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TKR Round Two: Bring It On!

If you have an automatic, you can often drive a bit earlier with a left tkr than a righty, but you should not drive with any narcotic in your system. Even if you think you are ok, you are probably the least able to judge if you're under the influence at all. :heehee: You need to be able to respond quickly. Also, if there would be an accident and they checked your blood...
 
I waited for the official OK from my OS because I am married to an attorney and Mr. Shoes said I'd be all kinds of liable (extra bad liable, apparently) if I had an accident while operating a motor vehicle against medical advice. That said, I could have just phoned my OS and gotten his okay anytime after five weeks, when I felt perfectly capable of driving. It was just more fun to punish Mr. Shoes by keeping him as a chauffeur. :rotfl:
 
I asked about driving at my 2 week visit as I had the left done and had an automatic. My OS wouldn't commit either way - and cautioned that if I hit someone and then was seen having trouble getting out of the car, using walker, etc etc that it could be problematic. I waited until I was off narcotics during the day and practiced a bit in a parking lot before I hit the streets of our small town -probably at the end of week 3. All of my trips in the first couple of weeks were a mile or less.
 
Being as it's your left knee you might be able to drive, but that doesn't mean you should drive. I think it'd be a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if they would cover you if you haven't been released from you OS yet.
 
kmak81230 said:
I waited until I was off narcotics during the day and practiced a bit in a parking lot before I hit the streets of our small town -probably at the end of week 3. All of my trips in the first couple of weeks were a mile or less.
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Yes, you definitely need to be off the heavy-duty narcotics during the day, or you could be guilty of driving under the influence. You also need to be clear-headed and capable of doing an emergency stop.
 
@kmak81230 , if I waited til I could hop out of the car like a 19 yr old and didnt need my cane, I wouldn't have driven til 9 weeks on my left knee. And I was definitely capable of driving before that. That standard sounds very discriminatory towards the disabled to me.
 
agreed Jennszoo - I still have a bit of trouble getting in and out of car - and probably will until I have my 2nd one done. I've been driving safely for several weeks - once I was narcotic free.
 
I had a different therapist yesterday, and have been wiped out ever since. He had me do 60 minutes of nonstop exercise. It wasn't painful, but apparently it was waaaaaaay too much for me. I felt achey all night, ditto today, plus very swollen. I am disappointed because my session before was a perfect combo of massage and gentle exercises. Fortunately all my future appointments will be with preferred therapist. I feel like I have taken a step backward today, and will be on the ice machine for hours.
 
You will probably be less swollen tomorrow, and thank goodness you can put that other therapist behind you! I had one like that. He had me balance on one leg (each leg in turn) on a foam pad at four weeks. My knees hated it! I didn't even finish doing as many as he wanted, and my knees both were swollen that very evening. I could barely walk that night and the next day. But on the second day after my knees were better again. Of course I refused to ever, ever do that exercise again. And I was happy my regular therapist came back for the next session.

Our knees are resilient, but it's a shame you have to lose a perfectly good recovery day on nursing them back. Sounds like the combo of massage and gentle exercise is what they respond to the best. :smile2:
 
Hi @Mumu and @KnoxKnox, I will be looking up to you guys - I am 2 weeks behind you, winding up my first week after a bilateral. At this point, a trip in the car, seems unattainable so your description of a awalmart shopping trip is amazing! Isn't it funny how such mundane, everyday events become a milestone?
Keep up the good work, you guys - you're inspiring!
 
Omigosh, I could not fathom a trip to Walmart right now!
 
Mumu said:
I had a different therapist yesterday, and have been wiped out ever since. He had me do 60 minutes of nonstop exercise. It wasn't painful, but apparently it was waaaaaaay too much for me.
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Remember that you're the boss when it comes to PT. You know what is good therapy for you , so if you ever encounter a gung-ho therapist like that one, say "NO. Not going to do that."
 
Wal-Mart involved a mart cart. Not so much walking.

PT this week two days in a row. Up to 80 degrees. So far she takes me to the point of discomfort and just a smidge beyond. Based on my comfort level. So far it hasn't been a problem.

Ice is still my friend.

Karen
TKR 6/16/17
 
@Mumu - at 8 weeks post surgery, I still have a small residual spot from the bruising on my right leg. My right knee was bruised from thigh to ankle and my left had minimal bruising.

I also waited until I had the release from my OS before I drove. My hubby was a passenger the first few times I drove. It was nice to have a back-up in case I struggled or got tired and didn't want to drive back home.


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I did end up driving the half-mile to PT yesterday, my adult son sat shotgun. No problems whatsoever, felt very clear headed. Before surgery I had to lift my left leg into the car, yesterday I got in and out with ease. I was amazed!
 
Oh ugh, I feel like I am backsliding! Could it be from all the holiday activity and a strenuous Thursday PT?? I feel so blah, no energy, slight increase in pain and swelling, kinda nauseous. Plus it is so ridiculously hot in Los Angeles that I haven't really been outside. 3.5 weeks out and just out of gas today. Wah!

I noticed how many people have their pets' photos on! My two poodle mixes have been constant companions, will not leave the room, always have one eye on me, LOL. They are used to walking several miles a day, but refuse to walk with anyone but me! I am anxious to get them out and around the block at least, but it's just too hot.
 
Oh yes, too much activity causes backsliding. You should not be doing strenuous PT at all. On the days you are so active just skip PT altogether. You're doing too much and your knee is rebelling. Follow our guidelines closely to cut down that pain and exhaustion.
 
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