Chemist
senior
I started a thread in the Pre-op forum since I am coming up for a second TKR in May. A suggestion was made that I start one here since I already had one done in Aug 2017. I will give it a try.
Background - both knees were (are) bone on bone. I had 2 surgeries for removal of bone chips plus meniscus repair. I was having cortisone and lubricant every three months and after 4 years this simply didn't work anymore. I was also taking 2400 mg of ibuprofen per day. I ways starting to have episodes of knees "giving out" when walking, sitting down and going up and down stairs. I finally decided to have the surgery when I had to skip hikes during a vacation in June.
My TKR on my right knee was on Aug 2, 2017 I went home on the 4th. To be honest I was naive about the impact of the TKR (I wish I had found this site before the surgery). I was expecting the pain and recovery to be similar to the bone chip surgery. Wrong The pain involved is pretty intense but can be moderated by staying ahead of it with the pain medication. I kept a log of when I took medication and when the next dose was due so that I stayed on schedule. From the start I set alarms to remind me to get up every hour and walk around the house. At first I didn't walk far but I did keep moving.
Initially had in home PT for about a month and found it to be fairly intense. After that I went to a clinic for another couple of months. I eventually talk to my surgeon about PT because I often experienced a set back in mobility after the intense PT sessions (increased pain and swelling). We decided I would direct my own therapy from then on. After reading this blog I probably would have taken a different approach and asked for the sessions to be toned down.
I had little trouble achieving good flexion but extension was a little more problematic. I think this may come back to my hamstrings being very tight (too much sitting at a desk).
Started walking outside after approximately 3 weeks. First with a walker, then with a cane and then unassisted. I worked to make each walk a little longer. Now 5 months after surgery I am up to 5 miles (with the benefit of cortisone in my left knee). Only current medication - 2 or 3 ibuprofen per day. Things are going well enough that my wife and I are leaving on an overseas vacation Sunday.
Random thoughts:
1) sleeping at night was an issue for the first 2 or 3 months (borderline insomnia) so I tried to nap whenever the urge hit to compensate.
2) expect to feel emotional/depressed. I was surprised when I found myself tearing up (scared my wife since this is not normal behavior). I have since found that this not unexpected after major surgery.
3) set up a "nest" where you spend your days. Make it as comfortable and convenient as possible.
4) Customize your walker. Some sort bag to carry phones and other small items. Add a cup holder. Lets you get up and make yourself a cup of coffee or get a drink and make it back to your nest. You care provider will appreciate this!
5) After the 1st month I swore I would never have the 2nd TKR. But the results have been so good that I have changed my mind and the 2nd is scheduled for may
Not sure what else to add at this point. Please ask questions and I will try to respond.
Background - both knees were (are) bone on bone. I had 2 surgeries for removal of bone chips plus meniscus repair. I was having cortisone and lubricant every three months and after 4 years this simply didn't work anymore. I was also taking 2400 mg of ibuprofen per day. I ways starting to have episodes of knees "giving out" when walking, sitting down and going up and down stairs. I finally decided to have the surgery when I had to skip hikes during a vacation in June.
My TKR on my right knee was on Aug 2, 2017 I went home on the 4th. To be honest I was naive about the impact of the TKR (I wish I had found this site before the surgery). I was expecting the pain and recovery to be similar to the bone chip surgery. Wrong The pain involved is pretty intense but can be moderated by staying ahead of it with the pain medication. I kept a log of when I took medication and when the next dose was due so that I stayed on schedule. From the start I set alarms to remind me to get up every hour and walk around the house. At first I didn't walk far but I did keep moving.
Initially had in home PT for about a month and found it to be fairly intense. After that I went to a clinic for another couple of months. I eventually talk to my surgeon about PT because I often experienced a set back in mobility after the intense PT sessions (increased pain and swelling). We decided I would direct my own therapy from then on. After reading this blog I probably would have taken a different approach and asked for the sessions to be toned down.
I had little trouble achieving good flexion but extension was a little more problematic. I think this may come back to my hamstrings being very tight (too much sitting at a desk).
Started walking outside after approximately 3 weeks. First with a walker, then with a cane and then unassisted. I worked to make each walk a little longer. Now 5 months after surgery I am up to 5 miles (with the benefit of cortisone in my left knee). Only current medication - 2 or 3 ibuprofen per day. Things are going well enough that my wife and I are leaving on an overseas vacation Sunday.
Random thoughts:
1) sleeping at night was an issue for the first 2 or 3 months (borderline insomnia) so I tried to nap whenever the urge hit to compensate.
2) expect to feel emotional/depressed. I was surprised when I found myself tearing up (scared my wife since this is not normal behavior). I have since found that this not unexpected after major surgery.
3) set up a "nest" where you spend your days. Make it as comfortable and convenient as possible.
4) Customize your walker. Some sort bag to carry phones and other small items. Add a cup holder. Lets you get up and make yourself a cup of coffee or get a drink and make it back to your nest. You care provider will appreciate this!
5) After the 1st month I swore I would never have the 2nd TKR. But the results have been so good that I have changed my mind and the 2nd is scheduled for may
Not sure what else to add at this point. Please ask questions and I will try to respond.