Revised PKR to TKR Patellofemoral PKR with Ehlers Danlos hypermobility

[benne68]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that you dislocated a toe, @Mochapup! Not fair to have to deal with that on top of knee recovery!

Sending hugs

 

[Healingwell]

Sorry to hear that you dislocated a toe,

Thank you! Not sure how it happened—had surgery on that toe before the knee surgeries and maybe because of the Ehlers Danlos, the surgery (osteotomy) led to the dislocation. Didn’t even know it was dislocated til I saw the X-ray. Just knew it hurt!

 

[Jamie]

Foot problems can be the worst to deal with! I have pretty severe arthritis on the tops of both feet that can really impact my walking at times. So far Voltaren works to help, which is good because there is no surgical solution to that pain. A couple of years ago I also learned that I had somehow fractured my left ankle. It was found by accident that the injury pulled a chunk of bone completely off with the ligament so I only have 3 working ankle ligaments rather than 4. No wonder I feel off balance sometimes! I’m going back to the surgeon in a few weeks to consider having that fixed. Seems like it’s always something with aging bodies.

Hang in there and I hope things work out easily for you in dealing with your foot issues.

 

[Healingwell]

also learned that I had somehow fractured my left ankle

Yeow! I hope you find some relief for your ankle pronto, if not sooner!

 

[Jamie]

Thanks! I hope so too. And relief for you as well!

 

[Healingwell]

Question about flying.

Not in a trapeze, haha, but am thinking ahead to Christmas. I will have my second TKR Sept 10 so will be about 12 weeks po, plus about 5 months po on other side. The flight is an hour and a bit, but there’s all the holiday crush and getting to the airport and traveling with my dog. Would like to hear your thoughts and what I would be wise to consider..

 

[EalingGran]

I did a shortish flight ( one hour) at about 5 months after my PKR to visit family.
The biggest issue was standing in queues.
I would definitely take a foldable walking stick to lean on- even if you are not using one otherwise. Apart from providing support if you are stuck in a long queue- it signals to others that you have a problem and may help get priority. If you still tend to swell you might consider a knee support or compression bandage. Apart from anything else this also signals your need for priority.
If it is a really big airport with busy crowds and long distances I would suggest considering asking for help or using an alternative airport if there is a choice. In London I prefer the smaller City airport to Heathrow, which is huge.
For longer flights I would definitely pay for extra leg room.

 

[Layla]

Hi Mochapup,
If you're doing well, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to handle the travel. It will certainly be something to look forward to after all you've been through.

Given any challenges you may still have, it's wise to do some pre-planning and take advantage of every break you can.

* Pack light. One medium size bag you can check and a carry-on. Make sure the bag has sturdy wheels. Pack any pain medications in your carry on luggage.

* If possible, get a ride to and from the airport, getting dropped off at your terminal gate. Find out which airlines have curbside check in. You might want to book with that airline.

* When you book your flight, you can request handicapped assistance. This involves a wheelchair and a porter to help assist as you sit in the wheelchair. The porter will check your bag and take you to the gate. You'll board before other passengers and can take the wheelchair all the way down the ramp if necessary.

* Try to book an aisle seat so you are able to stretch out into the aisle, if needed.

* Whenever possible, book a direct flight so you don't have to change planes. Otherwise you'll need wheelchair assistance at every airport where you switch planes.

* Once on the plane, ask the flight attendant if they will arrange for a wheelchair to be waiting at the gate when you arrive. Bring some zip lock bags and ask the flight attendant for ice to use in flight if you feel it will make you more comfortable.

In addition to the tips, Jamie, from Admin once shared (above) I've included a few more. Hopefully you'll find some of the suggestions useful. Best Wishes for a safe trip. If you do travel, please consider posting an update in the interest of others upon your return letting us know how navigating the airport and the flight was, also sharing any tips you found helpful.

Check with your doctor for approval before flying.
Wear compression socks to prevent a potential blood clot.
Get up and walk every 30 minutes or so.
Stay hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol and coffee.
Stretch and flex your muscles often while seated. Do calf squeezes and ankle pumps
Check on a bulkhead seat if there are no available isle seats and first class is not an option.

Happy Friday, Mochapup. I hope it's a good one!
@Mochapup

 

[Healingwell]

I would definitely take a foldable walking stick to lean on- even if

Excellent idea! And your other suggestions are also great-thank you!

 

[Healingwell]

you do travel, please consider posting an update in the interest of others upon your return letting us know how navigating the airport and the flight was, also sharing any tips you found helpful.

Will gladly do that, and thanks for the tips. It’s a short trip from San Diego to the Bay Area, but those lines at Christmas time are LONG!

 

[Healingwell]

Just one week until my left TKR, and tomorrow is three months PO on right. Curious about how the implant typically feels at three months, if there is a typical. I notice that especially at night, I can feel the new parts of my knee, and in my half-sleep, sometimes feel like they shifting-weird sensation!

Also have some pain when I bend my knee then move it left and right, especially if the foot isn’t grounded. That pain is mainly in the back of the knee and calf.

Am a little nervous about doing the next replacement, but at least now the plan is
clear and am not going to go through a partial first.

 

[mendogal]

Hi!
The pain you describe with lateral movements with the knee bent is pretty common in the earlier months.
On my first knee, if my hip was also flexed, I had fairly minor pain with knee bend then externally rotated for a year.
Soft tissue adjustments.
With EDS I expect you may experience more than some folks (I don't have clinical EDS but do have joint laxity).

 

[Healingwell]

On my first knee, if my hip was also flexed, I had fairly minor pain with knee bend then externally rotated for a year.
Soft tissue adjustments

Yes! I have that too- reassuring it ultimately resolves!

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary, Mochapup!
Wishing you peace of mind and comfort as you await your next surgery.
We'll be here to support and cheer you on as your healing.
@Mochapup

 

[Healingwell]

Happy Three Month Anniversary, Mochapup!

Thanks so much! What a sweet message. am enjoying my days before next surgery with a little time floating in a swimming pool during a heat wave. Bliss!

 

[Layla]

Will be thinking of you tomorrow, Mochapup.
Best Wishes for an uneventful surgery and recovery.
We'll be here waiting to cheer you on. I hope you catch some Z's tonight and you're not feeling anxious.
Sending a healing hug early...
@Mochapup

 

[Toothfairy]

Hope tomorrow’s surgery goes really well.

 

[Healingwell]

Hope tomorrow’s surgery goes really well.

Thank you!

 

[Healingwell]

We'll be here waiting to cheer you on. I hope you catch some Z's tonight and you're not feeling

Thank you!! All ready for 6:15 am check in.

 

[sistersinhim]

How are you doing after your surgery? We are here for you and will help answer any questions you have.