Post Op Swelling

[SportHog]

Here we go again!! Day 6. Had some nice post op swelling yesterday along with pain. I can't stay seated for any extended time and the exercises are a bit of a pain as well. I have cut back on the exercises a bit. Thank heaven for pain killers, ice and elevation. Had a nice shower this morning and changed the dressing. It's great having a wife who is a nurse!! She spoils me. Hope everyone is doing well.
Cheers, Ross

 

[Doug]

Ross,
Hang in there. At those very early stages, I think it is easy to sit there and get overwhelmed by the big swollen knee..Do the best you can with the exercises. It pays off in the long run.
With the leg so swollen, you won't feel like you are getting any bend. If you are worn out and don't feel like doing reps, try just putting your heel on the floor and pulling it back towards you. Take your other foot, hook it and slowly pull back. Hold it for awhile.
It all helps.
You'll feel just a little better once the staples come out.
I bet having a wife for a nurse you can't get away with anything.

 

[SportHog]

Thanks for the tip Doug. One tends to become a bit over protective when in pain. I know I can't just stop the exercises or I will regress for sure. Wifey does keep an eye on me for sure.
Cheers, Ross

 

[beachcomber]

Ross,
As I said in another post-- when I had my second major knee surgery years ago-- just knowing what to expect made the second one seem faster and easier. I will pray that the same holds true for you. Keep doing what you need to do! Isn't it wonderful that we only have two knees? LOL!

 

[SportHog]

Hey Beachcomber!! I think you are correct that having gone through it once paves the way for the second TKR. However, it is nice to know that there are only two knees. Hips anyone?? How are you doing Beachcomber?
Cheers, Ross

 

[beachcomber]

Oh, good. I *thought* I remembered that this was your second TKR... yes?... then later I thought...... ??????..... and planned to blame it on a blonde moment! LOL!

I actually started having hip pain at one point and panicked--- OMG is the OA in my hip too? Fortunately, it seemed to have been the old "leg bone is connected to the hip bone" thing...
but I have to admit it scared me for a while.

I have an MRI on Tuesday for my "other" knee. We need to find out why it is all riled up. I am hoping for "sibling rivalry" and nothing serious, but also recognizing an old pain....
Take care Ross and keep doing what you know is best!

 

[JenniferG]

Hey Ross, Chin up. Just think you are a day from one week PO! Those exercises get easier as you leg gets stronger. As far as hips, I'm thinking taht by fixing the knees I'll move correctly and give the hips and back a break.

 

[SportHog]

You are right Jennifer!! Time goes by so quickly when you are having fun.
Cheers, Ross

 

[JenniferG]

You are right Jennifer!! Time goes by so quickly when you are having fun.
Cheers, Ross

Yeah, I really can not believe taht my surgery was over a month ago and taht on Tuesday I will be 5 weeks PO. It seems like just last week I did this! At this rate of time we better start Christmas shopping.

 

[edk]

Yeah, I really can not believe taht my surgery was over a month ago and taht on Tuesday I will be 5 weeks PO. It seems like just last week I did this! At this rate of time we better start Christmas shopping.

Time flies when you're having fun

 

[skichick63]

My two week mark is Monday (tomorrow). I was swollen, but not as bad as some of the ACL reconstructions in the past, and with those I had a post-op drain.
My PT does a lot of hands on/manual therapy/deep tissue massage to help control edema and I'll tell ya, it's been better control than any other surgery I've ever had ... and that includes 14 other knee surgeries plus a broken leg. I don't think there's any piece of equipment better than a great pair of hands!

 

[Josephine]

Couldn't agree more, skichick! They don't call them "healing hands" for nothing!


As for you other guys - gosh, I have trained you all well!

 

[Nursepair]

Ross, can't believe you are already 6 days PO. The exercises will get better as the days go on. At first it doesn't feel like it, then suddenly you realise you are doing so much more. How is the weather in Ottawa? We have glorious weather here in Orangeville. Try and get out if you can and sit in the sun. It warms the cockles of your heart, and your knee!!

 

[SportHog]

Hi Nursepair. Thanks for your note. Weather in Ottawa is just great. I was out for a few minutes yesterday. However, my swelling is quite bad and I didn't sleep too well last night. It feels as though the TED stockings are too tight. I may take them off today for awhile. How long do folks keep the stockings on usually? I can't recall for sure but I think my Dr. said to take them off after 2 weeks last time. Any comments?
Cheers, Ross