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TKR 5 Weeks Post TKR

You've received good advice about dealing with the ITB healing. It may take several weeks as it's composed of very dense fibers.

Many BoneSmarties have had "additional work done" and didn't know about it until they asked for their surgical reports!

It's quite likely your surgeon couldn't predict what tendon release, IT band work, or other things he might need to do during surgery until it was well underway. Yes, being told promptly afterwards is a good thing, yet seems to be rare.
 
Where in Florida are you from? My surgery is Monday and I’m reading up and wondering the odds of having some surgeon. I in Tampa.
 
The problems with sleep are really common among us knee people, even without that pain you're experiencing, sometimes persisting for a couple of months.

Definitely use the recliner as long as necessary.

I alternated between recliner and a three pillow stack on my guest bed. My leg really liked being positioned on the stack but I got fed up with its instability and bought a Lounge doctor. It was really comfortable.

Are you otherwise having difficulty sleeping - like in the recliner, where the pain isn't triggered?
 
It’s funny how each of us is unique with what works and what doesn’t. I have never been comfortable sleeping or spending lots of time in a recliner, but so many people just love them. For me, bed was best with pillows. Then for my hip I bought a Lounge Doctor and I liked it as well. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’m “vertically challenged” and recliners are probably built for someone of average height. :heehee:

@ExRunner1973 …. I’m glad you have found things that work. Just go with what makes you most comfortable. And know that what works this week may be out the door next week. Things change (sometimes dramatically) during recovery and it’s up to us to listen to our body’s signals and respond with what feels best. Body’s in charge….we’re just along for the ride.
 
Every night around 1am like clockwork if I fall asleep on a bed ( ours or guest room) I wake up and despite pillows or repositioning I can’t get comfortable or fall asleep so back downstairs I travel with my security blanket and small behind knee pillow to hopefully sleep a few hours on the sofa recliner part. My husband accompanies me as he’s afraid I think I’ll fall down the stairs but I’m ok . Wednesday is 6 weeks and this is getting really old!! I miss my independence!!
 
Sleep was really difficult for me too.
I got some zopiclone from my GP which I alternated with over- the - counter remedies like diphenhydramine (Nytol) or valerian( herbal nytol) or melatonin.
I also rested my knee on the opened cool jacket of my Aircast Cryocuff. I would refresh the iced water if I woke in the night.
Good luck- lack of sleep is the pits
 
ExRunner1973 said:
Every night around 1am like clockwork if I fall asleep on a bed ( ours or guest room) I wake up and despite pillows or repositioning I can’t get comfortable or fall asleep
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I remember this phase well!! What worked for me was to get up and walk back and forth in the hallway outside our bedroom. I found that after a few minutes of "exercise", I was able to fall asleep again. But it was a nightly ritual for weeks.

It does get better; it just takes time.
 
Insomnia is a real bummer for many of us in the initial weeks after surgery. It's generally not the meds, it's... everything about the trauma, discomfort, energy drain!

Definitely sleep whenever (and wherever it's safe and comfy!) - many of us sleep and/or nap in a recliner, or surround ouselves with soft pillows.

Icing, elevating, napping.... All help, but you might also consider some nonprescription remedies....

If you're lactose tolerant, a glass of warm milk! If you're not diabetic, a teeny bit of honey makes it even more comforting... plus milk is high in magnesium! Helps us relax!

If you aren't a milk drinker, or want an easier way to, an evening magnesium supplement has been very helpful for some members.

OTC diphenhydramine, an antihistamine also used as a sleep aid (Benadryl) because it makes you drowsy; it's also included in some cold, flu, etc "nighttime" combination meds.

Low dose melatonin, sustained release - not for long term use but I have used for a week at a time without ill effect. It should be taken an hour to hour and a half before going to bed, and during that time stay in a dimly lit area to allow this hormone to activate.

Valerian root - an herbal remedy, it can be taken in capsule form but that dose might be high compared to my preference, herbal "sleep" blends that include a smaller dose of valerian and make me pleasantly drowsy. Plus the other tea flavorings make it nice tasting! Celestial Seasonings and Traditional Medicinals sell teabags by the box. Their sleep blends without valerian have never ever made me sleepy.

