TKR OMG I was so grateful to find this site

[Pheebs]

Eight weeks post op Right TKR.
At 5 weeks post op I was in despair, wishing I’d never had it done. I was still in a lot of pain and not managing to do many of the exercises the Physio said I should be doing, particularly the straight leg lift. I just couldn’t manage to raise the leg. Probably quite fortuitously, because they were so painful, I didn’t do them (the exercises). Then I found this site. Not only did it comprehensively explain why I was in pain, reassured me I was actually progressing at an appropriate pace and told me to listen to my body. I felt I should have been much further on and was becoming very depressed (also a common feeling). I started doing the recommended exercises and started to go to bed for an hour hour and a half in the afternoon (where I was able to stretch the leg out with no pressure, as opposed to just sitting with my leg up). Before Bone-smart I wouldn’t have recommended anyone having a TKR. Now at 8 weeks post op, I can’t believe how much I have progressed. I walk without crutch, even took one of the dogs out for a walk today! Much less pain - usually if I’ve kind of overdone things so only having paracetamol in the morning and at bedtime. My leg sometimes just feels uncomfortable so I find changing position or going for a walk helps. Iwoild also recommend some of the YouTube TKR exercises which are available for whatever stage you are at (0-2, 2-4, 4-6 etc).
sorry this is such a long thread and I hope it helps reassure anyone who felt like I did.

New to this. Asked about surgery dates etc. TKR Right knee on 17 January 2024

 

[Layla]

Welcome Pheebs!
We're so thankful you joined us! I'm certain many will be inspired through your words. I am happy for you that you're doing so well and I'd like to encourage you to share more updates as you move forward.

Please let us know the exact surgery date and identify which knee was replaced so we're able to create a signature for you. It's helpful for those stopping by to see exactly how far along you are with a quick glance.

Your post put a smile on my face, thanks so much for your kind words in regard to BoneSmart and taking the time to share here. Many blessings to you!

 

[mendogal]

I'm delighted you found us! I was a month into my second TKR when I found BoneSmart. It's great to know it's reassured you and made your recovery smoother.

 

[Layla]

I will leave our Recovery Guidelines as some of the info will still apply -
KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES

As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

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.

If you want to use something to assist with 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.

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

Nutrition is of paramount importance. Available here are dietary tips, nutrition basics and additional food supplements. These articles are both general advice on food and specific guidelines aimed at people both pre- and post-surgery.

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 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.

 

[benne68]

Welcome, @Pheebs, and thank you so much for sharing your story!

I know it will give hope and inspiration to others who are struggling to get through the early weeks of recovery.

Please come back and continue to share your progress with us.