TKR Karen's RTKR, January 19th, 2016

kaw205

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Hi all,
I just wanted to get my recovery thread set up tonight, as surgery will be tomorrow morning.
My first knee will be one year old on Wednesday and I couldn't be happier with it.
The road to recovery is long, but the end result is amazing.
I'll post updates when I am able....
 
Pulling for you and sending healing through to your away. You'll be on the road to a new life tomorrow!
 
Hi Karen,
I hope the surgery is safely over and you're now resting in bed.
As a reminder, since it's a year since your first knee replacement, here is the recovery reading list:

First are the BoneSmart mantras ....
- rest, elevate, ice and take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist (PT) - to do it to you. exercise only gently
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!
- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lie down!

Next is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) thread.

And here are some very crucial articles
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Activity progression for TKRs

Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling

Home physio (PT) and activity progress: suggestions
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

And then some wise words from members who have shared their experiences ...
Where are you in recovery?? (TKR)
Five “P’s” of knee recovery
TKR: work “smarter” and not “harder”
Recovering a knee - from one who knows!
It's never too late to get more ROM!
It's worth the wait for ROM

Best wishes. :flwrysmile:
 
Good luck and will see you on the other side. We are on almost the same timetable. My second knee has been easier than the first and I hope yours will be too.
 
my recovery thread is: karen's rtkr, january 19, 2016
I'm doing good, but fighting the pain today. I hope to go home this afternoon and then I can post more.
I slept great last night, but now all the good drugs have worn off, lol.
Gotta go. PT will be coming in soon.
 
Congratulations on your second new knee! It helps to be a seasoned TKR veteran- at least that was my experience, and I hope you will also find it to be true.
 
Post-op Day 4 January 24, 2016
I've been meaning to post all week, but family is here and I just haven't been on- line much.
But, here it is, 3am and I can't sleep. Not because of the knee, but I had a bad dream and also wanted to raid the fridge for some leftover spaghetti, LOL.
So everything is going good. Surgery on Tuesday, home on Wednesday,
My first day home was rough pain-wise, but the pain in manageable now.
On Friday, I transitioned from walker to cane and can walk around the kitchen without either.
I was able to take a shower on Friday since my incision is glued.
A PT came today just to do an eval and eyeballed my ROM at 90. Next week I'll have two sessions here at home.
I read over my journal from my prior TKR and this one seems to be progressing about the same.
My sister is due to fly back to PA on monday, but I'm hoping the flight might be delayed due to the storm.
She's been a great help and good company!
Best wishes to all and if you are in the path of the storm, stay safe!
Karen
 
Thanks for the report, Karen. It sounds as if you're making good progress.

Take it slowly. Beware of doing too much, too soon.
I'm sure you're going to do fine.
 
I'm glad you are doing so well. Is your appetite back? Craving spaghetti is a good sign. Mine is back now but wish it weren't. Take care!
 
Hi @janmont ,
Unfortunately, my appetite is just fine. My birthday was yesterday and I had pizza, cake and ice cream.
I'm a weight watcher, so back to counting the points today
How are you doing?
 

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