TKR LTKR 10 August 2022 possum_here’s journey through recovery.

[possum_here]

My surgery was Wednesday 10 August 2022. This was my left knee. Just shy of 9 yrs since I had my right TKR.

I was later going down to theatre due to my surgeon and a couple of other patients had complications earlier.

The spinal was aborted due my cardiac issues. So now I was being prepped for a General.

I arrived on the ward at 6pm. A cannula in my left arm at elbow, they had a clear dressing over the artery in my wrist where they put a monitor for the surgery to keep an eye on my oxygen due to the underlying heart problems.

Pain kicked in as soon as I woke. It has been trial and error trying to adjust appropriate medications to actually help me throw this recovery.

Day one - I was quite nauseated and they tried 3 meds to settle that. They ran antibiotics through twice a day for first 3 days.

I am having clexaine injections each morning until I return home an recommence my own blood thinners.

Day two- physio got me up and we went for a walk and then she put me in the bathroom for a shower and left me there. I called for staff and no one came. But I did not have any towels in the room, so I had to switch the water back on.

Trying to buzz for staff for medication and for assistance with the ice box has really been hit and miss. Some staff are great but others certainly need a bit of compassion.

Day three- I got the weekend physio who just feels you need to be pushed to the max.

I developed a wheeze and a pain in my calf so they organised a CT chest and ultrasound of both legs.

Returned to my room in agony as they did not reload any pain relief before I went and with transfers to the plynth and to the CT table which is far to high for me on any given day.

So it was stressful so I quickly asked for pain relief and icing on the return to my room.

Day 4- I was able to get off the bed and use the bathroom by myself. I then showered but find it a lot easier to be able be seated for this.

A bit tricky getting your knickers on without using a reacher but I sorted it. So feel a bit chuffed I was able to do more today.

The food has been very disappointing. I was not at all surprised but they are offering very overly spiced foods and I just cannot eat it. Totally disgusting for a private hospital.

I am taking bowel stimulation meds but nothing is happening with that end.

 

[Jockette]

I’m sorry you haven’t had a great start. Hopefully things will be better once yiure home.

I will leave you our Recovery Guidelines. Each article is short but very informative. Following these guidelines will help you have a less painful recovery.

Just keep in mind all people are different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for you.“ Your doctors, PTs and BoneSmart are available to help, but you are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

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. At week 4 and after you should follow this

Activity progression for TKRs​

6. Access to these pages on the website

​

Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

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 the 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 the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.

 

[possum_here]

Thank you. I followed the Bonesmart principals with my first TKR and found my recovery progressed on my own terms.

I fired a couple of PT’s in the first few weeks because their treatment plan was to be aggressive and they set me back quite considerably. Gently, gently is my approach to healing. A TKR is a major surgery and my body require love and respect to nurture it going forward.

 

[possum_here]

Day 5- well what an upsetting start to the day is this.

Pain Dr came in at 6.30am and checked how I am doing. Bowels still were not open so he informs the nurse he wants me to have some concoction to hopefully move things along.

He asked me did I have any discharge plans in place as of yet and I said no. Waiting for the OT to update if they have organised home therapy later on today when she is at work.

The nurse told me I needed to sit out and I was already feeling unwell. Coming down with a chest infection. Then sat in the chair for breakfast but had waves of sweat and rapid heart rate a bit tachic, so I felt nauseated and normally I just lay down for this to pass.

So laid down and closed my eyes hoping to settle the nausea sensation. When the nurse came back and said you have to get up and say up, we will get you showered. I told her again I felt nauseated and I was ok to shower myself.

So I showered and got dressed then came and sat down, overwhelming sensation of nausea and started to vomit. So rang the buzzer and the second male nurse came in and said oh why are you vomiting?! Like what a stupid question.

He went to get me meds to stop it and then I got up and went to bathroom. My body is telling me to lay down and now the odema in my operated leg is HUGE. So I sat back down and the female nurse came back. An said I hear you vomited but your not going to bed.

I am feeling very depressed right now, hoping the PT or the OT will come along so I can say organise my discharge papers and scripts. i would rather go home and be sick there than be in hospital and have a nurse who has no compassion and I am really feeling sick.

 

[sistersinhim]

I hope you can get out of there soon and get home where you can take care of yourself the way you should.

 

[Jockette]

I’m so sorry you are having such a bad experience.

 

[possum_here]

I hope you can get out of there soon and get home where you can take care of yourself the way you should.

Thank you. The PT. came and we went for a walk and she agreed to have me go back to bed due to the odema in my entire leg and foot. She told me to organise my discharge for tomorrow morning.

 

[possum_here]

I’m so sorry you are having such a bad experience.

Thank you. I know the drill and definitely know what is expected for recovery. From day one, I have not felt this has been an enjoyable experience even knowing what was to come or follow.
Due to the mannerism of a single nurse I feel I will be better off caring to my own needs at home. Than to be here for recovery.

 

[Bunnyhead]

@possum_here ....I am so very sorry you are having all these problems. Hopefully you will turn a corner soon. I had my surgery the same day 8/10/22 and came home same day. My husband taking very good care of me. Hearing your story makes me happy I did come home same say...I was concerned about that at first. Hopefully you can get home soon and het things under control. Will be. Checking in on you.

 

[possum_here]

Hi, I am home which is so much of a relief than being in hospital. No one has surgery here for joint replacements and gets sent home on the same day. Maybe for an arthroscope but not for a joint replacement.

