TKR Jake’s Got a New Knee

[MSuki]

I’ve probably said this before but canes are not for everyone in my opinion, at least not for me. When I tried to use a cane with knee #1 I would irritate my back every time. This time I basically used my walker for 5-6 weeks when out until I was ready to do without. Exception would be if I was walking on unlevel ground where a walker wouldn’t work, or across sand etc. And even this time I did try the cane but I still didn’t do that well with it. Some people use alternatives like a hiking pole which I think would work better for me if I was out on a trail, I have used a pole when hiking a few times (really more of a big stick I found) and it can be helpful but seems more natural to me.

At the end of the day I’m sure you can master the cane if you choose to but there are also other options.

Good thing about taking the walker out in public is that people generally give you plenty of space. I went to my grandson’s concert at about a month out, and it was a madhouse. I am sure that without it or with just a cane I would have been at high risk of getting knocked over, but with the walker people would clear a path, plus you have that bit of space inside it. Not to mention it keeps you balanced.

 

[Layla]

Maybe in another week or so, you'll feel comfortable testing the waters out in public with your wife, just for coffee or something easy like that, at a quiet place, during an off time when its not busy. Parking close to the door, or even getting dropped off at the door. Like a practice run.
I do hope you enjoy the visit with your friend today and I wish you a lovely weekend.
Thanks for continuing to share your journey with us, ya big softie! Your humor, sensitivity and compassion for others is evident and admirable.
@jakemedic

 

[Jtmav]

Maybe in another week or so, you'll feel comfortable testing the waters out in public with your wife, just for coffee or something easy like that, at a quiet place, during an off time when its not busy. Parking close to the door, or even getting dropped off at the door. Like a practice run.
I do hope you enjoy the visit with your friend today and I wish you a lovely weekend.
Thanks for continuing to share your journey with us, ya big softie! Your humor, sensitivity and compassion for others is evident and admirable.
@jakemedic

I thinks it’s very good advice, Layla. My wife and I ventured out last Tuesday to a local pub for a couple of burgers and club sodas. It was very quiet, parked near the door and the seats were easy to get in and out of. As much as my tummy enjoyed the burger(which was outstanding) my head appreciated being out with my person and around other people. Going to the barber shop later, little by slow, life‘s little joys we take for granted become something to be grateful for.

 

[andpeaches]

Wow Jake! What a fun thread to follow! You’ve documented your 1st month post op so candidly. I’m almost 2 weeks behind you and love following « close to surgery date » knee buddies. This is my 2nd TKR so there’s that, (even though I swore I’d never put myself through this again) which is definitely making this easier for me. But every knee is so different. I love your coping mechanisms. Looking forward to following your progress!!

 

[jakemedic]

Wow a great update! I am walking pretty well with my cane now. Seems to be going alright. Slept well last night and didn’t change ice bottles during the night. I even slept on my side last night, actually both sides, although the new knee down seemed to work the best. Still icing a few times a day. The big one is that I went with my wife to see her dad at his house today. I drove my truck both ways without issues. His house has 4 steps and carefully managed up and down them. I sat in a recliner which is lower than what I’m used to, but managed to get in and out without fanfare or issue.

Later on, I’m going to feed and water the girls and collect their eggs. Still trying to decide if I want to use the walker or a cane doing that.

As my favorite TV show MASH says after an announcement “that is all”. Hope everyone’s recovery is going well!

 

[mendogal]

Excellent milestones

 

[Jtmav]

Great update Jake, sounds like you’re well on your way. Keep ‘em coming!

 

[andpeaches]

Isn’t getting over on your side to sleep the best??? And so weird but yes I remember that it was the operated side down under a pillow was the most comfortable. So weird. I’m still in too much discomfort to last on my side for more than 5 min but I know it’s coming

 

[Layla]

Great progress noted in your update...was happy to read it!
It is amazing how wonderful doing "normal" things feels after the early weeks of recovery.
Love this for you. Have a fantastic week!
@jakemedic

 

[jakemedic]

Isn’t getting over on your side to sleep the best??? And so weird but yes I remember that it was the operated side down under a pillow was the most comfortable. So weird. I’m still in too much discomfort to last on my side for more than 5 min but I know it’s coming

It will give you something to look forward to! Sleeping on my back sucks! You got this!

 

[jakemedic]

Hello from a rainy Iowa! We are incredibly dry, so I’ll take any moisture we can get. Had a positive PT appointment today. The therapist said my bend was just fine but need just a bit more work with straightening my leg. I asked if my knee will eventually improve to the point where I didn’t think of it often. I want it to be no different than my hips. With the exception of jumping from heights, I don’t even think about the fact I have mechanical hips. He assured me that yes, eventually I will improve to that point. I am very excited for those days to come!

