BossK's recovery thread

[Celle]

The bruising will fade.
I had a glorious technicolour knee, too. The bruising gradually went down hill, gravity having its usual effect, then faded over about 3 weeks.

 

[BossK]

Good morning! @Celle the nurse said something I thought was completely contradictory yesterday which was the swelling in the back means I'm not elevating enough, and not getting enough movement. Seeing as I can't do both at once, what did that mean?


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[Jennszoo]

I can take my bandage off today, day 10, but I'm scared to see what's underneath there. I think I'll wait til my f/u on Monday.

 

[BossK]

It's a little gross. Mine was removed yesterday and holy cow, was it stuck on there! I was gritting my teeth the whole time she was pulling! I was worried she pulled the scar apart! Two tiny spots had split the glue, but I knew that had happened as I had jerked my foot out of the way of something falling the third day.


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[Celle]

Good morning! @Celle the nurse said something I thought was completely contradictory yesterday which was the swelling in the back means I'm not elevating enough, and not getting enough movement. Seeing as I can't do both at once, what did that mean?

I don't think you need to pay any attention to what she said. The back of your knee is bound to be swollen, just like the front, because it is part of your whole knee. When you're elevating, the back of your knee is lower than the front, so gravity makes some of the swelling from the front go "downhill", to the back of your knee.
That's why we suggest that you ice the back of your knee, as well as the front.

When you're elevating, you don't have to keep your leg completely still. You can move it around a bit, adjust its position, give it a little bend if you can.

Don't be tempted into overdoing the exercise because of what the nurse said. At this stage, just walking around the house is enough exercise for your new knee.

 

[BossK]

Thanks, @Celle I've been icing all sides of the knee. The tightness in my entire hamstring is unusual, but I'm sure normal?


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[Celle]

Yes, all normal.

 

[BossK]

Post surgery blues have hit HARD. Same thing happened when I had my daughter, but I don't recall feeing this badly with the last knee. It was more frustrating than depressing. And I know it's the meds. Since my pain is manageable, what drugs are the worst offenders that I can start phasing out?


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[Celle]

I'm sorry you've got the blues.
It's not just the drugs, so keep using them if you need them. I think it's the cumulative effect of two major surgeries, only 5 months apart. Your first knee is still healing, and you've basically been in recovery for 6 months or so.

Hang in there, because it will get better.

 

[newlybionic]

You have been dealing with all 'knees' since November. They both are still recovering and your body has expended a great deal of energy healing itself. I found sometimes just getting some fresh air and sun very helpful when I feel down. Right now I can only go trough my garage to get some fresh air. I let my dogs out and watch them run around. I only have stamina for a few minutes but it helps.

 

[BossK]

Thank you, @Celle and @newlybionic. You both reminded me that I was only just feeling better from the first when I had the second done. I feel so sick, so shaky, headachy, and the tears won't stop. I feel polluted. I will go outside in a bit and at least sit on my front porch. It's cold.


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[newlybionic]

I hope you start to feel better. Maybe you can plan something special to do in a few weeks. Maybe a quick lunch or coffee with a friend.

 

[BossK]

That's a good idea. My MIL is taking me out next Tuesday. A friend is coming over tonight but I don't really want her to come. I guess I need to "fake it 'til I make it". I feel as lousy as I did coming out of the anesthesia!


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[sistersinhim]

Maybe taking a nice nap will help your blues. Your body is exhausted and needs sleep. Being tired and sleepy affects the emotions, too. Just think, though, you are done with knee surgery! Many of us still have another one to go. Everything for you will be getting better as time goes on!

 

[BossK]

Thanks you for the votes of confidence. Truly blessed I found this site as clearly other people don't understand what this is all about. I tried napping today, but this "friend" had upset me so badly last night that I couldn't sleep, nor nap today. Then after all this rigamarow about coming to see me today so we could talk was for nothing as she flaked out on me anyway! <venting>



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[sistersinhim]

Diarrhea of the brain! That's what that friend caused you to have! And now you have stewed all day about it. Tell this 'friend' that you don't feel up to company, to try later about a month from now! That will give you both time, plus your body and knee to heal more before confronting an uncomfortable situation.

 

[BossK]

An outstanding plan, I agree. Clearly I have Diarrhea of the Brain thanks to her. I think I accidentally took my oxycodone too close together today and that was just messing with me further.


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[Celle]

Have a good cry @BossK . Don't try to be brave and hold it all in. Tears can be healing.
Hugs from me.

 

[BossK]

Have a good cry @BossK . Don't try to be brave and hold it all in. Tears can be healing.
Hugs from me.

Oh, boy, I did that all night and all day today! It was like someone turned on the faucet and it wouldn't stop! I rarely get that way but I think I had so much pent up that it wasn't going to get relieved any other way. Hugs back at you, sweet one. Tomorrow will be a better day.


Boss K
LTKR November 4, 2016
RTKR April 17, 2017

 

[KarriB]

I'm sorry yesterday was a rough one. I think the stress of not being in my classroom and worrying about my students coupled with recovery had me on edge often during recovery, so that could certainly be adding to your emotions. The guilt I felt as a teacher experience was overwhelming.