Today it is 4 weeks since my double knee replacement surgery. Recovery has been much harder than I thought it would be, but my attitude is still positive even though I have good days and bad days. Sleeping comfortably at night is really hard, and I’m exhausted. But after 4 nights of not sleeping and 2 nights of taking 9mg of melatonin, last night I finally SLEPT!!!! Victory!!!
I can do little things like go downstairs and make myself lunch, but showering, washing my hair, dressing, and getting ready makes me so shaky I have to stop and rest. I’m still using a shower chair for those longer showers, but I’m able to stand on my own for the quick rinse showers. My scars are healing well, and I am making progress with PT. I can now walk with just one crutch; my extension is only a couple degrees away from normal, and my flexion is 105 degrees (needs to get to 115-125). My balance and strength are also much improved. I’ve even lost 10 pounds since surgery thanks to the delicious healthy meals brought over by so many wonderful friends.
The absolute hardest part has been trying to taper off the pain meds while I’m still in pain. Ice and Tylenol are just not enough most days, and I’ve been rationing my meds for this whole last week. I have my 4 week follow up appointment with my surgeon tomorrow. We’ll discuss pain med refills then. My left leg gets stiff, sore and heavy, but there is not really pain. However, I am still struggling with behind the knee pain - which radiates to my calf, shin, and foot - in my right knee. My therapist can even feel the muscle knots in my right lower leg when I’m having a bad day. I know I’m supposed to move more in order to feel better, but when I’m having a bad day painwise and don’t have enough meds, it’s hard to even walk because I just want to stay iced and elevated all day long. This past Thursday was really bad, so I skipped my home exercises on Friday and Saturday and only did walking in order to recover. Then even though my legs felt better, I felt guilty for skipping 2 days. I’m really hoping I turn the corner soon.
So please keep me in your prayers for pain, sleep, and continued progress. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the advice and support!
I can do little things like go downstairs and make myself lunch, but showering, washing my hair, dressing, and getting ready makes me so shaky I have to stop and rest. I’m still using a shower chair for those longer showers, but I’m able to stand on my own for the quick rinse showers. My scars are healing well, and I am making progress with PT. I can now walk with just one crutch; my extension is only a couple degrees away from normal, and my flexion is 105 degrees (needs to get to 115-125). My balance and strength are also much improved. I’ve even lost 10 pounds since surgery thanks to the delicious healthy meals brought over by so many wonderful friends.
The absolute hardest part has been trying to taper off the pain meds while I’m still in pain. Ice and Tylenol are just not enough most days, and I’ve been rationing my meds for this whole last week. I have my 4 week follow up appointment with my surgeon tomorrow. We’ll discuss pain med refills then. My left leg gets stiff, sore and heavy, but there is not really pain. However, I am still struggling with behind the knee pain - which radiates to my calf, shin, and foot - in my right knee. My therapist can even feel the muscle knots in my right lower leg when I’m having a bad day. I know I’m supposed to move more in order to feel better, but when I’m having a bad day painwise and don’t have enough meds, it’s hard to even walk because I just want to stay iced and elevated all day long. This past Thursday was really bad, so I skipped my home exercises on Friday and Saturday and only did walking in order to recover. Then even though my legs felt better, I felt guilty for skipping 2 days. I’m really hoping I turn the corner soon.
So please keep me in your prayers for pain, sleep, and continued progress. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the advice and support!