TKR My second TKR recovery begins

[New England Librarian]

I am one day past my right TKR, and 11 years past my left TKR. I am very happy to have had the same wonderful surgeon, but so many other things have changed in those 11 years!

I had to get care team permission (for various medical reasons) to stay over one night (a “23 hour” stay), while 11 years ago I was an inpatient for 3 nights. I had spinal anesthesia instead of general, but also something to make me sleep. I have been told that the incision is much smaller than before, the muscles were pulled aside instead of cut, and the nerve block covers a smaller area.

Most promising is that I tried the new non-opiate pain medication Journavx, and it seems to be working! I can take it with the opiate if needed, but need a smaller opiate dose. I am optimistic that this will remain true as the nerve block continues wear off. Fingers crossed!

 

[benne68]

Welcome to the healing side, @New England Librarian! We're glad you are here so we can support you on your recovery journey.

Even though you've been through a TKR before, it's been quite a few years so you may need a refresher on BoneSmart's Knee Recovery Guidelines. Each article is short, but informative. Following these guidelines will help you have a less painful recovery.

Just keep in mind we are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for you.” Your doctors, PTs and BoneSmart are available to help, but you are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

Also, remember that every knee is different -- even 2 knees in the same person!

KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES
(Note to Basic Members: The links below are a premium service available only to Insiders Club Members. To learn about membership, click here ).

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.

2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
don't overwork your new knee.

3. Do what you want to do BUT
If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you.
If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.

4. Good Nutrition is essential for successful recovery:
Dietary Tips for Recovery
Nutrition Basics

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
BoneSmart view on exercise
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
and please also read the Recovery myths below.

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for TKRs

7. If you want something to assist with incision 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.

8. Still need recovery aids? The BoneSmart Recovery Shop offers BoneSmarties best-loved recovery products at great prices.

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?

Recovery myths:
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.

 

[sistersinhim]

It is amazing how much things have improved in the last 11 years. I had mine 10 years ago, and would not be nearly as afraid if I had to have the old knee replaced now because of these improvements. With these improvements, you still must be careful with your recovery and to not overdo too soon. That causes setbacks and added inflammation, pain, and swelling. We have found that it's best to be gentle with your new knee for at least a couple of months before beginning more aggressive exercises. Many find that they don't even need PT at all, that their daily activites are enough to recover nicely. I am one of those.

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome!
Thanks for joining us and congrats on your new knee! It sounds like you're off to a good start. I look forward to following your healing journey.

New England is beautiful this time of year, enjoy the spectacular display of color.
Best Wishes!
@New England Librarian