TKR Mako knee on May 1st

[Starlite]

Up walking with walker, pain controlled. Stomach pain due to meds is my biggest problem.
Start PT on Monday. Ice machine is great during the day. Gel packs at night. Feeling optimistic today.

 

[Layla]

to recovery, Starlite!

Wonderful update! Aside from the stomach issues that is. I hope that eases for you. Please make your care team aware of that if you haven't already. They may be able to switch something up, or add something?
Go easy on the PT on Monday and avoid doing anything that hurts.
It's great to read you're feeling optimistic. Wishing you lots of comfort and a good recovery!

KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES

As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

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.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

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
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?

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

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.

 

[benne68]

Welcome to the healing side, @Starlite.

I also had stomach issues because of the meds. What helped me was to eat something (some yogurt, or some crackers and milk) 10-15 minutes before taking any pills.

You've been on this journey before, so you know what to expect -- but (as I discovered recently with my 2nd TKR) -- every knee is different, even two knees in the same person!.

We are here for you!

 

[Starlite]

The May 1st surgery was my first. The TKR for Aug 3rd was cancelled due to my husband having kidney removed due to cancer. I just don’t know how to delete that entry.
My stomach issues are much better, eating food before taking pills really helped.

 

[Jockette]

I just don’t know how to delete that entry.

I deleted the August 3, 2023 date from your signature. I’m sorry your husband had to have such a surgery. How is he doing now?

 

[Starlite]

He is doing great. No chemo, just watched closely with frequent scans.