TKR One knee done in March; other one in August

[yesyvonne]

Wow, time sure does fly by. It's been three months since my right knee was replaced with a titanium joint, and I'm here to say I'm doing really well. So well that that knee is doing better than the other one now. I'm feeling so much better about the whole process, now that I've been through it once, that I've gone ahead and scheduled the other knee for August 3rd. I'll be an August Hot Shot. So that's five months in between the two surgeries.

Kind of an overview recap: Was in the hospital three days after the first one. A major issue was very low blood pressure, so they kept me in bed the first 24 hrs rather than risk a fall. Went straight home from the hospital, not to rehab, and I had a family member who is a nurse helping me/us out for the first week or so. Was very grateful for her presence and help. Had 3x/wk in-home PT my first two weeks post-op, then took a week off for more healing, while I was still on the heavy duty pain meds (norco and tramadol), before starting outpatient PT.

By the time I started that, I was driving again.

That PT was hard and painful at first -- I considered quitting it -- but I backed off the intensity and took it easier, then stuck it out. Did outpatient PT 2x/wk for six weeks. And gradually began walking more and more, too.

By approx two months out, I was back in the pool for water aerobics classes and walking farther, too. Now I go for long walks nearly every day, driven by my FitBit to keep my step count up and to augment my weight loss efforts (which I'm doing via Bright Line Eating). On Thursday I got myself a set of trekking poles, so I can walk greater distances without as much fear of falling. My right knee is doing great now that it's "fixed," but the left one often feels like it wants to collapse under me.

I started the weight loss with BLE last October, in part because I knew the TKR surgeries were coming up, and have released a little over 30 pounds so far during that time (70 pounds down from lifetime high). I figure I have about 20 more to go, although I'm not quite sure what's my final goal range to maintain for good. So far I'm down four sizes! My knees are happier to carry less of a load, for sure.

I still take Aleve morning and bedtime, and I sometimes ice and elevate, especially if it's been an unusual number of steps that day or I've been more active than usual. I see another thread on the forum about wedges; let me just say here how much I love my Lounge Doctor. I have the idea that I may still be using that baby for years to come -- it feels good to get my legs up when I'm reading or watching TV.

I'm really grateful for this forum. I've learned a lot from all of you. Many thanks.

 

[yesyvonne]

Oh and meant to add too that my right knee scores at the end of PT were 0-130. Surgeon and PT were happy. Me, too.

 

[MSgirl]

Wow is right, Yvonne! You are a star! And turning into a skinny mine, too. I'm curious. Since my surgeries and weight loss plus being more active, I feel younger. Do you? I just had one of those "zero" birthdays but only feel 35 inside. You are moving around like 35 again, even with only one good knee right now. It will be so wonderful when you have a matched pair. Just think about what you will do!

 

[VonnieN]

Having had two knees done in four weeks day two (which is the day after the surgery) on both occasions was not good. Dr thinks is is a combination of things including including adrenaline going through the body. I hope it all settles down and then you can concentrate on your recovery.

My nurse told me they give continuous fluids for 36 hours to keep up hydration which can effect blood pressure. Mine has been high d during my last visit and this time I have send it at 136/64 which is low for me but happy with that.

Best wishes for your recovery

 

[yesyvonne]

@MSgirl, yes, feeling better than I have in a long time. I lived with that knee pain so long. It was really debilitating and limiting. A new lease on life! Happy birthday to you! 70 is the new 40!

 

[SusieShoes]

What a great three month report! I too have lost weight because just moving and being active is so much easier and fun. Years of pain and disability can cause us to forget what it feels like to be “younger.” We don’t actually get younger, of course, but we do get healthier and stronger, and that can definitely feel younger.

Sounds like you’re all set up and in a good place mentally for your next knee.

 

[sistersinhim]

Yippee! A great report!

 

[yesyvonne]

Hi all, wow, I meant to write about my other knee's surgery and recovery long before now. The days are flying by.

I had my second knee replacement August 3rd, as planned, five and a half weeks ago -- and everything went really well. Now I have a matched set of joints and scars.

I was in the hospital one day less than the first time -- two days instead of three. Same issues with low blood pressure, but no one seemed as worried about it. Only used a walker for a couple/three days at home before I switched to cane with my PT's encouragement. Now I'm walking without an aid and have been for several weeks.

First two weeks home had in-home PT like the first time, and again, took a week off before starting out-patient PT in order to be sure I was off the Norco and Tramadol for good and could safely drive myself.

