How do you know what is enough or too much?

[Southernlyn]

I've never posted anything and hope I do it right...
I can't tell you how grateful I am to have found this site. I'm told I'm doing very well by OS and PT. 24 days post op I went to a cane, had gone more than 8 hrs without Percoset, life was great. But :shk: since then I can't sleep, wake up in pain every time I move, have the fidgets, ESTylenol and Aleve don't work, feel like a junkie going back to Vicodin I had left from knee scope in Nov!
Reading this thread, I see that it's all pretty normal. You all are SO kind and encouraging! I want to get back to life and it will come in time. I've been sitting here with my iced knee on a pillow on an open desk drawer. I am calm
and feel sane (well, I know that's relative!) again. Thank you so much for all the information.

 

[Texas]

Hi Blue welcome. Yes I think 3 weeks is way soon. You really need to take it easy. It is all just healing in there. Might look great from the outside. I would do just that, ice etc. But take it easy it will all come in time. You dont want to go backwards. Take it easy it will be worth it in the end if he pace your self...Hope you feel better soon.....Keep us posted....

 

[Texas]

Hey Southern welcome....We have all been there gets a lil depressing at times. Thats why we get on here and help and joke with one another..Join in keeps ya busy. You are only 24 days post op. Take your medicine, dont sit with it hurting. Glad you are doing well at PT keep it p..... yes ice and elevate. It will get better with time. I didnt believe it when people said that but Im 10 weeks and its a real turn around...hang in there and pamper ourself you deserv it.....

Blue you as well pamper yourself we all deserve it.....

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Southernlyn. Glad you found our forum and even more happy that it has helped you so far.

Don't worry about your need to continue with your prescription pain meds. You are still a recovery newbie!!! Most people take them for quite a long time before the pain lessens and they can taper off. You NEED the pain relief to properly heal and to do your therapy. Knee surgery is rough, but proper pain management makes it so much easier.

So be sure you get a prescription filled for your knee BEFORE you need them. If your surgeon is not willing to do that, talk with your primary doctor.

 

[Roo73]

Hi all! It's been awhile since I've been on and I'm 10 months after a PKR and I still find myself doing stupid stuff and not realizing it until the next day. I have developed patience I didn't know I had in the past 10 months. I was building shelves in a closet a few weeks ago, going up and down a ladder several times carrying things and I paid for that. But I learn a little all the time and keep going but this is a very long recovery. I can still predict the weather with my knee but it is getting less and less annoying. I still have vicadin handy and take 2 Aleve morning and night which is a BIG help with inflammation. I was like you - frustrated by how much to do and what to do. My surgeon's PA said I could take vicadin as long as I wanted and I am very careful to not take it unless it's a really bad day or will interfere with my comfort so I can sleep (which I still don't do very well). PATIENCE is the word here! You're doing great. Hang in there!

 

[bluegrassanne]

My PT was much like yours, more stretching than anything else. I have a set of exercises I do twice a day plus I am suppose to walk. At this stage I think I am suppose to be walking 1/4 to 1/2 mile a day, but had to cut back on that due to my non-surgical knee. You just have to adjust to what your body can tolerate. I was allowed to go back to work after three weeks, but I have a sit down job. I cannot imagine standing all day even now. I am finally getting back to my usual zen personality, but for weeks after my surgery I was extremely sensitive - just ask my husband. I do not regret my surgery and have moved my LTKR from December to October. Hang in there!