TKR 1 of 12 months Down -This is me

[Lupyhippie]

Little trouble on the horizon here . So I had a missed staple that stayed on an extra eeek til physio discovered. I took it out the next day (Dr far away/I’ve pulled many). Now it’s getting red and angry looking. With all the infection in past Hip sx and my sons MRSA hip I’m probably overactivei sent pic to Dr Friday and he prescribed Cipro Antibx. Have others healed fr incision site infections w no issue. Getting the cart ahead of the horse I know, but just font want any problems this time !

 

[Layla]

There have been others with mild incision site infections and they do normally heal with antibiotics. It seems you caught it and reported it early. Watch for a decrease in redness, swelling and any warmth in the area as signs of healing and report any drainage or pus to your physician. Fingers crossed you see improvement over the next few days, but don't hesitate to call the office of your OS if you have questions or need reassurance. There is nothing like peace of mind. Best Wishes!
@Lupyhippie

 

[Jamie]

Can you post a photo of your knee so we can take a look?

 

[sistersinhim]

You caught this early and should be fine. Please let us know how it goes.

 

[Lupyhippie]

I’ll post another tomorrow. It’s definitely better. BUT now I have part of the incision a little below that started as a pinprick hole opening to the size of rice. With my lupus wound heeling has been an issue. In fact I realize I can’t post a photo bc I steri-stripped the incision and put a reader’s on it. I really think it will be fine. Now to update progress …

 

[Lupyhippie]

Mods would someone be so kind to post a new title :
“1 of 12 months Down -This is me”

 

[Lupyhippie]

4 weeks Monday. I know I’m crushing the recovery but WOW time has moved at a SNAILS PACE! Normally my weeks fly by but during recovery it seems to move painfully slow -a bit like my knee. I’m at the point where I think I should be able to do many activities but the long recovery is apparent when I am unable to bend or move to a closet to get something I need. Or like today when I work hard at PT with not a lot of pain but then come home and it’s all I can do to just sit and I’ve a swollen knee the rest of the day. (Probably a large part of the tenderness is due to being in smallish heels last night for a business meeting and dinner. NOT a good idea ! I’m gobsmacked at how fatigued I am with very small outings like that. So at 4 weeks I’d say my biggest challenge these next four weeks is having grace about this whole process. My goals the next 4 weeks is to get up FOR SURE every hour to walk, eating better, and starting an upper body workout with weights.
Happy Healing to all!!

 

[Layla]

Your title was updated.

Happy One Month Anniversary!
I am sure you recall from your other joint replacement recoveries that the energy drain is real! Rest, ice / elevation are still key. Sounds like you have a plan and realize this takes a lot of patience. Wishing you only the best as you continue healing, Lupyhippie. Thanks for sharing and please keep us posted!
@Lupyhippie

 

[sistersinhim]

Or like today when I work hard at PT with not a lot of pain but then come home and it’s all I can do to just sit and I’ve a swollen knee the rest of the day. (Probably a large part of the tenderness is due to being in smallish heels last night for a business meeting and dinner. NOT a good idea ! I’m gobsmacked at how fatigued I am with very small outings like that.

This is a prime example of cause and effect. Your knee was already angry from attending the business meeting. Adding to that, the hard work at PT. No wonder you are more swollen and painful. Now is the time to take a few days off from all exercises and extra activities to just rest, ice, and elevate to help your knee to settle down and flush out that extra inflammation.

 

[Jamie]

It’s actually the norm to NOT feel pain during therapy, but have it show up along with swelling in the 24-48 hours following. This is why we caution folks about trying to do too much too soon in recovery. You have to increase activity and exercise in slow increments with a day of relative rest in between so you can see how your body reacts. If there is any increase in pain or swelling, it’s telling you it’s not ready for that level of activity yet. Bodies are good with signaling….it’s up to us to pay attention!

I’m sure you know that with rest and lots of icing, you’ll come back from this just fine. If you do have any pain, take either a little of whatever prescription pain meds you have or 1000mg doses of Extra Strength Tylenol on a schedule for a day to get on top of the pain. If you allow pain to continue, it will increase your swelling or at least make it slower to dissipate. Pain signals the body that it needs to send more fluid to the area that hurts.

It’s wonderful that you realize your body needs all the grace you can provide to heal properly. Keep that in mind. Sometimes this recovery can seem like it is never ending. But it’s not. Hang in there….we’re here and understand if you need to vent about it sometimes. We’ve all been there.

If you can continue to post photos, that would be great. Thank you for what you provided.

 

[Layla]

It's two months to date since your Right TKR, Happy Two Month Anniversary!
How are you doing, Lupyhippie? Are you loving your progress so far? I hope so.
Let us know when you have a minute. Hope to hear from you soon!
@Lupyhippie

 

[benne68]

Hi @Lupyhippie Checking in to see how you are doing now that you have passed the 3 month mark. Hope your recovery is going well.

Please give us an update when you have a chance!

 

[Layla]

Happy Four Month Anniversary!
I hope if you stop by you'll let us know how you're doing. We'd love to hear from you. Wishing you a great Summer 2025, Lupyhippie!
@Lupyhippie