Greetings to All:
Apologies for not having posted in a very long time. Right knee TKA March 28, 2017; Left knee TKA June 6, 2017.
I had posted intermittently regarding the right knee, but nothing regarding the left. So, here goes, then some information - essentially, now, I am recovering bilateral TKA, i guess.
After having been able to have post-operative visits with the surgeon for each knee, he describes them as being " 'shot' with ACL and PCL in each ineffective and dried up." Like everyone else, probably, I got as much as I could out of the old lads (i.e. waited too long) before heading to surgery. The overall plan is for both knees to have been replaced and healing to have progressed so that I am on snow - skiing - for season 2017-2018. Overall, we are progressing according to plan.
I was out of the hospital within 30 hours for the second TKA. Presumably, hospital and patient familiarity helped on each end. They knew how I was after the first TKA and I knew what they expected of me before discharge could be granted. Was able to drive nine days - locally - post op with left knee - had driven eleven days post op on the right knee. (no narcotics for many hours prior)
No grand surprises in the operating room and I managed well - typical discomfort (pain) and managed with rest, elevation, and ice. I will say - the BIGGEST hitch this time around was the very excessive bruising to left leg - knee extending to ankle and base of foot that was also VERY sensitive to touch. I peeked on line for a general 'remedy' and a BoneSmart link popped up. The photos there depicted my own leg and recommended witch hazel. Well, it worked!!! I applied liberal amounts of witch hazel to a facecloth and placed it upon my lower leg and held it in place with TED stocking. Moved the 'compress' around the leg periodically and, voila, bruising started to resolve - looked better and felt a lot better. Unfortunately, home nursing (went home with adductor canal nerve block analgesic so they were supposed to be checking on me) was clueless regarding the bruising to lower leg and i took care of it myself. When home nursing care called for another visit - after they blew me off once - I simply let them know there was no medical reason for them to visit - I was fine. Home physical therapy for two weeks then outpatient - will begin 8th week post op (left) and 18th week (right) next week.
I have to comment - Physical Therapy? I have been most fortunate and truly blessed. A great group of assembled professionals with wonderful personalities, committed to their patient, and an appropriate balance of progressively and 'challenging' activities and exercises.
Flexion for right knee - not presently actively in PT due to left knee, so, not regularly measured (but, i am there and we work it along with the left) - a nice 125 degrees is a good estimate; extension likely around 5 degrees on a good day and 8 on a bad day (not yet stretched out)
Left knee is the fun one - Extension Lag - is how the PT put it in his report to the surgeon last week. We're working to eliminate swelling; i have been urged to keep with elevation and ice; i have been urged to watch level of activity (the Irish lad may occasionally be doin' a wee bit too much......) We're hovering around twelve degrees; Flexion? Passive i.e. on my own, last week, I slid the heel to 123 degrees. Active flexion - with PT assistance, has certainly been more - I have felt that extra 'nudge', if you will - lol. Looking forward to the measurement - limit is 130 degrees and, if able, certainly hope that we can. More importantly, though, I endeavor to get much closer to 0 degrees extension - straighten that leg - both of them, for that matter.
Scars have healed nicely - applying Vitamin E oil upon advice of lay people and I guess it has helped. - not that the lads will be in any modeling magazines.
I guess my daily challenges is knowing 'which' knees are going to show up for the daily ' party.' I now have a situation where the healing right knee TKA is the 'big brother' when it used to be the 'little brother.' After the left knee TKA, the right knee was promoted to big brother, without consultation, while the left knee looked for support. LOL Sometimes, the two "brothers" decide they will be more collaborative or less; just like raising kids!! Sometimes, the right knee just decides, "nope, not today."
I have returned to work - with self-imposed restrictions - however, find myself fatigued pretty regularly. Not used to being so tired when seemingly not being very active, however, from all that I have read - one TKA is considered to be major surgery nevermind two TKAs ten weeks apart.
I have tried to completely wean myself away from the heavy duty meds - only to pay the price. Generally, the heavier meds are now taken at the end of one day to help relieve some discomfort and before bed with an over the counter sleep med to assist with overnight rest. Of course, as I have read here and elsewhere, I often feel as if I could sleep/nap during the day; nope, can't sleep at night. Ugh. No heavy meds during the overnight or during the work day.
I don't regret the decisions to proceed with each knee replacement; it is certainly a roller coaster ride, though. Sharing in hopes it may assist others.......as all of us keep on healing............. Have a good day.
United States
