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TKR GKnee's Recovery Thread

Thank you for your great post, analysta. I have certainly cut down on my oxycodone, but it's still required at times. I did not think of it impacting my motivation if I didn't take it for a couple of days. The problem with being on FMLA is that I'm not allowed to even be at my school nor can I speak with colleagues about work. Apparently this is part of the law, but I can see that if I could gradually go there it would help. This has been my profession for forty years, speech-language pathologist. You have given outstanding information I will remember when the anxiety gets to me. Thank you...Jeannie
 
I just have to thank all of you for being here as I have been on FMLA from my position as a speech-language pathologist in the schools. I am returning to work on Tuesday and you've all been supportive as I continue my recovery. I will be working a four day week with Monday's off as I have been working for forty years. My OS sent a list of accommodations the schools must provide and assured me that if I returned and found there are other ones I need to call and he will fax those. My team, as I've said before, has been supportive, professional, and encouraging which helps so much. I will still have PT on Mondays as I have three more sessions through insurance. I can then join their Wellness Program which gives me access to all equipment and therapists for a nominal monthly fee.

I am going to bring my walker as it is great for holding all of my bags I have for school and will give me stability as I will be all over the buildings. I will be checking in here as always, but my gratitude goes to all as well as my best wishes for continued healing.

GNee June 15, 2015 LTK
 
Sounds great. What kinds of accommodations did your OS specify, by the way? Just curious.

Have fun on Tuesday, and good luck.
 
I'm in a public school and at least I don't stand all day. He took me off of playground and lunchroom duty, I need another adult to help get children from my room on any drill, my standing has to be limited, I had a room outside the regular school in a portable at one school and he wants me in the school. I have two schools, each two days a week and the other school my room is in the main school. I have a handicap placard so that's covered. He noted he will reexamine December 10th and update. As I said before he wants me to call to let him know if there is anything else. I wanted a 504, but for some reason the district said if they can met those, I don't need it. I still see a 504 as needed.
 
Wishing you a smooth return to work. Sounds like you are well prepared.
 
I am so discouraged with the first day back at school. I'm exhausted and there are just no accommodations,that should be there. I hope tomorrow is better.
 
I've not been on too often as I returned to work September 29th. I'm in my 41st year as a speech-language pathologist and have 2 schools. Full days were too much and am on 1/2 days which are perfect. I sit in a hard
plastic chair and the stiffness in my knee has increased. I have joined the wellness program at the PT clinic where I have received treatment. This is helping as I have access to equipment. I am, however, discouraged again with the stiffness and stamina is not as I wished. My blood pressure has been low and is being followed by physician. I'm no longer on pain meds. I have a lot of anxiety as I've experienced post surgery. Any help would be appreciated.


GNee
LTKR JUNE 15, 2015
 
GNee said:
I am, however, discouraged again with the stiffness and stamina is not as I wished.
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I think it's understandable that your knee is stiff again, especially if you have to sit on a hard, plastic chair. Can you take a cushion, or something to make that chair more comfortable? Or see if you can find a better chair?
It really does take a full year before the knee is completely healed so, even though it's 4 months now since your surgery, your knee is still recovering.

Some of your body's energy is still going towards healing your knee, so there isn't as much left for general use. Your low blood pressure could be having an effect here, too.

Things are going to improve, as your knee heals and your body gets stronger. Hang in there! :friends:
 
Thank you, thank you for helping me and giving me hope. I'm being treated poorly by coworkers as I can only work half days and I've been a highly respected employee in the district for 38 years! It's amazing how people can treat one poorly when they have a temporary disability.

You have given me hope.
 
Things will improve.
It's very hard for anyone who hasn't had a knee replacement to understand how long recovery takes and how much energy it takes out of you. It's one of the longest surgical recoveries and people do recover faster from other surgery, so I guess it's easy to think this recovery should be faster, too.

Don't allow your co-workers to get you down. They might need your help one day and then they'll realise.
 
I think what's ironic is that I work in two elementary schools in the special education dept. I've always been the first to help someone and one day will be able to again. At age 64 I have learned many things as a result of this surgery. I believe I am a bit naïve when it comes to thinking people will step up to the plate, when they don't always do that. I live alone and I know that takes a toll on my energy as well since I do everything myself. I do have a lovely woman I hired to come in an hour a week to help with the heavier housework and she has become a friend. There are people like you who take the time to answer the question and give support which means so much.

GNee LTKR- June 15, 2015
 
GNee said:
I believe I am a bit naïve when it comes to thinking people will step up to the plate, when they don't always do that.
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I found during my recovery that I had to be a bit assertive when I needed help. I would ask them for help and also be quite specific about what I needed done, and why.

By the way, thank you for the appreciation. I had so much help from BoneSmart when I needed it and that's why I stick around now, to help others.
 
You are most welcome, but I'm indebted to you for the encouragement. I do ask for help and my students, small as they are (elementary school) are the best at holding doors, carrying materials, and always love to help. I believe it's more the attitude of the adults that gets to me. Lucky for me that my administrative supervisors are supportive and understanding. Thank you again and I have taken your advice and passed on my experience to newbies.

GNee LTKR JUNE 15, 2015
 
I'm trying to figure out how to get back to my thread to post, so please excuse this. I am 4 months post LTKR and my knee feels like it's getting stiffer. While the area isn't as wide, it is about 4 inches all around the knee, it fees more painful. Back at work for a month half days as a speech-language pathologist with old chairs that bother me. I still use the walker out of the house when carrying bags, etc. I'm frightened I may be developing scar tissue again.

GNee June 15, 2015 LTKR
 
You'll probably be fine after all the swelling goes down. Is there a place at work where you can occasionally ice & elevate? Can you bring a couple of frozen gel packs in a cooler? And are you taking anything for pain?

I went back to work full time four months after my first TKR, and it was a killer. In my line of work one hardly ever gets a chance to sit down, but on the rare occasion when I could, I'd throw my leg up on a desk and plop a ziplock bag of ice on the knee. Felt so good! My ROM suffered for a while, but I gained it all back and more.

You should be past the worst of it in a couple more months. Hang in there!
 
Thank you for writing. someone told me to use heat vs. ice so I haven't been icing for about 3 weeks and maybe that's the issue. Perhaps it's swelling again I hope using the walker isn't an issue that slows recovery, but it helps to carry all of my materials as an educator. Thank you for giving me hope as I'm frightened I might need manipulation. I so appreciate your response.

GNee June 15,2015 TKR
 
Hi @GNee! Ice is the best for your knee. Heat will cause increased swelling. Use whatever you need to get around. I also live alone and I'm going back to work Monday. I plan to use take out and frozen foods to make it easier on myself. We also have some local supermarkets that will do the shopping from a list you enter and bring it out to the car!
 
@Gknee it may be the heat that is causing your knee to swell and lose ROM. Try spending today icing and take some ice packs to school. I teach first grade and know how uncomfortable school seating can be, but try icing while you're working with students also. I managed to slide an ice pack between my knee and pants, or just place it over your pants or tights.
 
Thank you to KarriB and newlybionic for giving me hope and inspiration. I made my first back and forth drove to Denver from Colorado Springs which is 60 miles. Thank you all for the support.
 
Just want to say I totally understand the anxiety you feel. This recovery is much tougher than I anticipated it to be!! We are almost date twins (mine was June 23rd) and I have much of the same issues as you do. While I don't wish my aches/pains on anyone, it does make me feel less alone and somehow comforts me that I just MAY be normal in what I am feeling with my new knee. I hope knowing others are feeling like you do makes your day a little brighter!!
 
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