Hazel Bun journey

[HazelBun]

No pain, surgery because of bone spur caused by arthritis. Don't
like the limitations after surgery, no more than 20# lifting,
no kneeling! I can't wrap my mind around it.

Doctor said, eventually the spur will cause the foot to turn outward.
Finding it hard since there is no pain.

Scheduled .February 21

 

[Celle]

Hello @HazelBun - and

Don't
like the limitations after surgery, no more than 20# lifting,
no kneeling! I can't wrap my mind around it.

I think you have the wrong impression of the restrictions after a TKR. While you may be advised not to lift over 20 pounds initially, there is no such weight restriction once your knee has healed.

Many people with a TKR can, and do, kneel, although it does feel a bit odd.
Some surgeons do prefer their patients not to kneel, usually to protect the kneecap if it is a bit thin.
Have a look at these stories to see what can be done if you have a TKR:
Stories of amazing knee recoveries

I have a TKR in each of my knees and they don't restrict my activity at all. I have travelled the world with them.

Once you have recovered from the TKR surgery, you should have minimal, if any, pain. That's very different from a knee with osteoarthritis, where the pain will continue to get worse.

 

[HazelBun]

Thank you @Celle . I'm Catholic and your response has put a light at the end of the tunnel. My goal is to be able to go to Easter weekend services.

This forum for me is a life saver. I live alone.

 

[Celle]

My goal is to be able to go to Easter weekend services.

Easter will be a bit later in 2019 than it was this year, so you may well be able to go to at least some of the Easter services. Good Friday will be April 17, so almost 2 months since your surgery.

Complete recovery from a knee replacement does take a full year but by 2 months post-op you will probably be able to drive yourself for short distances and start getting out and about a bit more.
You may find that going to all the services is too much, so be selective about which you attend.

Here is an article that suggests the amount of activity you can expect to undertake at various stages of your recovery: Activity progression for TKRs

Since you will be on your own, you might like to look at this thread, which contains a lot of helpful tips about managing:
Home Alone After Surgery

These articles maybe helpful, too:
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?

We'll be here to support you through this.

 

[HazelBun]

Time table right now is
1-2 days in the hospital, the transfer to Memorial inpatient rehab
for 10 days, then home.

After surgery appointments needing rides
Monday, March 4, at 1:30 (1st appt of afternoon) Memorial main.
This is staples removed.
Friday, Mar 22, 11:30 Memorial East

There will possibly be physical therapy appointments?

 

[HazelBun]

Not sure about the cost to get everything.