TKR Joy1's 2010-2011 Recovery Thread

[wevrldy]

Patience and continuous work! My OS told me to look for real improvement in pain (sometimes = stiffness when using) after 6 months. Getting new knees is a big surgery, and lots of healing has to occur with muscles as well as the bones. The exercising shouldn't stop even if PT does. It's really a continuous process. However, my PT wouldn't discharge me until I had 120 deg - that was his standard to let me into public functioning for safe maneuvering of stairs, etc.
Stretching, elevation and icing were so helpful at that stage! Just as continuing good pain management was, so that I could effectively do the required movements. My knees still get pretty stiff if I sit for too long! But now I understand that - have learned to keep moving, doing range of motion, and riding bicycle, which has been very helpful!
Good luck in your continuing recovery! Take heart - 16 weeks is till early!
Martha
BTKR 4/7/10

 

[PhoenixS]

Hi Joy:
You probably don't want me to tell you this, but this surgery can take a year to 2 to completely heal!
I was also distressed at the incredibly slow progress with my knee. Unfortunately, there was/is nothing I can do to speed it up. It will heal when it is ready. I still have some soft tissue issues around my knee which give me grief.

I was lucky in that I gained ROM fairly quickly, but the strength is a work in progress. I still take pain meds when I overdo it (alot).
You replaced a major organ. Your body needs time to recover from it.

DON'T COMPARE YOUR HEALING PROCESS TO ANYONE ELSE'S.
Been there, done that. It is very demoralizing.

We all have expectations, and it is really depressing when we cannot meet our self-imposed deadlines. Fortunately, we can revise our expectations to more easily correspond to our knees' agenda.
Best,
Sandy

 

[Joy1]

Thanks to responding and being so positive. I know I am doing okay but it bothers me that it is so stiff and I still have to be aware of how much I use it. I was at 100 ROM prior to surgery so it will not increase too much even with my PT.

We went to a Boat show over the weekend and I had to be extra careful climbing on the boats and the stairs. I felt older than my years but my husband brought up a good point I did better getting around than before the replacement.

 

[Just Judy]

Hey Joy just thought I would put my two cents in also. I will be exactly 6 months next week. I still have swelling, pain and a knee that feels tight all the time. I also feel I should be way past all of this now but my new knee says it is in charge. I still do one step at a time. I just am so glad I only have two knees because I dont even think I can even consider the other one until I am soooooo much further with this knee than I am now. One day we will all look back and say Yay !!!!!!!! Looking forward to that day.

 

[referee54]

I still had a limp at 16 weeks, and I would have some stiffness, as well. I had to learn to remember that these things may take upwards of a year to really get back to "normal." (And they did.)

Are you riding a stationary bike? What are you trying to do to increase ROM? Remember, you can gain ROM upwards of a year.

As Trainwreck says, do not be in a hurry---and do not be in a hurry to compare yourself to anybody else; I know, I was frustrated, too, but it worked out well for me, and I know that it will work out for you, too.

 

[jerseychick]

Hi Everyone, I remember those days between 3 mos and 7 mos when I would go to work and come home for lunch to ice my knee so I could make it through the day (I'm a teacher and walk back and forth between schools all day long) Well, I have to say at 9 months now my knee is great, well more than great. I don't need to ice anymore and although my knee still gets stiff when I stand still too long without moving, it is so much better than it was a few months ago. This surgery takes a LONG time to recover from and I know you have heard it before, but you need to be patient. It will get better!

 

[referee54]

One thing that I kept telling myself during the times of frustration (and there were many!) was that it took quite some time for my knees to get so bad that I decided to get a BTKR; whatever length of time it took for me to regain my life, I could handle---I kept telling myself ""This will be worth it."

It was.

 

[Josephine]

They are all right, Joy. Although 5 months seems a long time, it's obviously still in the middle period for you. But 100 is still a tad low. When are you seeing your surgeon again? It might be that an MUA would loosen you up and give you a fresh start.

 

[Joy1]

Thanks everyone. I do say to myself "it will be worth it" everyday.

