PKR Kelster11 Recovery Thread

[Kelster11]

Tomorrow will be a week since my Partial RKR. Overall a positive experience and I am happy to be on the road to recovery. Thanks to this site, I was very prepared for the surgery and recovery expectations. Thank you

 

[Jockette]

@Kelster11 Hi and Welcome to recovery! I’m glad things are going well for you.

Since you had your surgery a week ago I moved your post over to the Recovery forum.

I will leave you 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 all people are 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: The 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

2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

don't overwork.​

​

If you want to use something to help heal the incision, ​

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.​

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.​

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​

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​

6. Access to these pages on the website

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Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

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 the 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 the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
How are you doing one month post op? Hopefully all is well and you're enjoying steady progress.
Let us know how you're doing as time allows. Have a great Thanksgiving!
@Kelster11

 

[Kelster11]

Th Al you for your well wishes. I am riding a recumbent stationary bike as I type, so I guess I am doing okay. This group has been amazing and very helpful with my recovery. Just knowing I am normal. I had a very slow start to my recovery. I thought I was doing well walking a good bit but my twins were pulled back when I started outpatient PT. As a result of a year living in pain waiting for surgery and insurance approval I really developed some bad habits. My hip was involved way too much. So my therapist slowed me down and I actually had to learn how to walk normal. Crazy. My ROM was very limited and PT was concerned and mentioned manipulation. I really didn’t pain so I didn’t take the heavy prescribed meds. Plus I didn’t want to take anything for fear of not being able to drive. So I want at it slow and steady. I really put in the effort and sweat and tears. The RIM improved and I am at 120. Thankfully this site allowed me to realize everyone heals at their own pace. I still have lots of swelling and stiffness, but I am hoping with time that will get better. Plus with previous knee surgeries I remember being swollen for 6-12 months. Thank you for all your support and information. Time will heal me and I hope to return to the tennis courts in the next few months. To anyone who reads this post, you will have good and bad days but it does get better. Hang in there.

 

[Layla]

Thank you for the update. Your patience and slow steady approach to recovery is paying off.
Thanks for your encouragement to those healing along with you and those following behind.

I still have lots of swelling and stiffness,

Don't forget about ICE if you're no longer taking the time. It will help with the swelling which in turn helps the stiffness. Take good care and have a nice weekend!

 

[benne68]

I actually had to learn how to walk normal.

You are not alone. Many of us end up with our bodies out of alignment because we are favoring the bad knee without even realizing it. With the TKR, our alignment changes overnight and our poor muscles and tendons don't know what hit them. Practicing proper heel-toe walking is just part of the recovery.

Time will heal me and I hope to return to the tennis courts in the next few months.

Yes -- it will and you will!

 

[Kelster11]

Ice ice baby. Every day is getting better. It’s amazing how many changes the body makes to adjust to injury and recovery. I never knew I had many muscles are used doing the simplest thing. I have a new appreciation for life. I listen to the body and sometimes I am stumped why something is sore or aching, but it’s all coming together. Thank you for your support and guidance during this journey.

 

[hikertina]

I am right there with you.
I have been a nurse for 45 years but this experience has taught me things I never knew.

Hope it is all coming together

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!

I have a new appreciation for life.

The BEST! I never tire of a grateful heart.
to you!