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TKR Kate's Knee Knews

No, not a chance of that as I spent the first four weeks at a rehab and at a different PT group. My infection was in the soft tissue and while I was in the hospital/rehab it was always covered with a silveron bandage. It may have been a pre-existing infection, but there's no way if knowing for certain. I also have very sensitive soft tissue in my legs (says both of my OSs). I actually didn't go into a pool until 7 months out. I waited almost 2 years for pedicure. I am still on a maintanence antibiotic to keep the staph from reoccurring.
 
Must have overdone it today by going to the grocery store and having my kids over for dinner; my knee is very painful and swollen right now. And here I thought I was making progress! Good day Friday, lots of pain on Sat. and Sun. My knee always feels hot at night when I take off my support stockings. And I'm running a low grade fever of 99.8 - 100.4. My body temp seems to be higher at night for some reason. If it continues tomorrow, will call the OS. I'm terribly afraid/paranoid about having some sort of infection ...
 
Heavens, yes, you overdid it. Never mind. Just spend lots more time resting, icing and elevating.

It's only 3 weeks since you had major surgery. That's very early in this year-long recovery and you really should only be doing the absolute minimum still.
Remember this?
Activity progression for TKRs
 
I had read it, good to read it for refresher. I guess as my pain has lessened, I thought I could start easing into more and more activities. I also find I'm sometimes going longer between pain med doses. I assume that if one is still taking (narcotic) pain meds, one shouldn't be driving. The short drive I took today was at approx. the 4-hour mark, pain was coming back but could no longer feel any effects of the medication.

Since I've been feeling better overall, it's been easy to try to do more, but as in tonight, find out too late how much is too much. Need some sleep, but feel wide awake ...
 
Correct. You should be off narcotics before you start driving again.
 
@SDkate. Sounds like you are now a member of the "over did it " club. Take it easy. Your body has been through a big shock . I made a mistake and watched the video on YouTube. No wonder we are in pain. Hubby couldn't even watch the whole thing! Please be careful driving. Maybe try it first with no pain pills and take the bottle with you just in case you get stopped( this was an idea from a cop friend). Sleeping better will come in time. We have all been there .:doggie:
 
I overdid it yesterday by pushing too much on my floor peddler. I can't imagine doing all the stuff that you did. Definitely sounds like you need a day of bonesmarting. (Verb: to rest, ice, elevate and medicate a joint replacement)
 
Had an eye dr. appt. this morning, hubby drove me since they dilated my eyes. My early cataracts are progressing a bit, not ready for surgery yet. If it isn't one thing, it's another. Am going to try to take a nap with my BFF (ice machine).

Also, need to stay out of hubby's way - my son went downstairs last night to bring up a bag of ice for me, and he didn't push the freezer door shut all the way before he walked away. It evidently swung open and we now have several hundred dollars worth of thawed steaks and other meat.
 
Had what I felt was a good PT session this afternoon. My measurements are 0 and 95 - I think the 0 is good for 3 weeks out, not sure if the 95 is that good, but my therapist said I was doing great, which made me feel good. I have a feeling I'm going to hurt more later tho
 
That sounds good. My OS said he was looking for me to be at 90 at the 6 week point. I'm 92 and not 3 weeks yet. You are doing really well. :yay:
 
All that thawed meat! Time for a cookout! Sounds like you are doing great. Don't let the occasional setback worry you. It gets better (I say from the very experienced viewpoint of 4 1/2 weeks out). :heehee:
 
Both measurements are excellent.

Oh, my. Somebody's cooking up a storm. I'm so sorry to hear about the freezer.
 
SDkate said:
Had what I felt was a good PT session this afternoon. My measurements are 0 and 95 - I think the 0 is good for 3 weeks out, not sure if the 95 is that good, but my therapist said I was doing great, which made me feel good. I have a feeling I'm going to hurt more later tho
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95 is just fine! My surgeon only expects 90 by about 6 weeks.

If you do hurt more later, ask to cut the PT back a bit at the next session. Right now, your knee is still in the very early stage of healing and minimal PT is quite sufficient.
 
SDkate said:
I have a feeling I'm going to hurt more later tho
Click to expand...
Yeah, both knees are more swollen and very painful. My non-op knee is telling me I overdid it, guess I need to go find an ice pack for it.

After visiting with my OS's PA yesterday about my progress, they gave me a return to work form for 9/8, day after Labor day, which will be 7 weeks after surgery. Now, to tell my boss ...
 
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Sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work. The numbers are good for 3 weeks out. They will get better sooner than you think. Just take it easy and lots of ice.
 
SDkate said:
After visiting with my OS's PA yesterday about my progress, they gave me a return to work form for 9/8, day after Labor day, which will be 7 weeks after surgery.
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That's a bit early. We recommend about 12 weeks and even then a Phased return to work .
Don't hesitate to ask for longer, if you feel you aren't ready.
 
WOW @7 weeks I couldn't even think about going back to work unless I could sit all day and able to ice. You go girl!
 
@SDkate - 7 weeks seems pretty fast to be planning on going back to work. I'm going to try to stay out 12 weeks, as I want to go back as prepared as possible. I did WAY too much limping and SLOW walking before surgery. It was SO frustrating, and made it very difficult to concentrate on doing what I needed to do. I'm hoping my OS will support me with that approach. I have to go back for my 6 week check up in a couple weeks, and he'll need to submit more short term disability documentation and restate my planned return to work, which was originally 9 weeks.. We'll see how it goes..
Any chance of taking more time off yourself?
 
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