TKR KathyH New Knee
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KathyH
post-grad
Thank you all so much for your words of support and encouragement. The physiotherapist at the hospital where I had my op did say she could refer me to my local hospital (which is only a 30 minute drive out of rush hour) but she wasn't sure how long their waiting list is and hers is only between one and two weeks. But perhaps I will be asked to be referred after all and in the meantime, try and do gentle exercises at home.
I do remember that when I fractured my knee, I was in hospital on traction for five weeks. On discharge from hospital and traction my whole lege was put in plaster in two parts, separated by a hinge at the knee for bending. What I am saying here is, I wasn't able to bend my knee at all for five whole weeks, but it never stopped it bending in the future, albeit not a perfect bed - but that's probably because I didn't do enough exercise afterwards being young and naive and also not being given proper advice by the physio at the time.
From last night I swapped the Paracetamol for Ibrobrufen, to take with the Tramadol. I'm hoping the Ibrobrufen will help with this swelling. I iced before I went to bed last night and immediately I took the ice package off, I could feel the heat coming from my knee. When I went to bed it was causing me a bit of discomfort as well as feeling like it was on fire. Luckily it didn't keep me awake very long. Although I wake several times in the night (and I believe this is because I'm sleeping propped up on loads of pillows on my back) I seem to have no trouble going back to sleep. So am lucky in that respect.
I do remember that when I fractured my knee, I was in hospital on traction for five weeks. On discharge from hospital and traction my whole lege was put in plaster in two parts, separated by a hinge at the knee for bending. What I am saying here is, I wasn't able to bend my knee at all for five whole weeks, but it never stopped it bending in the future, albeit not a perfect bed - but that's probably because I didn't do enough exercise afterwards being young and naive and also not being given proper advice by the physio at the time.
From last night I swapped the Paracetamol for Ibrobrufen, to take with the Tramadol. I'm hoping the Ibrobrufen will help with this swelling. I iced before I went to bed last night and immediately I took the ice package off, I could feel the heat coming from my knee. When I went to bed it was causing me a bit of discomfort as well as feeling like it was on fire. Luckily it didn't keep me awake very long. Although I wake several times in the night (and I believe this is because I'm sleeping propped up on loads of pillows on my back) I seem to have no trouble going back to sleep. So am lucky in that respect.
Dhare63
post-grad
Hi Kathy,
So sorry to hear you are feeling down and having trouble. As others have said, I would opt for closer pt simply because the ride alone will be challenging. In the meantime, start with the basics for exercise, keep it simple. Do them a few times throughout the day, but don't obsess.
Something I started doing was after I ice in the morning for an hour or so, I put on my compression stocking. I modified mine by cutting out the foot so the bottom is right above my ankle and it extends to mid thigh. I wear it for at least half the day. When I wasn't working, I would wear it all day sometimes. It can help move the fluid away from the joint. You should try it. Now I can say that I hated the compression stockings right after the TKR last year, but this time around can see the benefits of its use.
The other thing I would suggest if possible is getting on a stationary bike. Someone a while ago explained that the action of peddling, acts like a pump. It will help move the fluid away from the joint, and into the lymph system to be flushed out. You might also see if a massage therapist is nearby. They could do some lymphatic massage. This starts with massage from foot to thigh/groin, always with a stroke the moves up the leg towards the groin. Again, this will help with swelling. My pt did this and showed me how to do it myself at home. All these things in combination helped a lot to get my swelling down to almost none at this point. The measurements she took showed a 6-7 cm drop in circumference of my knee, a huge improvement over 3 weeks.
Please keep in mind that you have much time to gain rom. You will need to try different things to see what works for your body. No two recoveries are alike, so much trial and error along the way. Just don't lose faith, better days are ahead. In the meantime, come here and post away. You know that we all understand where you're at and are behind you 100%!
On another note, did you see your fellow countryman Andy Murray won the US Open Tennis tournament last night? It was great, he played so well and was quite an inspriration!
Do take care and please keep us posted. Prayers and hugs are on the way!
Be well my friend,
Dawn
So sorry to hear you are feeling down and having trouble. As others have said, I would opt for closer pt simply because the ride alone will be challenging. In the meantime, start with the basics for exercise, keep it simple. Do them a few times throughout the day, but don't obsess.
Something I started doing was after I ice in the morning for an hour or so, I put on my compression stocking. I modified mine by cutting out the foot so the bottom is right above my ankle and it extends to mid thigh. I wear it for at least half the day. When I wasn't working, I would wear it all day sometimes. It can help move the fluid away from the joint. You should try it. Now I can say that I hated the compression stockings right after the TKR last year, but this time around can see the benefits of its use.
The other thing I would suggest if possible is getting on a stationary bike. Someone a while ago explained that the action of peddling, acts like a pump. It will help move the fluid away from the joint, and into the lymph system to be flushed out. You might also see if a massage therapist is nearby. They could do some lymphatic massage. This starts with massage from foot to thigh/groin, always with a stroke the moves up the leg towards the groin. Again, this will help with swelling. My pt did this and showed me how to do it myself at home. All these things in combination helped a lot to get my swelling down to almost none at this point. The measurements she took showed a 6-7 cm drop in circumference of my knee, a huge improvement over 3 weeks.
Please keep in mind that you have much time to gain rom. You will need to try different things to see what works for your body. No two recoveries are alike, so much trial and error along the way. Just don't lose faith, better days are ahead. In the meantime, come here and post away. You know that we all understand where you're at and are behind you 100%!
