turtleman
new member
United StatesHi Boydmom,
I am new to the bonesmart, but have read many posts over the last couple months. I had to respond to your post as we have things in common. I had a right TKR on May 17th. I had been bone on bone for 4 years and in March finally made the decision to have the TKR. I had the nerve block in my quad for the three days I was in the hospital, and it was really effective at managing the pain. Along with the nerve block the only other pain med. I used was Tylenol #3. The nerve block was taken out the night before I was released from the hospital. I have an Iceman machine and still use it constantly. I think the Iceman has been key in my getting off pain meds 3 weeks post op. I am fortunate to have a great family support network and came directly home. I had in home PT for the first 2 weeks and started my third week of outpatient PT. PT pushes to discomfort, but not to serious pain. My PT does a significant amount of tissue massage to help move the fluid around manage scar tissue. The biggest challenges for me have been to stiffness (not significant pain), managing swelling, getting a decent night's sleep, energy levels,and patience. I am not one who likes to sit still. I have had 4 other surgeries involving tendon and ligament repair and recovery was at a much faster rate. I am able to walk a couple hundred yards, and do not need my cane (I do keep it with me for security). Reading these posts, and many of the suggested articles really helps keeps things in perspective. It is a long journey and seems to be different for everyone, but I expect it to be completely worth it. I will pray for you and all the other TKR's in the patient forum. Continued success with your healing.
I am new to the bonesmart, but have read many posts over the last couple months. I had to respond to your post as we have things in common. I had a right TKR on May 17th. I had been bone on bone for 4 years and in March finally made the decision to have the TKR. I had the nerve block in my quad for the three days I was in the hospital, and it was really effective at managing the pain. Along with the nerve block the only other pain med. I used was Tylenol #3. The nerve block was taken out the night before I was released from the hospital. I have an Iceman machine and still use it constantly. I think the Iceman has been key in my getting off pain meds 3 weeks post op. I am fortunate to have a great family support network and came directly home. I had in home PT for the first 2 weeks and started my third week of outpatient PT. PT pushes to discomfort, but not to serious pain. My PT does a significant amount of tissue massage to help move the fluid around manage scar tissue. The biggest challenges for me have been to stiffness (not significant pain), managing swelling, getting a decent night's sleep, energy levels,and patience. I am not one who likes to sit still. I have had 4 other surgeries involving tendon and ligament repair and recovery was at a much faster rate. I am able to walk a couple hundred yards, and do not need my cane (I do keep it with me for security). Reading these posts, and many of the suggested articles really helps keeps things in perspective. It is a long journey and seems to be different for everyone, but I expect it to be completely worth it. I will pray for you and all the other TKR's in the patient forum. Continued success with your healing.
I went off the strong pain medication around 3 weeks but I'm still on Motrin 400 mgs and sometime 800 mgs. I try to take it every 4-5 hours and it certainly keeps pain at bay. I am still not driving but I don't have to go anywhere and when I do the husband takes me......I am lucky he can take time away from work to do this. Although, I do have a ginormous dog that I walk during the morning, that is a good thing as it gets me out of the house to walk. Just remember to take things slow and easy, the less the knee is angry, the more it will cooperate. I am anxious to hear how PT went. I hope you have a good day today 
My therapist says to go to the point of pain and back off and if I say something is hurting, he gives me an alternative, but I also try too hard sometimes too. He also has me doing things that strengthen my calves and quads and the nonsurgical leg is sore from that as well. Let's just say yesterday evening and last night were not pleasant. I am anticipating that today will be better. I have been on a major ice and elevate campaign again. My swelling is better, so maybe I just had too much salt or something. I did have chips and salsa Sunday at Chili's.
I am really doing well, except for the sleep thing, but I already had sleep issues anyway. I just keep thinking this too will get better and do the best I can.
