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Bilateral TKR Adventures of the Goo-Knee Twins

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May 31 - Day 33: While I am still using a walker and each of the Twins is sporting a badge of honor, this morning I somehow feel that life is returning back to normal. I’ve been able to go out to a couple of eateries, gone grocery shopping, and done an errand or two. I mail ordered some clothes and am starting to do a few simple chores -- actually part of some chores. I can’t drive yet nor have I started walking around our high traffic block. Nevertheless, I woke up this morning on my side, with knees bent, and no pillow between them. I got out of bed without saying, “Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow” - my pre-op mantra, according to hubby. I can now stand up from a chair without pain and without rocking back and forth for a while before I can get moving. BTKR was the best decision ever for me. Life is good.
 
Super news! I'm four weeks ahead of you, and it only gets better. :yes:
 
June 2 - Day 35: Yesterday we went to my mom's independent living facility for lunch and to help her update her and my dad's net worth spreadsheets prior to a meeting with her new trust attorney. I'll be joining her for this meeting, which will hopefully not be for a couple of weeks. The law offices have a weird parking lot in which cars park on a steep slope. My mom is worried about me trying to walk through the lot and suggested that I take a cab and get dropped off at the front entrance. We'll see what the options are at that time.

Today I worked with a different PT, who added some new strengthening exercises. One was leg lowering and raising against a wall and then raising both legs back up the wall for 2 sets of 10. Lying on a platform, it involved putting a pillow case on one foot and using the other leg to help lower the target leg down the wall and then raising them up again. I also did leg lifts with 2 pound weights on my thighs lying on my back and lying on my side. Also 2 sets of 10. I discovered that there was a noticeable difference between the 1# and these 2# weights. This was the most challenging session so far. This PT “assisted” with bending my knee for ROM measurements, which my regular PT never does. She was careful not to hurt me, but at one point, her hand was on the “tight band area” below my left incision. Aaack. My ROM was 115 for each knee. While icing and elevating, the PT asked me if I wanted to transition to a cane. I said yes but that I would like to work with PT staff to walk properly with a cane. I’ll bring it next time.
 
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June 3 - Day 36: Last night both knees were achy even after icing and acetaminophen. This morning they were still hurting, and I felt a a sharp pain when I tried to bend the left one. Both felt a little better after I walked to the bathroom, and I'm icing them again. Yesterday's PT session may have done me in.
 
June 4 - Day 37: As I'm beginning my 6th week (still using a walker), I experienced a couple of small first post-op outings: first haircut (yay! I needed that!); Subway (the 6" Spicy Italian sub was yummy!); and our local library to sign up for the adult summer reading program. Participants read at least one book a week for 6 weeks and earn small incentives like pens, notepads, tote bags, a free DVD rental, granola bars, and a flash drive. This will encourage us to keep coming back to the library each week. As I was exiting the hair salon, two young girls opened and held the door for me - sweet! We're also finding out the locations of the handicapped parking stalls in our neighborhood. Thank you, ADA!
 
Your library charges you for DVD checkouts? I'm shocked! All our DVDs check out for free, you can take up 10 out at a time and you can keep them for 3 weeks. Our Adult Summer Reading is read 3 books and get a free car charger; every time you turn in your log for the 3 books is an entry for the grand prize, a Kindle Paperwhite.
 
This year's library summer reading program's Grand Prize for adults is an eReader tablet. The $1.00 charge for DVD checkout is an historical artifact. I tired to get this policy changed when I worked for the system but met with a lot of staff resistance because it was one of the few money generating services for the never-well-funded libraries. Most library users found the $1.00 charge much cheaper than whatever commercial outlets existed at the time, and they felt that the money was well spent to purchase additional new DVD titles. Not sure how the system will transition to new streaming technologies.
 
June 5 - Day 38: I told my regular PT today that my legs were sore after Monday’s challenging session with a different PT. My PT had noticed that I was walking more slowly and gingerly. I told her that the other PT had said that I could begin learning how to use a cane today. I brought 2 sticks to PT just in case. My PT seemed surprised and said that we should wait for my 6/10 appointment with my OS. However, she said we could see how I walked with the stick(s). First we did 6 minutes on the recumbent bike and 30x of my favorite “wheelies” (moving one foot back and forth on a little 4-wheeled skateboard-like thing) for each leg. She measured my ROM and was thrilled to see 0 and 120 for both knees. She gave me two High-5’s – one for each knee. I said that I think my ROM is limited by the tight skin at the tops of my incisions, where the puckers/dimples are located. She showed me how to do gentle thumb massages right on the incision (30x). This was not painful. When she stood up from measuring my ROM, she said "oof" and began to rub her leg. I told her she might need physical therapy. As I did some movements, she stretched and was able to bend her leg backwards so her calf touched her thigh. I told her that I didn't think I could ever do that, and she said I wouldn't have to. Hooray!