On another note, did you see your fellow countryman Andy Murray won the US Open Tennis tournament last night? It was great, he played so well and was quite an inspriration!
Do take care and please keep us posted. Prayers and hugs are on the way!
Be well my friend,
Dawn
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KathyH
post-grad
Thank you Dawn, your suggestions are much appreciate.. I am still actually wearing the support stockings day and night. I don't have a stationary bike I'm afraid. Used to have one years ago, but chucked it out because it always used to make my knee feel stiff after use. Having said that, when I used a stationary bike at the gym in more recent years, it didn't have any effect on my knee. I might look on You Tube to see if there are any videos on massaging the knee.
Yes, I saw the news about Andy Murrary. At last he has won a grand slam. Then I saw him being interviewed immediately after - no sign of any joy or the glimpse of a smile, as normal
He really is a sad guy!
Yes, I saw the news about Andy Murrary. At last he has won a grand slam. Then I saw him being interviewed immediately after - no sign of any joy or the glimpse of a smile, as normal
He really is a sad guy!
ladyj
senior
I remember when I had my original accident and couldn't walk at all for 12 weeks that a community physiotherapist used to come and see me once or twice a week. Is that an option for you, I wonder?
Titianlady
post-grad
KathyH, how are you today my dear? Are things getting sorted out with finding future PT? How are you feeling?
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KathyH
post-grad
Hi Titianlady, thanks for asking, you are kind. I haven't got around to sorting my PT out yet. I need to phone the surgery tomorrow to get more meds, so will ask then.
I am feeling fine in myself and I'm also getting round the home more and doing teeny weeny jobs (nothing strenuous be assured) and mainly on one crutch. So this is what you call slow progress I suppose and I am happy with any sort of progress at the moment
I am feeling fine in myself and I'm also getting round the home more and doing teeny weeny jobs (nothing strenuous be assured) and mainly on one crutch. So this is what you call slow progress I suppose and I am happy with any sort of progress at the moment
Titianlady
post-grad
I'm glad you're doing well! You will get there dear. Time is our friend
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
![[Bonesmart.org] KathyH New Knee](https://data.bonesmart.org/attachments/3/3566-1742a1a2cb19ce53c9af869aa1e05eff.jpg?hash=F0KhossZzl "[Bonesmart.org] KathyH New Knee")
Just remember, Kathy, the snail may be slow be he gets where he's going and is never out of breath. As long as you're moving forward, the rate of speed doesn't matter. Just take it easy, follow the mantra, and keep the swelling down. Creeping along the recovery road, you'll be getting better and better. Take care, keep us posted, we care.
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KathyH
post-grad
You are so right, as ever, Judy 
speccybecky
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It will take it own time.......and you have a wedding to look forward to!
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KathyH
post-grad
Aah Nancy, I don't now - I have TWO weddings next year now. My son, Russell and his fiance, Alice have decided to get married next year too. So it's Russell in June in Brighton and then Kelly in September in Cyprus. A very expensive year 
But pleased they are both making this commitment.
But pleased they are both making this commitment.
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KathyH
post-grad
When I had my staples out last week, the nurse said I could take off my waterproof dressing last Sunday or Monday. For good measure I left it on until today. After I had my shower this morning, I took the dressing off and expected to see a nice clean incision. But I was horrified to see a horrid mess (see photo). So I put on another dressing which I had spare, as it just doesn't look clean enough yet for me. Was I right to do this, do you think?
![[Bonesmart.org] KathyH New Knee](https://bonesmart.org/forum/attachments/knee-14-days-jpg.4133/ "[Bonesmart.org] KathyH New Knee")
Debbie_joints
post-grad
Oh Kathy, that would scare me too. I am not a medical person but wondering if it needs to breath more and not put on a waterproof bandage. I am only a few days ahead of you and mine looks nothing like that. My doc let me run water over it from the day I went home three days after surgery.
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KathyH
post-grad
Bearing in mind that thicker line on the left hand side is a pen mark. The line on the right is the incision. Yes, I was wondering too, Debbie, if I should be letting the air get to it. It is rather hard to the touch and not at all soft.
Would like to tag Josephine, but don't know how to tag....
Would like to tag Josephine, but don't know how to tag....
Debbie_joints
post-grad
oh, ok a pen mark, I get that now. Well then I think the redness where the waterproof bandage is irritating to you so I would leave that off. Otherwise I don't think it is that bad, I was just thinking that dark line was something else. My doc put lines across so he had to match them up...had to laugh at that. Your knee doesn't look too swollen either. So I am thinking just let it breath now.
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KathyH
post-grad
Since I substituted the paracetamols for ibrobrufen, I think the knee is less swollen. I'll take the dressing off tomorrow then. Must admit to being a bit scared to let the scar be naked as I feel it is less protected. Thanks Debbie
as I feel it is less protected. Thanks Debbie
Debbie_joints
post-grad
Be free Kathy, let it all hang out and go naked.....
Nanners
post-grad
Hey KathyH I am just about a week behind you. I had over zealous therapists at the rehab center afterwards, so I have been kinder with my knee than they were. I am to set up further PT but decided to give myself a week to rest and recover it a bit. Glad to hear you got your staples out. Mine come out tomorrow and I am so looking forward to it. Hoping some of the tightness will be relieved. I am still on the heavy drugs, will give it a few more days to see how I feel before going down on my dosage. Since being home I have chosen to follow the BS mantra of ice, elevation and rest and my knee seems less angry.
Keep up the good work! We will get our ROM together. Hugs!
Keep up the good work! We will get our ROM together. Hugs!
skigirl
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