TKR Kevin's knee journey - ups and downs

[mendogal]

That's great!

I do have one question: has your surgeon recommended that you be jumping?
It seems questionable to me especially at five months.

Yes, walking on a new knee is a wonderful thing, and I know you'll have a great time in New Orleans!!!!

 

[benne68]

When I volunteer at the zoo, I can walk for 2 hours stopping and stopping. I can walk a 1 1/2 mile

Sounds like you are doing well, @kevinR. Enjoy the festival and let us know how you do!

 

[kevinR]

That's great!

I do have one question: has your surgeon recommended that you be jumping?
It seems questionable to me especially at five months.

Yes, walking on a new knee is a wonderful thing, and I know you'll have a great time in New Orleans!!!!

Surgeon OK with using mini tramp. TBH my jumping ability is pretty sad...

 

[kevinR]

New question: How long does clunking last?

As I approach 6 months, things are going well, but I still clunk a lot. I know it is not a problem, but it is annoying. Any ideas how long it lasts?

 

[benne68]

How long does clunking last?

It's different for everyone, but it does subside with time -- although it can be gradual.

My right knee, which was replaced in 2021 still "clicks" a bit, but is barely noticeable compared with the loud clunking of leftie, which was just done in December. My surgeon says it will go away eventually, it just takes longer in some of us than in others.

As long as it doesn't hurt when it clunks, it's nothing to worry about it.

 

[Layla]

Here is an article that may be of interest, Kevin -
Clicking / Clunking Knee Joint After Surgery
@kevinR

 

[kevinR]

6 Months!!!!!!!!!

Here is where things are after 6 months. My PT says I am doing great, but I wish it was better.

I can pretty much do everything I want. Advanced yoga poses, balance position, gardening, walking.

However, still in moderation. I can walk a mile but start slowing down. I have a bit of trouble up and down hills. Every once in a while it does a little buckle, not enough to fall, but enough to notice.

The most annoying part is that as I do more an more, my knee aches. It is not surgery pain, and not like the pain of my arthritic other knee (new knee coming in November), but definitely a significant ache. Additionally, I will get swelling under the knee. When I am really lucky, I can push down on my kneecap and make it clunk.

Going to Spain in October, and making sure I have as much rehab as possible before the trip and for my new knee right after.

Cheers.

 

[Layla]

Happy Six Month Anniversary!
It is not uncommon early on, and you're still early into recovery in the entire scheme of things, for there to be aches and pain if you over do it. Since you mention there is swelling involved, you're not too far along to ice and elevate which will likely help. This recovery takes most a full year and many notice improvements into their second and even third years post op.

A trip to Spain sounds lovely. I am sure you'll feel even stronger and steadier on your feet by the time October rolls around and be able to fully enjoy your vacay!
Happy Saturday, Kevin!
@kevinR

 

[Maggie M]

I was exactly like you! I had my surgery in December thinking I would be back to normal by now. I think I’m doing pretty good, had a setback last week but I’ll get over that.
I’m really wondering how you did in New Orleans. We’re going to be near there in a couple of weeks and I’m trying to decide if I want to do the walking, some of the sidewalks can be rough, did you take a cane? We love NO and I would hate to miss it. We like to walk around and people watch.

 

[kevinR]

I use hiking sticks instead of a cane. You look like you are ready to roll instead of being in recovery. I had no problems on the streets, and did 3 mile days - there were 20 music stages from one end of the French Quarter to the other. I iced at the end of the day.

K

 

[kevinR]

Update on my Right knee. Sadly, my knee decided that it was not going to follow my well planned schedule. My original plan was for my wife and I to spend 3 weeks in Spain followed by right knee replacement on November 9 - a year after my first knee. A week ago, it decided that it was tired of waiting and needed to be done. Spain is cancelled and surgery is scheduled for the end of July. I will be wearing my knee braces, using sticks, taking diclofenac and trying not to walk too much.

 

[Jockette]

I’m sorry your knee had other ideas, they can be so dramatic, can’t they? Let us know when you have a definite date and well update your signature.

 

[Layla]

Ugh...So sorry you had to cancel. Losing the knee pain though will be a blessing...then when you're pain free...Spain!

Wishing you lots of comfort leading up to your surgery, an uneventful surgery and easy breezy recovery.
@kevinR

 

[Healingwell]

I am sorry you had to cancel your
trip. I wish you a smooth recovery and time with your family.

 

[benne68]

Spain is cancelled and surgery is scheduled for the end of July.

I feel your pain! I had to cancel a trip to Sicily in 2021 because my right knee decided it wouldn't wait any longer. We finally made that trip last year and it was wonderful to able to walk up hills, over cobblestone streets and down marble steps without worry.

I can tell you from personal experience, you will be much happier wandering around Spain with two good knees! Keep us posted.

 

[kevinR]

Thanks for everyone's kind words. I am having surgery July 29th. I need to at least get half a summer, a few concerts I am playing in, and my wife's birthday.

 

[kevinR]

7 month update!

For anyone getting 2 knees done, I recommend that you write a knee diary of the ups and downs of the first one. I went back to the beginning and reread it all 1) The really bad part was in the first few days because I did not take enough meds. 2) A "bed bottle" just in case is a really good idea. 3) If the doc is OK with it, a TENS unit early on will probably really help with pain. I was a month out before I tried it. 4) Don't push it, and recovery is 6 months to a year not 2 months. If I knew all of that, I would have had an easier time.

Now for the update.

It is my 35th anniversary. We are in Victoria Canada.

My knee still pops but not as much! We are walking quite a bit and my new knee is holding up. It aches at the end of the day, but no longer swells. It is a champ on stairs! My right knee is really holding it back. I am using an offloader brace and two hiking sticks and it complains constantly. Time for a new shining replacement.

Cheers.!

 

[mendogal]

Happy Anniversary!!!! (We just celebrated 45th last week, youngster )

Isn't it wonderful to have a reliable knee?!?! It will support you through your second recovery and when your New new knee catches up, there will be no stopping you!

 

[Layla]

Thanks for the update. Your doing well. Happy Seven Month Anniversary, Lefty!
Enjoy your vacay and safe travels home. Happy 35th!
@kevinR

 

[FleuveStone]

It is my 35th anniversary. We are in Victoria Canada.

Happy 35th anniversary! Hope you enjoyed your visit to Victoria. It hasn't exactly been summery here on the south end of Vancouver Island but on the plus side it hasn't been TOO summery/hot!

You and a couple of others have mentioned walking sticks vs. a cane. I may drag out my urban walking poles and try them again. It will definitely help to distribute weight across both sides of the body.