Bunch Of General Questions

[MAMAYAMA]

Can I get some answers on questions that will help me and probably many other people.
1. When did you have your surgery?
2. When did you return to work?
3. How long did you take pain meds?
4. How long were you swollen and sore?
5. How long did you go to PT?
6. When did you reach 120?
7. When were you able to sleep through the night?
8. How long were you in the hospital?
9. Did you go into a convalescent home before returning home?
10. How old are you?
11. When did you finally feel normal again?

1. July 11, 2008

2. At five weeks and it was too soon. Once at work I was doing too much. I was up and down from my desk and walking too much. I got home exhausted and sore. I also was not doing my PT exercises as often as I was while at home. I could not do them in the morning because I needed to get to work.

3. I am still taking Vicodin. One when I get up, one between 2-3, and since being back to work two at night.

4. I am still very swollen and sore.

5. I had in-house PT for three weeks, and then began out-patient. I was given three times a week for four weeks, but my OS just put in another order to extend it because I still have about 10 degrees to go before he is happy.

6. I haven't yet and am frustrated. I'm at about 110.

7. I started sleeping through the night at about 5 weeks post-op, but that was taking Vicodin and Tylenol PM. I don't know if that was a good thing to be doing, but it worked for me.

8. I was in the hospital for four days.

9. My OS sent me to a convalescent home for nine days. I hated it. It was very depressing, the food was inedible. The bed was uncomfortable. But the good thing was I received PT every day and it put me way ahead.

10. I am 56 and glad I did not wait any longer. After my surgeon actually got inside, he even said I could have had my surgery earlier.

11. I'm anxiously waiting for the day when I feel normal and am not reminded constantly that I'm still on the mend.

 

[Rowdy66]

1. Surgery, May 13, 2008

2. I am retired, thank GOD!

3. I am on pain meds permanently and have been for a number of years for other problems. I take 160 mg oxycontin three times a day and 10 mg immediate release oxycodone four times a day 2 arthritis strenght Tylenol three times a day and four Soma a day. I know WOW, but I went through a pain clinic and that is what they out me on maintainance and it gave me my life back, without it I am pretty much bedridden.

4. I had very little swelling and none to speak of after four weeks soreness was gone soon after that.

5. I went to PT a total of three times. Once a week for three weeks after I was released from the hospital.

6. I reached 125 the third week, probably more the table they had me sitting on kept them from getting an accurate reading they said.

7. Ah, sleeping through the night, does anyone ever do that? I am sleeping much better but I doubt I will ever just sleep through the night. If I am going to have pain in my knees that is when it will happen, but I have other problems that contribute to my bad nights.

8. I was in hospital 6 days, would have gone home after three but I needed a transfusion and had a reaction to the first one so I got to stay three extra days until they could give me two units of blood.

9. I came home from the hospital, I was supposed to go to convalescent hospital for a week but things went so well I didn't need to go.

10. I am 66, 67 in 13 days, Had no problems with my left knee until two years ago and the right one only a year later. When I finally had the surgery it took over five hours and my OS said my knees were the worst he had ever operated on. I had a fractured tibia as well that had to be repaired.

11. My life has pretty much beed better than I could have hoped for several weeks now. Each week I see some improvement but have been able to take care of my house and the things I consider important for well over a month. I have one real regret and that is that I didn't keep a journal of how I felt each day. I still have days that are not as good as others but like I have said too many times probably it more from other problems than my knees. Like the last two days I have had terrible sciatic pain in right hip and down right leg. I think it is from my little dog sleeping on my leg the other night, but who knows. I tend to go at life like I am killing snakes so no telling what I did.

Hope this helps others. I know the surgery gave me my life back and I thank God I live in an age when such things are possible. Rowdy

 

[MAMAYAMA]

WOW! Rowdy you are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. It is amazing how each of us have a different story to tell.

Have a wonderful Birthday.

Thanks
Susan

 

[verno]

1. August 5th left knee
2. went in on a Tuesday, went back to work following Monday.
3. Tossed them on the 10th day along with my crutch.
4. Have a little swelling but not much. I have a game ready recovery system and iced all the time.
5. I go to PT 4 days a week. Hockey starts next week and plan on getting on the ice as soon as possible. I will continue to do PT at least through the end of the year. Probably down to twice a week after week 7. Riding across the USA in June of next year with my 18yr old and 16yr old, need to be ready.
6.With applied pressure I'm there, i will not be happy unless im 135.
7. I sleep well but not sure I've slept through the night in a long time.
8. In the hospital 3 days too long. Tried to beg my way out at 2 but OS made me stay one more.
9. I had been preparing for this surgery a long time. My home was set up for complete success. I was going to pt before surgery. I worked out every day for strength in my leg. when I got home it was go time. Ive been waiting to get better for the last 7 years, wasnt going to waste a minute.
10. 44 in June. Two major footall injuries and 4 surgeries later= new knee when you in your fourties.
11. Dont know yet but going on my first real bike ride today. Been on the stationary every day. Today is going to feel pretty normal. By the time of my surgery pain under the knee cap was so bad i could hardly ride a bike. So if all goes well I will have a 5 mile ride in before my Washington State Cougs play at 12:30 today. Then its ice and pain management by BUD. GO COUGS!

