PKR PKR recovery going well so far

[harry47]

My PKR was February 4th, 2025.

Question about showering. My surgeon's PA said no showers for 2 weeks. But I found this cast knee protector on Amazon that supposedly provides reuseable watertight bandage protection. It slips over the knee and seals it and lower leg. Any opinions?

 

[harry47]

I agree, get an elevated seat. I did have one but it didn’t have arms. That would have also been helpful.

As it turned out, I didn't need one of these. I was able to extend my surgical knee and lift myself up. I also had a counter top and tub edge close enough for support.

 

[harry47]

Question about showering. My surgeon's PA said no showers for 2 weeks. But I found this cast knee protector on Amazon that supposedly provides reuseable watertight bandage protection. It slips over the knee and seals it and lower leg. Any opinions?

The slide on shower sleeve I used worked very well. I took a shower 2 days after surgery and it sealed the bandaged area.

 

[harry47]

I cancelled and then rescheduled after a c spine concern. My spinal doc gave me a greennlight for the pkr after reviewing MRIs.

I have to get up during the night for short walks to the bathroom. After surgery, will I be able to do that? Only 15' walk.

I was able to walk to bathroom after surgery using a walker. By the 5th day, I was using a cane.

 

[harry47]

Looking for some insights on what to expect. I'm scheduled for a left PKR next month. I really don't have a lot of pain but surgeon recommends the partial. She will be using the MAKO robotic system for the operation. Has anyone else had expereince with this procedure? What can I expect for pain levels and sleeping. I had a shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair (RCR) a year ago and the recovery was miserable with pain and hardly any sleep for 3 weeks.

Like everyone, I'm hoping for a better outcome and shorter recovery. BTW, I'm 77 but very active playing tennis and a regular at the gym. I'm hoping to be back on the courts by June. Realistic?

I'm at day 11 post surgery. I started walking with no aids on day 7. So far, worst experience has been initial pain and nausea. I used oxy for pain and it worked well but with side effects. I think antibiotic caused some nausea but I'm done with the drug but some nausea remains.

Sleep has been okay, some discomfort but I can usually find a good position. I'm still very tired from this experience.

I lost all apetite and quickly lost 7 lbs. I'll put that back on though.

I started PT on day 3 but real work started day 6. Some of it is painful so I take an nsaid for help. I did have some swelling that started on day 3 but it has been receding since. I was very worried about infection but so far, no signs. First visit to surgeon happens Wednesday. So far, I'm very happy that I'm walking.

 

[Jamie]

@harry47 … as I mentioned in your pre-op thread, we have given you a complimentary Insiders Club membership for one month as of your surgery date (February 4th). This allows you to create a recovery thread, which I did for you by moving the posts above you made in your pre-op thread. You can continue to post updates, correspond with other members and staff, ask questions, and read detailed articles from our BoneSmart Library until this initial Insiders Club membership expires on March 5th.

But in order to continue with these premium services, you’ll need to register for an upgrade before March 5th. There are a variety of options to consider. You can check them out and make a selection on the Membership Page. If you elect to return to Basic Member status instead, you’ll be able to use our search tool to research threads, read any threads on the forum, and make on-topic posts in other members’ existing threads. But it will require an Insiders Club membership to continue journaling your recovery.

It sounds like you have a great story to tell and I hope you decide to join us officially as an Insiders Club member. Others will definitely benefit from your experience if you continue with your recovery updates. Plus, as an Insider, you’ll be able to ask questions and address any concerns you may have as your recovery continues.

 

[Jockette]

@harry47 Welcome to Recovery and it does sound like you are off to a good start!

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.​

​

​

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

​

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.

 

[Layla]

I'm still very tired from this experience.

Hey...you're normal! You likely will be tired for awhile as your body uses energy for healing, first. not leaving a lot for anything else.

It may be tempting to take pain relievers before PT, but it's better to wait. Pain is your body's way of setting limits. If the meds mask it too much you could push too hard without realizing and consequently suffer more afterward. Stay in tune with your body and prevent set-backs.
Happy Weekend!

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary, harry!
How is recovery going for you? Please consider leaving an update, we'd love to hear from you and we're here to support you if you need us.
Hope to hear from you soon!
@harry47