Big difference between first time and second was I was much less afraid, much less anxious, heading into it, knowing what to expect. I already had much of the equipment, such as my lounge doctor, ice machine, walker, cane, leg sleeve for showering, toilet riser with handle bars, etc.

Another difference is that I was prescribed a "stomach protector" -- generic Protonix -- along with the post-op anticoagulant Xarelto. I had the Xarelto last time, too, but was told Protonix for everyone is a new routine, I guess to lower the chances of bleeding.

Another difference was no continuous passive motion (CPM) machine was used in the hospital, which I had last time. There was again a machine delivered to my home to use for the first three weeks home, but I was told to make actual exercise on my feet more of a priority than using the CPM. I have heard/read many surgeons are no longer using them at all, so maybe my surgeon is moving in that direction, too.

My PT is going great -- have had the first four of twelve sessions. Each day less pain and more ability to sleep undisturbed at night.

I've stayed on my Bright Line Eating regimen, even in the hospital, and have lost more weight, which makes me elated. And I'm pretty sure it's making the healing easier to not put so much weight on those poor knees. I went from obesity to "normal" BMI, and from prediabetic and high lipid lab numbers to normal numbers, in less than a year on BLE. Only about 15 pounds more to go to get to my mid-range normal BMI goal. Thrilled I can wear size 10 jeans for the first time in decades.

Going back to water aerobics more quickly this time too -- tentatively planning my first time back for the class tomorrow.

I see my surgeon for a final post-op visit this coming Thursday.

I forget how we get the caption changed for the recovery thread. Could someone remind me how or else go ahead and edit this one please? How about "One knee done in March; other one in August" -- okay?

 

[Celle]

I've changed your thread title for you, Yvonne.

I'm glad your second recovery is going so well. Would you like another copy of the post-op reading or have you remembered all the advice?

 

[MSgirl]

Yvonne, what an incredible report!!! I think you should change your caption to "Life is Grand" like those tshirts. Even if you don't, your life is definitely grand. It is amazing how much more pleasant (maybe not the best word) #2 is. And having a positive attitude goes a long way to speed up recoveries. You certainly have that. Many congratulation on your weight loss! I lost some last year (afraid a few are creeping back so I need to be careful) and buying clothes is so much more fun. Check the sales at J.Jill. Their clothes don't scream "styled for 20 year olds". You are doing so well. Wouldn't it be great if our doctors would have us give encouragement to those having #1, sort of like a support group? No medical advice, just assurance that this too will pass. Probably against HIPAA. It would have helped me a lot. Keep on keeping on. You are an inspiration and smart enough to take care of that knee. Don't look back! Look out world. Here comes Yvonne!

 

[SusieShoes]

Wow, @yesyvonne, you sure have had a great second recovery! It’s fascinating to read the differences between your two post-op experiences. It does matter, doesn’t it, to be less anxious and more prepared. If nothing else, you can focus more on your overall recovery and less on your knee itself.

Congratulations, too, on your diet working so well. It’s an interesting program: I’ve looked into it. CLearly it’s working for you!

 

[Joy77]

@yesyvonne it sounds like you are doing incredibaly well! Congrats on all the hard work you put in to get where you are today!

I’m glad you like your LoungeDoctor. I have one ordered but it’s stuck in N.Carolina with the hurricane. It can’t get here fast enough. I was hoping it would be a good purchase for me so your positive comments about it were welcoming to hear.

In 6 months to a year I’m going to need to get my second knee done. I was thinking that it would be easier, the second one, because now I’ll have known expectations. It seems you found that to be true. I’m hoping I have the same experience.

I’m looking forward to getting back in the pool and my medical team told me to plan on about six week out. Seems that’s the same for you.

Again, congrats on all your successes! I’m glad you are feeling better and enjoying your new knees!

 

[yesyvonne]

I’m back in the forum today to post best wishes to all on the second anniversary of my first knee replacement! Two years ago today, wow. Life is good; am loving the vastly improved mobility and quality of life a good surgeon, Medicare, and titanium knees have given me ...except my hips are starting to hurt. Guess what I think is ahead? Ah well. Going to head over to the hip area next to see what I can learn there. ~Yvonne

 

[Jockette]

Great knee update!!

 

[sistersinhim]

@yesyvonne, how wonderful to hear how well your knees are doing. I pray you hips will improve.