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TKR kmak's TKR recovery thread

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In the morning I will be heading out on a vacay with my spouse and granddaughter. We are doing a Road Scholar trip to San Francisco which was planned almost a year ago. We had a long drive from CO to Kansas City over the past two days to pick her up. It was actually quite comfortable in the back seat with the Lounge Doctor and I did my share of driving with no ill effects. This should be a nice getaway to 1) see how my new knee does in different environments 2) allow me a little break from what has been a nearly singular focus over the past 10 weeks. I have my cane which will be mighty useful, plenty of meds, and permission to take a day off if I visit the ODIC. I have also read the tips for navigating airports/airplanes - thanks for sharing KarriB. I can't wait see the sights in SF (haven't been there in almost 30 years), eat some good food (had great Indian food tonight!) and talk about things not related to knees and recovery. My knee is sometimes uncomfortable when walking long distances and I still swell some after sitting for a long time, but I feel as though this will be manageable if I am careful. I hope you all have a good rest of the weekend and upcoming week wherever you are in your recovery.
 
@kmak81230, I'm just thrilled for you! :happydance:I know you'll be mostly sensible on your outings and pamper your knee if *ahem* kneeded, lol. The dramatic change of scene, to such a great city, enhanced by your granddaughter's company will make this a very special journey. Truly, a trip of a lifetime. Have a ball! :happydance:
 
Well, I'd much rather be sashaying around San Francisco, but since I'm not, I'll just have to kick back in the new chair and plan a good vacation, lol. I'm just not sure when to plan it for, but I'm thinking about the fall. I certainly don't need to be here for *leaf-season*.....seen plenty of those!
 
Planning a trip sounds like good therapy - keeps you looking forward in a good way. :capn:
 
My thoughts exactly! I just have to decide on the what, where and when. Oh, I see what you did there with that icon, lol! I'd love to go on a Maine Windjammer, but....not this year. September is the best month for that and I don't think I'd be up to that sort of action. Next year would be great though! Now I'm salivating, lol!
 
Well, it's time for me to find a new book to read. Can't go to bed without one! You have a safe journey tomorrow and take LOTS of photos to share! Looking forward to your trip tales!:flwrysmile:
 
As I'm 6 weeks post recovery, I found your running commentary very helpful in comparing my own progress. Like yourself I was very physically active, but I had the naive expectation that 6 weeks out I should be almost back to normal again. What I discovered is that regardless of what shape you were in prior to the surgery, recovery has its own time table. Pushing my exercises make it very clear the next day that doing too much was definitely counterproductive. While my range of motion is good, 130 degrees, and swelling minimal, the clunkiness, heavyness, sometimes popping and artificial feeling combined with tight bands around the knee are very disconcerting. I can't help but wonder if this is par for the recovery process. There is no real pain, just feels like the "gears" aren't meshing too well. Hopefully, the next month will bring some smoother operation. Did you find there was significant improvement from week 6 to 9?
 
Hi Jim:

You are correct about the knee having its own timetable. I have noticed much more improvement in the past two weeks. Particularly in my energy and ability to be on my feet for longer periods of time without significant swelling. I was initially very worried about the slow to come range of motion but have resigned myself to the fact that it will be a long process. I still have some discomfort with walking particularly as the day wears on. Your ROM is terrific and I think the other stuff will work itself out. I'm looking forward to not noticing it so much. Welcome to the forum.
 
@Jim9999, it all sounds par for the course to me and you've described all the sensations to a T! My PT tells me these will all lessen with time as our muscles become stronger and healing takes place. Sounds reasonable, right?
 
Hi Kmak81230, Congrates !

1. How do you elevate legs in office ?

2. What is the bike you use, can you please give model etc. I struggled with upright stationary bike because of hight and finally quit doing it.

Thanks,

David
 
Hi David - I elevate a couple of ways at work. The first is not complete elevation - I put my leg on my desk. I'm fortunate that I have an L-shaped desk and I can have my left leg on the desk with an ice pack and still work on the computer - I'm not in a reception area so it's not really a problem and I can keep it up off the floor for a longer period of time. I also brought a yoga mat to work and I lay on it with my leg propped up against the wall - my lower leg gets a little achy with that one so I can't do it as long. As for bikes, I am using 3 different set ups. At home I have an old touring bike set up on a trainer. Initially that was the hardest as the seat didn't go quite high enough. Now it works. I use a stationary bike at my gym - not sure the brand - perhaps a life cycle?? I won't be back there for a week. At PT they have an older model Schwinn stationary bike - both at the gym and at PT the seats go quite high. I started with my heel on the pedal and toe pointed when I first started making a full revolution. Hope you can find something that works.
 
You're making good progress. :yay:
 
ODIC - but it's ok this week . . . Tuesday was week 10 for me and this week I have walked and walked and walked some more - up steps, down steps, up steep sidewalks, down steep sidewalks, onto and off of buses and escalators, and trolleys, and cable cars - WHEW! Approximately 5-7 miles of walking each day, including a 1.7 mile hike across the Golden Gate bridge on Monday. This new knee is solid - the rest of me is pooped! Tired feet and ankles, some knee swelling each night but after icing and elevating it seems ready to go the next day. My poor extension makes my gait less than desirable and I strained the back of the knee muscles again this morning -:censored: . I will have to let that heal once I get home. I am slow walker and not confident at all on the downhills. I hope that will get better with time. I am also very happy to have my cane with me on this adventure. I still do not like to stand in one place for long and so am always looking for benches, chairs, couches to take a rest throughout the day. Still very stiff in the mornings and after long bouts of sitting. All in all, a good test for the new knee - one that I might not have been able to do 2 weeks ago. And to top it off, the sleeping is much better. :cool:
 
just catching up on your thread kmak. what a fabulous 9 week report. are you home from your trip to san francisco and how was it, other than you joining the ODIC? that was definitely a good test for your new knee ~ now let's see how you bounce back.:wowspring: so glad you feel your new knee is solid; i know the feeling.
 
Wow! Superb how much you managed to do.
Our last visit to SF was 26 years ago. I bet a lot has changed but even then, there was a lot to see, on foot, and yet it would never have occurred to us to walk across the bridge! Kudos!
 
Cheers! You're enjoying your vacation. How wonderful you can be so active and your knee so cooperative. It's too much to expect it will not be sore, I suppose, but what great news that it settles down with a nice icing and some rest, and is ready for another adventure. You go, girl! Your post gives me hope that I might do as well as you one day.
 
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