PKR MAKO PKR

[bowhunter8]

@SusieShoes

Wise words!!

 

[bowhunter8]

Just had my 2 week follow up with OS. Stitches came out from where the sensors were placed for the MAKO. He used dissolvable stitches and surgical glue for the larger cut. Range of motion is 0/120. Not too shabby for 2 weeks and still have fluid in my knee. No PT prescribed, just daily living and light exercises. Next follow up is in 4 weeks. I wasn’t happy that I am not to drive until 6 weeks post-op.

Pretty tired after the almost 2 hour round trip to Lancaster so leg is up and getting some well needed ice.

We were able to stop and get lunch in downtown Lancaster. I have been enjoying all the “extra dates” with my wife through this process.

 

[Jockette]

We were able to stop and get lunch in downtown Lancaster. I have been enjoying all the “extra dates” with my wife through this process.

Lots of fun places in Lancaster, I used to go there often when I lived in southern NJ. Now I’m in Delaware and while still a reasonable drive, it is more than I’d like.

120 is beyond awesome for 2 weeks. It took me close to a year to get that on my own comfortably.

I like that your surgeon didn’t recommend PT. Is that because of your 120, or is that his general preference?

 

[bowhunter8]

@Jockette
We love Lancaster, actually went to college there and lived in an Amish community called new holland right after we were married.

I am happy with my OS’s view on PT. I believe he has a lighter approach on PT for all his patients, however, with my age, leg strength and ROM going into it, he made it clear that I may not have to do PT but would make that call after my 2 week follow up so I guess I passed. I Am still doing at home exercises. He had to tell my wife to keep me reigned in from not doing too much. I guess my questions about biking, yoga, swimming, etc... tipped him off that I may push myself more than I should.

 

[NavyGunns]

@bowhunter8, your are doing great! I’ll bet your OS restricted your driving because you had your right knee operated on. I think I was allowed to drive after my two week check up since it was my left knee. Guess your OS wants to make sure you have sufficient strength and mobility in your knee in case you need to make an emergency stop.

I’ve never been to the Lancaster area. My wife wants to go as she loves visiting Amish areas. Guess I’ll have to see about taking her with me sometime when I visit one of my production plants in York, PA.

 

[Jockette]

My friends and I do day trips occasionally to Lancaster and we always eat at Shady Maple!

I do a lot of sewing and I discovered this teeny tiny store called Obie’s Country Store, not far down the road from Shady Maple. The building is as old as the hills PACKED with fabric, litterally, and you seriously think the only thing holding it up is the fabric inside! Fun times!

 

[bowhunter8]

@NavyGunns
That was exactly the explanation I was given. I don’t think my knee could stay in that position for too long right now. It is such a small world, I actually live in York county a little bit off 83.Takes me 15 minutes to get to York.

@Jockette thst is a nice area and I LOVE shady maple smorgasbord. Problem is I always have tried to get my moneys worth but I just cannot eat that much food. It’s better I stay away for a while, don’t know if my knee could handle the endless buffet lines and extra stress on the joints.

 

[Jockette]

When I go it's for lunch and a girl’s day out, so food, while tasty, is not the main focus. And it’s always mid week and lunch doesn’t cost as much as dinner.

And yes, your knee isn’t quite ready for Shady Maple yet. But it will be!

 

[bowhunter8]

Another general question that I am hoping to get some guidance on.

I am wondering after a full recovery just how “careful” I need to be on my knee. I know how to restrict or modify my “predictable” activities. That would be no running, jumping, impact sports, heavy weightlifting. I will be taking knee pads with me in my tool bag and on every job, modify how much weight I carry up a ladder, slip resistant work boots to prevent falls, etc...

But what about the unpredictable?!

That would be the slip in the driveway when I’m shoveling snow, stepping in an unseen hole in the yard, tripping over a log/branch, slipping at work, heavy lifting at work( 100+ lbs. with partner), running into a corner of a wall or piece of furniture at night or at work, crawling/walking through an attic at work on trusses, etc...

It’s not common that I fall and it’s very rare that I would fall on my medial side where my replacement is but it does happen at times. I’m already thinking of how I can prevent that from happening but “things happen”.

I guess I’m still mulling over weather or not my job is going to be good for me in the long run. It’s a wonderful job, awesome boss and I’m paid very well to do it but it is very physical. While I am laid up may be a time to look for options but it’s something my wife and I are praying/discussing through.

Any thoughts or experiences?!?

 

[NavyGunns]

@bowhunter8, it’s a bit difficult to prepare for the unexpected like you describe other than to recognize the potential risks and hazards around you and to take the appropriate precautions. That said, my guess is that you will subconsciously take action to protect your knee where possible when things happen out of your control.

