TKR Leg Bruising<<

Been using an ace bandage under ice. Do I really need to do that. I have a sleeve my ice goes in


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I don't think the bandage is necessary. Just a light piece of material, such as a tea towel (dish cloth?) will suffice.
 
I have a question for those experienced TKA people out there. My doctor has recommended doing the other knee before I go back to work. Good idea or bad idea.?


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Good idea, as long as you can take long enough time afterwards to recover. That would mean about 12 weeks after the second knee replacement, and then a phased return to work.
Phased return to work
 
You do know I am a paramedic, right?


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How much sick time would you get as a paramedic? As a teacher I had built up my sick leave to 180 days before my TKR. I used 60 during my recovery and then the phased return used 1/2 day for 6 weeks when I went back to mornings only. Could you go back to part time at 12 weeks. I imagine climbing into that truck could be hard on knees.
 
lennie,
Paramedic requires you to do heavy lifting (100+ pounds) occasionally. Depending on your specific job, you will have to meet your jobs requirements before returning to work. I would imagine you will need additional time beyond 12 weeks before returning to work.
 
No, I didn't know you are a paramedic. I don't think you've said so anywhere.

I agree with Pumpkln. Being a paramedic is physically demanding at times, so you'll need longer than 12 weeks to recover after the second knee replacement.
 
Well I'm in an odd position. If I go back after this one I have to make it two more years before I can take FMLA again. Since there was a major discussion to determine which one to do first I'm thinking that would be a iffy bet.


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I think this is something you need to discuss with your employer, as well as your surgeon. On one hand, you'd need a lot of time off work now, if you got your second knee done soon.
On the other hand, your second knee already needs doing. It won't improve and that could affect your work performance if you don't get it replaced soon.
 
[Bonesmart.org] Leg Bruising<<



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What is the rule on driving. I am just taking painkillers at night and after PT?


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I started driving again at 4-5 weeks. Some people start sooner, some later.

Of course, you need to be able to get into and out of the car and adjust the driver's seat.
You do need to be off the heavy-duty narcotics - don't want to be driving "under the influence".
You need to be sure that you can think clearly, that the post-op, sedated brain fog has lifted.
You need to be 120% certain that you can do an emergency stop.
Some insurance companies require that you get a clearance to drive from your surgeon. It's worth asking if your company is one of those.
If you drive an automatic, you can possibly start driving a little earlier if it's your left knee that is replaced. The right knee would take a little longer.

Before I started driving, I would sit in the car with the engine turned off and practice moving my feet from pedal to pedal. I'd practice doing emergency stops.
I drive a manual car (stick shift), so I had three pedals to negotiate and needed to use both my feet - I could probably have started a week or so earlier, if I had an automatic.

When I was sure I could work the pedals OK, I practiced driving slowly on our driveway first, and then on a quiet road.

Only take short trips at first - you'll find that you tire easily and your knee won't like being kept in one position for very long.
 
Both my knees were bone on bone when I had LTKR June 21, 2016. This knee was the most painful. My right knee then became unbearable with all the work it did to support the left. So, on October 18, 2016, I had RTKR. I am 10 days post op surgery and doing really well. Now both knees are properly aligned and I can fully rehab. Check out my post recovery thread for the details. Wishing you the best.
 
I did as Celle did, practiced moving back and forth from pedal to pedal. Then when I thought I was ready I drove exactly three blocks. I hadn't driven in 2 1/2 months because of my second surgery/infection. I was soooo ready!
 
Ok I want some advice. I see the OS tomorrow for my follow up. He and I had an extended discussion on which knee to do first and he does not do BTKR. We chose my right and I am 1 month out. I am walking without a cane and making good progress in therapy. My left kneecap keeps popping out during physical therapy. I can't take FMLA again for 2 years. Do I request he just go ahead and do LTKA when he can schedule it or do I bet I can work 2 more years when I go back.


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How much time is left in your FMLA? If your left is popping now how will it make it two more years? My left knee was always the worst, but I woke up one day and couldn't take a step on my right without excruciating pain. My OS said it's like the brakes on a car, once they start wearing they can go at anytime. You may be playing roulette.
 
I agree. I am going to beg him to do it ASAP


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I can extend the FMLA I just can't take it again.


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