TKR 1 of 12 months Down -This is me

[mendogal]

Hi @Lupyhippie
It's really early days and I think most of us were pretty sad and painful puppies the first few weeks. Sending a ((hug)).

You say PT is coming "2 then 3x." Does that means twice or three times a week? I can tell you straight up that even if they "don't push" and are happy, the mere fact of concentrated activity during a session can easily drive you into swelling and pain.

My entire ortho team was united in the message that in the first weeks Less Is Better. My only activities, besides being up for hygiene, were a prescribed short hourly walk when awake, some ankle pumps to reduce the risk of clots, and some quad sets to to start reactivating the quad muscles. I did those while elevatibg and icing.

I never ever counted repetitions or did multiple sets. That would have been overdoing it. I did a few here and there throughout the day so my knee was never overtaxed.

During the day while relaxing in my nest (recliner) I was icing continuously, stopping only for my hourly walk or to attend to hygiene. At three weeks my milestone was walking to the kitchen to assemble a basic, no fuss, no cooking breakfast or lunch.

Slow and steady wins this one. It can't be hurried, the body heals at its own pace. We just need to not hinder it by demanding too much too soon.

 

[Jamie]

I’m going to second everything mendogal has said. And, Layla’s suggestion about the nausea is good. If that’s what’s happening when you are in therapy, I’d cut way back on what exercises and how many you are doing. Your ROM is good and there is no need to overwork your knee at this early stage. Your surgeon or GP can prescribe a temporary medication to deal with any nausea from your pain meds. That should help you feel better.

 

[Lupyhippie]

Mods. Need a change of title please
“Lookin in the RearView Mirror”

 

[Lupyhippie]

Today = Day 15, and yesterday 2 Week post TKR and 1st OS f/u visit, like some magical formula I was better, kind of just like that better. Pain=3 (prior moving much). I was able to walk “lighter feeling” not weighted down with the golden concrete leg. I could bend a bit more (90/110) and could stretch to almost 0. After those measurements the pain was a 6ish, vs the 7\8 that it has been. Today the moving/painhavebeen about the same with a lighter affect even being felt. So although I’m putting the horrid part of this surgery in my rear view mirror,I know I’ve got a ways down this highway. But YESSSSSSSS Happy Dance I made it this far past another major joint surgery. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Lupyhippie]

I’m so sorry you got the pain surge. Were you able to get it under control pretty quickly? How are things going for you now?

I swear I wrote a lengthy reply. But yes, now the surge is under control. But Days 3-5 were VERY BAD! I felt (and did) a lot of crying between alarms for pain meds. Then I pulled thru a lil further and further, had sort of plateaued or even back a little, then was rapidly on the uphill at 14 days post. I ended up using CBD THC combo gummie that has helped bridge the gap between tid opioid. Toradol is my most fav in hospital, but would not give me pill after discharge.
Thanks for suggestions.

 

[benne68]

like some magical formula I was better, kind of just like that better.

Isn't it amazing how things seem to change overnight in this recovery? I'm so glad to read that you are feeling better and that the pain is finally lessening.
Just be careful that your happy dance doesn't put you in the OverDid It Club!

 

[Jamie]

Good…..I’m glad to hear this. Even though it won’t ever be a straight line in recovery, here’s hoping that things will generally continue to get better from now on. It’s a very fine balance between rest/ice and activity/exercise during these early months.

 

[Lupyhippie]

Week 3 yesterday and I cried at PT today. It was particularly hard and no one was pushing me. It’s just that these ball heel slides were hard but much needed. I got teary bit not boohoohoo but more like tears in my eyes thinking how far I have to go. I definitely need to focus more on a week at a time just today was hard. My therapist said “don’t get discouraged bc this sets you up for next week which will be better bc of the work you do now”. My gait is still not right in that I seem to hold my foot stiff vs springing off my toe (which will bend the knee). It’s just so much to think about.
My mind is still not ready to focus for lengths of time to start working again on (desk) projects. Idk. Last week it was all “Thelma and Louise” and this week so far has been more “Castaway” type feelings -lots of work in one day with no guarantees.