I am a bit sore today, thinking yesterday I may have over done it slightly. I didn’t do anything too dumb, but did walk some distance on gravel, which isn’t quite the same as walking on an hard surface. Ice, rest and elevation seems to work well. I go see the OS early next week for a check up and my primary care doctor for my annual physical at the end of the week. I’m going to try and talk him into dropping the blood thinner thus allowing me to take NSADS. I believe my pain and slight swelling could benefit from them. I don’t know if I’ll be successful, but it is worth a try anyhow.

Bar anything strange or terrible happening, I’m going to attend my entrepreneurial coffee tomorrow morning. I feel safe with my cane and driving the short distance to the coffee shop. It will be good to see the good folks that attend the weekly coffee. Then Saturday morning, I think I’ll join my father in law and a couple of brother in laws for breakfast. Once again, it is less than a mile from home and I won’t be far from my polar cube.

I am just over 5 weeks into this journey. I recognize I have quite a road ahead of me. The small glimpses of a “normal” life helps keep me encouraged there will be even better days ahead. I purchased a nice recumbent trike used over a year ago. I got to ride it once last year before my back and knee bothered me too much to use it. Actually, they bothered me before I bought it and somehow I magically thought I could “ride it out”. That didn’t work very well for me. I am hopeful that sometime this summer, I will be able to get out on it and enjoy. Time will tell, but I am hopeful. We have a very nice bike trail around my community, all paved and most of it not on a roadway.

I hope everyone’s recovery is progressing as well as you hope. Take care and God Bless.

PS: I almost forgot, thanks to @Layla for the compliment on @Jtmav thread. I am honored to share my story as candidly as possible. It is therapy for my mind and I sincerely hope it can assist someone having the same journey.

 

[MichiganGal]

Good Luck with your recovery. In one of your posts I saw that you had pain in your thigh above your knee. Hopefully someone told you that is normal. I talked to some nurses about the pain and it is the location of where the tourniquet is place during surgery. It was a bit painful for me and finally went away but if someone doesn't tell you about it - it can be concerning

 

[jakemedic]

Good Luck with your recovery. In one of your posts I saw that you had pain in your thigh above your knee. Hopefully someone told you that is normal. I talked to some nurses about the pain and it is the

location of where the tourniquet is place during surgery. It was a bit painful for me and finally went away but if someone doesn't tell you about it - it can be concerning

Thank you! My PA told me about the tourniquet. Heck, I’m still bruised to be honest with you. Taking time to reread my posts from the beginning. This may sound strange, but I got quite emotional reading them. I have come a long ways but still have a ways, well quite a ways to go!

 

[MichiganGal]

This is an emotional journey. I am 9 months out and there have been some depressing days and days I would just ask why did I do this to myself. But, I am doing better but there are days that I still struggle.

 

[Layla]

Oh goodness, you're welcome @jakemedic It's been a pleasure following both of your threads and reading your support of others. Your recovery stories will inspire those healing right along with you as well as others following behind.

Sorry you're struggling with some discomfort today. You already know the best remedy for that, rest and ice will hopefully bring speedy relief. I'll bet you enjoy the return to your weekly coffee date tomorrow as well as your Saturday breakfast with family. I have a feeling you'll be on that recumbent bike for some nice rides this summer also. Keep the faith!

Best wishes next week for your visits with the OS and PCP. I hope you receive a nod of approval from both.

 

[sistersinhim]

I found riding a recumbent bike was much easier for me than an upright bike. I think you'll be fine, especially if you put a pillow behind your back for support.

 

[Jtmav]

Sounds like you’re making a couple of positive steps in your recovery, especially for your mental health. Spending time with family and friends again should be very therapeutic. Enjoy your weekend and stay strong my friend.

 

[jakemedic]

Got an update from my last PT appointment. The therapist said AROM R knee -12 to 110 degrees. He said that was good for me. Guess I really don’t know. I was signing in for my orthopedic appointment tomorrow and seen there were after visit summaries available. I can’t really find the first time I was measured though. I’m definitely much better than when I first started. I am just shy of 6 weeks post operative.

 

[benne68]

@jakemedic 110 degrees of flexion is GREAT for less than 6 weeks post-op. Most surgeons just want you to be past 90 degrees at that point.

But remember not to focus too much on the numbers -- the measurements are inconsistent from therapist to therapist and from one time to the next. If you notice improvement, that's what counts!

 

[Jtmav]

Not surprised Jake, sounds like you’re on a good glide path to full recovery. keep doing what you’ve been doing as it seems like it’s working. Stay strong!