TKR 2nd turn - 9 weeks out of round 1

[AfterCare]

I am still feeling so much post-op from my recent left TKR and here I am, having had my anesthesia appointment for my right TKR next week.

Any input is appreciated, especially from those who have had similarly close knee replacements.

As my PA put it "this time is easier - at least you'll know what to expect". Didn't know how to react to that. My hospital discharge the first time around had been a complete mess. Yes, this way I have been able to confirm the aftercare before the surgery with more certainty than the first time around and I can only hope that it sticks this time around. That said, I really cannot postpone this. My legs are currently different lengths post-op (who else experienced this?) and it is putting my back into spasms. Additionally my right leg has grown Very weak almost immediately and keeps giving way as well as all manners of other calls for attention. Looking forward to being all better for summer 2022.

 

[Celle]

Best wishes for your surgery on the 23rd.
Here's a reminder of the recovery guidelines:
Knee Recovery: The Guidelines

People are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for YOU.“ Your doctor(s), physiotherapist(s) and BoneSmart are here to help, but YOU are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.

2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

don't overwork.​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

the BoneSmart view on exercise​

BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. Try to follow this

Activity progression for TKRs​

6. Access to these pages on the website

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Care In Hospital​

The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in the majority of BoneSmart’s forums, we ask that each member have only One Recovery Thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.