasionally the underside of the patella are shaved off and the artificial parts (prostheses) are cemented into place.
The Benefit of Surgery is to hopefully reduce stiffness, pain and disability.

Good physical health prior the operation is important.
If you are a non smoker then this will benefit the healing process.
Oxygen is vital for feeding cells, which in turn promote good health.

The Surgery Process usually takes about two hours with the new joint being immediately solid.
Pain relief is required for the first few weeks and should be well maintained.
Complications are relatively few yet can happen. These being, bleeding, blot clots, infection, loosening of the prostheses from the bone, etc. I won't go into all of them, however, as with any surgery, care must be taken.

Strengthening the new knee.. Is an important process for success.
Physiotherapy will be required to assist your strengthen the weakened muscles and ligaments surrounding the new knee.
It can be frightening to trust in something unfamiliar.
Yet the more the new knee is used,  the stronger it will become.
FEAR NOT and Follow Instructions.

Back home and be prepared. Many things around the house can hinder your well being and even cause complications.
An Occupational Therapist should check out how you will be living for at least the next two months of vital healing.
Is your bathroom non slip/skid safe?
Toilet seats need to be raised. That knee is to bend to only 90 degrees.
Rising from beds, lounges and seats needs to be by use of the arms to lift, not by pressure on the knees.
Loose floor mats, long curtains and bed valances, need be removed not to tip.
Care when maneuvering stairs on crutches.
No mid body turning and twisting of the knee!!!
And no driving the car until deemed safe.

Normal life again with low impact activities will keep that knee working well for many years.