As for pain, wondering when the Vicodin might become 2 a day vs 3 a day. And worried my MD might take it away completely bc I foresee needing this a bit longer. I wait and wait using Tylenol. Icing. Distraction. But leg will still ache and I need a pill. Any forecasts on the role narcotics played in your surgery ?

Good luck to my fellow bones smart folks !!

 

[Jamie]

Awww….. @Lupyhippie …. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You just had your surgery a mere 3 weeks ago. You’re doing just fine. And, you are right in the middle of “the Recovery Blues” period. It can feel overwhelming and depressing if you let your mind try to think about weeks more of some level of recovery. You’re right that you’ll do much better if you just focus on day to day and or week by week rather than the whole of the recovery process. Remember that it probably took your body years to get to the point where you needed surgery. Logic says it’s not going to just POP back into normal in a few weeks. But each week can bring some small successes. Just look for them and let us know so we can celebrate with you.

When you feel yourself getting in that blues mood, be sure and lean on your BoneSmart family. We’ve all been there and can help. You have a bright future ahead of you and it will start showing itself here soon. And….trust me, it will be sweeeet after all this you’ve been through. This surgery and recovery is not a walk in the park. But you’ve got this!!!

 

[leejaa]

You are so early on the recovery road. You are doing great for 3 weeks out. It is not a smooth road but has some bumps in it. Concentration on any particular task was very difficult for me so I just went with what my body/mind wanted in the early stages of recovery. I stayed on pain meds for quite a while with the knees as they are more difficult to rehab than hips. I also iced pretty much non stop and elevated whenever sitting.

We are here for you when you need support and we will of course celebrate as you progress in your recovery. You are not alone and that is the best part of being part of bonesmart.

 

[benne68]

...tears in my eyes thinking how far I have to go. I definitely need to focus more on a week at a time just today was hard.

I'm sorry you are feeling discouraged, but know that it is normal to get down about progress. This is a loooonnnnggg, slllooowwww recovery that can challenge our patience!

Something that helped me get through the post-op blues during the early months was documenting my progress, making note of each little milestone.

Once a week or so, I would list of all the things -- even the little ones -- that I was able to do now that I hadn't been able to do the week before. I also had a list of the things I was looking forward to being able to do in the future. As items moved from one list to the other, I saw there really was progress and it helped me stay positive.

Your thread here is a great place to keep a diary of your recovery.

We are here for you!

 

[Layla]

Hi Lupy,
I am sorry to read you're feeling overwhelmed in your recovery. I am sure it feels daunting right now, but each step you take brings you closer to regaining your strength and mobility. Reflect on the strides you've already made. Recognizing and celebrating the small victories along the way will hopefully shift your focus from what's yet to come, to the progress you've already made. Keep reaching out here also. We will encourage and support you, hopefully lightening your mood and providing you with the motivation to push forward. You can do this!
Happy Thursday...I hope it's a good day!
@Lupyhippie

 

[Lupyhippie]

What great replies. I was popping in to see what everyone does for this leg achy feeling that sort of comes every 6-8 hours for me. I had forgotten exactly what I posted the last time but I see I was asking the same question. I know exactly what helps this achy feeling is pain meds as in narcotics, not the GABA, Tylenol, Motrin or any of the above except the . How long does this achy feeling seem to hang around?

In reference to all of your sweet replies Thank You !! So many great ideas and encouragement. I’m really ahead of the curve not paying much attention to the numbers but it did jump out this week that I went from 85 on my own to 110. And 115 with a push. So that’s excellent. I can feel it in my regular activity as well. But a trying to remain in the NOT overdid it club. Today my husband asked “what did you do today ?” I replied “not one damn thing……no no wait. I healed some more today. That’s what I did ”!!
But at this stage 3.5 weeks I sure feel “not very productive” because I look normal. I’m not using the walker or cane so my brain is thinking I should be back to normal. But my body just can’t hold out.
It’s just all mixed up feelings. But definitely not as blue as I had been as I’m not dwelling as much on the future and with these slight improvements I’m able to walk around enough to go find things I need. And jump up when I need to go do something. So there’s a wee bit of normalcy. And as always with all strong Southern women, when the going gets tough we put on some lipstick and go find our hair stylist!! And thus I made thus my first outing since surgery !!

