TKR Recovery #2
- Thread starter beachy
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beachy
supremo
8 1/2 weeks post op, but who's counting LOL
I'm counting.
This past week has brought improvement.
Sleep is better. Sometimes I take 1 hydrocodone (I have a lot leftover), sometimes just Tylenol. Last few nights just Tylenol. I wake up a few times to readjust knee, but usually fall right back asleep.
Swelling is still a work in progress. I have to keep in mind that there was much more "work" done to this knee. I can't ice and elevate constantly. When I do its at least an hour. 3 or more times/day.
I'm usually up and doing ADLs for about an hour. Then I ice. Can only walk the beast for 10min. My street is an incline. Once I start going up the hill its no bueno. Tomorrow I'm shooting for 20 min in the huge clubhouse.
I can do limited stairs regularly. Not one at a time.
Pain/discomfort is a dull ache after being on my feet for awhile. The swelling doesn't help.
In the morning the knee ALMOST looks normal.
I'm driving (10 min)to new PT this afternoon with hubs riding shotgun. I'm going to this new PT to help with swelling, gait, balance. They helped so much with first tkr. Now they have an office closer to our new home.
Still not running errands, grocery shopping, etc.
Instacart and hubs for groceries. Amazon for other stuff.
Tummy is 90% back to normal! Appetite coming back! Gained 2 of the 7 lbs I lost.
I know the next few weeks will bring more improvements.
I'm counting.
This past week has brought improvement.
Sleep is better. Sometimes I take 1 hydrocodone (I have a lot leftover), sometimes just Tylenol. Last few nights just Tylenol. I wake up a few times to readjust knee, but usually fall right back asleep.
Swelling is still a work in progress. I have to keep in mind that there was much more "work" done to this knee. I can't ice and elevate constantly. When I do its at least an hour. 3 or more times/day.
I'm usually up and doing ADLs for about an hour. Then I ice. Can only walk the beast for 10min. My street is an incline. Once I start going up the hill its no bueno. Tomorrow I'm shooting for 20 min in the huge clubhouse.
I can do limited stairs regularly. Not one at a time.
Pain/discomfort is a dull ache after being on my feet for awhile. The swelling doesn't help.
In the morning the knee ALMOST looks normal.
I'm driving (10 min)to new PT this afternoon with hubs riding shotgun. I'm going to this new PT to help with swelling, gait, balance. They helped so much with first tkr. Now they have an office closer to our new home.
Still not running errands, grocery shopping, etc.
Instacart and hubs for groceries. Amazon for other stuff.
Tummy is 90% back to normal! Appetite coming back! Gained 2 of the 7 lbs I lost.
I know the next few weeks will bring more improvements.
Last edited:
What a fantastic post. 
You have the freedom of driving! I remember how thrilled I was when I was finally allowed to do that. Before having enough confidence to do so, I waited another week.
I pray your new PT is very helpful and doesn't bring up that dreaded 'scar tissue' as so many of them do! I think you have the right idea to work on the function-type things and not ROM or strength. As you know, they will come on their own as you heal.
You have the freedom of driving! I remember how thrilled I was when I was finally allowed to do that. Before having enough confidence to do so, I waited another week.I pray your new PT is very helpful and doesn't bring up that dreaded 'scar tissue' as so many of them do! I think you have the right idea to work on the function-type things and not ROM or strength. As you know, they will come on their own as you heal.
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I am happy for you.
OP
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beachy
supremo
@sistersinhim
I'm still a bit nervous about driving. Figured if I an drive out of my neighborhood it will be ok.
As far as new PT, I'm not really going to work in ROM. I know its where it should be now. But, I really liked the work they did on first tkr.
The massage, ultrasound, e-stim.
It really helped with swelling. I'll try the bike, but that's it for exercise. I'll report back in a few days.
Here's today's swelling. It looked better a week ago. Go figure.