What finally worked for me: a mug of sleep tea with valerian followed by a 3 mg sustained release melatonin, immediately going into a dimly lit room and relaxing. When I got sleepy, turning off the light and lying down with my legs up on the Lounge Doctor. After a few hours I would wake, move the Lounge Doctor away, and sleep more.

Be aware: even benign herbals and supplements can interact with your routine or post op prescription meds, either making their effects weaker or stronger. If you're on meds you may want to check with your doctor or pharmacist, or even check online for interactions.
 
ExRunner1973 said:
I travel with my security blanket
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Haha, the visual made me chuckle and reminds me of Linus from Charlie Brown series. Your husband sounds like a sweetheart and loving caregiver following you to make sure you're safe.

ExRunner1973 said:
I can’t get comfortable or fall asleep so back downstairs I travel with my security blanket and small behind knee pillow to hopefully sleep a few hours on the sofa recliner part.
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I guess I have fairytales on the brain today. This common scenario, of which found myself doing the same, always reminds me of Goldilocks searching for that spot that was "just right". :wink: There are no shortage of stories of restless night wanderers here. Thankfully it's only temporary.

Wishing you some uninterrupted restorative rest this week, ExRunner! Have a great day. :)
 
7 weeks today but progress is still slow and very discouraging for me as I was super active !
I feel like a prisoner in my home despite my wonderful hubby driving me everywhere.
My PT says I’m at 115 degree but I’m still not driving myself or walking distances .
Also I think I limp as my leg seems longer by an inch than my other. I fo have scoliosis .
Plus my knee is still super stiff especially in AM and swells as the day goes on.
I’m also experiencing on and off kneecap ache. However this alien knee does feel better after the PT massages it so only twice a week.
Sleep deprivation is still such a huge problem despite Valerian tea or milk honey and shot of whiskey. My Mom used to make that for us . I’m still on the sofa recliner with my security blanket! At least I don’t need a pillow under my knee.
I do PT at home even in middle of nite when I can’t sleep.
In 2 weeks we are flying up north for only 4 days. I’m worried about the flight and walking the airport or taking the air train at Newark Airport .
This recovery period is not how I envisioned it! I thought I’d be back to the active me. Not sure I’ll do the other one anytime soon!!
 
All you describe is fairly normal for 7 weeks post op. Many of us were not prepared for how long and slow this recovery can be. However, do try to keep in mind, recovery is temporary, and once healed, you’ll be active again.

ExRunner1973 said:
I’m worried about the flight and walking the airport or taking the air train at Newark Airport .
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I would ask for some type of ride inside the airport, either a wheelchair or some sort of cart. I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear, but your knee/leg will feel better if you arrange something like that. The trip won’t go well if you arrive with a lot more swelling from walking too much.

Also, check out the following article from the Bonesmart Library
Flying Soon After Surgery
 
Hi ExRunner,
Assuming you are unable to drive due to pain? I am sorry you're feeling so dependent on your husband, but I am sure he doesn't mind and guessing you'd lovingly do the same for him. :) He sounds like a blessing!

I hope you enjoy your getaway up north in a few weeks. Here are some travel tips -

* Pack light. One medium size bag you can check and a carry-on. Make sure the bag has sturdy wheels. Pack any pain medications in your carry on luggage.

* If possible, get a ride to and from the airport, getting dropped off at your terminal gate. Find out which airlines have curbside check in. You might want to book with that airline.

* When you book your flight, you can request handicapped assistance. This involves a wheelchair and a porter to help assist as you sit in the wheelchair. The porter will check your bag and take you to the gate. You'll board before other passengers and can take the wheelchair all the way down the ramp if necessary.

* Try to book an aisle seat so you are able to stretch out into the aisle, if needed.

* Whenever possible, book a direct flight so you don't have to change planes. Otherwise you'll need wheelchair assistance at every airport where you switch planes.

* Once on the plane, ask the flight attendant if they will arrange for a wheelchair to be waiting at the gate when you arrive. Bring some zip lock bags and ask the flight attendant for ice to use in flight if you feel it will make you more comfortable.