 

[ship4]

I had BTKR and I am currently 10 weeks post op.

1. When did you have your surgery? June 18, 2008
2. When did you return to work? June 30,2008 (12 days post op with the help of a parent client for my Family Child Care business. I had 9 children in care this summer: 1, 1, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 9 years of age. I have been on my own for the last 2 weeks.
3. How long did you take pain meds? I am still taking my pain medication in the AM and PM (2 mg delaudid, 75 mg visteral, and Celebrex) and supplementing with 2 Arthritis Strength Tylenol in the afternoon and the middle of the night if necessary.
4. How long were you swollen and sore? My knees still swell at the end of the day, as I am on my feet a lot chasing after children for 9 hours daily. I ice nightly, and occasionally in the afternoon.
5. How long did you go to PT? I had 10 home visits for PT over a period of 6 weeks.
6. When did you reach 120? About my fourth week.
7. When were you able to sleep through the night? I was not sleeping thru the night pre-op and am still not sleeping thru the night post op.
8. How long were you in the hospital? I was in for 2.5 days.
9. Did you go into a convalescent home before returning home? I went to a rehabilitation hospital for 6 days and came home walking with one crutch outside & no crutches in the house.
10. How old are you? 58
11. When did you finally feel normal again? I do not feel normal as yet. I am looking forward to the day!
I exercise my knees daily with walking, riding the stationary bike, doing ball exercises with the Brazilian futebol, and using the Total Gym.
Best,
Crystal

 

[hess]

Okay, I'll try to answer as well as I possibly can remember!

1. I had my surgery on June 9. I had LTKR, and am hoping to hold the right off for as long as I can!

2. I do not work out of the house. I have 3 young sons, my husband and I own 32 apartments, and my husband has his own construction company. Needless to say, I spend a lot of time taxiing and working on the computer.

3. Actually, I still take a vicodin at night before bed. I get really sore by that time, I think mainly because I am CONSTANTLY running to soccer, swimming, boyscouts, or whatever!! During the day, I take 1 aleve in the morning, and another later in the evening.

4. Believe it or not, I still get swollen and sore, and I don't think that will go away for quite a while. It is a good sore, though, like surgical soreness, not the old arthritic kind, so I am much more willing to deal with it!

5. I had inpatient PT for 3 weeks, then I went to outpatient for another 3 weeks. At that time, we thought I was finished. I worked on my own for 2 weeks, and have since ended up back at outpatient for another 3 weeks. I've just finished my first week. It is grueling, but I know that good will come of it. I want a good bend, I want to straighten all of the way, and I want to look normal when I walk.

6. I made it to 120 quickly, like the 3rd week after surgery, but I lost it, and now am finally back to 119! I'm happy with this, but know I can do better!

7. Sleeping through the night---that was a real problem for me. Like I said, I have 3 young sons, so it was almost like once I finally got comfortable, someone was having nightmares about spiders, or something!! My husband has been a REAL trooper, and he helps with this as much as he possibly can.

8. I was only in the hospital for 3 days, which was plenty for me!

9. I did not go to a convalescent care facility, but sometimes wish I had. With the craziness around here, I think I may have gotten more rest, and maybe more meaningful PT.

10. I am 39 years old, and will be 40 in October.

11. Normal---I'm still waiting for that day! But I get closer everyday. For example, I have been riding my recumbant bike since week 2, not fully around, though! Today, I actually got onto my real bike and rode down the driveway! My husband and I are going to buy me a new bike this afternoon, and tomorrow we'll tackle the trails with my kids! I'm really excited about that!!!

That's what I know, and I'm sticking to it!! I'm happy that I did it, I get overly anxious too often, but it will come in time!! I try to remind myself patience, patience, patience!!!!!

Hope this helps,
Hess

 

[Josephine]

Gosh - I'll have to come back and read all this later! What a terrific idea, Mama!

