TKR Macknit's recovery thread

[LD of Michigan]

We have the techniques here in winter wonderland! Brrrr... I am ready to think SPRING already now.

I have quite the set up for this kind of weather!

 

[Macknit]

I'm finally hitting my 5 month mark on Monday! At first I want to say not much has changed... I notice the knee is still a bit cranky by Friday. However, as I reflect, I am noticing that the IT band pulling and knee swelling that used to hit every day at around 3:00 PM is now not showing up until late evening!! YAY!

That is what I love about this forum, as we write about our knee recovery, it is a bit like writing in a journal and as we make the hand to brain connection whether physically writing with a pen or using the keypad.... there is a sudden connection and realization that we are making progress!!!

Weather in the mountains here has been so strange, 60 degrees yesterday!! Beautiful sunny day! Then this weekend highs of 30 degrees and lows of 13!? And of course, @Helizabug, there is snow in the forecast! DH uses a commercial snowblower that shoots the snow 70 ft. Seriously!

I'm hoping a positive knee journey for all and a Happy Weekend!

 

[Jockette]

As time goes on we don’t notice the changes as they happen. And then all of a sudden we notice and wonder when it did happen.

 

[Helizabug]

I think you’re getting all of our snow over there!

It’s always so nice to hear about things improving without our even noticing it. From those first days when every shift in our physical state was cause for celebration or despair all the way to now when changes are happening without any fanfare at all. And it’s likely going to get even better.

 

[Macknit]

Hmmmm-well, I posted an update yesterday, but it disappeared!? I saw it there and a couple of hours later it was gone. Oh well, I'll share again and if the other one returns, at least you'll know I haven't completely flipped out...I think!?

I'm at my 5 month post op mark, one day it seems like a long time ago, then other days it seems like a flash! I'm seeing regular progress though and haven't had flare-ups since before Christmas....whew
Just hoping that continues.

I have increased my recumbent bike time and resistance, in addition to my 1x/week PT and alternate weeks aquatic therapy. I feel stronger and definitely know my knee is finally happy, albeit sensitive around the scar and a very localized area.

I visited the OS office for my left knee this past week. To address the increasing pain and just to be proactive with my OA issues. It is in the mild to moderated range and they are recommending hyaluronic acid injections to begin with. I'm seeing the protocol starts conservatively and then it's easier to get the referrals if you've had the injections.

I understand the injections are more effective if the OA severity isn't too advanced. I think it will be worth it to buy my poor R knee a bit more recovery time!

Good week to everyone.

 

[LD of Michigan]

Nice to hear from you. The web site server went down a bit yesterday (see top half of site that details this). That might explain your missing post.

I am starting to increase resistance on recumbent and spinner stationary bike. Feeling a bit stiffer thise cold days but not giving up.

 

[marieltha]

Good update! Glad to hear you are doing so well.
In my thread, I described my hyuralonic injections experiences—I’m in the 50% who like them but had better/longer results when the knees were better. My OS wants to change from the Euflexxa (tested & recommended by AirForce—they stopped using Synvasc) to a different one, for insurance reasons. I’m going to try it next fall.
Let us know which one you get.

Here’s my inspiration for recovery et al today:

 

[marieltha]

Gel-One® Cross-Linked Hyaluronate by
Zimmer-Biomet (sp?)

(one injection)

 

[Macknit]

I'm still wrangling with insurance, my primary doesn't cover I have medicare B, but since they are secondary the Dr office says they won't cover either. I'm going to check further into it though!! Grrrrr!

 

[Sara61]

I feel for you ....What we here take for granted free/minimal cost healthcare /medication is so different to what you have to deal with over the pond, here we have a choice public or private, although my husband is a insurance broker we have chosen public and so far any surgeries or medical treatment has been 1st class unless surgery is urgent there is a waiting list and sometimes can take longer than expecred, hence I have already seen the specialist regarding my other knee with the knowledge that in a couple of years it will be on the urgent list meanwhile I will be given twice yearly hyaluronic acid gel injections (I had them for almost 4 years prior to my 1st surgery last October)
I really hope that your insurance pulls through for you and approves any treatment you need.

 

[Macknit]

Thanks @Sara61... were you pleased with the shots...they improved your knee while waiting on the TKR? I am so surprised....the federal coverage does cover them, but because I have a "great" benefit from my employer they want them to cover it So silly! I'll be on the "public" when I retire next year but I was hoping for some assistance this year! We'll see how it goes, maybe I can find to get the help! Ever hopeful!

