Bilateral TKR Hitched A Ride to The Other Side
- Thread starter PooShay
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PooShay, thanks for the 5-month update. You're doing great. I've started a membership at the YWCA this past week. It's wonderful to be able to use the stationary bike and the strengthening and flexing equipment -- gradually.
Have fun with your jazzercise class.
Have fun with your jazzercise class.
RestAssured
alpha
Hi Pooshay!
Excellent report! I am so proud of you!
Excellent report! I am so proud of you!
1ELISEA
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I absolutely love your report! 
Well, except for the part about not sleeping........... ACK!... that's me.
I was hoping that would pass sooon but it appears like I am in for some loooooong sleepless nights.
But the other parts.......... WOW........ fantastic! Those simple things like running for the phone..... we take for granted so many things when we have working knees....... OMG......... that is remarkable!
Thank you for posting!
Well, except for the part about not sleeping........... ACK!... that's me.
I was hoping that would pass sooon but it appears like I am in for some loooooong sleepless nights. But the other parts.......... WOW........ fantastic! Those simple things like running for the phone..... we take for granted so many things when we have working knees....... OMG......... that is remarkable!
Thank you for posting!
Dulcimer Diva
graduate
Pooshay, you are an inspiration! Just discovered your thread. I'm at 5 wks post-op--tomorrow I go from 5mg. Norco (half a Norco #2, so only half the acetaminophen) every 6 hrs., to every 8 hrs. for a couple of days, then to twice a day and off it completely by the middle of next week. I take 2 Aleve with breakfast and with a late night snack, and 2 extended-release 650 mg. acetaminophen ("arthritis pain formula") after breakfast and 1 at bedtime. Haven't had to refill the Voltaren gel scrip for my L knee (which is next up for replacement this winter) because ice pack and OTC arnica gel (Arniflower) seem to calm it down. I've been demanding a lot of it (the left knee, that is).
Couple of things--I too have been getting the squeezy-feeling on my R ankle, but only when elevating it! Elevating is a challenge because it stretches my hamstring and burns along the outside of the knee (the burning is partly alleviated if I'm icing with the Polarcare cuff). I know I'm not supposed to stand around a lot, nor to sit over 20 min. at a time, nor to lie in bed all day. So how do I allocate my time? I took a walk to the pharmacy today (3 bl. ea way up & back)--knee was a bit tired, but the left hip flexor hurt like heck. I was using my cane because I was warned not to walk without it outdoors. I hope I can drive next Fri.--I'm tired of being limited to going only on foot or wherever I can get a lift, cab or bus without crossing a major street. I can't get across safely before the light changes (even if I wait for the start of the green before stepping off the curb). Natch, all the places I really need to go involve crossing that street. At least now I can carefully alternate stairs (both up & down) as long as I use two rails or am careful using the cane.
And those who were wondering where the Tylenol went--it was voluntarily recalled due to chemical and bacterial contamination (as well as reports of wood & metal) at McNeil's plant in PR. Best to play it safe and buy generic versions of other McNeil products made there as well--Motrin, Rolaids, Benadryl, Zyrtec. Bummer about Tylenol disappearing off the shelves is that nobody seems to make the old 325 mg. strength any more---all the acetaminophen products are based on the 500mg. extra-strength dose, including the rapid-release and PM, except that 650 mg extended release. (I'm trying to keep below a total of 3000 mg. per day--perhaps that's why my OS insisted I cut the 10 mg Norcos in half rather than give me a scrip for the fivers. Both the 5 and 10 mg Norcos have 325 mg. of acetaminophen). Tramadol was never on the table for me, as I take Wellbutrin, which mimics the SSRI effect of Tramadol.