Regarding your job and it’s impact on your knee, that’s really going to be a personal decision. It’s good that you and your wife are discussing the potential “what if’s”, but you may first want to wait until you are back to work to see how it goes before you make that significant a change. Of course, I have no idea what you do for a living, so you are definitely the best judge in this. Keep in mind though, if you were doing your job with no or minimal issues on a bad knee before surgery, why wouldn’t you be able to continue on a new knee that should be pain free once healing is done? Maybe the first year will be a bit of a challenge as the soft tissues heal, but the rest should be good, don’t you think?

 

[bowhunter8]

@NavyGunns yes it is hard to predict those “what if’s”. I just want to be a good steward of my new knee so I don’t have to go through this again for a long time. Job change is a personal decision, I am a Commercial HVAC service tech. So it’s ladders, attics, carrying tool bag, tanks, compressors, pumps, hoses, etc...it got pretty bad prior to surgery that I could barely do some aspects of my job. I’m confident with the progress I have already that I will return better than I left. My desire is to return to my job and due to my STD claim, I will have to go back unless I want to pay back all the money they gave me. It’s a great job with AWESOME flexibility for my hunting addiction...I mean hobby. It’s hard when you face this at 34 so maybe I am worrying a bit too much about the “what if’s”. Normally I am a glass half full if not completely full but this long journey of chronic pain, restrictions and limitations have humbled me a bit to my mortality and I question the future possibility of things that could go wrong. I mean, I have physically done some of the dumbest things to my body that make me cringe now. Maybe risk analysis would be a good profession...ha

Thanks for the encouraging words, felt a little better after I read it.

 

[NavyGunns]

@bowhunter8, I, too, am normally an optimistic person. Even with my medical challenge a few years back, I still kept a positive outlook. Maybe it’s my strong personal faith that things happen for a reason and that all will be alright.

When I visited my OS for the first time, I expected him to push PT and Synvisc injections, and was surprised when he recommended PKR. My insurance originally denied the procedure so I was resigned that I would be dealing with things for a few more years. But God had other plans as my OS was successful at convincing my insurance carrier to reverse their decision.

It sounds like you enjoy your work and your employer. As you recover and get a better understanding of what your knee is capable of, consider having a conversation with your employer about what that means in terms of your job responsibilities. You might be surprised.

Glad I could help, reach out at any time.

 

[sistersinhim]

A couple of weeks before my new knee was a year old, I stepped in a hole, broke my foot and ankle, and fell directly on my new knee. All 185+ pounds of me at the time. The implant suffered no damage at all. But, my soft tissues sure did! The worst part was I was non-weight baring on that leg for about 6 weeks and my knee hated that! These new knees want to be used! If you fall on your new one, the implant is really tough, and it should be OK. You'll just have to baby your tissues for a few weeks. Icing and elevating is the help for that.

 

[bowhunter8]

@sistersinhim
I am so sorry that happened to you! That must have been really hard after recovering from A TKR. Are you all better now?

It’s good to hear that your knee held up. I had a former coworker in his 60s who stepped in a small hole in his yard and all of a sudden he had clunking and he was back for TKR #2. I know that there is no “cookie cutter” recoveries and I don’t know the details of his surgery, recovery, PT or how well he took care of it. I always go back to his experience and think that I am just one “step in a hole” away from needing a revision in my 30s. Again, worrying is not my thing but lately it has been. I guess I just need to die to the uncertainties or intangibles and live each day.

Thanks for sharing your experience, it was reassuring and helpful!!

 

[sistersinhim]

It is very normal to want to protect our new knees. What is good is there comes a time when the first thing you think of it not the knee! I'm there. It took me almost 2 years, but I'm finally there! You will be, too!

 

[bowhunter8]

Thought I would post an update on progress and milestones. This week at times I teetered on the line of overdoing and one day I did. I’ve been traveling out of the house more for shopping trips, kids co-op, church, hunting etc... I always took ice and tens with me if I was gone for a longer period of time. Still can’t drive, even though I know I could, my wife refuses to give me the keys.

My house, which typically doesn’t have any issues, is still giving me problems. Kitchen sink drain was clogg d on Friday 15 feet down the line(rice in the line). I didn’t want to call anyone out since I already had some contractors out for other things. So I ended up being the drain doctor which involved me laying on ground running a snake through the line and re plumbing part of the drain I had cut out. Later on that day I hung a few shelves for my wife. Fortunately I had kids and wife to run up and down steps to gather and put away tools but it was the first time I went from floor to standing in 4 weeks. Felt good but I overdid it.

Saturday was opening day of archery season in Pa. I have been feeling good so I went out to sit in my blind in the evening. My dad dropped me off in his truck. Walked 20’ to blind and sat for 4 hours, other than being stiff from my leg being bent, I felt really good. I had to walk 1/4 mile out because my dad had some issues getting out in his truck. I made sure I left with some daylight left so I didn’t have issues walking through the field. I beleive from now on I am going to drive 4-wheeler 100 yards from my blinds and cover it and walk to blind. Don’t plan on doing a lot of that now. Went home after that and had to watch my Penn State nittany lions lose to the buckeyes...that was more painful than my knee.

