PKR Having LTKR and praying for a successful outcome…”

[Doupie]

Since I have this one spot my doctor told me to wait until I see him on the 2nd of July to make sure my incision is closed. I did do a test drive in the tub and was able to get in and out, so I'm a go with that. Did something that wasn't very smart, I went to work for a few hours and ended up staying the entire day
Needless to say I was really swollen last night. I iced, elevated and it's better this morning, but I have lots to do today as well, trying to find a balance but it's so hard. I want to be 100% sooo bad....

 

[sistersinhim]

Oh boy, do I remember wanting to be back to normal! You will get there, but it's going to take time and patience. You are doing well already! Just enjoy and be thankful for each new baby step you can take! Those baby steps add up to a big step! Before you know it, you'll be taking larger teenager steps, and then adult steps! Celebrate each and everyone of your improvements. That helps with the larger picture!

 

[SusieShoes]

It wouldn’t be a knee replacement recovery without at least one visit to the OverDidItClub (ODIC)! Sometimes we push ourselves into the club; sometimes life pushes us. The important thing is you know how you got there, and you know how to calm down the knee and possibly avoid another visit to the clubhouse.

 

[Doupie]

Thanks ladies, I’m now an official member of the ODIC....
I was just doing so well and had to push my luck, my knee felt almost normal, I could bend and just a little stiffness. My recovery was going so well now 2 steps backwards....oh well

 

[Jockette]

My recovery was going so well now 2 steps backwards....oh well

It probably won’t be the only time!
I’m sorry you enthusiasm and confidence backfired, but this recovery is like that. Taunts us with a semblance normal and then smacks us when we take up the offer.

You know how to fix it. You’ll be fine.

 

[HoneyB]

In response to your question about heat, I never use heat at home, but my physical therapy sessions always start with a combination of heat and TENS. It always feels wonderful, and feels like it loosens everything up. They put the heat (something warm wrapped in a moist/steamy towel) and TENS on me for 10-15 minutes. I've never noticed increased swelling after it. I've never used heat at home, only ice, but I've noticed that I get my best ROM in my warm shower in the morning with just a little soap on the bottom of my foot. I sit on a shower bench and I'm careful to wash away all of the soap before standing to leave the shower.

 

[Doupie]

@Josephine thank you sooo much, I took a hot epsom salts bath last night and my knee feels the best ever....
I stayed in the tub for about 30 minutes, used my jets and was sooo relaxed. I forgot to bring soap but used epsom salt to scrub my body and listened to relaxing music. My knee looks like normal, check it out.....

 

[Nick-UK]

Not sure about your ROM but the elevation looks impressive. Or has someone hung you from the cross beams on the bed?

 

[Doupie]

@HoneyB thank you for your comments, you are sooo right the heat really helps my ROM and my knee felt great!

 

[SusieShoes]

That's a fine-looking knee, @Doupie. Have you picked out a sexy garter to wear on it for your wedding? Show it off!

And I'm glad the bath worked out so well. If your knee is loving the heat, that's what the knee gets.

 

[Doupie]

@Nick-UK that is too funny...lol
No I have really good flexibilty from my hot yoga classes and just hold it up and snap the picture. But you are right it does look like I'm hanging from the bed....

Also my ROM is excellent, I measure it by my other leg and bending is a breeze, well except when I over do it and have swelling. Tried to ride my stationary bike can only go forward a little way and then backward, guess it will come. I was told I couldn't drive for 6 weeks, but had an emergency riding with my assistant who became ill and I had to take over. There was no problem driving or braking, but my knee did swell more, guess it wasn't happy to be doing something different, but as you can see it's doing great now. I was afraid I might mess something up inside because my PT said it would cause excessive swelling inside my knee and make it longer to heal...

 

[NavyGunns]

@Doupie it looks like you are doing great! While I’m not big on baths (unless with my wife, snicker snicker ), I have to admit I too gave a good soak in a warm bath a try as soon as I was told it was okay. The warmth did feel great on my knee with no residual swelling.

I was lucky that my OS didn’t use staples or external stitches. The outside of my incision was glued. Can hardly see the scar.

If you’ve only made one visit to the ODIC, consider yourself lucky! I’ve almost become a permanent member (I don’t learn too well at times)!

Keep up the good work and you’ll find yourself fully enjoying your wedding and not even thinking about your knee.

 

[Doupie]

@SusieShoes I have not picked out a garter.... and I have less than 60 days...YIKES
I hate saying that but thank God, my knee is getting better, I almost feel normal except for this stiffness. I went to a wedding this weekend, NFL player and a friend of the family, it was absolutely gorgeous, the flowers were incredible and the bride a vision, they must have spent thousands on fresh white calia lilies, roses, orchids and beautiful hydrangeas....WOW

 

[SusieShoes]

You still have time enough to pick out, or make, a sexy, eye-popping garter for that lovely new knee. Make it feel special. Maybe have some nice silky lotion on hand for the honeymoon and give it some soothing massages (these also help it feel less tight, by relaxing the incision... at least, that worked for my knees).

Judging by your beautiful pictures, the wedding you attended was a show-stopper! All those flowers must have been like walking into a royal garden!

 

[Doupie]

I did not overdo it and my fiance' was so great and took such great care of me!!!
Today is my 6 week visit to my OS. I was suppose to start Outpatient PT last week but they cancelled and re-scheduled for this Friday and I'm wondering if I need to go....

 

[Jockette]

Knowing what I know now, and doing as well as you are, if it was me I wouldn’t go. In fact, I won’t be going at all next time.

 

[sistersinhim]

As active as you are and as well as you're doing I'd say to pass on the PT unless a problem comes up.

 

[Doupie]

I agree but I sold my PT and the receptionist a house, so I'm going to go this Friday just to see them and I'm sure Michelle will tell me I don't need to come back. I won't be going back after the one visit...lol
My attorney is having left TKR on August 6 and she loves this site. She said she found all the information helpful and is looking forward to getting past the pain. I told her to visit often and to register, she's just been lurking....

 

[SusieShoes]

There’s something to be said for maintaining good relationships! You sure sound like you’ve got your recovery well in hand!

Tell your attorney we’re a friendly bunch. It’s safe to de-lurk!

 

[Doupie]

Ok guys, I need to know when is this swelling going to stop... I admit I did go back to the ODIC...lol But I have to work and my OS said I was fine to drive and return to work full time, but to let me knee direct me. (of course it does)

According to my PT Michelle, I’m doing way too much and if I’m not careful my knee can freeze up and I will have a permanent limp.... She was not pleased with my ROM of 105 and 3, but I saw her at the end of the day after attending a funeral which was outside and lasted about 30 minutes.

@Josephine is this true?

I ice and elevate constantly when I’m home and at my office. My lounge doctor is my best friend, I ordered another one for downstairs I love this thing and I have a iceman downstairs and upstairs as well. My pain level is barely there just stiffness and swelling, if it would only go away.....