TKR Days of Recovery (TKR 1/4)

[sistersinhim]

It was in and out as my Fitbit recorded. Still I was in bed!

Oh, what does that Fitbit know? Mine lies to me all the time about the number of steps I take! Being able to stay in bed that long is a huge step in the right direction!

 

[LD of Michigan]

Right-O! I try not to get enslaved to it (my fitbit)-- that'd just be another stressor we don't need.

 

[EalingGran]

I got depressed just reading about it!

Agree. Can't remember when I last slept 7 hours through......... Probably getting on for 15 years!
Also cold and wet again here. We had a lovely spell a week or two back but weather has gone backwards.

 

[LD of Michigan]

Well I only slept 3 hours last night so the 'good times' are over.

Still working from home so at least no need to power-out-of-the-bed too fast and make up my face!

 

[sistersinhim]

This up-and-down sleep can be a real pain. It's a good thing you are able to work from home and set your own schedule. If you need a nap, go for it!

 

[beachy]

I bet (hope) you'll sleep well tonite!

 

[LD of Michigan]

My TKR surgeons nurse called back assuring me that my TKR is ok despite my recent COVID pos. result.

I'm not having any symptoms at this point. My knee is getting back strong from spending extra time in bed.

I'm glad I called just in case... ...

 

[sistersinhim]

That's good news, both that the Covid isn't adding a knee worry and that your knee has benefitted from your rest!

 

[beachy]

Good news LD! Your knee was tired and is benefiting from rest. Are you feeling better from the Covid yet?

 

[LD of Michigan]

A few shots of new TKR. The lighter one was 2019 RTKR. See extra top scars from the Robotic mount placement area.

 

[LD of Michigan]

I scar pretty dark, but the first one lightened up a bit. New incision remains very dark, tender and raised for now.
My second TKR is about three-fourths of an inch shorter........

 

[LD of Michigan]

Hola! I am back to work......

Going well -- taking it slow as it remains odd how this knee bothers me differently than the other. Feels like I'm wearing a tight tunicate at night and during day sometimes (a circular tight binding feeling).

Worse on Mondays when I get most active after not as much on weekends.

But walking good overall. Starting to use the cane less at work, but when needed, I don't hesitate.

Going up steps, step over step is getting better some days.

 

[Layla]

Hi there,
Congrats on getting back to work. Sounds like you're making great progress, LD.
Happy Three Month Anniversary to you! I hope you have a wonderful week!
@LD of Michigan

 

[LD of Michigan]

Thanks! Sleeping better. Walking more at work no cane - but doggone, over-did-it Thursday.

Too much walking, and standing. Paid for it Friday. Had to use one of those scooters at the big grocery store.

Leg just got a bit week - mostly pain was upper main thigh muscle . Indeed not just the new knee takes time to heal! I did not swell thankfully. Resting sure feels good.

 

[beachy]

I still avoid big stores.
And today I definitely over did it. A super busy day ahead so I've been up since 6 knocking out chores. By 9:30 I can barely walk. In the recliner with ice, tylenol til I can go again.
We all feel good then push it and get reminded that its still early in recovery.
My knee did swell this morning. A lot

 

[sistersinhim]

It is truly being a PIA today and says, "No more!".

 

[Layla]

Happy Four Month Anniversary!
Happy Spring 2023 too. I hope you're doing well!
@LD of Michigan

 

[LD of Michigan]

Hello I've been away working long hours, including Saturday's online obligations. Whew!

Saturday job ended and the M-F job more manageable. My time away for my medical put me both behind and a little sluggish. Then the work increased (much of it using computers) often leaving me very tired evenings.

18 weeks in for the first time a few times this week I completely forgot about my knee surgery for long stretches thru the day fully pain free. Gone are the 'zingers' and less of the strange left-side shift shooting pains. Nights are still a bit stiff in bed and Mondays are a bit rough to get back into the work activity mode.

Going down steps still hurts somewhat but step over step is ok, holding rail. Going up better....

I keep my cane in car and usually walking into my job with it in the am but don't use it much after that. The exhaustion factor is remains real after working all week. I feel that is yet part of the recovery.

Wore sandals w/o a back-strap - PAID for that! Knee sure hurt that night! Back-strap keeps sandal secure.

This weekend I may try to go cycling just a tini-tiny bit on rentals available. Just in a parking lot near the rentals that are empty on the weekends. One day at a time. For sure not marathoning.
Thank you everyone -- helping me along this second TKR journey !

 

[EalingGran]

Wore sandals w/o a back-strap - PAID for that! Knee sure hurt that night! Back-strap keeps sandal secure.

Would worry about falls risk as well without a strap to keep foot secured.
I am going to take a ruthless look at my shoe collection in a couple more months and try to Marie Kondo those high heels/ strapless shoes- that I will probably never wear again, however good things get.

 

[LD of Michigan]

Right-O - EG. I did an inventory and some of my shoes went bye-bye. Must trusty Clarks are still great as work shoes with a bit of style/ flair yet plenty of rubber sole-wise.

My no-back sandals were not even high. Just two incher, step-in style, but worn 'all day' my knee noticed the extra worl foot had do to stay into them. Strap-backed more stable. I did wear a pair of pumps to a graduation - that was ok. Entered auditorium with a cane as it was dark. Not taking changes.

Knee still a bit stiff in bed. Like if I lay down too long those early 'bound' wrap-tight feelings start back. That's ok. Usually means it's time to get up and get the joint moving!