I am able to sleep on my side now. This rocked my world. I use a pillow between my knees. I don’t typically ice at night anymore and don’t take meds overnight.

I am down to taking 3-4 500mg Tylenol a day. I took an oxy Friday after working on the sink.

Stairs are getting easier. I now go up steps normal with a cane or handrail. It’s slow but knee and muscles are feeling stronger. Going down still takes effort and I go one step at a time with use of cane and handrail. How long has it taken some of you to go down stairs normally with no aid?

I am doing more household chores,cooking, dishes, folding laundry, cleanup, etc... I am glad I can start to help my wife out again. I only do what I feel I can handle but haven’t had many issues.

I’ve been still doing minimal exercises but my flexion is progressing much more after my 2 week when I was 120. Left knee which had a scope for a meniscus tear is now what I call my bad knee. Still have some discomfort but has been getting better with strengthening exercises, ice, elevation and rest.

I honestly did not expect to be feeling this good 3 weeks out. I do beleive that my anti-inflammatory diet and supplementation has been very helpful.

 

[NavyGunns]

@bowhunter8, you are doing fantastic for not even a month out! It’s okay that you’ve pushed the limits a bit. Gives you perspective on what you can tolerate and what you can’t. The difference with you versus others is you seem to be clearly aware of when that happens and know to back off a bit. The ones I shake my head about are those who overdo it over and over and then voice frustration over why their knee hurts, is still swollen, and seem to have lost flexibility.

Home chores and to do lists don’t go away while we are trying to recover, in fact they seem to grow faster than ever. You do what you can with what has to be done and either don’t worry about the rest or get someone else to deal with it. If you’ve read my recovery you’d see that I had to put up a pool at roughly 9 weeks followed by repainting our guest bathroom at roughly 12 - 15 weeks (I think). Honestly, I think the painting was harder as it involved quite a bit of stepping up and down a step stool. But, the discomfort was all soft tissue so it recovered fairly quickly.

Going down steps without any aid? For me, I ditched the crutches (single crutch) at just over 1 week. Never used a cane. I was going down steps normally by about 4 weeks, but always had to hold onto railing. My issue was mainly sharp pains on the outside of my knee, tendinitis just below left outside of knee where IT band wraps around and connects to the fibula. Even at 5 months it still gets me some. I’m finding that tendinitis takes a LONG time to heal, especially with a joint that is constantly being used.

I think it’s great you felt good enough to get out to your hunting blind. I’ll bet you end up feeling good enough to give it a try. You just might need some help tracking the deer down if you don’t drop it right away. Will also need some help dragging it out after field dressing it. Having an ATV nearby will help. I think if you plan ahead with some assistance on call, you’ll do fine. Doing this will also help with your mental outlook as you’ll find great satisfaction with doing something you love.

Keep up the good work and especially keep us posted.

 

[bowhunter8]

@NavyGunns
Getting out to hunt was a huge morale booster for me. I had only been out of the house a handful of times in a month and to be sitting on my field edge opening day with a bow in my hand was bliss. My original plan for surgery was to wait until mid November after early season was over but my knee had other plans. I pushed all through spring and summer and let my former ortho inject me with cortisone several times to keep me going. After left knee meniscus tear from OA and overcompensation I knew I had to do it. When I look back at all I pushed through, it was misery. I should have done it in early summer but I didn’t want to leave my boss high and dry to contract out all 40 of my stores HVAC work.

I put A LOT of off season work into my hunting. Food plots, stand preparations, cameras, watering holes, scouting, etc... it’s the only hobby that I personally do apart from family life. So to be limited like I am is hard. I do have buddies who would be out in an instant to track and extract a successful harvested animal from the timber. That was a blessing because there is no way I could track through thick brush or even woods right now let alone drag an animal. I do have a 4-wheeler and a tractor with a bucket.

My sons 12th birthday was yesterday and my family was amazed at how well I was moving around. Many people were surprised that I still have 8 weeks to go because I was walking normally and helping out with party hosting.

Anxious to experiment with a step ladder as ladders are typically part of my everyday job. Won’t even attempt yet but my unofficial goal would be 6 weeks when I have my next follow up and can FINALLY drive. Still need to keep building leg strength in both legs. Right leg lost so much strength last year .

Wife is doing a fantastic job in holding me back. I just asked her to pick me up some ankle weights and she replied “ too soon for weights, you are tying to push it, wait until your 6 week follow up”. Thankful that she has finally caught on after all my years of trying to rush back to work after surgery. So walking, stairs, light at home PT is where I am at for now.

 

[Jockette]

Technically 6 weeks is too early for weights, your knee needs to heal more. Bonesmart recommends at least 12 weeks.

I’m glad you enjoyed your hunting outing. For me it was bowling.

 

[NavyGunns]

@bowhunter8, glad your wife has caught on to your ways! I hate to admit it, but us guys sometimes need our wives around to keep us from doing stupid things! Of course, I’d never tell Beautiful that! Got to keep up the image, right?