I am really enjoying this group, and have learned a lot. But one thing stands out to me. My surgical experience seems different. simplier, than most. X-Ray, no mri. OS never discussed the type of TKR, I did not know there were choices He did ask me my goals. Pre-op, I washed 3 days with special scrub soap. Surgery was epidural and nerve block, with IV drugs to sedate me and make me sleep. Early in surgery, it was obvious my sleep apnea was an issue, so they woke me for the rest of the surgery it was their first choice, intubation was next :(. Boy, was it noisy! hammers, saws, etc. I felt nothing, they could as well been working on someone else! I heard the staple gun, and the anesthesiologist told me they were closing the wound. I was wheeled into recovery where I was to stay until I could push and pull with both feet. Odd, not being able to move them, but had a nice conversation with the nurse until I could.
I was then wheeled to my room. OT came shortly afterward, and had me walk with a walker. She was surprised my leg folded to past 90 degrees when i sat on the edge of the bed.
My only meds were percocet for pain, and aspirin for clots. no leg machines, no anticoagulant shots, etc.
I used a walker 1.5 days in the hospital, arm crutches 3 days, and a cane one day. Off percocet in 5 days (long story), changed to tylenol. I was driving to work 14 days out. Doing great!
Then I started PT. :(
United States
