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TKR Randi's In Recovery!

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Hi Randi, I just read through your thread! Your addiction is one that many of us have, for I, each day can't wait to fix the coffee, feed the dogs and sit down at my computer to catch up on Bonesmart! I think when you started your thread several days ago I was at work for two long days so I am catching up now.

One thing that I can tell you about the 'so called good knee' is that after so many months and years of my right knee pain, I never even thought twice about my left knee, the right one hurt too much! Once I had my RTKR, and the pain from that start subsiding I started noticing twinges of pain in my left knee. It had been the forgotten knee because the right had gotten all of the attention. Not that I am any where close to needing a TKR on the left knee, but it does talk to me just the same. I wonder if this could be the case with your knee as well. The bad one getting all of the attention and now that you've had your TKR you can actually pay attention to the other knee now? The next check up to your OS, I would definitely mention it.
:doggieshmooze:
 
Randi.....I don't envy you having to make a 13-hour straight flight in May! Be sure and read Jo's thread and do as much pre-planning as you can. Buy the best ticket you can possibly afford....one where you could get a footrest would be best. But I know that is very expensive.....
 
Hi Bonnie. - funny, just came from the surgeons office. He is beyond thrilled with my progress. Measured ROM at 120 at 6 1/2 wks ! As for Mr Lefty he concurs with you totally and wants me to try not to worry about it for now ...$but made another appointment to check in in April. He is really wonderful. I'm lucky. And Jamie, as for flying that distance he said its a bit early (will be 5 months) but that I'd be okay if I get a seat with maximum wiggle room - so yes, go for the best you can afford and get an end seat on the operated leg side. You guys really do know it all. Thanks again!
 
Bit of an update and a question- After seeing the OS this morning I went to Physio - measured at 128 today!!! Discharged because I'm going to Florida tomorrow but would have been anyway because I've passed all the landmarks they aim for. Feeling very lucky, grateful and a little nervous-- like maybe it's too good to be true? Anyway - Physio suggested going to registered massage therapist to work on loosening the tight band over my knee. Has anyone had success with this ?
 
Randi, my PT is also a massage therapist, a chiropractor and acupuncturist. Believe me, he has worked on my knee in every way that he can. While massage does help with scar tissue and tight tendons and ligaments and works the knots out of the muscles, I am afraid that the tight band feeling will not go away until the swelling goes away. My knee is still swollen, and I still have the tight band feeling. Some days are better than others but at 10 months post op I am still wanting that band to go away too. I am not saying to not get a massage, but just don't expect it to work miracles and have that band be gone. If it worked, then none of us would be complaining about the band/clamp around our knees. Have a safe and fun trip to Florida!! :flowerysmile::flowerysmile::flowerysmile:
 
Best therapy is - don't worry about it! Take a couple of Tylenol when it gets annoying, otherwise leave it to its own devices.
It will abate in its own good time - with or without the massage, etc.
 
You all are so helpful and so sensible. Thanks

Tomorrow - off to the sun. I'll let you know how water, sun and rest help...Maybe we should all get a prescription like that for our recovery !
 
Hi from Florida. Can't tell you how much better I feel now that I'm able to walk outside without fear of ice and slush. I walked for 30 minutes this morning on the beach boardwalk. Heavenly. And the hot tub feels so good after exercising in the pool. Still icing though( and I still don't like it ! )

Happy weekend all.
 
Hi Randi,

I flew home 7 days after my surgery. Only 1 hr 45 min flight. I paid for the seats with the most leg room and which allowed changes and refund right up to time of travel. That way I could get my money back if something changed with the surgery.
 
Did WAY more than I should have yesterday - and today I'm feeling sore and frustrated. Will I ever learn?
 
Thought I posted earlier, but it's disappeared. It has definitely been that kind of day...

Do many have HUGE emotional swings at this stage (7-ish weeks) ? :cry4: Does this get better ?

I know some of it is not sleeping well-I was doing better at home but having trouble adjusting here in Florida. Also- playing with how much to do, that old exercise /rest/live life balance that I definitely am struggling with ..not new for anyone I know but frustrating . I don't think I had realized how very active I usually am - not exercise per se though I'm certainly doing much more of that now - but just hopping in and out of the car, walking lots , up and down,etc -and now everything is so much slower and when I do too much my body tells me off.

Ah, yes,'tis early , have patience I hear you saying...:hairpulling:
 
Hi Randi,

Thanks for your post above coping when away from home. I have to fly 1.5 hours to Auckland in 10 days to see my surgeon and then drive 2 hours to see my elderly relatives. I'll be 9 weeks post TKR then, so your experience has helped me moderate my expectations as to what I can and can't do when I get there.
 
Randi said:
Another question --now that I've found this forum I have sooo many ! Have any of you travelled long distances 4 months post TKR ? I have a family wedding in Israel in May -the trip is 13 hours non-stop..any:what: advice ?
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Hi Randi,

I live in Israel and have flown back and forth between NY and Tel Aviv many times, although not yet post-TKR, but with knee troubles going back years. So a few tips I can offer (hope this helps!):
  • You can find flights that have stopovers in Europe.
  • I took the wheelchair service on my last two flights. Airports are huge and the walking distances can be very draining.
  • I always would wear anti-DVT stockings up to the knee and this was amazing for preventing swelling. However, I'm not sure if these are ok for post-TKR.
  • It's good to get up and walk around several times during the flight.
  • The flight is about an hour shorter when you are heading east, because of the gulf stream.
  • Go business class if you can afford it!
 
Thanks Bassplayer . I'm not sure about the stockings either ..anyone???
 
Thanks Josephine, I needed to hear that. Even though I'm in the mental health "business" and personally have dealt with major depression -and I know the connection between physical illness / trauma (like TKR) and depression -I still get caught off guard because generally I am very upbeat. My recovery is going very well--but sadly I'm having to admit that I too am human...darn !!!! :th_heehee:
 
Another question -( what would I do without this forum ? )

After the surgery I had extreme pain on the outside of my knee. Found out that I had had a 'major ITB release' - somehow related to the patellar femoral release 15 yrs ago - somehow related to the spinal fusion 20 yrs ago. Apparently it was necessary to help straighten my leg, etc... Physio helped get rid of the pain with massage, etc and it had really settled down.

In the last week, as I've added exercise (trying to be moderate, resting, icing, elevating and being generally 'good') that pain has returned, although more subtly, and now I often feel like my leg is trying to go one way and my knee another, kind of a twisty feeling though my leg is going straight. :what:

Does this sound familiar to others? Any suggestions? Thanks, all.
 
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