A double whammy-- PKR and lumbar diskectomy

[beachcomber]

Hello,
I am new posting here, but have "lurked" for a while and have found some helpful tips and a feeling of community that I would like to be a part of.
I had a PKR on 12/21 and a diskectomy L-4/5 on January 17th. PKR for osteoarthritis.... diskectomy primarily for herniated disk causing nearly complete drop foot (on my "good" leg). Also constant low back pain, but no promises on any improvement for the back pain.... I am a high school culinary arts teacher and consider myself healthy and active--- or did until the past 8 months when the knee pain became suddenly severe and the limping may have been what triggered the herniated disk.
Knee surgery recovery has been good--- especially before the back surgery which has slowed me down. ROM is 120 and I am walking 1 to 1- 1/2 miles several days a week.
It seems like most of the posts are for TKRs and I commend you all on your journey. It is surely more difficult than my PKR.
Now for my question--- what is a "normal " pain scenario for my knee at 7 weeks? I have had many good days, but sometimes my knee feels like it is in a vise being tightened relentlessly.... other times it aches from my hip to my ankle.
I thought PKRs were supposed to be "much faster" recovery.... is this "faster"? And "easier"?
Thank you for listening..... I wish you all Godspeed in your recovery...

 

[Doug]

Well since my male boxer just walked across my leg and woke me up. Let me be the first to respond.
I am 4 weeks post TKR today. As I was telling a friend, there are good days and there are bad days. Earlier this week I experienced a new one. Bad morning, good afternoon. Usually my bad times are related to me overdoing it. But not always. Occasionally, I will have pains at different spots on the knee. Therapy hurts, but in the long run, it will give us positive results. If you've been scanning us, you've seen and will see our pretty much constant discussions with our frustrations and successes.
The bottom line as Ms. Josephine points out is that we have all gone through major surgery and we need to give ourselves time to heal.
I was worried about taking so many pain pills. They set me straight real quick on that one. If you need them take them.
Culinary Arts, I thought about going to school in culinary arts when I retired from the police department.
Welcome

 

[Josephine]

Welcome indeed, Beachcomber.

I think your problem is that progress has been hindered, even halted, by your spinal surgery. It is going to take a lot of determined effort on your part to to make that up. And yes, that also means you are out of the 'usual' scenario as far as the pain patterns are concerned. PT is not only for getting a mobile knee but also for dispelling the pain left by the surgery - ironic, isn't it? You have to actually cause yourself pain in buckets in order to be rid of pain! But that's the deal here.

I would suggest you forget what is usual and begin to write your own book on your progress because yours is a very unique situation. The thing NOT to do is worry too much about it. Go from day to day. Keep a journal and maybe even note your pain score daily on a 1-10 scale (1 is no pain - 10 is mind-bendingly excruciating). In 2 months you will be amazed how much progress you are making, believe me.

But keep coming back and sharing. As you have seen, we're all pretty good and support and encouragement. I think this support structure here is just what you need right now.

 

[kath]

Beachcomber,
You do have a lot to deal with at one time. I have never had back surgery, but 5.5 weeks ago had a left tkr. I am in the food and beverage business have been for 38 years, thus the bad knees. I do suffer from lower back pain, severe actually and after my knee surgery that was the hardest part. I think that sticking with my PT has really helped me, I can honestly say that finally my back feels much better and I can concentrate more on my knee now. I think we need to just stop counting the days, each of us are different, our careers, our body builds, our physical condition prior to surgery, those things all make a difference. I wish you all the luck. Each day is different, some are great and then you might just have a day when that knee hurts so bad again, take some pain meds, ice, if you have a hot tub (I wish I did) or hot bath that really helps. I am happy just standing in a hot hot shower as I can't sit down in the tub, can't get up....ha ha...then ice. Relax and try not to be too hard on yourself.
Stay with us and keep us posted.
Kath

 

[Doug]

I just finished a book about the training of the U.S Navy SEALS. Arguably some of the toughest well trained commandos in the world. (along with the British SAS)..
One of their motto's in training is, "The only easy day is yesterday".
Kind of a good thought when dealing with our recovery therapy.

 

[beachcomber]

Thank you all. This journey is often a lonely one and it is nice to chat with others on their own, yet similar track.
I am a little scared about today. Five months ago my primary care physician started me on oxycodone 10 mg extended release and it helped me manage the pain. My surgeons had me continue it plus vicodin for breakthrough pain post-op. Five days ago I decided it was time to taper off the oxy as I am starting back to my teaching job next week. My pain has ramped up and today is my first day with no oxy. I don't know how much of the pain is "primary" and how much is arthralgia from the withdrawal. I am worried about how my body is going to respond to this step.
Thanks for the suggestions and support. I am counting the days until next Wednesday when i have my first post-op visit at the neurosurgeon and will hopefully be released to use my hot tub. I know from past experience that it is my best friend and have missed it.

 

[kath]

I have read so many talking about the benefits of a hot tub, that I have actually mentioned to my husband about buying one. Since I have another surgery on the way, I am seriously considering it. I always thought of them as relaxing and romantic, but you guys have made a new reason for me to seriously consider the investment.
Thanks,
K

 

[beachcomber]

I *love* my hot tub. I have had hot tubs for years now and have almost always found it to be a wonderful pain reliever. Mine is one of the small units that operates on 110 current so you can just plug it in wherever(on a dedicated circuit). It can be "hard wired" on 220 if you wish, but I leave mine at 110 and have moved it twice. It is not a "party tub" but seats two comfortably and relaxes tired, sore muscles and brings me relief for a while even after getting out.
I believe they can be tax deductible for many health reasons..... that can help. Check with your tax expert.
My knee surgeon has released me to use the hot tub ( their guideline is 8 weeks post-op due to the risk of infection) but my spine surgeon has not yet released me. So I just keep it hot and ready and you can believe I will head there first thing when finally given permission... sometimes I have been so tempted in the last week to just go ahead..... but am taking no chances....
Today was a good day..... walking in the sunshine and a "visit" to my classroom lifted my spirits.
Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. I *do* feel less alone knowing you are out there and someone really *does* understand....
Carolyn

 

[kath]

Carolyn,
Thanks so much for the hot tub advice. I am going on line to see what I can find.
It is good to get out too and sunshine, I swear by it. It is cold here now in PA but the sun was shining and I just sat for awhile in front of my living room picture window and felt that sun, it does lift your spirits. Looking forward to spring that's for sure.
I will let you know if I was able to convince my hubby to buy me a tub.

 

[beachcomber]

Kath,
My hot tub is a Marquis Spa-- manufactured about 20 miles from where I live.
My electric bill went up about $15/month when I had it installed. Worth every penny....

Carolyn

 

[Pattipoo]

Welcome Carolyn the Beachcomber! We've discussed everything on this board...from knees to the dreaded constipation and hemmoroids.....every day is different for me. I'll have a low pain day followed by a big pain day. It's ALL normal - I've found that out by reading the threads on this board. I can relate to everyone.

I wish you the best in your recovery (recoveries)...
Patti

 

[beachcomber]

Welcome Carolyn the Beachcomber! We've discussed everything on this board...from knees to the dreaded constipation and hemmoroids.....every day is different for me. I'll have a low pain day followed by a big pain day. It's ALL normal - I've found that out by reading the threads on this board. I can relate to everyone.

I wish you the best in your recovery (recoveries)...
Patti

Thank you Patti--
I have already found it to be very beneficial to read and chat with others who are dealing with the same issues that have taken over so much of my life the past few weeks...... thank you for your support!

It is certainly not a linear recovery process... that's is for sure! Here's wishing for a progressively better day for us all!

Carolyn