LD of Michigan
graduate
United StatesGreetings All (I hope I am posting this in the correct area):
I had a right knee TKR 12/16. Zimmer implant by way of surgeon and robotics. Surgical area closed with glue (no stitching). I have no distinct sports background or severe injury outside of recreational cycling and some gym work. Both knees started showing osteo deterioration about 2009 or so. Pretty manageable up thru the last 24 months/ no shots. I became aware of the TKR option about 2016 and started to head that way directly 2017 by way of talking to friends with similar issues, information online, and talking to my gen. orthopedic doctor. The last 12-16 months cast increasing pain, decline in ability to work out at the gym. With extended walking/ standing getting harder.
2018-19, the Osteoarthritis progressed to the point of planning work/ activities/ events/ shopping around how much walking/ standing would be required/ would there be a shopping cart available to lean on/ close parking spot etc. Including using a cane for some events/ travel. And finally pain at night! The planning was long as along with minor issues to resolve such as dental work as advised by my surgeon. The trillion prep items went forth as an endless checklist! Ah, the obvious things you think of (get a walker); the things forgotten (as basket for the walker!). And what of that favorite lip balm?
Anyway, the surgery itself was easier than I thought in some ways, yet far harder than in other ways. It's still too early to kick up my heals, but I'm thankful that (only 2.5 weeks) I do not have constant pain. Mainly episodic pain depending on what I am doing (or trying to do) or how I am positioning or bending the knee. The basic prescribed meds are all I take (though I did have the nerve block catheter the first few days). My main challenge is being able to sleep at night ala bed positioning as the biggest problem - and getting the TKR leg fully flattened. I'm anticipating some not great times now that my full on on-sight PT is starting -- beyond lighter home PT sessions I've had.
So, sometimes I think the worse is over, other times I think and know it's ahead as well somewhat.
You have to be committed to the PT. I liked gym work, so that will be plus. From my short time here I appreciate the perspective that you can get thru some TKR things fast, even returning to work. But, it can take full year to fully heal. I believe that, even at my stage. So much came together for me fast such as good flexion. Yet, a TKR is a huge undertaking with so many things going on at the physical level as the knee (never the same as the one you're born with) implant becomes part of you; with you learning new paths of movement.
It's funny you cannot 'baby' the replaced knee, yet you have to listen to how it is responding to what you do. PT is good but it can be a numbers game that can be discouraging I hear.
I am hoping for better sleep over the next few days as my body adapts and heals. I look forward to sharing more and learning more. Thank you for providing such a community of care and concern.
I had a right knee TKR 12/16. Zimmer implant by way of surgeon and robotics. Surgical area closed with glue (no stitching). I have no distinct sports background or severe injury outside of recreational cycling and some gym work. Both knees started showing osteo deterioration about 2009 or so. Pretty manageable up thru the last 24 months/ no shots. I became aware of the TKR option about 2016 and started to head that way directly 2017 by way of talking to friends with similar issues, information online, and talking to my gen. orthopedic doctor. The last 12-16 months cast increasing pain, decline in ability to work out at the gym. With extended walking/ standing getting harder.
2018-19, the Osteoarthritis progressed to the point of planning work/ activities/ events/ shopping around how much walking/ standing would be required/ would there be a shopping cart available to lean on/ close parking spot etc. Including using a cane for some events/ travel. And finally pain at night! The planning was long as along with minor issues to resolve such as dental work as advised by my surgeon. The trillion prep items went forth as an endless checklist! Ah, the obvious things you think of (get a walker); the things forgotten (as basket for the walker!). And what of that favorite lip balm?
Anyway, the surgery itself was easier than I thought in some ways, yet far harder than in other ways. It's still too early to kick up my heals, but I'm thankful that (only 2.5 weeks) I do not have constant pain. Mainly episodic pain depending on what I am doing (or trying to do) or how I am positioning or bending the knee. The basic prescribed meds are all I take (though I did have the nerve block catheter the first few days). My main challenge is being able to sleep at night ala bed positioning as the biggest problem - and getting the TKR leg fully flattened. I'm anticipating some not great times now that my full on on-sight PT is starting -- beyond lighter home PT sessions I've had.
So, sometimes I think the worse is over, other times I think and know it's ahead as well somewhat.
You have to be committed to the PT. I liked gym work, so that will be plus. From my short time here I appreciate the perspective that you can get thru some TKR things fast, even returning to work. But, it can take full year to fully heal. I believe that, even at my stage. So much came together for me fast such as good flexion. Yet, a TKR is a huge undertaking with so many things going on at the physical level as the knee (never the same as the one you're born with) implant becomes part of you; with you learning new paths of movement.
It's funny you cannot 'baby' the replaced knee, yet you have to listen to how it is responding to what you do. PT is good but it can be a numbers game that can be discouraging I hear.
I am hoping for better sleep over the next few days as my body adapts and heals. I look forward to sharing more and learning more. Thank you for providing such a community of care and concern.
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