Hi and welcome to Bonesmart!
I had my BTKR a year ago today. Congratulations on making a wise decision - one and DONE. I am a little curious as to why your OS is going to general anesthesia - around here (Lincoln NE) the usual thing is to have an epidural and Versed, though I did have general (long story).
Bruising is odd. My biggest bruise was on my ankle; maybe it knocked against something during the surgery? My sis had a big bruise on her thigh from the tourniquet…just see what you see when you wake up. My whole leg was definitely swollen a bit, the knees especially, but nothing alarming or unexpected.
Like everyone else - I was done with the walker at around a month, tops - went from walker to cane, never used crutches. I had a nice little bag on the walker so I could carry my hot tea (in a to-go cup), some crackers, a book, my meds, etc. Other household items I needed were a shower bench & hand-held shower and a "leash" to lift my legs up onto the bed (we have a very high bed), since leg-lifting just isn't an option in the first weeks after surgery. I didn't use a toilet booster, but most people do. I borrowed a kitchen stool so if I were, say, heating hot water or chopping an onion, I could sit if I wanted to.
The next year will seem very long at times. I remember lying in the hospital bed & wishing I could jump forward in time to when all the PT and icing were over…and here I am. Good luck!
j
United States
