Had my TKR 1/4/08, 3 days ago

[Weezl]

I did it. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I thought of losing my knee and getting a fake one. Well, gotta say, it feels like my own knee. A big swollen version w/ a six ich scar that is stapled but doesn't look so bad. My own knee was terribly painfull and swollen right before I had it done and when he opened it he found a lot of blood and dried blood and iron deposits and inflamation. I wore away my bone to the spongy layer which is why it bled so much into the joint.
So my knee actually feels a lot like it did going in, big, swollen, and tight and stiff. I need a lot of percocet to deal with the discomfort except that now the discomfort is part of a healing effort that I am confident will result in a useable knee that won't be painfull. Maybe I will have some pain now and then but I don't expect it to be overall painfull.
We will see and I will let you know as you have shared with me and everyne else. I gave this site info to my hospital roomate. She went to a rehab facility, I went home to have PT three times a week. Weezl

 

[referee54]

You wil do fine. Follow through with the PT---don't worry about where you were yesterday---look ahead! You are on the road to recovery and wellness!

Tim C.

 

[Weezl]

Thanks Tim. You helped me with your prior posts; I was so nervous. I know you'll be fine. I just turned sixty coupled with needing this made it harder. I'm over that. Working out since I was 12 and doing Yoga since the same age I'm pretty in touch with moving correctly. I was up to 115 degrees on that machine that moves your leg for you. I cut back to 105 to progress more solidly and will move up from there. I also purchased a stationary bike. I tell you this because you said you are a coach. When I taught school I had a Yoga club after school and taught it there. My leg is also almost completely straight and has been through all of the prior injuries. Being in touch with your body really helps.......but I must say that the 65 yr old very overwright woman I shared a room with became competative with me and started working hard and improved tremendously in the 2 1/2 days after our surgeries.
This site really helps. It's necessary to know that sleeping is painfull for everyone to help you deal with it. Hang in there! Weezl

 

[Bev55]

Great to hear you've made it through the op Weezl. Just know that the next four weeks or so is bound to have lots of ups and downs. As hard as it may be, try to stay focused on the positive mind set. Make sure you keep up the exercising - even through the pain. I'm sure that this has helped reduced the amount of swelling I've gone through. Get lots of sleep and rest. It's amazing how much the op takes out of you. Look forward to hearing on your progress.

 

[JuneBug88]

Hi,

I am glad to hear that you are doing well and on your road to a better quality of life. Listen to your PT and remember dont let the pain get ahead of your self.

Take Care!
Debbi

 

[Josephine]

Well done Weezl! You will be so much better now you have had it done. The only way now is UP!!

 

[referee54]

Hey Weezl--just remember, you will have, during the course of your rehab, some great days, some darn good days, some okie-dokie days, and some not-so-great days. Forget the last set---just keep looking ahead and you will be fine. The best is yet to come.

I use a stationary bike every day---two-three times a day, in fact---they are great.

My best to you,

Tim C.

 

[Doug]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am scheduled to have my right knee replaced next thrusday. Although this is my ninth knee op, I consider it the BIG ONE. I look forward to the pt as I too have worked out and studied martial arts since I was in my early teens.
Hopefully I can share my experience and help others on this matter.
Have a good day and hang in there.

 

[Sue]

Wow, Weezl, I'm amazed that you are already sitting up and writing on your computer! Way to go! And the best of luck with your rehab. I'm glad that it didn't turn out to be as frightening as you had expected. And I'm also glad that you found this forum, because it helps so much! Sue