I'm still a bit nervous about driving. Figured if I an drive out of my neighborhood it will be ok.
As far as new PT, I'm not really going to work in ROM. I know its where it should be now. But, I really liked the work they did on first tkr.
The massage, ultrasound, e-stim.
It really helped with swelling. I'll try the bike, but that's it for exercise. I'll report back in a few days.
Here's today's swelling. It looked better a week ago. Go figure.
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beachy
supremo
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beachy
supremo
New PT was a bust.
I specifically asked about the ultrasound treatment, e-stim, massage therapy when I made the appt.
When I got there I asked therapist about it. He said we don't have that at this location. And he said studies have shown that e-stim doesn't work, hasn't been used in 10 yrs. Funny, your company used it on me 4 yrs ago. Duh.
But, he wanted to help with the swelling. BY MOVING MY KNEECAP AROUND.
.
No thank you. What else ya got?
He measured me. 130 and 4. Asked me how i got to those #s with 4 pt appts. Told him i walked every chance I could. He watched me walk. No hitch in my walk. He recommended ice and elevation. And gave me some quad strengthening exercises to do at home. And said keep up with walking. I told him I don't think I need more pt. He agreed. See ya. Bye.
I specifically asked about the ultrasound treatment, e-stim, massage therapy when I made the appt.
When I got there I asked therapist about it. He said we don't have that at this location. And he said studies have shown that e-stim doesn't work, hasn't been used in 10 yrs. Funny, your company used it on me 4 yrs ago. Duh.
But, he wanted to help with the swelling. BY MOVING MY KNEECAP AROUND.
.No thank you. What else ya got?
He measured me. 130 and 4. Asked me how i got to those #s with 4 pt appts. Told him i walked every chance I could. He watched me walk. No hitch in my walk. He recommended ice and elevation. And gave me some quad strengthening exercises to do at home.
And said keep up with walking. I told him I don't think I need more pt. He agreed. See ya. Bye.
OP
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beachy
supremo
It was positively comical. But, I was sad it didn't work out. He was very nice.
I know my stuff because of Bonesmart. And I remember the discussion about palpating the knee cap. Was it you that happened to
@Jockette ?
He did demonstrate on my good knee and it wasn't painful, but still a hard no on Pia. He said it helps with swelling. It was hard to keep a straight face.
I know my stuff because of Bonesmart. And I remember the discussion about palpating the knee cap. Was it you that happened to
@Jockette ?
He did demonstrate on my good knee and it wasn't painful, but still a hard no on Pia. He said it helps with swelling. It was hard to keep a straight face.
EalingGran
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Sorry you couldn't get what you wanted from the PT. but it all sounds really positive. Glad the pain is easier and you are sleeping better. The ROM is great.
They did manipulate my patella, but it wasn’t painful. But, like you, I also learned here, that it’s not necessary.
I‘m sorry you didn’t get the modalities you wanted.
I love it!
I‘m sorry you didn’t get the modalities you wanted.
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Hopefully you felt confident behind the wheel today. It is too bad you're unable to benefit from the massage, ultra-sound and e-stim like you hoped. While you were looking forward to it, how awesome that you don't need therapy and the PT agreed! You're doing great all on your own.
I do want to try IC, for the experience to see if I like it. I know I'll be disappointed though if I get rotten
produce.
Maybe I'll buy my produce, only, so I am guaranteed I get what I want.
I hope Pia lets you have a peaceful relaxed weekend. Enjoy!
@beachy
I do want to try IC, for the experience to see if I like it. I know I'll be disappointed though if I get rotten
produce.
Maybe I'll buy my produce, only, so I am guaranteed I get what I want.I hope Pia lets you have a peaceful relaxed weekend. Enjoy!
@beachy
Yippee!