 

[NJW]

1. June 9, 2008 I had BTKR

2. Semi retired. Have not returned to part time job yet. Law enforcement with uniform, gun, etc. Was ready to return last week but my husband had back surgery (Laminectomy) on August 25th so now I'm playing nurse. Hope to start back in 2 weeks. I am so ready! Rather hang out with felons than listen to my husband wine!

3. Quit prescription meds around week 7. Take Advil now when needed.

4. Still have swelling off and on. OS said it would last upwards of a year. Just minor soreness and stiffness.

5. Total about 5 weeks. Combination of in patient and out.

6. I reached 120 around week 5, in both knees.

7. Did not begin sleeping through the night until about week 8.

8. I did 3 nights in the hospital where I had the surgery.

9. On day 4 I was moved to a major hospital that had an Inpatient PT/OT wing. I stayed an additional 7 nights there. Great place. OT twice a day; PT twice a day. Great staff, private room, great food, wireless internet, Starbucks one floor down! What else could I ask for. Really didn't want to go home!

10. I am 55 years young!

11. I really felt normal around 9 weeks. Began walking 1/2 mile every morning.

 

[Linda2]

I bet we'll keep this thread going for awhile. Great idea! I'm not far enough along yet to have the answers to many of the questions, but you can bet I'll add to the info bank when I do.

 

[MAMAYAMA]

Thanks Linda - There were probably more general questions but I though 11 was enough. Those were the ones that I really felt I need comparisons. When was your surgery?

I thought all the surprises were behind me and today I was in Urgent Care with an infection in my incision. Now I have an oral and topical antibiotic. Hopefully this will do the trick and the infection will not spread.

Call on us whenever you need support or answers. BoneSmart has been by bestfriend since the beginning of July.

Susan

 

[MAMAYAMA]

Hi Hess - Thanks for taking the time to answer all those questions. I'm also an October Birthday, 10/26.

You are really young to have gone through this ordeal. I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees at about 30. I first had orthoscopic on my left knee, fours years ago, which was very successful. March 2007 we did the right knee and it didn't help at all. I tried the shot therapy, and then a brace, but finally told my OS it was time for the TKR. I have lost 19 pounds and plan on 50 more. This knee is going to last me for the rest of my life, and I don't want to lose the left one.

You sure have your hands full with a young family. I don't know how you've done it. My family are all old enough that I could call on them to be my servants.

Take Care
Susan

 

[Linda2]

My surgery was July 28th--almost five weeks now.

 

[misscheer]

1. When did you have your surgery?June 23rd

2. When did you return to work?July 7th

3. How long did you take pain meds?still taking them one percocet in am and 1 at night if needed.
4. How long were you swollen and sore? probably 4 weeks
5. How long did you go to PT?only had 6 at home sessions
6. When did you reach 120?3rd week

7. When were you able to sleep through the night? 5th week

8. How long were you in the hospital? 3 days
9. Did you go into a convalescent home before returning home? no
10. How old are you? 51
11. When did you finally feel normal again? 7 weeks

 

[MAMAYAMA]

WOW! It is amazing how we all heal and progress at different stages. I thought I was coming along so well, but now at 7 weeks I am getting frustrated. My right knee is still 1.5 inches bigger than my left knee. I also still have quite a bit of discomfort, and now this infections in my incision. But I know this will all pass.

Susan

 

[Rowdy66]

Susan you are still early on I think and you have already returned to work which I would think slows the healing some. I believe it takes all our energy devored to just healing to get quicker results but then I see people like Ship who return to work early and really push their bodies and still progress really fast and I realize that my theories are bunk. I think it is going to be what it is going to be, we just have to do our best and let the healing take place at its own pace. By the way, how is the infection today? Better I hope. Keep you in my prayers. Rowdy

 

[MAMAYAMA]

Hi Rowdy,

Unfortunately, the infection looks a bit more spread today, but I just started the antibiotics yesterday. I can't wear clothes that will rub against it, and I can't do one of my exercises, which has me on my stomach bending my knees. If it is no better Tuesday I won't go to work and I'll see my OS. Other than this infection I'm really pleased at how well I've progressed. I thought it was going to be much worse than what I have gone through. I was naieve though and thought that I'd be back to normal by now. That's where BoneSmart has been such a God Send, you get to talk to other people going through the same daily challenges.

