PKR Mike61's Recovery

[mendogal]

Welcome back!!!! Hello new right (partial)!

 

[Layla]

Welcome back to recovery, Mike.
Glad you’re home. So much easier to rest in your own place. I hope you have a great match in your PT today…go slow and easy.
Thanks for taking time to share your journey with us!
@Mike61

 

[Mike61]

Was checked out of home pt yesterday…flexion of 112 and extension of zero…this knee surgery is certainly different than the one in April. Different sensations, recovery rate, although it’s only been 1.5 weeks, strengths/weaknesses. Start the real PT on Tuesday.

 

[mendogal]

My total knees were totally different!

Has that foot numbness gotten any better? How's your walking?

 

[benne68]

this knee surgery is certainly different than the one in April.

Are you finding it easier or harder?

I thought my second TKR was a bit easier because I knew what to expect. But, many folks say they have a tougher time with the second.

Let us know how it's going.

 

[Mike61]

Foot numbness is gone, but just like the other, once the bandage came off, the sensitivity of the surgery site increased. I think overall, the recovery is easier because of the other knee in April. That said, I have found myself pushing maybe a little harder than before, knowing (thinking) I had some room to push during the last recovery.

 

[mendogal]

Glad the numbness is gone.
Incision area sensitivity has definitely bothered a fair number of our members after partial or total knees. Some may chime in on coping ideas until it resolves.

I was definitely "braver" with my second knee. Of course, that's partly because on the first knee even progressing to a little community walking I harbored the fear that the slightest misstep would break the implant! Yes I definitely had more self-confidence second time round.

 

[Layla]

Two anniversaries!
Happy Four Months, Lefty and Happy One Month Anniversary, Righty!
Hopefully you continue to do well and you're feeling stronger week by week. Usually the uncomfortable sensations, like the sensitivity you noted, diminish over time.
Have a wonderful day and weekend, Mike!
@Mike61

 

[Mike61]

Thanks @Layla! Recovery seems to be going well, the left knee is obviously stronger than the right, but both are progressing. Most of the sensitivity issues on the left have reduced and the numbness that I feel on the right knee seems to improve each day. My flexion on the left knee improved to 132 and the right is currently at 122, with some swelling. I anticipate the right to continue to improve. Extension on both is about 2 degrees from zero, and while I continue to stretch, I am not overly concerned with getting to 0. I believe once I get back to full activity, that may happen through movement.

 

[Layla]

Great news! Thank you for sharing, Mike. Your update will be inspiring to those following behind you to see how well you're doing at only four months post op from your first, with the second closely following.
May it only get better!
@Mike61

 

[sistersinhim]

Extension on both is about 2 degrees from zero, and while I continue to stretch, I am not overly concerned with getting to 0. I believe once I get back to full activity, that may happen through movement.

Very true. Just doing your normal activities, and the swelling going down, will allow the extension to hit a zero. But, 2 degrees from 0 is hardly anything to affect your movements. I bet you won't really notice it.

 

[Layla]

Happy Anniversary!
Five Months for, Lefty, and Two for, Righty!
Have a wonderful Sunday and week, Mike!
@Mike61

 

[Mike61]

Thanks! Somewhere along the lines I have overdone something. Right knees is painful to walk on when I first get up and after sitting. After a few steps, it does get better.

 

[mendogal]

Thanks! Somewhere along the lines I have overdone something. Right knees is painful to walk on when I first get up and after sitting. After a few steps, it does get better.

That's a very common pattern - I had to set a timer when sitting for quite a while - and it should slowly ease on its own.

 

[Layla]

Hi Mike
Happy Three Month Anniversary!
I hope the pain you were dealing with has eased and you're enjoying some steady progress.
Let us know how you're doing if you have the time.
All the best to you!
@Mike61

 

[Mike61]

Hi Mike
Happy Three Month Anniversary!
I hope the pain you were dealing with has eased and you're enjoying some steady progress.
Let us know how you're doing if you have the time.
All the best to you!
@Mike61

Thank you! Yes, things are easing, I find movement and especially stretching the best way to minimize pain. Back to mountain biking and just bought a ski pass today!

 

[mendogal]

Excellent news!!!!

 

[Layla]

Wonderful news, Mike! Thanks for updating us.
Enjoy getting back to mountain biking and spending time on the slopes.
Stay safe!
@Mike61