TKR It’s done - let the healing begin

[benne68]

I used just a regulator king sizes pillow lengthways last night and that felt better

Finding a comfortable position that lets you sleep through the night is important. Just be sure that, during the day, you are elevating the leg high enough so your are in "toes above nose" position. That's the best way to tamp down inflammation and reduce pain.

 

[Jockette]

I found it painful to elevate in the early days, also. Painful positions are not helpful, so I just did what was comfortable.

 

[Layla]

Not sure how often you're elevating, Sabine, but if it's something you dread, or struggle through, just set aside time to elevate your leg several times throughout the day for 30-60 minutes, and more often if you notice swelling has increased. You can rotate elevating with your hourly walk, sitting, napping and any gentle exercises you were advised to do. Treats allowed too, you need an occasional reward for good behavior.

 

[EalingGran]

would not do this. The surrounding tissues have only just began healing. Your thigh muscles (quads) have been weakened through the controlled trauma of TKR. The best for now is to ice / elevate and the gentle ankle pumps you're doing. You can talk to your OS about this at your first post-op visit.

Agree totally with @Layla on this. It's really early days and I would just rest and do very gentle movement.

 

[EalingGran]

Why does it feel more uncomfortable when the leg is elevated vs straight or even sitting?

Perhaps you haven't got the pillow stack quite right and the angle isn't comfortable? You need to experiment to find what suits you. Also those of us who have back and hip issues may find a pillow that works for others may not suit us.

 

[Sabine]

Why does it feel more uncomfortable when the leg is elevated vs straight or even sitting?

Perhaps you haven't got the pillow stack quite right and the angle isn't comfortable? You need to experiment to find what suits you. Also those of us who have back and hip issues may find a pillow that works for others may not suit us.

You are right, the fancy pillow doesn’t work bur just a regular pillow from my bed works perfectly

 

[Sabine]

Good morning, the big bandages have come off and I had a proper shower
Makes you feel so much better

Getting up, walking and sitting down seems to be a bit easier today, it feels like putting weight on is less painful.
The muscles for bending and stretching are still on strike

 

[EalingGran]

That sounds great. I remember my first few showers. They felt so good but were also exhausting- so for a while I only had a shower every other day.

 

[sistersinhim]

Unfortunately, the kind of elevation device is one that we do not recommend. The sharp point can cause blood clots, and is not comfortable at all. Be sure to look at the link that Layla left for you. Here's an example of what works best for recovering from this surgery:

Notice the very gentle slopes. This is much better that what you have.

 

[Sabine]

Unfortunately, the kind of elevation device is one that we do not recommend. The sharp point can cause blood clots, and is not comfortable at all. Be sure to look at the link that Layla left for you. Here's an example of what works best for recovering from this surgery:

Notice the very gentle slopes. This is much better that what you have.

Thanks, I’m good with just a regular pillow for now. It feels better

 

[Layla]

Thanks, I’m good with just a regular pillow for now. It feels better

If its working, that's great! Keep on using it.
I have a Lounge Doctor and I was hesitant to spend all of that money on a big hunk of foam, but it wasn't a waste after all because sometimes I still use it in bed while watching tv due to its comfort...so I definitely got my moneys worth.
I hope you're having a good day, Sabine.

 

[Sabine]

OMG any suggestions how to deal with bandage itch??
It started and might drive me around the bend

 

[Layla]

Is it itching in the area where the bandage was? If so, is it red?
@Sabine

 

[Sabine]

Is it itching in the area where the bandage was? If so, is it red?
@Sabine

It itchy under the waterproof bandage that is directly over the incision. It’s not read or overly sensitive. No discharge or funky smell

 

[Layla]

Try icing over the bandage, wrap the ice source in something so it's cool, not freezing and see if that helps with the itch. Elevation might help also because if your leg is swollen it can make it feel tight and itchy. If it's still really bothering you tomorrow, try contacting the office of your OS for their advice because I'm not sure what type of bandage they've used.