TKR Recovery Journey Continues

[RaeRae1]

I may be breaking a rule for posting on this /(new”) for me thread.
I did the spinal and same day discharge and was so pleased with how it went. The anaesthesiologist (sp?). was so kind and accommodating. I had my spinal in sort of a dream state and then woke up instate in my small curtained covered room. Will give more info tomorrow, so far so good!

 

[benne68]

Welcome to the recovery side, @RaeRae1 Congratulations on your surgery.

You are definitely not breaking any rule -- we want you to have a recovery thread to share your story!

I'm sure you are still groggy from the anesthesia, but I will share our post-op guidelines here so you have them when you feel up to reading.

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.
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 these pages on the website
Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications
Wound Care In Hospital

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 a 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 history before providing advice.

Keep us posted!

 

[ski_bum]

I may be breaking a rule for posting on this /(new”) for me thread.
I did the spinal and same day discharge and was so pleased with how it went. The anaesthesiologist (sp?). was so kind and accommodating. I had my spinal in sort of a dream state and then woke up instate in my small curtained covered room. Will give more info tomorrow, so far so good!

You should have watched the surgery. I watched both mine and the Anesthesiologist was entertaining me as the surgery progressed. Pointed out the Arthritis, Meniscus & ACL when was being removed. When the bones were cut, she said I couldn't take them home for my dog. She let me handle all the new parts. I really enjoyed being awake.
Good luck with your recovery.

 

[RaeRae1]

Oh heck no, but that’s pretty cool for you!

 

[Jockette]

I may be breaking a rule for posting on this /(new”) for me thread.

While we prefer members have only one thread in recovery, that refers to each single surgery. It is fine to have a new, separate thread for a different surgery, like this one.

Best wishes!

 

[RaeRae1]

My RTKR was Wednesday. My previous LTKR was 11 years ago. Yes, I did forget what the pain was like. The Oxy doesn’t really cut it even with Tylenol. I’m icing, elevating and resting. I have a cryotherapy machine that also has lower leg compression sleeves hooked up. I can’t do all the ADL’s yet, like feeding pets, making a meal. So grateful for my husband.
I wasn’t eating enough, just nibbling and I did black out yesterday, thankfully in my chair. My husband said my eyes were open but I was not there! Freaked him out. It must have been a sight! I’ve had a fever of under 100 and it seems to come and go.
My goal is to be patient and take things very slowly. Anyone else have the surgery a few days ago?

 

[sistersinhim]

It sounds like you're on the right track. Taking things slow and gentle is the way to go.

Here is a link to all those who have had or are having surgery in August: August Team Thread.

 

[badkneesnyc]

First week for me was up and down for sure. I was so happy finally having it done that my mood has been generally good (with a couple of emotional cries early on). You might want to watch your hydration, that may be contributing to tendency to faint, especially if you aren't eating much. Good luck. Glad you have hubby.

 

[RaeRae1]

I also am overjoyed that I got the surgery. I’ll be able to be more active with my grandkids and put an end to all the hobbling around!
Yes I agree with the hydration, I’m not getting dizzy anymore, just a little weak and shaky at times. Also I’m waiting for my digestive system to work normally. Not sure how many days before I get concerned. Thank you bad knees nyc for reaching out.

 

[RaeRae1]

I’m 2 1/2 wks out from my TKR. I think it’s going well but I still get shaky and weak often. I don’t exert myself beyond my exercises, ice and elevate hours per day, try to eat but appetite is minimal.
I overdid it about 4 days ago loading stuff into the car, etc… It hurts on the right side of my knee, a painful twinge whenever I put weight on it.
In summary, I feel like I should be getting stronger with more energy and it’s definitely stalled out. I’m hoping someone can tell me that it’s not a race, blah blah blah…and that I’m still early in my recovery and not to over analyze it. My ROM is pretty good, extension isn’t quite there but close. Just wanted to throw this out there.

 

[ski_bum]

I’m 2 1/2 wks out from my TKR. I think it’s going well but I still get shaky and weak often. I don’t exert myself beyond my exercises, ice and elevate hours per day, try to eat but appetite is minimal.
I overdid it about 4 days ago loading stuff into the car, etc… It hurts on the right side of my knee, a painful twinge whenever I put weight on it.
In summary, I feel like I should be getting stronger with more energy and it’s definitely stalled out. I’m hoping someone can tell me that it’s not a race, blah blah blah…and that I’m still early in my recovery and not to over analyze it. My ROM is pretty good, extension isn’t quite there but close. Just wanted to throw this out there.

Someone will be along to tell you, you over did it, lol.

 

[Jaycey]

@RaeRae1

You will notice that I merged your newest post with your original recovery thread. For several reasons, we prefer that you only have one recovery thread:

• That way, we have all your information in one place. This makes it easier to go back and review your history before providing advice.
• If you keep starting new threads, you miss the posts and advice others have left for you in the old threads, and some information may be unnecessarily repeated
• Having only one thread will act as a diary of your progress that you can look back on.

Please post any updates, questions or concerns about your recovery here. If you prefer a different thread title, just post what you want and we will get it changed for you.

If you need an urgent response to a question, just tag a member of staff.

Many members bookmark their thread in their computer browser, so they can find it when they log on.

At only 2.5 weeks out I think you are not being realistic. You will get stronger and gain more energy. But for now you are in major recovery mode. Slow down. You should not be doing any chores or loading the car. Rest, ice, elevate and repeat.

 

[RaeRae1]

I guess I don’t know how to get to my original thread but will study it. Thanks for merging the posts.
You are of course, right, 2 1/2 weeks is still major recovery mode. Unfortunately there’s this tendency to want to exhibit and feel real progress. Also, others have no idea about the intensity of this recovery. I will not feel pressured to “be fine” for the sake of others. (My own doing). My knee will dictate my progress and I’ll try and respect that more. Thank you for the input.

 

[Jaycey]

@RaeRae1 Here's a thread that will help you find your threads and posts How can I find my threads and posts?

Indeed, you should not feel pressured by anyone during this recovery. You are making progress but it won't always be dramatic. Listen to your knee and you will be just fine.

 

[benne68]

others have no idea about the intensity of this recovery. I will not feel pressured to “be fine” for the sake of others

It's true that folks who haven't been through this surgery have no understanding of how hard the recovery is. Do not let anyone (including yourself) pressure you into acting like you are fine.

Remember what you've been through: your surgeon sawed and hammered your bones, and cut, pushed and pulled the surrounding muscles and soft tissue. Describe that to anyone who expects you to be "recovered" by now -- and remind yourself of it too!

You've been through this recovery before, so you've got this. We're here for you!

 

[RaeRae1]

I so appreciate the support of this forum.

 

[RaeRae1]

I’m 3 1/2 weeks out from surgery and doing well I think. Is it too early to gently start massaging the skin around the incision? It’s pretty “stuck” and I won’t do it closer than an inch from actual incision. I can’t remember how I handled with my previous replacement 11 years ago. Are there guidelines like after 4 weeks, once it looks closed? Would love some input. Thank you.
My granddaughter pretending to be me.

 

[sistersinhim]

There is no reason to massage the skin around your kneecap or scar. As it heals the skin will naturally get more movement.

 

[RaeRae1]

Thank you for the advice.

 

[hawk2go]

My OS advised me not to massage the skin early on. iirc, it was 6-7 weeks before I was allowed.