Day 5 -- Post-Op
Last night, very little sleep, pain medications made me nauseous and still waiting for that first grand BM! Had to skip breakfast and pain meds before the first OT this morning. Yesterday and today, OT helped me with a shower, getting dressed and ready for the day. After OT, PT was a bit difficult, but I worked through it, got some great stretches and bends and felt like I really made progress. The doctor watching over me in rehab (not my OS) was concerned about my IMR - he was very serious about me taking Levaquin and stopping Coumadin because he is worried about my risk of getting a blood clot. This morning was my first injection.
I've been asking for days about something to take to break through this constipation caused by all the drugs. Today, I finally received a couple of different laxatives and am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of something special!
My pain is very well controlled. I'm taking hydrocodone every six hours now and spoke with the doctor about perhaps transitioning to Tramadol before I leave rehab. She said that could definitely be done. If I can leave with no narcotics I will love that! I believe my level of pain prior to surgery was so great that the pain I'm having now is really manageable. I'm
not saying that I will be able to control the pain without the narcotics, but if I can, I will. Everyone's experience is just a little different. And, what everyone has told me is to do what works best for me.
Some of the best advice I was given prior to surgery was to work on upper body strength. And, I know it has helped me a lot. I should have practiced holding myself up when getting out of a chair and if someone has a walker, I would say that practicing holding your body while letting your lower half go a little limp would also be a good idea. But, even if you don't - you will still be fine. I think Janet2012 did a great job of conditioning prior to surgery and I know there are others who have done the same thing.
If anyone is having bilateral, I would recommend that you bring lots of long stretchy pants. I brought some shorter ones and have never used them. I like that my legs are covered during therapy and if I need to pull up the pant leg for measurements, it's easy. Plus, if you are too tired, you can just get in bed with those clothes on as you will shower and change in the morning. I would also recommend bringing a power strip and all your chargers - phone, tablet, laptop, etc. And ... a laundry bag to put all your used clothing in to keep them in one place and ready to throw in the laundry.
Part of the OT here is to cook (some folks made brownies today), do laundry (the laundry was full when I went to my 2nd PT today) In my rehab, there are so many different kinds of people. It's nice to see everyone and how hard they are working, no matter how young or old.
Monday, the nurses and doctors will get together and give their evaluations of me. I want to go home as soon as possible, but not before I'm ready to take care of myself. It's one thing to do well in rehab and a completely different thing to do well at home alone. I spoke to one of the RN's who will be discussing my case and explained to her that I would like to stay as long as possible to prepare me for going home. My youngest son has a new work and school schedule and will be away from home more than before. Since I won't have any help during the day, I know I will need to be at a certain level to take care of myself properly.
Since I'm still not getting proper sleep, I've asked for a sleep aid and should be getting Lunesta in a little while. Hope I finally get some of these
Sorry for repeating myself ..... you all are amazing!!! Without your advice, support and encouragement, I know for sure I would not be doing as well as I am. Thank you all!!! OOXX
United States
Aren't you happy! I sure am. These new knees are working beautifully. The little pain that I'm having is nothing compared to the pain I had before surgery. It is busy here, with the schedule, but it's all been very good. OT's and PT's have been so sweet. They push, not too hard, just enough. I am anxious to see how I'll be doing on Monday. Hope you are doing well!
![[Bonesmart.org] BTKR ~~ May 13, 2013 ~~ Post-Op](https://data.bonesmart.org/attachments/10/10072-f89aacd476d0f09778736b9d21b692c7.jpg?hash=-Jqs1HbQ8J "[Bonesmart.org] BTKR ~~ May 13, 2013 ~~ Post-Op")
I hope my posts will help someone out there. Surgery is scary, especially facing it alone. Since finding this forum, I don't feel so alone. I know there is someone checking in on me and thinking of me which means so much! Pain management, bowel movements and sleep are extremely important as you say. These will all help us heal faster and that's what we want! I can't wait until I report that I'm not feeling ucky anymore and have more energy. I did receive a Lunesta last night and finally got some decent sleep. 
I'm asking for another tonight. Thanks for checking in on me!
