TKR Medan's Recovery

[jerseychick]

My dentist always has me take 4 amoxicillin pills before each cleaning and any other dental work that is being done. She even calls me to remind me to take the pills one hr before the appointment.

 

[NightQuilter]

On the dental thing, mine too, has me take 4 amoxicillin pills before a cleaning or any other dental work. OS gave me the prescription and I filled it right away and it is ready to go. Type of knee is irrelevant - he had me do it 10 years ago when I had my hips replaced as well. Reason - our mouths are filled with bacteria and the cleaning usually draws some blood. Thus, the risk of a blood infection is higher. As my OS described it, the infection goes to any new joint. Mine only recommends for 2 years. There was a whole discussion on here about 2 months ago about this subject - some say their OS says for life for any med procedure, including a visit to your gynecologist! I go with the better safe than sorry theory.

I hope your back is feeling better. I had to deal with those issues as well - stenosis and bulging discs in lower back were set off between the two knee replacements because with the OS straightening out my legs, one suddenly became much longer - calmed down in time (and with a nerve block). It is a pain when you are dealing with so many other recovery issues. Acupuncture as well as massage helped me a lot!

Good luck and your recovery. A good friend had her right knee done the same day as you!

 

[medan2012]

1ELISEA, interesting..........

 

[bottomshollow]

medan, FYI, don't put a hyphen after the user name when tagging, the computer sees that as part of the name and then the tag doesn't work. I edited you post above so the tag would work---just used a comma.

 

[medan2012]

bottomshollow, thank you! Still learning......

 

[medan2012]

Today was my 90 day post surgery followup & my Birthday! The OS was not happy with my flexion. He said I had 3 choices (1) continue on with PT(2)MUA (3) wear a splint 3 times a day for 30 minutes each time. The splint will gently move my leg/knee. I opted for the splint. I will continue PT for another 4 weeks or so. My Hubby & I went to a Recreational Center nearby since we are thinking about attending there for a couple times a week using the Walking/Lazy River, Bike & Hot Tub.

My OS did confirm that I would need to take an antibiotic one hour prior to any dental procedures for 2 years.

My X-rays were good. He was amazed at how my incision had keloid. What can I say? I asked him could the keloid affect my flexion and he said yes it could because the outside incision is pretty much a mirror of the inside.

I am pretty much off my pain medication (thank the Lord)!!!! I occassionally take Tylenol as needed. I'm feeling good about my progress and am looking forward to the Spring and vacation time to Puerto Vallarta!

 

[NightQuilter]

Happy Birthday!! It sounds like the Rec Center will be great - no idea what a Lazy River is, but the rest sound good! I imagine keloids might affect mobility, but the split should gradulaly help stretch the skin to give you the movement you want. Keep up the good work Medan!

 

[medan2012]

NightQuilter, thank you for the Birthday wish. Not too sure what a Lazy River is myself. From observation on yesterday; it looks like a river of water that circles around a waterfall.

Hopefully, the split will work. I'm not sure if I will purchase it since my insurance company does not cover rental. According to the company that makes the splints, there will be 2 pieces....one for the knee for bend & one for the extension. The more I think about it; I am leaning toward just working through PT & I know the 120 will come as well as the extension. I really think this is overkill.....

 

[medan2012]

What happened to the "like" button? Anyone know?????

 

[NightQuilter]

I now get a thumbs up under the "quote this messgae" button, Medan.

 

[medan2012]

NightQuilter, thank you!

 

[medan2012]

Well, I am 3 months post surgery and progressing gradually day by day. I still have not reached the 120 degree flexion yet but I am convinced in time it will happen. Recently, I started having problems with my IT band which has caused some soreness & a little pain. I notice when I don't do the stairs one at a time that I can feel my IT band start twitching. My PT gave me an exercise to try for the IT band but he will have to massage it every session until it gets better. Plus, I will have my massage therapist work on that area as well. I'm not concerned about reaching the predetermined degree..... When I asked my OS what would happen if I did not reach 120 degree; he said that I would have problems with the stairs. This is minor to me because I know that I can overcome the stairs. I practice on them every day.

A MUA is not an option (I refuse to have it), my OS ordered JAS splint was denied by my insurance Tricare( I can't say I was disappointed) and I have used up my first 20 approved PT visits and am starting on additional approved PT visits until the end of March and then I will stop PT and start going to the Recreation Facility to use the pool, hot tub and their exercise equipment. I feel if I have not reached the "desired" bend by now; I am not going to continue spending money on PT when I can do the exercises at home plus use the Recreation Facility. This is what I told my PT & OS that I have decided to do.

This morning Hubby and I went to the Recreation Facility and I walked in the Lazy River briefly until the current got too strong for me (I'm not a swimmer) even with my Hubby beside me. Afterwards, I did pool exercises, soaked in the hot tub, rode the bike for 10 minutes and did my leg presses.

Tomorrow I have PT so hopefully, there will be some improvement in my bend!

It's definitely been a journey but I am looking forward to sunny Mexico in May! I think I deserve it!!!!! Relaxation, fun and sun........

