TKR Jtmav‘s Journey To Two New Knees

[Jtmav]

New here so I’ll be brief. The old 2 ears and 1 mouth so I will listen for awhile. I am literally in the recovery room waiting my wife to pick me up. Just had TKR on my left knee and will read as much as I can to the get the does and don’t straight. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Jtmav

 

[benne68]

Welcome to BoneSmart, @Jtmav! Glad you joined us!

Since you are looking for information, I will share our Recovery Guidelines. Each article is short but very informative. Following these guidelines will help you have a less painful recovery.

Just keep in mind we are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for you.“ Your doctors, PTs and BoneSmart are available to help, but you are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
don't overwork.
3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.
4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
the BoneSmart view on exercise
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for TKRs
The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery. While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[Jtmav]

Thank you so much, appreciate the wisdom of those who been down the path already

 

[benne68]

You are very welcome. There's lots to read, so take your time and please don't hesitate to ask questions. We are here to help.

I'm currently recovering from my second TKR and have benefited greatly from all the help and support from this community on during both recoveries!

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart!
Hopefully you made it home safely and you're resting comfortably. I look forward to following your healing journey.
Thanks for joining us. Hope to hear from you soon.
@Jtmav

 

[mendogal]

Hello! My first knee just turned a year old and its junior is from June.

My one piece of advice?
Your baby knee is running the show, and like any baby it will squall when its not happy.
So we nurture it with rest, ice, and elevation, with some gentle walking around the house.

Or as my ortho team made sure I understood... in the initial weeks... Less is Better!

 

[Jtmav]

Nerve block still effective and I did take a 5mg oxy as well. My Dr said don’t ”chase the pain” take the meds on schedule for a couple of days and see how you do. Ice machine cranking and leg elevated using the 3 pillow strategy. This place is a Godsend, thank you all for your advice and kindness. Second knee is scheduled for April 25 as well.

 

[lrj]

Highly recommend a tall toilet seat with handles like you can find at a pharmacy. If you have a low couch, you may need something to raise you up before you stand, such as a pillow or stacked cushions. About a week out is when standing up was the hardest for me.

 

[Axx72]

Welcome @Jtmav The best thing you can do at this point is rest, ice, elevation and compression. Ask as many questions as you can. Lots of super bone smarties on here to share in your journey

 

[Jtmav]

Thanks, I do have a tall toilet seat. Right now I am in a recliner with pillows stacked and ice going. See what tomorrow brings. Appreciate you taking the time to respond.

 

[selketine]

Nerve block still effective and I did take a 5mg oxy as well. My Dr said don’t ”chase the pain” take the meds on schedule for a couple of days and see how you do. Ice machine cranking and leg elevated using the 3 pillow strategy. This place is a Godsend, thank you all for your advice and kindness. Second knee is scheduled for April 25 as well.

Congrats on the first knee! I had my first one done on 1/9 and hope to have the 2nd one done this summer. That's awesome you already have a date knee #2! I agree with the doc on taking the pain meds as prescribed for a few days and then see where you're at. I was fortunate not needing to wake up to take them (took one at bedtime and slept pretty well for 6 hours) and the nerve block wearing off wasn't bad for me. Get lots of naps!

 

[Jtmav]

Sleep was pretty fleeting last night and the pain this morning is certainly more pronounced. I find the compression stocking to be helpful and I have been taking the 5mg oxy every 4 hours as instructed, and of course ice and elevation. The in hospital OT thought I didn’t need the walker and have been using crutches instead, which I find ok. In home PT is visiting this morning. See how day 2 goes.
best to all

 

[sistersinhim]

If you find you are unsteady on the crutches, go back to the walker until you are stronger. There's nothing wrong with using it, and it may keep you from falling. That's the last thing you want to do!

 

[raylo]

I was like you, didn't really need a walker... but you might want to keep the walker handy for those nighttime runs to the bathroom or to refill the ice machine when you are groggy and medicated.

 

[Jtmav]

They only gave me crutches so too late for that. I’m doing ok with the crutches. I’m lucky to have my wife helping me with ice, food and meds. PT came today, had 85 degree bend in the new knee, thought that was good after one day. Also my vitals were all good. I’ve been a road cyclist for awhile and I worked pretty hard to get into decent shape before the surgery, which she said will be helpful going down this path.

 

[jakemedic]

Welcome sir! It appears we had our surgery on the same day! i am using a walker for now. Not a statement of fashion at all, but I would bling mine out if I had something to do it with. The polar cube is amazing for sure! I took a nap and woke shivering. It’s all good. From what I believe, everyday will be new a new adventure, steps forward. And a few back too. My dad always said the saying about 2 ears and 1 mouth. I still haven’t learned to listen twice as much as talking though. That is how I meet new friends everywhere I go. By talking. Anyway, I’m going to shut up now and just say

 

[Jtmav]

Thanks, best of luck with your recovery as well. Certainly more pain today than yesterday with the nerve block gone but using the tools and advice I found here making it tolerable at least.
stay strong

 

[jakemedic]

You too sir! I’m Jake if you didn’t figure that out already. It’s a genuine pleasure to meet you!

 

[Jtmav]

Jim here, greater Boston area. Great to meet you as well. See how our parallel journeys unfold, though I have a few years on you. Stay strong

 

[raylo]

You must be my brother from another mother. Serious cyclist, mostly road, and in decent shape prior to surgery. Also didn't need walker and had 75degrees on day 1 home PT. Good luck with your recovery. The ground hog says early spring so get well and back on the bike.

They only gave me crutches so too late for that. I’m doing ok with the crutches. I’m lucky to have my wife helping me with ice, food and meds. PT came today, had 85 degree bend in the new knee, thought that was good after one day. Also my vitals were all good. I’ve been a road cyclist for awhile and I worked pretty hard to get into decent shape before the surgery, which she said will be helpful going down this path.