Revision TKR Finally have a date! Liner exchange, here we come!

[bmxmama2]

Hi, everyone! It is official! Liner exchange June 4, 2023.

I am so excited, yet so nervous, to finally have this taken care of. I apologize in advance for so many questions.

I've searched here and Google, but there doesn't seem to be much out there about what to expect after a liner exchange in terms of recovery. I guess I'm just looking for real experiences and not the doctor's sugar-coated version. LOL

My doctor told me that it will be done outpatient at a surgical center. This is really weird to me, but I do like this option much better than when I had the first TKR. Has anyone else had this procedure as an outpatient?

Is the recovery as difficult as the original TKR? For example, length of time I'd be out of commission, unable to walk without an aid, pain comparison to original TKR, that sort of thing.

I'm trying to gauge my recovery time and when I will be able to go back to work on August 4th. I teach 8th grade on a decent sized campus. My principal will give me an accommodation to sit as needed, but I'm more concerned about the exhaustion and pain. I won't be able to take stronger pain medications while I'm at school. I made the HUGE mistake of going back two weeks after my first TKR, and I cannot go through that experience again.

I'd love to know your thoughts, suggestions, tips and tricks, etc. Thank you in advance!

 

[Layla]

Hello @bmxmama2
Great news on scheduling a date! Experiencing anxiety is normal as I'm sure you understand through experiencing surgery before. Your best bet for gathering some information will be to type key words into the SEARCH at the top right of the page and any threads where the procedure was mentioned will pop up. I do believe my colleague @lovetocookandsew experienced this procedure and I've tagged her for you to see what she may have to offer.

As far as your return to work at two months post op, we normally recommend twelve weeks off with a phased return, but unfortunately that is not a possibility for everyone. You may very well be dealing with some Energy Drain and become fatigued easily. Also, I've often heard of teachers returning too soon and realizing their concentration is impaired. As for physical pain, consider a small cooler you can store behind a desk with several frozen gel packs in it that you can apply with no one the wiser. As you know, ICE is a great pain reliever.

I am sure some others will stop by sharing experiences, advice and well wishes. I wish you all the best and lots of comfort as you await June 4th. Not too long now!

I will leave a few articles as a refresher -
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Phased return to work

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[Jaycey]

@bmxmama2 I think you already have a very good picture of what this recovery will be like based on your first TKR recovery. Nothing is going to change really. Unfortunately recovery from a revision is the same as recovery from an original TKR. I would base your return to work estimate on how you coped previously.

You said you returned to work at two weeks out yikes. Obviously that didn't work. When did you start feeling that you able to cope with working full time?

 

[lovetocookandsew]

Good to hear you've got a date for the surgery. While I honestly don't remember the exact details of my similar surgery as it was back in 2016, I can't say 2 months to go back to teaching is the best idea. Can it be done? Maybe, but if you can push it to a phased return after 12 weeks, I think you'll find it an easier time frame. If possible, plan on 12 weeks; if you're fully ready earlier, then you can always go back earlier than planned. But, if you're not ready at 2 months, but your leave was only planned for the 2 months, you may find yourself in a pickle. Good luck!