experiences with recovery +BTKR

Status
Not open for further replies.

Appy

junior member
Joined
Nov 2, 2009
Messages
78
Location
Canada
Country
Canada Canada
Gender
Female
Hi
I know,I know, everyone progresses at different rates, and there are no absolutes
None the less I would like experience of others as to how long on a walker, crutches, etc, and if recovery is slowed down having both knees done at once
 
Re: experiences with recovery +BLKR

Walker used 98% of the time until 4 weeks, After the 4th week, nothing to aid walking, although I had bought a cane. Did not need it.

BTKR 8/09
 
Re: experiences with recovery +BLKR

Welcome! I do believe it depends upon how fit you are prior to the surgery for your muscle memory to return. I am 17 months post op from BTKR. I believe I had a wonderful recovery because I took the time to learn what to expect during the surgery (watched the video of an actual surgery), had worked on my upper body strength prior to surgery, was very aware of what bones would be cut & where, and had arranged for help within my home business so I could keep working post op.
I am a licensed family child care provider (for 6 preschool and 3 school age children) and had my BTKR on 6/18/08. I had GA and a femoral nerve block in each leg. I was in the hospital until the afternoon of 6/20 when I transferred to the rehabilitation hospital. I had PT, and OT each day. I was released after I could maneuver 13 stairs up and down, take care of my own bathing, and get around on my own with a walker and crutches. I was released on 6/26. I had 9 children return to my home on 6/30. I napped both in the AM and PM, slept in a recliner lined with a twin size feather bed in a sheet I had made to fit the recliner. I stayed on one level for most of the summer. I had PT at home 2-3 times a week for about 4 weeks. I had to skip a week due to my incisions splitting after the staples were removed.....
I was on crutches outside of the home about a month. I did not have a walker at home, did have a chair for the shower, did have a high rise toilet seat with handles. I am so very glad I had both knees done at the same time. One surgery, one recovery and I worked them evenly. I used the book Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation (check the book section on here) as it covers pre-op and post-op for an entire year. It also covers expectations.....
I returned to downhill (alpine) skiing on Feb 1, 2009. I plan to ski this winter as well. I have gotten my life back and rarely think about my knees during the day. I would do it again in a heart beat so that I could enjoy life.
I wish you well with your surgery!
 
Re: experiences with recovery +BLKR

I was walking unassisted at 3 weeks. I had 6 weeks of intensive PT and was able to return to work at 7 weeks. I was blessed to have no swelling and very little pain and I believe that allowed me to work harder at PT with no set backs. There are some who bounced back quicker and some later you never know how your body is going to react to such an invasive procedure. I had a friend that had a single TKR and was imobile for 4 weeks before he started PT and was 4 months before returning to work, I believe that is an extreme case but it can happen. At one year post op I hike, bike, walk, bowl, hunt as if nothing ever happened. Miracles do happen and I have been blessed!

I hope you have the same results!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

BoneSmart #1 Best Blog

Staff online

  • Layla
    Staff member since November 20, 2017

Members online

Back
Top Bottom