JusticeRider
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Beachy, congrats on *winning* pt 
BoneSmart is pretty smart I guess! You could probably teach those pt’s a thing or two! Sorry about missing out on those other modalities though. You could always see a massage therapist for massage 
The patella mobilization…gives me the heeby jeebies personally. I had a pt recommend that I do it myself and showed me how and I thought, ‘I’m definitely never doing THAT again.’ It just felt weird and wrong. But maybe it works for some
BoneSmart is pretty smart I guess! You could probably teach those pt’s a thing or two! Sorry about missing out on those other modalities though. You could always see a massage therapist for massage The patella mobilization…gives me the heeby jeebies personally. I had a pt recommend that I do it myself and showed me how and I thought, ‘I’m definitely never doing THAT again.’ It just felt weird and wrong. But maybe it works for some
WFD
senior
I did that myself for months after my last surgery and it seems to have helped. Unlike my previous three surgeries, I had no patellar clunking or grinding, and it may be that the patellar mobilization exercises that can take the credit. Hard to be sure of course - too many other variables in play.
Once I got used to it, it wasn't creepy at all, just another kind of massage.
OP
OP
beachy
supremo
Just to clarify, I am not against PT. This same company(different location) really helped me last tkr. I am against AGGRESSIVE PT. And there are too many therapists and OS that promote aggressive pt.
I do know that a brand new knee replacement needs some healing before pt. And it needs to move. And if you know what to do you really can rehab the knee yourself.
I do know that a brand new knee replacement needs some healing before pt. And it needs to move. And if you know what to do you really can rehab the knee yourself.
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beachy
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You mean there isn't an option in the comment area to instruct them to put the groceries away?!!
I did order a steam cleaner for my kitchen and bathroom floors one day as I was cleaning and realized mine was done, kaput! I figured I'd order one from Target when I read it could be delivered within two hours. I knew I had other things I could do in the meantime so I ordered it....or so I thought. Two hours later I'm still waiting for my new steam cleaner to wrap up my cleaning so I checked online and FORGOT to tap the last step to place order! I'm sure you can imagine the frustration. However, I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived within the hour and the lady had it standing upright, right outside my door, open door / grab, item, unlike Amazon who leaves packages in any number of locations around the exterior of my home.
The communication was a pleasant surprise also as she texted letting me know she was heading to the register with my order in case I thought of anything else I wanted or needed. I can see how a person could get used to having a personal shopper, lol.
Have a good one beachy!
I did order a steam cleaner for my kitchen and bathroom floors one day as I was cleaning and realized mine was done, kaput! I figured I'd order one from Target when I read it could be delivered within two hours. I knew I had other things I could do in the meantime so I ordered it....or so I thought. Two hours later I'm still waiting for my new steam cleaner to wrap up my cleaning so I checked online and FORGOT to tap the last step to place order! I'm sure you can imagine the frustration. However, I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived within the hour and the lady had it standing upright, right outside my door, open door / grab, item, unlike Amazon who leaves packages in any number of locations around the exterior of my home.
The communication was a pleasant surprise also as she texted letting me know she was heading to the register with my order in case I thought of anything else I wanted or needed. I can see how a person could get used to having a personal shopper, lol.Have a good one beachy!
JusticeRider
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I agree, beachy. I love my pt’s office! They’ve helped me through three other surgeries and were great. This PKR has been a little different. Partly because they wanted to rehab it like a sports injury, and partly because my knee was just so darn reactive and had so much swelling. It just really needed rest and healing and did not react well to repetitive exercise. I DO want to go back and work on strengthening exercises with them when I feel my knee is ready and my ROM is good enough that they won’t bug me about it. I think we’ll have a great time then, and they’ll be really helpful.
OP
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beachy
supremo
@JusticeRider when this very young looking therapist told me he used to work with NFL teams.....
I felt like saying.... so what.
I know you're looking forward to some strength training. I kinda am, too. But, way in the future.
I felt like saying.... so what.
I know you're looking forward to some strength training. I kinda am, too. But, way in the future.