 

[Jockette]

Today my husband asked “what did you do today ?” I replied “not one damn thing……no no wait. I healed some more today. That’s what I did ”!!

Yes, you did heal today! Don’t look at taking things slower than you’d like as doing nothing, look at it as giving your knee the best opportunity in which to heal. Remember, recovery is temporary.

 

[Jamie]

Good post, @Lupyhippie … just keep reminding yourself to show your body some grace and allow it to heal in its own time. It’s doubly hard to be a patient when you look and begin to feel more normal. But this is a short 3 weeks from a very, very major surgery and you still do need lots of healing time. Keep posting updates and we’ll help you keep on the right path. You’ve got this and you’re going to have a great LAKR (life after knee replacement)!!

 

[Layla]

Well look at you, Lupyhippie! You look lovely! Doing our hair and applying some lipstick can improve our mood.
I'm a believer! There is something called the "lipstick effect" and it has to do with how small beauty related actions can boost our self esteem and improve our emotional well being. So YAY for you, Lupyhippie!

Today my husband asked “what did you do today ?” I replied “not one damn thing……no no wait. I healed some more today. That’s what I did ”!!

Love that you don't lose sight of this, it's so true! It is good that you seem to be taking it all in stride and confidently knowing that healing is ongoing and your future looks bright. Happy Friday...have a great weekend!

 

[Lupyhippie]

But this is a short 3 weeks from a very, very major surgery and you still do need lots of healing time

Can you please call my husband and tell him to shut his mouth !! Told me right before bed, “well 4 weeks tomorrow so you’re good to go aren’t you ? You did so good. You’re right “blip on the radar” was perfect expression. Always so Proud of how you handle things”

ME; {cringing} thinking well that’s very nice and he’s right, no reason not too I guess. I mean yeah I’m tired and although my leg aches 3-4x day it’s no big deal “

SERIOUSLY: WHY DO WOMEN WITH SUPERWOMAN SYNDROME ALWAYS FINDING OURSELVES HERE?
So many times we say yes knowing that No was the best answer ?

 

[Layla]

Hi Lupyhippie,
Your hubby does not fully understand the recovery timeline for TKR. At a mere 27 days post op you're still in the early stages of healing and while you're making progress, you're not "good to go" just yet.

Please take the time to explain to him that you're doing better, but full recovery will take months, not only weeks. Your knee is still healing and I'm guessing you still experience pain, stiffness and your mobility is somewhat limited. Pushing too hard at this point can slow your progress or cause setbacks. Ask for his patience and support as you continue to heal from the trauma of major surgery. Hopefully through conversation he will gain a better understanding.

A link to an article you may want to share with him -

https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/healing-how-long-does-it-take.5424/

Have a great Sunday and week, Lupyhippie!
@Lupyhippie

 

[Jamie]

You have my permission to mentally roll up a newspaper and whop him up side of the head for those remarks.

Seriously though, I think he probably felt that his comments were helpful and supportive. Men, you know, are generally the “fix it and move on” ones in a relationship. They can get frustrated if they cannot fix something quickly. And, in this case, he cannot hurry up your recovery any more than you can. Your body is in charge. Your job is to listen to it and respond with whatever it’s telling you it needs.

Men want to help the ones they love, so Layla’s suggestion to have a calm talk with him about how knee replacements work may be beneficial. If you can carve out some time to do this, also be prepared with a list (maybe even written) of specific things he can do that would help you or make you feel better. Reassure him your recovery is normal. Maybe even print out some of the charts that show how long it takes the body to heal for him would be good.

If none of this isn’t an option, then you’ll need to call up all your SuperWoman powers to just smile, tell him you’re doing your best, and ignore his comments. He is 100% wrong and just has no frame of reference to know what this surgery and recovery is like.

 

[Lupyhippie]

Think I’ll strategically leave the articles out on the counter !!! Good advice!!