In addition to the tips, Jamie, from Admin once shared (above) I've included a few more. Hopefully you'll find some of the suggestions useful. Best Wishes for a safe trip. If you do travel, please consider posting an update in the interest of others upon your return letting us know how navigating the airport and the flight was, also sharing any tips you found helpful.

Check with your doctor for approval before flying.
Wear compression socks to prevent a potential blood clot.
Get up and walk every 30 minutes or so.
Stay hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol and coffee.
Stretch and flex your muscles often while seated. Do calf squeezes and ankle pumps
Check on a bulkhead seat if there are no available isle seats and first class is not an option.

Wishing you a good day and weekend, ExRunner!
@ExRunner1973
 
ExRunner1973 said:
my leg seems longer by an inch than my other.
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I experienced the same thing. It's very common. As the knee deteriorates over time, we tend develop either bowleg or knock-knee. When the knee is replaced and the leg is straightened, it suddenly feels longer. It just takes time for all the soft tissue to adapt to your body's new, improved alignment.

ExRunner1973 said:
I do PT at home even in middle of nite when I can’t sleep.
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Be careful that you aren't overdoing it with the exercises. That can add to the swelling and pain. Since you are already at 115 degrees, there is really no need to force things. Your flexion will improve on its own as the swelling goes down.

You might want to back off the exercises and do some extra icing and elevating over the next two weeks to get the swelling down before you travel.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your trip!
 
Making Valerian tea in the middle of the night is insane . As I fell asleep at 10 pm here I am at almost 1 am wide awake ! Not good for recovery mode!
Today at PT I mentioned the leg length difference to my PT and he agreed I was tilted and off at least 1.5 inches . He did some maneuvers plus pressing on hips with me counter pushing and it straightened out where I walked better! Otherwise I felt I walked better with one shoe on and the other off! Hopeful this last !
I’m so thankful for this website and forum . I’ve learned so much. Thank you all !! ❤️
 
Having been through a hip imbalance myself, I’m very heartened to hear how your therapist approached what you communicated to him. The kind of manipulation you had was exactly what my very competent PT did for me. I was shocked at how it immediately made a positive difference. The only problem is that, at the beginning of the treatments, it doesn’t last a long time. For me it was usually a day or less. I was going to therapy twice a week, so I would get a few days to walk more comfortably. But on the days it would revert back, I’d use a lift so that I didn’t walk with that “tilt.” Gradually, over almost 9 months, my therapist was able to get my tilted hips and twisted SI joint to stay where they belonged. It sort of happened all at once the last month I saw her. Then I was at a point where I could work on things on my own and now am in the process of regaining strength and balance.

So, don’t get discouraged if it takes a fairly long time to see results and have the good result hold for more than a few days. It’s sort of like a bad habit that you have to break…..it takes determination and time. But you are fortunate to have a therapist who understands this and it sounds like he will work with you.

Sometimes cost can be a factor because copays for therapy can mount up quickly (if you have them). If that becomes an issues, don’t hesitate to talk with your PT about it and it’s possible you can come less frequently and work on your own at home for part of the time. Therapists will try to work with you to see you reach your goal.
 
ExRunner1973 said:
In 2 weeks we are flying up north for only 4 days. I’m worried about the flight and walking the airport or taking the air train at Newark Airport .
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Is there anyway you can reschedule this for a month or two. I'm afraid you'll be miserable with all this extra walking and activity. Be sure to take plenty of ice packs!
 
sistersinhim said:
ExRunner1973 said:
In 2 weeks we are flying up north for only 4 days. I’m worried about the flight and walking the airport or taking the air train at Newark Airport .
Click to expand...
Is there anyway you can reschedule this for a month or two. I'm afraid you'll be miserable with all this extra walking and activity. Be sure to take plenty of ice packs!
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I wish I could reschedule but we are going up because of my husband’s Uncle’s passing and hopefully for a celebration of life ceremony if the wife decides to do one. Originally it was to see him alive but can’t change life decisions .
I better be better by June as we leave for Italy for 5 months going to my family home.
 
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