My Doc is not concerned about my ROM because I measured at 100 prior to surgery. I am questioning it at this point. I do my PT at the house, morning and night for 15 to 20 minutes. I try to walk a least 3 times a week but it has been hard with the weather. I do not feel I could get enough use of gym membership at this point. I am back to taking my inflam pills everyday along with 3 alvee. My left knee swells (needs replacement) and it helps my right with swelling.

Thanks again everyone even though you have support with family they do not know what it really like.

 

[Jamie]

Joy, just because your ROM was 100 before surgery does not necessarily mean that is the maximum you could have after surgery. Maybe you should talk to your surgeon again about that.

I agree that you're just going to need to give it some more time.

But I am a bit concerned with your comment, "I am back to taking my inflam pills every day along with 3 Aleve." Aleve is an anti-inflammant. Are you taking it PLUS another one? And the dosage for Aleve is 1 pill every 12 hours. When you initially start taking them, you can take 2, but if you're taking them regularly, I believe you should stay with no more than 2 pills each day.

Exceeding dosage of anti-inflammants can cause stomach bleeding that could be quite serious before you are aware of it. I want you to be safe.

 

[Joy1]

This week I am flying on a plane for the first time since my knee replacement to visit my daughter in Texas. I am nervous about going through security. I am going to tell them before I go through the machines.

My scar looks good but this will be the first time it will be exposed to the sun. It has been a long winter here. Is there anything I should concerned about?

I hope with all the traveling I will not be cripple for the visit with my daughter. Wish me luck.

 

[referee54]

The hospital where I had my BTKR done gave me a card for my wallet to indicate that I had a BTKR---but nobody at the airport believed it. I would be careful with the scar---my dad had a TKR in December and when he turned snowbird and went to Florida, it was somewhat sensitive to the sun.

 

[Jamie]

Just keep some good sun block on your scar area if you are going to be exposed for any length of time. It might redden up a little more than your more "seasoned" skin, but don't let that alarm you. As long as you use the block, the redness will go away. As Tim said, it's likely to be a little sensitive to sun this first year.

 

[Bees Knees]

I just got back from being in the sun. I used sun block and covered the scar with a towel.
I always tell airport security before they ask about my knee. It seems to make the process more routine. They do not like to be surprised.:skeptical:

 

[maryo52]

Joy, I think it's natural to worry about all our "firsts" after TKA. But you'll have no problem. You just tell them you have knee replacement at security -- you'll get a pat down -- and use the sun block. I was warned that in the warm climate I would have more swelling -- so more icing. Have a nice visit!

 

[Joy1]

Thanks everyone.

I was planning on using sunblock. It is good to know it might get tender being exposed to the sun.

I will be glad when all these 1st are over.

 

[kneesrus]

Hi Joy,
Today most airports have the x ray machines, they are great. The pat down system is absolutely terrible. The TAS people could not find a machete.
Being all most 6 months post op, you should be safe in the sun. 3 or 4 band aids work great.
Have fun, lucky girl.
David

 

[carousel66]

I know I have my first flight this Friday just a 2 hour flight but realize I'm getting a bit nervous about TSA screening. I know it is routine, but still - sigh

 

[PhoenixS]

TSA can be a pain. Tel them in advance and opt for the x-ray machine.
Otherwise, they make you stand there holding up the line and shout out for a wand person of the same gender to take you away. All this, while your stuff is on the conveyer belt.
I use pure zinc oxide on my scar. Entirely cuts the sun out without any other funny marks on my leg. Waterproof too. They have it in different colors for fun times. I got purple (my fav).
Have fun.
Sandy

 

[RestAssured]

I wore shorts last week went I went through the patdowns at the airport, and at customs for my cruise. I also requested a wheelchair and I found out if you tell them you can't get out of the wheelchair, then the pat down is very mild! Food for thought!:biggrin: I could have gotten up, but I found out that the patdowns were very minimal if you stayed in the chair. So.........:secretaea: They didn't have the option of the x-ray machine at the airports that I was at.