Good night to all & keep the Faith......
Mary Ellen

 

[Mutley]

Hi Medan! I see your just 12 days after my TKR so thoughti would share where I am to hopefully confirm that your doing ok & have made the right decisions as far as going forwards with your knee!
I am currently 'stuck' at 105 ROM & this is after having an MUA nearly 7 weeks ago. Extension is about 5-6. I find this a bit frustrating but I have to remember I'm only 15+ weeks post op & hopefully there is plenty of time in the future for me to gain a little bit more bend & extension. What I will say is I had a session in the hydrotherapy pool ( very warm water) last week and it has already made quite a difference. I will have 6 sessions in total and you get to do various exercises in the pool using weights, flippers etc to work the knee while supported by the water. Already I've found my limping has got better as has my walking! It will be interesting if you find your time in the pool has helped! Being at 105 hasn't stopped me getting up or down the stairs or riding my stationary bike so I think I need to stop fixating on these numbers & start to enjoy my new "pain free" knee ...although I do still have quite a few aches & pains
Good luck with the rest of your recovery, we both still have a way to go yet

 

[1ELISEA]

Ah, that pesky IT band. Had the same issues because it was so much shorter before surgery and then after surgery it needed to be....... well, longer. And it rebelled. Fortunately, my nice PT kept massaging and stretching it and I haven't had an issue with it for quite some time, knock on wood.

Mexico in May sounds like the perfect spot to keep on recovering!

 

[medan2012]

Hi Mutley, thank you for your words of encouragement. I attended PT today and my flexion was measured at 105; at one time according to the PT guy, it was as high as 114. This knee has a mind of its own..... I am not concerned about my ROM; actually, I've put my knee recovery in God's hands.

I've signed up for pool therapy through PT going once a week & to PT once a week. I start my pool therapy next week. My knee is really bothering me this evening....... Normally, it does not bother me much but today I was in and out of my SUV at least 10 times going here and there so maybe that was too much on top of doing PT.

Wow, it does not sound like the MUA helped you any...... I've heard other people state that the MUA did not help them....... That is why I refuse to go through it; maybe it would help me and maybe not. I think my problem is scar tissue & swelling even though I ice & elevate as often as I can.

Yep, we both have a ways to go and this has been a journey. I'm not sure if I want to have my right knee done so soon after this LTKR. I follow-up with my OS April 18th so I still have some time to decide.

1ELISEA, I have always had problems with my IT band prior to this TKR but I think the PT irritated it by stretching my quads if that makes sense. The twitching was not that bad & I did not have the pain until he tried stretching my quad to get a bend..........

I go to my MT next Wednesday so I will have him do some acupressure as well as massage my IT band.

Well, it's time to say goodnight. I took a pain pill so I can get a good night's sleep......

Blessings to ALL.

 

[medan2012]

Happy Palm Sunday to everyone!!!!!

I attended my 23rd PT session on Friday.......My extension was at 0 & flexion at 111( I improved by 6 degrees from previous PT session). I am satisfied with my progress even though I am not at the 120 degree and voiced my sentiments to my PT. Frankly, I think at this point in my recovery, I can stop PT & do my exercises at home and at the recreation center but I will wait and see how I do with pool therapy. I will start pool therapy on Wednesday (March 27th) for several sessions & PT one day a week.

It's amazing how one day you feel okay and then other days, you don't feel so well. But it's all part of the recovery!!!! I'm just so thankful that I have a wonderful spouse who has been there for me from the beginning and doesn't mind me venting to him every now and then! I'm pretty independent at this point of my recovery but there are some days that I have to have him wait on me. I guess that is part of recovery.... My energy level is better except when I do the stairs. Practice, practice, practice!!!!


Mary Ellen

 

[robynhood]

Hi Mary Ellen, Nice to read your posts. I think you are doing really well with your ROM. Im five months out and currently only have 90 ROM 0 extension. Im going up and down stairs great and getting along nicely with everything else so Im trying not to worry about the ROM. Im on the exercise bike every day and my knee does seem to be getting stronger every day. I try to remember the heel toe thing when walking and doing OK with that. As ive not seen physio since December MUA has not been mentioned. If my ROM hasnt improved in two weeks Iwill go back to the OS but until then I trying to make sure that wont happen. Im also needing a RTKR soon but not until I have this one sorted out first. Keep on doing what youre doing. It seems to be working for you. Nice and Easy. Take Care.

 

[Buddhabear]

My OS did prescribe an antibiotic before I had a cleaning after my last TKR but neither my dentist or my OS thought it was anything more than prophylaxis. What I experienced during months of early pain was I started clenching my teeth - never did it before. And not grinding but just clenching down. It took me months to control it and relate it to the pain. Got to the point at times that I thought I had a month full of cavities and they were all falling out. My dentist said it was really common after long term pain. Once again- who knew!!!

 

[medan2012]

robynhood,

My knee is coming along. Today, I went to the recreation center and did some exercises that I normally do at PT in the pool (squats & knee kick backs). Afterwards enjoyed the hot tub (ten minutes of bicycling in the hot tub), bicycled for 15 minutes on the stationary bicycle and 3-15 repetitions on the leg press. I prefer the leg press at the rec ctr better than at PT. I guess because it is more modern!!!

My day was topped off by going to the commissary to shop for a few groceries. So far I feel pretty good. Focusing on my heel-to-toe gait so eventually, I hope to get rid of my cane but no rush........

One day at a time is my quote when someone ask me how I am doing........ I feel as long as I can do the things that I need to do; then I will not worry about my flexion!!! My OS told me that not obtaining a 120 degree flexion would make it hard for me to do stairs but I have been practicing one leg over the other per my PT and it's coming around so time will bring about healing.

Don't stress; eventually your ROM will improve. Hang in there. Each day is a venture and one day closer to your recovery.

Take care.......
Mary Ellen

 

[robynhood]

Hi Mary Ellen, Lovely to hear about your very productive day. You seem to enjoy your exercises and I think that counts for a lot. I seem to dread doing mine but Im trying to change my attitude. This is what I cant understand my lack of ROM. I can do stairs up and down easily so where does this 'cant do stairs unless youre 120 ROM'. It does really confuse me. I am changing my attitude ad hope to just keep exercising and not just concentrating on figures. I know I am doing so much better than before the op. Thanks for your positive posts. Will look forward to reading more. Take care and have a lovely day.