Thanks for your concern.
Susan

 

[ship4]

Susan you are still early on I think and you have already returned to work which I would think slows the healing some. I believe it takes all our energy devored to just healing to get quicker results but then I see people like Ship who return to work early and really push their bodies and still progress really fast and I realize that my theories are bunk. I think it is going to be what it is going to be, we just have to do our best and let the healing take place at its own pace. By the way, how is the infection today? Better I hope. Keep you in my prayers. Rowdy

Rowdy,
Everyone truly does recover at their own pace. I do believe knowing what a serious operation and exactly what to expect is huge in recovery. I have a friend who had BTKR 6 weeks ago and is having a terrible time with recovery. All of her preparation for the surgery was non-weight bearing exercise. She has had a terrible time bearing weight on her knees.
I actually returned to work full time alone, two weeks ago, at the 8 week mark post op. I was fortunate prior to surgery to have full range of motion with both knees. This I believe helped very much with my recovery. I also knew exactly what to expect with my surgery. I understand that lots of people just do not care to know what is going to happen to their body and how it will feel. I took anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and physiology of exercise while in college, so I am very interested in what happens to my body and how I can have a quick solid recovery. I also have to say I believe my magnetic therapy has been a huge help in my recovering so very well. I have also been made aware recently that over the last 12 years I compensated for my left knee by standing with more weight on my right knee. Thus, the reason my right knee went bad. I found that my right shoulder is higher in a comfortable position than my left shoulder. (I stood on a chiropracter scale that measured the weight % on each side of the body. It was a very interesting discovery! So, now I am concentrating on keeping my weight evenly distributed and my stride length normal and equal on both sides of my body when I walk. Have you guys thought about this? Just wondering.

I also know I will not feel like my old self for months from now. I am looking forward to the time when I don't remember I have new knees. I have always gotten into bed using my knees! I did it the other night and got a quick reminder not to kneel as yet. I hope to eventually be able to get back into my old habit of getting into bed that way.

Susan, take care of yourself with that infection. The last thing you want to do is allow it to get out of hand. When I was in rehab, I had a fever of 102 and my left knee started to swell more than normal and was extremely hot and red. I was put on a 10 day dose of Keflex. It took care of the issue for me just fine.
Get well soon regarding that infection!
Best,
Crystal

 

[Gretchendz]

Can I get some answers on questions that will help me and probably many other people.
1. When did you have your surgery? April 23
2. When did you return to work? July 23. I have a job that requires lots of travel.
3. How long did you take pain meds? Still take Advil; tapered off vicodin around 8-10 weeks
4. How long were you swollen and sore? Swelling only lasted 6 weeks--although I can still swell if I overdo it. Still gets stiff and sore after PT
5. How long did you go to PT? Still going. I am the slowest ever but I am still making progress.
6. When did you reach 120? Yesterday
7. When were you able to sleep through the night?After about 8 weeks
8. How long were you in the hospital?3 nights
9. Did you go into a convalescent home before returning home?no
10. How old are you?56
11. When did you finally feel normal again?Still not feeling totally normal--still gets stiff and the other knee needs to be done

 

[JackieS]

Can I get some answers on questions that will help me and probably many other people.
1. When did you have your surgery? May 14, 2008 LTKR
2. When did you return to work? Not there yet -- a few complications, very knee-stressing job with no light duty available, good short term disability plan, and a doctor who wants me to be 100%. In the beginning, my job granted me a leave until September 30. Who am I to argue?
3. How long did you take pain meds? I only took about 4 or 5 Vicodin per week since about June 15th or so. I've been totally out for a few weeks now. Extra strength Tylenol is filling the bill okay.
4. How long were you swollen and sore? I had bad swelling for about 7 or 8 weeks. It's still a bit swollen but not that uncomfortable tight swelling.
5. How long did you go to PT? My health insurance only covered 20 visits with $20 co-pay each visit. My PT is great -- for $45 a month, I'm going anytime I want to use the equipment there. I really have to build up my strength in the leg.
6. When did you reach 120? Yikes, I can't remember the exact date, but it was probably a good 9 or 10 weeks. Due to complications (DVT and Baker's Cyst), I started out slow. I only had 60 degrees leaving the hospital and stalled at 75 for a few weeks. Now I have 126 without any force at all.
7. When were you able to sleep through the night? My sleeping is still a bit funky but it might be due to the DVT treatment. I have to have my blood drawn weekly to test the INR (clotting) time. Then they jockey my dosage of rat poison ... er, Coumadin on the results. I find the weeks my levels are off, so are my sleeping patterns.
8. How long were you in the hospital? Seven days due to DVT.
9. Did you go into a convalescent home before returning home? I was supposed to as I live alone. I became fiercely independent in my last two days of my hospital stay and my doctor allowed me to return home with visiting nurse and visiting PT care for two weeks before I had to go out for PT.
10. How old are you? 52
11. When did you finally feel normal again? At times I forget about my new knee ... and then I almost fall. I have to strengthen those muscles! But even when it hurts now, it's not that horrible around the clock pain I had pre-surgery! It's been so long since that knee felt "normal" that this IS very normal-ish.