Tomorrow is my last home PT visit--I start outpatient PT Monday at my neighborhood ATI center (they'll transport me). I am blown away that you are teaching exercise and dance and driving a stick-shift--I could never even take aerobics classes as long as 30 yrs. ago! Of course, at my heaviest I weighed nearly two of you. (Pre-op was 225, checked into rehab 3 days later at 234, went home at 225 and am now 211....first goal is to get down below 200, then 175, then out of the plus-size clothing dept.)! I was 125 back in 1990...for about five minutes. ;)
I am taking a European river cruise in Sept., and for the flights we got "Economy Plus" seats in a separate cabin, for the legroom and permission to get up & walk around. I've never been able to wear TED hose, but maybe I can find compression hose with wide-band "comfort tops." I am hoping to be able to do all the walking tours.
Couple of things--I too have been getting the squeezy-feeling on my R ankle, but only when elevating it! Elevating is a challenge because it stretches my hamstring and burns along the outside of the knee (the burning is partly alleviated if I'm icing with the Polarcare cuff). I know I'm not supposed to stand around a lot, nor to sit over 20 min. at a time, nor to lie in bed all day. So how do I allocate my time? I took a walk to the pharmacy today (3 bl. ea way up & back)--knee was a bit tired, but the left hip flexor hurt like heck. I was using my cane because I was warned not to walk without it outdoors. I hope I can drive next Fri.--I'm tired of being limited to going only on foot or wherever I can get a lift, cab or bus without crossing a major street. I can't get across safely before the light changes (even if I wait for the start of the green before stepping off the curb). Natch, all the places I really need to go involve crossing that street. At least now I can carefully alternate stairs (both up & down) as long as I use two rails or am careful using the cane.
And those who were wondering where the Tylenol went--it was voluntarily recalled due to chemical and bacterial contamination (as well as reports of wood & metal) at McNeil's plant in PR. Best to play it safe and buy generic versions of other McNeil products made there as well--Motrin, Rolaids, Benadryl, Zyrtec. Bummer about Tylenol disappearing off the shelves is that nobody seems to make the old 325 mg. strength any more---all the acetaminophen products are based on the 500mg. extra-strength dose, including the rapid-release and PM, except that 650 mg extended release. (I'm trying to keep below a total of 3000 mg. per day--perhaps that's why my OS insisted I cut the 10 mg Norcos in half rather than give me a scrip for the fivers. Both the 5 and 10 mg Norcos have 325 mg. of acetaminophen). Tramadol was never on the table for me, as I take Wellbutrin, which mimics the SSRI effect of Tramadol.
Tomorrow is my last home PT visit--I start outpatient PT Monday at my neighborhood ATI center (they'll transport me). I am blown away that you are teaching exercise and dance and driving a stick-shift--I could never even take aerobics classes as long as 30 yrs. ago! Of course, at my heaviest I weighed nearly two of you. (Pre-op was 225, checked into rehab 3 days later at 234, went home at 225 and am now 211....first goal is to get down below 200, then 175, then out of the plus-size clothing dept.)! I was 125 back in 1990...for about five minutes. ;)
I am taking a European river cruise in Sept., and for the flights we got "Economy Plus" seats in a separate cabin, for the legroom and permission to get up & walk around. I've never been able to wear TED hose, but maybe I can find compression hose with wide-band "comfort tops." I am hoping to be able to do all the walking tours.
Organist
senior
Dulcimer Diva, I haven't heard that we shouldn't sit for longer than 20 minutes. I know we're supposed to ice our knee for 20 minutes at a time. Particularly in the first weeks the mantra here involves a LOT of sitting (in a recliner or something similar) with our legs elevated, icing, and taking naps -- along with pain meds. It helps to gently flex and stretch the knee/leg here and there too in the first 3 weeks or so -- depending on the person and their new knee. Everyone (and each knee) is unique in recuperation with many variations of what's needed and helpful.
It was a relief, for me, to get past the need to take Coumadin /Warfarin (4 weeks after surgery). Then I was able to switch from in-home therapy to outpatient. It was such a relief to be able (and allowed) to get out of the house (further than our steep driveway). At my 4 week post-op visit, my OS told me that I could drive when I felt safe doing so -- to be able to "slam on the brakes" if necessary -- since my right knee is the new one.