Then she had me walk across 1/2 of the PT area with one cane – my first walk with a stick since surgery. I guess muscle memory kicked in because it was easy peasy. She asked me whether I had used one or two sticks before surgery. I said that I usually used one, but had to use two in the weeks before surgery because of the pain. She then had me walk back across the full length of the room to the stairs area. She showed me how to ascend and descend with the “good” and “bad” legs (ha!) and the cane. That took a lot of concentration. During the descent, I started to turn sideways – again, muscle memory – which is something I’ll have to work to overcome. We had a really good, short session today. I told my PT that I felt comfortable using the cane in the house, except for the toilet and shower access, but felt safer using the walker on outings outside the home at this point. That was just fine with her, since she had been reluctant to have me start with the cane until my second post-op visit with my OS on 6/10. I told her that I would be going for my Handi-Van examination and interview tomorrow and would be taking my walker to that appointment.
 
EmptyHands said:
She measured my ROM and was thrilled to see 0 and 120 for both knees.
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THAT IS AWESOME!!!! You are doing fantastic! I am almost 3 months out and am at 0- 115...... YEAH for you!!!!!!

EmptyHands said:
that was just fine with her, since she had been reluctant to have me start with the cane until my second post-op visit with my OS on 6/10.
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I see my OS on the 11th. My 3 month anniversary is the 10th. I still keep my walker in my van. I never felt comfortable with a cane. I never use my walker anymore and haven't for a month maybe BUT I need something the walker just feels safer to me. ....You are really doing great for only being 5 weeks out. Concerning stairs I STILL walk down them sideways but that is something I know will come in time. You are really working hard in your PT.... Hats off to you!!! I have had so many ups downs tears cheers....and everything in between... just know it's going to be ok.....so you hang in here and know you are doing really wonderful on your recovery!!! Stop by anytime and I will try to stop in and encourage you when I come to Bonesmart!!! :yes:
 
Dear @suzzee2000 -
Thanks for stopping by and providing me with encouragement and best wishes! I feel fortunate that I have not been subject to the debilitating pain issues and ridiculous jumping-through-hoops-to-obtain-appropriate-pain-meds experiences which some BoneSmart folk have had to deal with. I also feel very lucky to have met my current PT, who never touches my legs to achieve a couple of extra degrees of ROM and who is even more cautious than I am about keeping me safe. I fully embrace the slow and steady BSmart philosophy, and this has resulted in slow and steady increases in ROM for me without pain. I'll continue to work on strengthening and proper gait in future PT sessions.

I haven't had a chance to tell you that I have enjoyed reading about the highs and lows of your journey. However, I was shocked to read about the bum(s) who cut your fence and endangered your horses. I'm glad that you and your daughter were able to free your horse without injuring yourselves. I hope that all of you -- two and four-legged -- are recovering from this why-would-anyone-do-this experience, and that the culprit will meet his/her/their karmic reward.

Stay strong, Suzzee!
 
@EmptyHands you are very very lucky about the issues of pain and PT.....Today was such a good day and as I was walking with my niece for my evening exercise routine I began walking faster and having fun realizing the pain has really subsided....As I said you are doing so wonderful for being so soon in recovery! Thanks for the sweet words about our horses and everything!!!
I will keep strong and you do it too!!!!!:friends:
 
June 8 - Day 41: The last 4 stubborn staple scabs on my left knee fell off today after my shower.

