Bilateral TKR Bilateral Knees Oct. 9, 2013

[bottomshollow]

Hope you and yours have had a wonderful Christmas holiday with lots of family fellowship and sharing of gifts and lots of good food to eat.


I’ll be looking for you at the BoneSmart annual New Year’s Party. It’s been a very eventful year for most of us---and will be a very eventful year coming up for others of us looking forward to surgery in the new year.


Remember to bring food and drink to share---and pictures are always appreciated and loads of fun to share.


SEE YOU AT THE PARTY!!!!!

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[taylornewknees]

Thirteen weeks today! (Three months tomorrow!) since BTKR! Still having pain on rising, although it tends to vary in intensity.

I had a little mishap getting out of our pickup the other evening: I slipped as my left foot hit the fresh snow (probably ice underneath, hyperflexed the right knee; then holding myself up against the truck was in a squat position until my hubby could get from the driver's seat around to me. I was in such a state and an awkward position that I had to just sit down - yes in the snow - for a few seconds to get my wits about me. He was then able to lift me and I was able to get my feet under me to assist. My instinct was to get on my hands and knees to rise - that is not happening yet! It seems to have exacerbated the pain I have on rising, but am still mobile - swimming, physio, etc.

 

[kneeper]

Oh that pesky hidden ice. :( Glad you're still getting around ok, you may have strained those muscles a little bit.
I just saw your message about transcribing. can you get up and walk around for a minute or so roughly every hour in between items?

 

[taylornewknees]

Wow - the last couple of weeks (14 weeks tomorrow), I am really noticing positive changes. Even with my "almost" fall getting out of the truck, I am feeling steady improvement. I think the pool therapy has a lot to do with it. Even the pain on rising is less intense. Endurance is coming too, but I find when I push over the 'warning' from the knees, it takes longer to recover. guess I will continue to learn the hard way.

Fortunately my transcription work has been decreased due to the holiday season. I am just getting back to it regularly now. I get up every half hour or so, walk around the house, and this seems to be working good.

To those of you having surgery in the spring, I am very happy for you. Having had mine in the fall (Oct 9) and living in Northern Ontario, Canada, walking outdoors has been impossible -- too much snow and ice. Spring surgery will allow you the benefit of getting outdoors to walk.

 

[Josephine]

Jolly good! I made this graphic for another member to explain how recovery isn't a series of corners to turn but long slow old bend!

 

[taylornewknees]

Fifteen weeks and counting. All is going well. Pool work is really helping. Amazing what you can do in the water. I get a good workout in the deep water, swimming, and doing cycling, walking, and cross-country skiing motions, as well as squats and leg lifts in the shallow water or hot tub. I have full range of motion now. I am using a pedal exerciser and treadmill at home. I am only taking minimal pain medication; Aleve twice a day and occasional Advil. Really noticed things turn around at the 12-week mark. Actually becoming aware that I am feeling better than pre-surgery. Still having the odd pity-party, but not as often, so just let the tears fall and in a few minutes it is done, (probably only couple times a week now). Also, still unsteady on stairs, but they are getting better too. Had so much trouble with and avoided stairs for so long, I am not surprised by this.

My only real annoyance is a strange pain/stiffness sensation, which is very pronounced on my right leg, where there was some nerve damage from previous knee surgery, so I think it is some kind of false signal. It is just such a strange sensation every time I raise the leg.

 

[bottomshollow]

@taylornewknees, sounding like a real bilateral success story in the making here. So pleased that things are going well for you and that now "normal" seems to be a real possibility a little further down recovery road.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[kneeper]

Great progress report.

 

[taylornewknees]

Seventeen Weeks! I think my knees and I are really going to be friends! Although I know something is different there, they are working fine and the pain is very minimal.

Word of warning - I had a bad cold/flu for a few days and other than having to work a few hours a day (medical transcription in my home office) I had no energy, so spent a lot of time resting and drinking fluids, and not exercising. BIG mistake! Huge! After I had rested those few days, I paid for it when I started exercising again. We have got to keep moving!

Question - We are heading South on holiday at the end of February. I am wondering if anyone else flew/travelled at the 4-5 month point and if you have any suggestions. It is about a 3-hour flight.

 

[Twiggy]

taylornewknees
I traveled on a 2 and a half hour flight on Southwest Airline on my three month date with BTKR. You get your seat as you check in but I spoke to them and I got a special pass. I was able to board first and I took the first seat. I didn't have any problems on either flight. I would call airline ahead of time. I felt I needed more room and I wanted to be on the end seat.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[Rballman]

Hi .. I am new to this forum...still feeling my way around... I'm very surprised that i haven't heard / read anything on "minimally invasive" knee replacement surgery anywhere on this forum , which I probably will have done fairly soon. Anyone out there have that type of procedure ?

 

[bottomshollow]

@rballer, Please start a thread of your own in the proper forum. Here is the link that gives you the instructions you need to do this: Starting a new thread and posting

By starting your own thread, you and your questions and concerns will receive the attention they deserve. I look forward to seeing your first post.

 

[Rballman]

Hi bottomshollo ...thanks for the info ...however , i cant seem to get to the 1st screen where the Post New Thread tab is ...not seeing it !!! argh !!

 

[taylornewknees]

Hi @rballer - There are articles referencing minimally invasive surgery under Knee Replacement header, articles, then down the list to 'knee replacement and alternatives'

 

[taylornewknees]

Four months out!! (18 weeks today) Most of the pain is gone - Thank God! I just have a funny feeling, hard to describe. Guess it is the artificial parts working with the native parts. Anyway, we are working together and doing great! Can't wait to trade the snow and ice for some sun and sand - two more weeks!