TKR Left One Done 7/31/14

[Krynn49]

Well if they want to pay for the tkr and my bills at home, bring it on. I just can't afford to have the left one done until late next year. I used all my time accruals and don't have any time left:(

 

[Josephine]

I am confused. I am almost 10 weeks out and I still have the tightness around my knee. It is there when I wake up in the am and most of the time when I stand up after siting even for a little while.

That's pain, my dear and needs to be medicated Read this "Tight band" feeling across the front of my knee.

I go to PT three times a week and they are really gentle with me. I do my exercises (the same kind) at home. I ice my knee after each session. I am taking 2 Percocet at bedtime and one in the am before PT. In between, I take either ibuprofen or Tylenol. My ROM last week hit 101 but this week I can only get it to 96. I have read all of the posts in the library and I still am concerned if I am medicating enough or PT too much.

I'd say a bit of both.

- you don't need to do exercises at home the day you have PT and make sure you have a day off each week.
- ice all the time, by the hour if you want, and elevate as much as you have time to.
- take Percocets 3 times a day.
- what dose of Tylenol and ibuprofen are you taking?

Expect a lower ROM after PT - it means your knee is swollen. Most reductions in ROM is due to swelling. Swelling is caused by pain. Pain needs to be medicated. Get it?

Also read the articles Kelly (skigirl) posted for you in the second post of this thread. You really need the information in them, specially the first one on pain management.

 

[Dulcimer Diva]

A full PT session every day is a recipe for more pain. Heck, even healthy athletes take a day off every other day from weight-or-strength-training particular muscle groups: strength exercises result in micro-tears in the muscle, and it's on the day of rest that the muscle rebuilds and adds a little more. Do gentle stuff in between sessions if you're going to exercise at all--the activities of daily living can provide all the exercise you need on your off-days.

 

[Krynn49]

Josephine I take 1,000 Tylenol and 400 to 800 Ibuprofen alternating during the day(similar to your cocktail).
What I am concerned about now is this past weekend I made a trip to the ER and was diagnosed with severe constipation after a ct scan. Luckily, no blockage!! I was also told about a spot on my liver that I need to follow up with my regular dr. The ER doc was not specific as to what it is but she said an ultrasound test is in order. I am seeing dr tomorrow and he will most likely refer me to GI doc.
I know it could be nothing but I have heard about problems with the liver with people taking Tylenol and also cholesterol meds. It worries me:(

 

[Josephine]

I really wouldn't worry - you are well within the safe max of Tylenol and haven't been taking it but a few weeks. Added to which, about 20% of the population of this planet has 'spots' on their liver.

 

[Krynn49]

Going for an ultrasound in the morning. Hoping for good news.
Returning to work Thursday. Scheduled myself a short week(Thurs and Friday) so I would have a recovery weekend
Hit 109 in PT yesterday. Best one yet Seem to be losing the cane and venturing in to stairs with my tkr knee.
I may finally be turning the corner.

 

[karmigirl]

Jan,
Good job. keep things going in the right directions and you will see many more corners turned soon.

 

[Krynn49]

I recall reading about a creaking knee. Well, mine is now creaking. Started at therapy Monday. Didn't do anything different at therapy. Why is this happening now when I am just going back to work????
Called OS and have an appointment tomorrow. Hopefully it is just a passing thing

 

[Krynn49]

Well, my OS says creaking is normal, as long as there is no pain. So I guess I will just ignore it for now.
Found out I did get in the aquatics class. Starts next week. Been years and years and years since I have been in a swimsuit. Gonna be interesting
Josephine BTW, the ultrasound came out normal!

 

[Josephine]

That's good, Jan. The creaking is due to the scar where the incision was. No, not the incision in the skin, the internal incision which spreads far and wide around the joint and largely responsible for most of the post-op pain. This ends up developing into gristle which is tough fibrous tissue, much like you'd find in a joint of meat! But the effect is to make this creaky noise when it is moved. But the better side is that it will dissipate in time.

 

[Krynn49]

I absolutely love aquatics class! We do exercizes with float barbells and the water is awesome warm!
I am finding that I can get more bend in my knee in the water. When I had my last PT I was at 106 but I am going to stop by and have them measure me. I think it has improved a lot!
Last weekend, my daughter and I took a road trip to Cleveland and walked all over the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Knee was tired but did not yell at me as much as it had been

I think I am finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel

 

[kneeper]

 

[Krynn49]

Kind of a down day. Had the PT at aquatics measure my rom. I honestly thought it would be more than 97 but no . I did talk to one of my PT friends at work and she helped me see that even though my rom wasn't what I wanted, I can do the things I need to do such as walk, get in and out of a car without moving the seat back, etc., And I am working on the stairs and doing good. I still have some pain from swelling but I still ice and do the exercises I learned from PT. And I am loving the pool!!
I have learned so much from this forum. Without the info, I don't know what I would have done.

 

[Jacky48]

Jan, I hope your mood lifts tomorrow and it sounds like you are comfortable with your ROM and it doesn't hinder your ability to get in and out of the car and climbing stairs, so that is all good!

Stay well and positive my BoneSmartie friend!

 

[kneesrus]

Hi Jan. Try treading water without support. The multi directional action of the leg is helpful to break up scar tissue.
David

 

[Krynn49]

Getting better every day. Still have some swelling and discomfort after overdoing it. Lots of tingling pain of tendons and muscle spasms. But a little massage and its all better.
I have been riding my bike and doing aquatic wellness class and I am thinking about joining a gym.
Best news of all, January 30th is my last day at work. I am retiring!!! I cannot wait!! No more getting up at 5am and going to work!

 

[referee54]

Congratulations on all fronts---not only on your impending retirement, but also on your successes with your new knee.

Keep up the great work!! Don't sweat that ROM---it will keep getting better---mine took quite some time to slowly improve, but I rally like where I am at, and my knees allow me to do what ever I want to do---and that is what matters!

 

[skigirl]

:iagree:

 

[Jamie]

Wow...how great is that....new knee, new life AND retirement!

 

[Krynn49]

Had my 6mo check up yesterday. Doc says I am dong fine. I can walk without a cane, climb stairs(still working on going downstairs), and rom is good. We talked about left knee and how it was doing. I will see him in 6mos and we will talk about the left knee again. If I need an injection, I am to call him. So far it is doing just ok. We shall see.....

Had a great weekend last week! Daughter and I went to Nashville for the weekend. Went to a couple of great shows, saw some old friends and walked all over. Knee did great!!