 

[luvcats]

I'm so sorry your insurance is giving you fits.
Have you asked your OS people about cortisone shots instead of the gel, in case they are covered? Since you have a very specific amount of time to get through before you hope for the next surgery, the major downsides of cortisone wouldn't really matter.

I got really great relief from cortisone shots for several years. Not as lovely as a new knee, but it definitely made things easier to manage.

 

[marieltha]

Don’t know about now, but when I was working, the OS had to document that he had given me a cortisone injection and that that it didn’t help, and then the insurance covered the Eufflexxa.

 

[marieltha]

Agree w @luvcats . They are not mutually exclusive in my experience.

 

[Macknit]

Thanks @luvcats & @marieltha

I did a bit of research on my benefits summary and sure enough it looks like my insurance DOES cover the gel shots, at a tad higher co-pay. My co-pay will then be covered by Medicare. So the takeaway lesson learned is that sometimes you can't trust the clinic's finance people. I wrote a very pointed email to the Finance department's manager last night...asking why they didn't even apply for pre-authorization!!?? Grrrrrrrrrrr

I did ask about cortisone, he quoted some interesting research now!? He thought it would only be good for me if I was heading out on a trip or had a major flare up. Just a year ago they did give me cortisone for R knee. Maybe they determined that it constituted a flare up???

Oh well Happy Friday!!

 

[Sara61]

The actual injection itself is a tad uncomfortable the knee needs to be slightly bent and very relaxed, but once the gel is injected you feel the difference almost immediately, certainly it gave me huge relief and my walking and daily activities were so much easier, I personally would recommend. Here they give you one injection every two weeks over a 3 week period twice a year, only when my knee was classified as a grade 4 was I then shortlisted to have the surgery, my left knee was a combination of arthritis plus damage from horse riding accident when I was in my thirties, my right knee has now started to play up, plus feeling achy in my hips lol ..

 

[Macknit]

I think that is the direction they are trying to go with us now. The injections over a 3 week period twice a year also, until you get "upgraded" to a more severe level...then the surgery is ordered. I'm waiting on the clinic to get back to me, they should have finally gotten the approval, since I emailed the finance manager, with my ire! Then the OS is on a vacation for 2 weeks, so I'm thinking early March and I'm hopeful all will work for me.

I'm happy to hear that your improvement was immediate, even if it isn't long lasting... I get the achy joints... I hit my 60s and every joint started going sideways!!

 

[Macknit]

News from the Finance office today ...The worker said she didn't realize I had insurance,

now I've heard some excuses... but, oh my that is too much!!

So scheduling will be getting with me soon! I do feel a bit sheepish...

about my need to be so direct with the finance manager, but more and more I see the that advocating for self is absolutely a requirement in the medical arena.

I have had a busy, physical holiday weekend - I walked my longer loop with DH Saturday and Sunday and then for President's day holiday today, I did part of a river hike with my daughter and her co-worker friend that were visiting over the long weekend. No complaints from Mrs. knee until Late Monday...a tad bit of aching, but I'm thinking it's three days in a row that did it.

So I'm back to the I & E tonight and tomorrow I'll be taking it easy at work. I'm praying things will settle back to normal! I haven't had any night time wake-up pain either so I'm guessing my OS was on track with his predictions that I'd see the turn around by Valentine's day. I still need to remind myself that this recovery is the grand experiment...physical and active one minute, resting and I & E the next! It has truly been the approach for me at this point in recovery.

 

[luvcats]

I'm so excited by your 3 days in a row. A river hike sounds wonderful.

I can't believe she said "I didn't realize you had insurance". That is the lamest excuse imaginable. You might need to mention that to the office manager. That's just plain incompetence there.

6 months does seem to be the magic number on the new knees. I almost never even notice July any more, with just the occasional twinge from September.

 

[Macknit]

Well...I'm not sure how to say this, but boy am I annoyed with myself!

I had those 3 great days last week, only to think... well, I'm feeling good! So, I upped my daily walking to break time and lunch! Then, DH thought it would be nice for me to do the 5 mile loop with him, so both Saturday and Sunday I did the walk! 8 straight days of walking (instead of recumbent bike) have pushed me over the edge!!

I'm not sure how I let my good sense go out the window??? Now I have to slow way down and take quite a bit of time icing and elevating!!!

This is probably the 3rd or 4th time I've had to confess my indiscretions in my activity levels!! I remind myself of my twin grandchildren who have trouble learning lessons!!! I'm not sure where they pick that up (must be in the DNA!)

Oh well, had to share...I really do believe the BS way is the best way to do this recovery!! My issue is that I just space out, get a great idea , then I forget that I really need slow down!

Happy week to everyone!