Last night before bed I had a little break down. My knee was so swollen and painful but got a horrendous sharp pain on the medial side. It just broke me down into sobbing tears.

I toddled back to bed with my meds and ice to see if I could settle it down.

I know these first weeks are the most difficult and I have to have faith with a whole lot of patience. It was a rocky start and have medication here at home now. It is just remembering short term pain for long term gain.

I have a nurse suppose to be coming tomorrow and I start PT next wk here in the home.

I wish you a very safe recovery too. How are you managing at night?

 

[benne68]

So glad you are finally at home, @possum_here. It sounds like you had a rough time in the hospital.

I also struggled with nausea and vomiting in the early days after surgery. It's just awful. isn't it? Mine ended once I was able to get off the opioid pain meds. I hope yours passes soon.

Last night before bed I had a little break down. My knee was so swollen and painful but got a horrendous sharp pain on the medial side. It just broke me down into sobbing tears.

What you are experiencing is post-operative blues. Like the pain and swelling, it is normal Your body and mind have been through a lot of trauma. The feelings you describe are common and we have an article about it that you might want to read so you know you aren't alone: Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it.

We're here for you, whether you are looking for information and advice, or just want to vent.

 

[possum_here]

Back for an update week 5 PO.
I have not seen the PT for a week and a half. She is due tomorrow afternoon. Keeps calling in sick.
At 4 wks I had a straight leg, 105 degree bend.
I have over done the walking a couple of times and the leg swells up. Takes 24hrs for it to ease.
I have cut my pain meds down only take when pain is starting to be too much.
Has any one been having foot pain? Over the top of my foot has been feeling like I dropped a brick on it. It throbs every day.

Finally had a few nights I slept through, still do not feel 100% lack of energy.

My knee lets me know I have over done it. Does not take much for it to swell. The scar is healed and looks good. Photo in the folder.

I have not seen the surgeon yet so hopefully he will give the thumbs up.

I still use my 4ww just feel it offers me stability. I used the cane the other day when I went to get groceries with my partner. Then I used the trolley. Short distances I am ok without any thing but when it is sore and swollen. I just prefer to know I have something to prevent a fall.

 

[sistersinhim]

Wow, you are doing quite well for only 5 weeks out and your bend is really good for this early in your recovery.

I just prefer to know I have something to prevent a fall.

I used the walker for a couple of months whenever I was out in public. I was afraid someone would bump into me and I was unsteady and could easily have fallen.

 

[possum_here]

Thank you. I was feeling I was or am falling behind with only 105 degree bend.
I know this is a marathon and not a race and no two people do the same recovery.

This is my second TKR my original was just 9 yrs old and I was a part of this great forum back then.

I believe we have to listen to our own bodies and let it guide us. No one can feel the pain we are feeling nor can they determine how quickly we should be at which stage.

I am pleased I have had the surgery and in time I hope I will feel safe enough going forward.
I appreciate you taking the time to respond. An I feel your concern for falling without having the walker as a safety sheild.

People notice mobility aids, people do not know you are recovering from joint surgery when you are simply pushing a trolley.

Use what ever that will see you safe

 

[benne68]

I believe we have to listen to our own bodies and let it guide us. No one can feel the pain we are feeling nor can they determine how quickly we should be at which stage.

You are absolutely correct! I hope other members read your post -- especially these words of wisdom.

We are here for you. Keep posting!

 

[possum_here]

Finally got to see my OS for my 6 wk check up. The scar looks great. My range got to 117 degree and the goal was 120.
I had PT measure my right knee after all it is 9 yrs old now and I had no idea what was my range with it, so it gets to 120.

I still have stiffness in the morning and through the night. Swelling is more after I have been out and over done things.

I have a new issue with my operative leg, my forefoot. It feels like I have dropped a brick on it. An my ankle either side feels like someone is tapping it with a little metal hammer.

I never experienced any of this 9 yrs ago. My OS sent me for xrays to look at the foot to see if there was any visual changes.

I have tendon issues with my feet but not in the area which has only came about since surgery.

The foot was huge after surgery which to me was a normal part of such a traumatic operation on my leg. It took a couple of weeks for the edema to reduce so I could wear appropriate shoes.

Has any one else heard or had this issue after their TKR.? I have to go back in 6 wks to see the OS, due to the foot.

 

[sistersinhim]

My foot peeled shortly after my tkr, and before you know it, the other foot peeled, too.

 

[possum_here]

My foot peeled shortly after my tkr, and before you know it, the other foot peeled, too.

That may have been caused from edema.
Mine just feel like I dropped a brick on it.

 

[shr]

I have a new issue with my operative leg, my forefoot. It feels like I have dropped a brick on it. An my ankle either side feels like someone is tapping it with a little metal hammer.

Following my LTKR I've been experiencing intermittent pain at the front of left ankle. It's improved with time but I still get occasional aches. I've attributed it to just my body adjusting to the new knee.

 

[possum_here]

Yes I agree. New alignment to the knee would effect the foot. My OS even xray my foot to see if he could see anything wrong.
Of course it is the new knee that contributed to it.
Some days I struggle walking due to the foot.
I am 7 wks today, knee is still on/off swollen red and sore. Esp after I have been on my feet for a while.

I have a specialists appt today with my cardiologist in the city so will be on my feet more. I have an ice pack to put on my knee when I get back to the car.

Due to cardiac issues I was unable to have a spinal and had to have a general.

How are you managing?