TKR Now post op

[Creampuff]

Hello All,
Had RTKR at 730, in my room by 1030 and feel ok. Spinal is wearing off. Will have PT this afternoon.

 

[Jockette]

Welcome to Recovery!

I will leave you our Recovery Guidelines. Each article is short but very informative. Following these guidelines will help you have a less painful recovery.

Just keep in mind all people are 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.

Knee Recovery: The Guidelines
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.​

​

If you want to use something to help heal the incision, ​

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.​

3. Do what you want to do BUT

​

a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​

b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

​

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4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

​

the BoneSmart view on exercise​

BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy​

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this

Activity Progression for TKRs​

6. Access to these pages on the website

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Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

The 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?

There are also some cautionary articles here
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 the 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 the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.

 

[panammaniac]

Welcome to the other side! Best advice I can give is take the max dose of pain meds now. That nerve block shouldn’t wear off for at least 24 hours, but when it does it’s no fun if you aren’t on full pain meds. I was only taking half of my oxy because I felt good, but I regretted it later. Once I got caught up on meds all was fine, and I was off the narcotics by day 6. Good luck with your recovery. I’m exactly 5 weeks ahead of you and doing well.

 

[Arjay]

Had my surgery at 930 this morning…and home by 730. (That was a surprise!) And I appreciate just now reading this reminder so I just took some'due' meds. So much to learn, keep track of!

 

[sistersinhim]

@Arjay, I made a copy of your post and put it in your recovery thread. We don't want to railroad Creampuff's
thread.

 

[Creampuff]

Heading out of the hospital soon. I think the block is wearing off and I will take max pain meds! I've been told that I'm moving very well so far. I've met my goals! Starting outpatient PT next Tuesday. Wound vac off in one week and staples out in about 2 weeks.
I'm sure I'm gonna need you guys!

 

[sistersinhim]

I'm sure I'm gonna need you guys!

We are here for you! Don't be surprised if you swell more and your pain increases after getting home. This is normal because you will be moving much more than you have been while in the hospital. Also, just getting in and out of the car and the vibration of riding in it will cause extra pain and swelling. Don't do much of anything except walking to the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen for the next week or so. Ice and elevate the whole time you are sitting or lying down. You can't over ice as long as you have a cloth between you and the ice pack.

 

[Hip4life]

It's such good news to hear that you are headed home. There really isn't any better place to be. Best wishes for a good recovery.

 

[Arjay]

Sistersinhim: thank you!

 

[Creampuff]

Just got here. Gonna get my ice on, take a pain pill and rest!

 

[agsmom]

Hi @Creampuff, i had my surgery in late June. Things are going well. I hope the same goes for you. Good luck!

 

[Creampuff]

Happy Saturday! My knee seems to be progressing as expected. I'm trying to walk every couple hours short distances in the home. Going to the bathroom and getting ice seem to be enough. Also worming on the gentle exercises. I've been able to sleep 4-6 hours at night. I'm grateful for this group!

 

[sistersinhim]

It sounds like you have a very sensible recovery program!

 

[panammaniac]

That sounds about where I was at just a few days out. I think my first time venturing out of the house was when my in-home PT suggested we take a short walk outside. She had to go up to my bedroom to get a pair of shoes for me, then she helped me get them in and we walked 3 or 4 houses down the street and back, with me using the walker and her staying very close by. It was very short, but also felt good to be out of the house for a little bit. Other than that, it was just as you said, making a conscious effort to get up every hour for just a couple minutes to take care of necessities, bio breaks, getting a snack and such.

 

[sistersinhim]

My first adventure outside was pure bliss! I had 6 steps to go down and back up and only walked outside about 5 minutes. I had to rest the next day, but it was worth it! I would never have tried this by myself, I had a neighbor come and spot for me. I also had to have someone there when I took a shower for the first month or so. That first shower was also bliss! Your firsts are just ahead of you and you will love them!

 

[InkedMarie]

Sounds like you’re doing pretty well. When I used the bathroom, I did a little walk around my home while I was up.

Marie

 

[Creampuff]

Had my first outpatient PT today and kept thinking "am I letting this guy push me too far?"
I'm doing ok and rested once home. I took the wound vac off and incision looks good. Dry dressing and tubigrip on to hold it in place. I feel like it's going ok!

 

[sistersinhim]

Take it very easy the rest of the day. Just having had your first PT is going to upset your knee, more than likely. You want to see it's reaction tonight before adding a lot of activity to your day.

 

[Creampuff]

Just finished PT. All the exercises felt good and helpful. My motion is on track. The last couple of days were rough and I am feeling better now. I plan to rest over the weekend. My staples get removed Monday.

 

[Creampuff]

Hello All!
I had my 3 week post op appt with my surgeon today. He said I'm a rock star and making him look good! My flexion and extension is well beyond what he expects at this point. Given that, I don't need to return for 3 months. I did have a bad PTA visit yesterday. Wayyyy too much. That won't happen again!
I'm thankful for my recovery thus far.