Left knee TKR

[Casuals]

I'm using a Fire tablet, so it seems things are different on the forum when I'm looking for them! I hope this is starting a new thread. I don't have a cursor to hover over anything, no black radio buttons!! Lol Please let me know, if I don't do something correctly.

 

[Casuals]

My surgery is scheduled for July 11th at 3:15. Have to check in at 1:15 to get ready. Still have 1 more class and a pre op physical to attend before that date. I have no idea when they will do my right knee, almost wishing they would do it at the same time! Then I read about double, and am glad it's this way!

 

[SusieShoes]

Hi @Casuals! You started a new thread, so mission accomplished.

Did you talk to your surgeon about doing both at the same time? Lots of people after having a single TKR wish they’d done both! Of course your surgeon and you might have good reasons not to. Speaking only for myself, having both done wasn’t bad at all. I only had one surgery and recovery to go through. Two knees recover as quickly (or slowly, depending on how one looks at it) as one.

How are you doing on setting up your nest? Time tends to fly leading up to surgery.

 

[Casuals]

Good morning Susie! Actually no! When I went to see the surgeon this time, I hadn't decided yet to have it. I tried the cortisone shot again, He told me to call if I decided to have the surgery, I did a couple of weeks later ( last month) and it's been a whirlwind since! I have had to get other things taken care of also. But on the phone one lady asked which knee and it stumped me at the time, because I couldn't tell if one was worse. She said pick one! Lol. So she went into my file to find out which one, Everyone seems to be going off that choice! I did send my doctor an email this morning asking how long after this can I make an appointment for my next one. Only saw the man one time, really liked him though, he seems like a very good Doctor! The insurance we are with, everything goes through so many different offices. I kind of got swept down stream with everything moving along! Lol. Update!! I actually got an email back and talked to someone on the phone, they will schedule the second one for about 2 months after you have the first one. So if everything goes well then I should have both new knees by November. Thank you! You kinda pushed me into finding out! I knew from the way everyone was talking that he only does 1 at a time, at least for me!

 

[KarriB]

I’ll leave you with some reading that will help you prepare for your TKR. Welcome to BoneSmart! These are our post-op guidelines, but it’ll help prepare you if you go over them now.

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.​

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.​

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. Here is a week-by-week guide for Activity progression for TKRs


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 a 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 history before providing advice.

 

[Casuals]

Thank you Karri, been trying to read most everything on here! This site has so much good info!

 

[Celle]

@Casuals
Here is some pre-op reading as well, to help you prepare yourself and your house:

Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?

Regardless of where you are in the process, the website and app My Knee Guide can help you stay organized and informed. The free service keeps all the information pertaining to your surgery and recovery in one place on your smartphone. It is intended to be a personal support tool for the entire process.

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced knee, take a look at the posts and threads from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:
Stories of amazing knee recoveries

 

[Casuals]

Celle, Thank You! I have been reading my knee guide since I was your comment. I feel like I'm reading from all directions, which is a good thing!

 

[Celle]

@Casuals - I have started a recovery thread for you, here:
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/casuals-left-knee-tkr.48921/
From now on, please post about your progress in your recovery thread.