This evening, hubby and I went out to our local Chinese restaurant for the first time post-op. After I packed up all our left overs, hubby stood up to pay and discovered that his wallet was not in his pocket. We checked around our table and he went out to check the car. No luck. I had decided not to bring my back pack and lanyard with my ID and credit card, so we had no way to pay. Hubby said he didn't want to drive without his license and was going to walk home - 1/4 mile+ each way. I told him where my credit cards were in case his wallet wasn't at home. After he left, I explained to the restaurant owner what was happening and she asked for our contact info in case the wallet turned up. She wasn't sure where the shopping center's lost and found was, but said she would let security know. While waiting, I worried about having to cancel all our credit cards and how long it might take hubby to get a replacement driver's license. I had two appointments scheduled: PT tomorrow and my second post-op meeting with my OS on Tuesday. I'm still not cleared for driving. I was sure hubby was worried about the same things. Fortunately, he arrived back in the restaurant about 25 minutes later with wallet and credit card in hand. We all (me, the restaurant owner, and wait staff) shouted "hooray," and I thanked them all for their help and understanding. The wallet had been left at home -- something hubby has never done before. A senior moment, but it ended well.

We had planned to make a short trip to Safeway. After picking up four items, we discovered that there had been a spill near the registers, and we were limited to one line unless we walked up the aisle and around to the other side of the store. I didn't want to do any more walking. The woman ahead of us in line had an amazing amount of items in her cart -- maybe she was stocking up for a TKR - all the items were healthy. The clerk was slow and had no bagger to assist, and a number of us stood in line for a long time. I could hear my knees whining, "Let's go home, mom!" As we were finally walking back to the car, hubby said, "Most people at Costco don't buy that much stuff." When we got back home, I requested, "Gel packs, please!" Hopefully, the long unanticipated sitting and standing won't result in too much achiness tomorrow.

Best to all!
 
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June 9 - Day 42:

@msmechanic58 - Thanks for asking. Both hubby and I dozed through a couple of TV shows, after which we stopped being stubborn, turned off the lights, and went to bed. Around 4:30 am, I was awoken by a sharp pain on my right knee and a sore right shoulder. The knee pain was unusual; the shoulder pain in bed not so much. This was just in time for my next acetaminophen dose. I started reading BoneSmart threads and email until hubby woke up many hours later and got me gel packs. I put them on, covered myself with a sheet, and fell asleep again. This morning I felt okay except for a slight ache on the outer side of my right knee. I should be good to go for today's PT session. Oh, I did use 2 canes to use our second bathroom and weigh myself this morning. I haven't been to that side of the apartment since before the surgery because of cluttered hallways. Another first!
 
Hello EmptyHands! You sound like you are doing better and better each day. Good job with all your PT, keep it up it pays off. I have two more PT sessions and then doctor said I don't have to go anymore. Wow was a bit shocked to hear him say I am ahead in my healing and PT and can continue on my own. PT is printing out a home exercise routine for me with reminders on how to do everything.

Those funny twinges or pains on the outside of your knee are common. I still have numbness there on both knees at 4 months. Doctor said it can take up to a year for the nerves to restore themselves. It is coming back little by little in places. Told him it felt like little spiders crawling on my skin and he said yes that is the nerves regrowing. So glad every day you are finding new changes, even small ones are great!

Remember to ice and rest. I don't get as tired as I use to - could fall asleep in conversations haha. Don't do that anymore. You go a few days feeling great doing so much, and one day you are tired and wonder why? Oh yeah I had BTKR in January, that's why I feel tired. haha

Take care, be kind to yourself, and let the healing happen. You will be so happy as you realize you just get better and better.
 
Dear @newkneesNH -

Little spiders - eeewww?!? Yes, let's say it's nerves regrowing. These strange new traveling aches and twinges are certainly entertaining reminders that we have had major surgery.

I'm glad to hear that you are recovering well at four months and are approaching the end of PT. My 2x a week PT sessions are becoming a constant in my own recovery, and it would be strange not to go there any more. A welcome change, nevertheless, since it would be a major sign of progress. Congratulations to you for coming so far!

This morning, my PT asked how I was doing. I briefly described the unexpected extra sitting and standing I did last evening and the new ache I had on the outside of my right knee. After 8 minutes on the bike and some "wheelies," my ROM was L:0-120 and R:0-122. Weird - the problem child moves ahead. My PT introduced a new exercise - lying on my front with a 2# weight on each thigh and lifting each leg off the platform. I was incredulous since I haven't lain on my front since ... well before surgery. I was able to turn over gingerly. The back leg lifts were difficult for me, but there was no pain and only pink patches on my knees afterwards. The PT also asked me to walk to the stairs without my walker and to go up and down them. The stairs were much easier than last Thursday. She said that my gait was good. After icing, and as I was leaving, my PT said that I should warm up in the waiting room tomorrow and show my OS what I could do. "Show off" is what she actually said. Made me smile.
 
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