Guest guest Posted July 4, 1999 Report Share Posted July 4, 1999 Hi everyone, I'm a massage therapist in Wisconsin and have been lurking here and on the Bodywork list for quite a while. I appreciate all the information I have gotten from these 2 wonderful lists! My mother is scheduled to have knee replacement surgery on July 12th. I have been giving her frequent massages and this week plan to start her on echinacea and goldenseal tinctures to support her immune system. I was wondering if there are any essential oils or blends which you might recommend to support her recovery. Also, any massage techniques that might help her post surgically. She has had the other knee replaced a couple of years ago, and it was quite painful. She is also experiencing pretty severe anxiety about getting this one done as well. I mentioned to my husband that I was trying to support her immune system, and he expressed concern that boosting her immune system might be just what we wouldn't want to do. She will be placed on some anti-rejection medications, from my understanding, and I don't want to undermine that. So, I'm a bit confused. Any information you can give me on appropriate treatments would be greatly appreciated. You have all been very helpful. Peace, Sandy Horner, CMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 1999 Report Share Posted July 4, 1999 S.J. Horner wrote: > > My mother is scheduled to have knee replacement surgery on July 12th. I > have been giving her frequent massages and this week plan to start her > on echinacea and goldenseal tinctures to support her immune system. > > I mentioned to my husband that I was trying to support her immune > system, and he expressed concern that boosting her immune system might > be just what we wouldn't want to do. She will be placed on some > anti-rejection medications, from my understanding, and I don't want to > undermine that. > > I am surprised at this. I worked for nearly a decade as an orthopedic nurse and I haven't known of people requiring medication to keep them from rejecting artificial knee or hip prosthetics. The material that they are composed of is hypoallergenic and the body seldom has any problem with that on an immune level... it is not like a bone graft, organ or tissue replacement, which has inherent problems with conflicting composition with the host bone, organ or tissue. I have a plate and screws in one ankle, and did not have to take any immune suppressants. Unless she had problems with the other prosthetic, I wouldn't worry too much about rejection; if it occurs it must be a very small percentage of replacements, as I have never seen one. The only time I would be concerned is if she has metal allergies, and even then, the stainless alloys and plastics that prosthetics are composed of shouldn't cause a reaction. She *will* probably be placed on prophylactic anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, and *may* be placed on prophylactic antibiotics. She may also have a blood transfusion, hopefully a replacement with her own blood or family donated blood (this is usually done ahead and the blood is tested, marked and saved for the patient). There will be a lot of vigorous physical therapy, probably including a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine on her affected leg. (Been there, done that, eh?) I'd think the echinacea and goldenseal would be fine, unless they conflict in any way with her other medications. The first few days after surgery are the worst, and at least she knows that the long term payoff for the replacement is less pain and better mobility. I am not an expert on aromatherapy but I would suggest lavender, " the queen of oils " to help her relax and sleep better. And I'll leave any specific massage techniques for the experts to guide you ;-) Any energy work would be supportive of her during this time before, during or after surgery. Tell her our thoughts and prayers are with her that she has a speedy and safe recovery with minimal discomfort, and that she is back on her feet in a trice! -- Blessings, Crow " Look for Rainbows in the Darkness " -- Rev. Caroline Abreu, BS, RN, CHTP/I, CRMT ICQ# 4458763 AIM= CaroCrow Awakening your Inner Healer with " A Nurturing Touch " http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/5114/ Make a connection... // Bodywork's your life? Join Body_Work... //Body_Work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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