It was a relief, for me, to get past the need to take Coumadin /Warfarin (4 weeks after surgery). Then I was able to switch from in-home therapy to outpatient. It was such a relief to be able (and allowed) to get out of the house (further than our steep driveway). At my 4 week post-op visit, my OS told me that I could drive when I felt safe doing so -- to be able to "slam on the brakes" if necessary -- since my right knee is the new one.
Dulcimer Diva
graduate
Thanks, Becky--let me clarify: by "sitting" I mean on a regular chair with knees bent and lower legs vertical. My recliner is useless, as it's broken (the spring seems to have popped and it "teeters"), the footrest can't go high enough (because of the broken spring, the whole chair tilts forward), and there's not enough room for it to recline adequately. So when I'm not walking around, exercising, in the bathroom, or sitting up at the edge of the daybed using the computer (as I am now), I'm lying down on the daybed or reclining on it, with pillows under my leg (staggered so that the foot is highest), which pillows are soft and tend to collapse (and seem to hit behind the knee, which feels like it's being compressed--and I'm really paranoid about clots). I ordered one of those contoured memory-foam "leg elevator" pillows from FootSmart, but it's gonna take a week to get here. The problem with elevating is that my ligaments and hamstrings burn from being stretched--maybe that contour pillow will alleviate that.
Organist
senior
Dulcimer Diva, thanks for the clarification. Sometimes I use another chair to elevate my leg. Moving it around seemed to be the norm for me for the first few weeks. NO one position worked consistently or for a long period.
BTW, have you started a thread so that we can follow your journey better? Is "Aleve or Celebrex: which works better for you?" your thread or a general thread about that question?
Hope that the "leg elevator" pillow helps.
BTW, have you started a thread so that we can follow your journey better? Is "Aleve or Celebrex: which works better for you?" your thread or a general thread about that question?
Hope that the "leg elevator" pillow helps.
Dulcimer Diva
graduate
Never thought to start my own thread--will do so tonight!
OP
OP
PooShay
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Hey Judy. I'm still posting, but not in my own thread unless something major happens with the knees (like the niggly nerve pain totally resolved). I've celebrated lots of milestones, and I don't want to bore y'all.
DD. thanks for the info on the 500mg Tylenol. I still take some. And I've restarted the Aleve. I'd forgotten that I have a bad back and it reminded me that it needed those meds even BEFORE the BTKR. Hang in there! Patience is the key. And be aware of what happening to you because those milestones will sneak up on you. You need to know to celebrate!!!
Becky (O). Great that you joined the Y. And are gradually enjoying the equipment & exercised. Your legs will thank you!
Thanks, everyone! I value my recuperation more than I can say and a lot of the advices I followed camed from BoneSmart!
Tschüß!
DD. thanks for the info on the 500mg Tylenol. I still take some. And I've restarted the Aleve. I'd forgotten that I have a bad back and it reminded me that it needed those meds even BEFORE the BTKR. Hang in there! Patience is the key. And be aware of what happening to you because those milestones will sneak up on you. You need to know to celebrate!!!
Becky (O). Great that you joined the Y. And are gradually enjoying the equipment & exercised. Your legs will thank you!
Thanks, everyone! I value my recuperation more than I can say and a lot of the advices I followed camed from BoneSmart!
Tschüß!
Organist
senior
PooShay, hearing about progress "further out" from surgery isn't boring. Every bit of progress (large or small) is encouraging. "Bumps in the road" 
and how to deal with them are also very helpful -- to know that they're normal, that it will get better, and we're not alone. 
It is a year-long recovery. I'll look forward to seeing your 6-month update. 
Let us know how your jazzercise classes are going. You're doing great !
and how to deal with them are also very helpful -- to know that they're normal, that it will get better, and we're not alone. It is a year-long recovery. I'll look forward to seeing your 6-month update. Let us know how your jazzercise classes are going. You're doing great ! 
Tashia
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PooShay
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Another milestone met! I was able to "go" in the bushes! Take THAT, knee flexion! (We were rehearsing outside for a HoopDance routine for an audition and there were no facilities around.) 
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
Take care---
Jacky48
big-cheese
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Poo, That is amazing!
