TKR Pam’s TKR PO journey

[Macknit]

I'm at 9 weeks on Tuesday and that is the one thing that I've noticed how the sensitive areas are always moving to different places. it's kind of crazy, isn't it??

I had to return to work (FMLA ran out as I had 2 surgeries in 2019) I was part-time at the 6 week point and begin full-time tomorrow! Luckily, I have a desk job and can easily ice and elevate as needed, just can't forget my gel packs!

Good luck on your journey...upward trajectory, even if we go sideways at times!

 

[Shewolf38]

Now I’m 10.5 weeks PO. I can’t believe the difference in how I feel! My knee still wakes me up with pain and stiffness, but once I’m up and around, the difference is nothing short of amazing. I knew that I would feel better, but I’m doing things that I couldn’t do for months before my surgery. I go back to work next week and I am looking forward to being able to do my job like I did before the knee pain took control of my life.

 

[Shewolf38]

Holy smokes. I go back to work in two days. In the beginning of my journey, it 12 weeks seemed so far away! Now I’m walking around with minimal to no pain, still get a bit stiff and swollen, but definitely have turned the corner. I still get woken up by zingers, and other random pain but I know that I’m healing. My life is about to go in a new direction!

 

[sistersinhim]

It is wonderful when our lives start to get back to normal. For many it has been a rough road, but also I learning experience. One of the main things I learned was to be thankful for the good days!

 

[Shewolf38]

My first day back to work. 10 hours 11/21/19. I walked and was on my feet more than I have been in over a year. Mild pain and some swelling and stiffness. Elevated and iced when I got home. I was completely exhausted and fell asleep about an hour after I got home, but what a great feeling to be getting back to the old me.

 

[Macknit]

I agree there is no cabin fever once you're working again!

I've been trying to do one 15 minute walk each day at work, which has aggravated the knee some...mostly swelling and a few more centralized pains. The first 3 weeks were Part time and I had a lot more calf pain from the 35 minute drive....

Regardless, it helps to have your mind on something that is brain stimulating and not pain stimulating !

I hope you have a continued good journey!

 

[Shewolf38]

15 weeks PO. I’m getting better every day. Doing a lot more walking around than I’ve done in the past couple years! I was surprised by zingers last night but my knee feels more loose and not as stiff as it has been. I’m thinking that by pushing myself to do a lot of walking is helping to loosen things up! Back to my OS Tuesday for another post op check.

 

[Shewolf38]

I’m 15 weeks PO on Thursday. I just went to another post op appointment with my surgeon. More x-rays just to be sure, I asked when do I need to schedule my next appointment and he said.......5 years!! I’m finally released for my right knee!! My doctor said that he would see me for my left knee before he needs to see me for my right knee (unless I have issues). Happy dance time!!

 

[sistersinhim]

 

[Shewolf38]

What a great week! I went to a work Christmas gathering and a friend who hasn’t seen me since my surgery stopped me and said “you aren’t even limping!” I was a bit surprised because I seriously forgot that I’d even had a knee replacement! I’m so happy to be able to get on with living my best life. I have an appointment with a bariatric specialist in January to help me get rid of all this extra weight I put on from not walking and exercising due to being in so much pain everyday. It’s going to be a great new year!

 

[Shewolf38]

15 weeks PO. Still a bit of stiffness and some minor pain and swelling. More pain at night while sleeping and less when walking and standing. If I sit for too long I have some pain and stiffness. All of this is so much less than before my surgery. I would do this again in a heartbeat. I still do stretches and heel slides to keep everything loosened up. There are more times that I forget all about having the surgery, but there have been times that I do too much and a sharp pain reminds me that I have to slow down a bit. All in all it’s been a great healing experience

 

[Shewolf38]

I’m officially 6 months PO. I still get stiffness and a bit of pain but only if I step in a hole or somehow slip in the snow. I would do this again in a heartbeat

 

[Shewolf38]

over 8 months PO and I can do almost everything that I did before my surgery. I have lost over 25 pounds because I can move around so much more!! I am gardening, vacuuming, climbing in/out of my husbands jacked up pickup, and today I needed to plug something in under my desk, and without even thinking about it, I dropped to my knees, and realized that I haven't done that since before my surgery. Yes there was a bit of pain, and for a fleeting moment I thought to myself "OK, now how the hell am I going to get up?" LOL But I got up no problem and everything is great. I had synfist (?) shots in my left knee to make it last a few years before I need that one replaced too. But, I'm not scared one bit. I am so happy with my surgery and life is GREAT!!!

 

[JennyLynne]

What a great update! I can’t wait to be where you are!

 

[Shewolf38]

Another update!! Still doing great. I am pushing myself to do more and more as time goes on. I got down on my hands and knees to look under our bed on the 4th of July, because we couldn't find our dog. (she was hiding in another bedroom). But I was down and back up with NO PAIN at all.!! I walk every day, and can stand on my feet for extended amounts of time. I recommend this surgery to anyone who isn't able to live with the knee pain any longer.

 

[Rick951]

Great to hear!!!!!
I can tell you it continues to get better! I just got my other knee done,, Can't wait till I have 2 good knees!