That is a goal to shoot for cause you never know when you'll be stuck without a toilet around! I can just imagine your HoopDance team mates cheering you on! Go Poo, Go Poo, Go poo Yayyyyyy!
Congratulations!
That is a goal to shoot for cause you never know when you'll be stuck without a toilet around! I can just imagine your HoopDance team mates cheering you on! Go Poo, Go Poo, Go poo Yayyyyyy! Congratulations!
Isn't interesting on what we consider so important and so wonderful! Keep it up and do have a fun weekend. 
OP
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PooShay
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Nine months today! Starting my 39th week in recuperation. Wow.
The good bits:
I can go from sitting to standing without thinking. Same for: going up or down curbs, going up or down stairs IN FRONT of anyone (I always used to go last).
I now teach a regular Jazzercise class (with low impact aerobics, my choice) 2 times a week in addition to the strength training class.
I became certified to teach hoop dance.
I no longer have major leg pain when I walk my brisk 2-milers.
I can sit on the floor and play with the grandsons!
I miss summer and the opportunity to show off my knee tats!
I no longer need pain meds for the knees (still need for back and neck, though).
I fall asleep as soon as I get to bed and I sleep thru the night!
I'm SO glad I got this done ... both at the same time. Now, my knees are no longer the center of my universe, and it feels so good to be healthy again. As usual, I give thanks to my doc, my PTs, my massage therapist, the hubby ... and most of all to my BoneSmart family. I learned SO much here.
The Not So Good Bits (but I can live with it):
I go to sleep early and sleep thru the night, so I miss out on reading BoneSmart postings regularly. But I'm sure I'll get into a new routine soon and catch up. There are so many posts.
I still have nerve pain ... and sometimes I wonder if I would have been better off without the nerve blocks. Actually, not so much pain as annoyance!!!! That doesn't keep me from doing anything, though.
Although I don't think much about the knees, there's still something in the back of my brain about them pre-op. I had a mis-step the other day and yelled "Ouch!" even though it didn't hurt. "That would have hurt!"
R flexion still at 125-129 and there's some pain when I flex too much. Patience still needed.
-----
So, that's my progress report. Nothing major, just little improvements over the course of the months. Wishing continued good recovery to all ... and if you encounter some bumps in the road, wishing you patience and a strong heart (Nat, thinking about you!).
The good bits:
I can go from sitting to standing without thinking. Same for: going up or down curbs, going up or down stairs IN FRONT of anyone (I always used to go last).
I now teach a regular Jazzercise class (with low impact aerobics, my choice) 2 times a week in addition to the strength training class.
I became certified to teach hoop dance.
I no longer have major leg pain when I walk my brisk 2-milers.
I can sit on the floor and play with the grandsons!
I miss summer and the opportunity to show off my knee tats!
I no longer need pain meds for the knees (still need for back and neck, though).
I fall asleep as soon as I get to bed and I sleep thru the night!
I'm SO glad I got this done ... both at the same time. Now, my knees are no longer the center of my universe, and it feels so good to be healthy again. As usual, I give thanks to my doc, my PTs, my massage therapist, the hubby ... and most of all to my BoneSmart family. I learned SO much here.
The Not So Good Bits (but I can live with it):
I go to sleep early and sleep thru the night, so I miss out on reading BoneSmart postings regularly. But I'm sure I'll get into a new routine soon and catch up. There are so many posts.
I still have nerve pain ... and sometimes I wonder if I would have been better off without the nerve blocks. Actually, not so much pain as annoyance!!!! That doesn't keep me from doing anything, though.
Although I don't think much about the knees, there's still something in the back of my brain about them pre-op. I had a mis-step the other day and yelled "Ouch!" even though it didn't hurt. "That would have hurt!"
R flexion still at 125-129 and there's some pain when I flex too much. Patience still needed.
-----
So, that's my progress report. Nothing major, just little improvements over the course of the months. Wishing continued good recovery to all ... and if you encounter some bumps in the road, wishing you patience and a strong heart (Nat, thinking about you!).
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