TKR RTKR December 12

[sistersinhim]

I take the Tramadol in the night. Drive next day afternoon to PT. Neither Tramadol nor Norco gives me drowsiness.

Oh good, you should be fine then. Tramadol didn't make me drowsy either, but it helped a lot with that nighttime pain.

 

[benne68]

I still take hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid. You may not feel drowsy, but your reflexes and response time are slowed by the drug.

Please don't drive while you are taking this medication.

 

[LittleBit]

@benne68 Yes, it's the worry that I might have to stomp the brake with my right leg that keeps me a little nervous about driving far. Once I get out of my cul-de-sac and onto main streets, traffic can be pretty heavy. Add to that the university students not accustomed to driving in the area have returned for spring semester, and it means you have to be alert and ready to make quick stops.

@DSK Your surgery was close to the time of mine [12/12]. I can get in and out of the car with little pain, but operating the pedals requires a certain arc to the right leg that causes discomfort. Maybe that's because, at 5'0" I have to stretch my stubby legs

 

[Susie-Q]

Excellent update!

 

[LittleBit]

Tonight was my weekly 1 1/2 hr. zoom night class. I'm happy to say that I'm not as exhausted as I was last Wednesday night. I made sure this week to have a stool under my desk for elevating my leg. Also, I rested and napped a couple of hours this afternoon. Today would have been a PT day, but I no longer have those!

I walked 15 min. yesterday and did a few exercises this morning for keeping the muscles working. I'm looking forward to getting in the pool a week from Friday. Still stiff when first standing up after sitting and still need to ice a couple of times a day, but mostly okay. Hope everyone has some good sleep tonight.

 

[MSuki]

Other than riding my bike in the am, I did very little today except work at my desk.

I’m trying to figure out how long I should go to PT, I feel like I am always doing just a little too much there, but not sure I won’t just slack off without it.

 

[Layla]

Hi LittleBit
Those weekly changes are what I looked for. Easier to notice than looking for daily improvement.
Stiffness upon standing is common and sometimes simply related to age, especially when changing position after a length of time. Not long now until you can get in the pool and enjoy. Happy Thursday!
@LittleBit

 

[LittleBit]

@MSuki It was fairly easy for me to decide as it has been costing me $100 per visit since the first of the year until I meet my $1100 deductible. I felt I was doing a little too much in terms of strengthening the last few visits as well. They were applying 2-lb. ankle weights for most exercises and even at the last visit moved me to 4 lbs. for leg lifts. I, too, was afraid I might slack off without PT, but I have set a schedule on my calendar for 15 min. of aerobic exercise [walking or swimming or cycling] 3 days a week and exercise sets from my OS the other days. I plan to increase my aerobic exercises over time for a goal of 30 min. 3 days a week by three months. I can adjust any of this if it feels like too much. Hubby is going to be my exercise buddy for the aerobic exercise. Hope I can sustain the will power

 

[LittleBit]

@Layla I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to expect some ongoing stiffness after sitting. As long as I can walk it off in a short time, I will take that over constant knee pain when standing on a bone-on-bone knee.

 

[MSuki]

As long as I can walk it off in a short time, I will take that over constant knee pain when standing on a bone-on-bone knee.

Sounds like me. I never have to worry about whether the knee surgery was the right call because I waited until knees were very bad….gives you a little perspective.

My PT is $60 copay. Normally on my second visit each week my PT sets up my appointments for the following week. She forgot and I didn’t mention it. I have an appointment with the surgeon next week. I’m thinking about letting the PT slide, but I’ll sleep on it.

 

[Layla]

I agree with you, LittleBit. Losing that bone on bone pain, the limping and limited mobility and all else that goes with it is such a relief. You're making such nice progress. Glad hubs will be your aerobics partner, you can spur one another on. A great weekend to you!
@LittleBit

 

[LittleBit]

WEIRD TWITCHES - Let me just add to all the other comments on here about unexpected and random weird pains, sensations, and twitches. At 7 weeks out, I'm getting reminders that the knee and, in fact, the whole leg are still healing. I feel like I get pokes and prods, saying, "Hey, this is not over yet. Don't get too sassy! " Usually, they go away almost as quickly as they come. Because of this forum, I can take them in stride and avoid worrying about what might be going wrong.

I still seem to tire easily, but my window of energy when I can accomplish things is slowly getting wider. Getting in and out of the car is no problem. My new knee feels strong when I walk. I have good balance. I'm going up and down a few steps on the front porch with leg over leg, although very slowly and holding on to the handrail. Steps seem to be coming slower than other things. It's interesting how, for different people, the order of the stages of accomplishing different things is so variable. Knowing this really helps to manage my expectations.

 

[benne68]

It's interesting how, for different people, the order of the stages of accomplishing different things is so variable

Not only across different people, but even two knees in the same person. I'm living proof that they recover differently!

 

[Layla]

Usually, they go away almost as quickly as they come. Because of this forum, I can take them in stride and avoid worrying about what might be going wrong.

While healing many experience sensations of tingling, pins and needles, itching, burning and even the feeling of a minor electrical shock. These are usually good signs that the nerves are spontaneously firing through the regeneration process.
So…no worries, sounds perfectly normal to me. You’re doing great!

 

[LittleBit]

QUESTION ABOUT MASSAGE - At about 7 weeks into recovery, I'm considering looking into a massage package offered through the university. I have quite a bit of discomfort in my neck, shoulder, and upper back area, not so much as to need medication but still annoying. I think this may be from overuse of my upper body these last weeks to compensate for my knee--leaning on the walker, pushing myself up from bed and chair, reaching rather than twisting at the knee. It's likely, too, partly from stress and working at my laptop for long periods.

Here's what I wonder. What kind of massage would anyone recommend? They offer Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone with the option of adding cupping to any of those. Would it be safe to ask for deep tissue or any of the others around the surgical knee as well? What experience does anyone have with these types? I have only ever had one massage in my life, and that was a retirement gift at a girlfriend party. What kind of credentials should I look for from the massage therapist?

 

[benne68]

Hi @LittleBit! I'm a firm believer in the value of therapeutic massage and have my first post-op appointment scheduled for next week (I waited until my OS cleared me to return).

For therapeutic -- especially if you are looking to relieve pain and tightness -- my personal preference is deep tissue massage which works on muscles, tendons and fascia. I prefer someone who is professionally certified as well as licensed.

A good therapist will get feedback from you throughout the session on the amount of pressure that is comfortable for you. And, of course, you should tell him/her about your recent surgery and ask they take it easy around your knee!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[MSuki]

I like deep tissue on the shoulders and neck. I would also ask them to go gentle around the knee. I had two massages with the same therapist and the first time she was very cautious and gentle around the knee and it did me a world of good. Second time she used more pressure and I wasn’t ready for it. On my neck and shoulders I really like deeper pressure, it’s a “good hurt” there. On legs if it hurts it doesn’t seem that therapeutic.

I think a tens unit really helps on shoulders too.

 

[rlwintin]

I’ve done all these modalities and they all help. Swedish is usually too light weight for me but it depends on the practitioner. Yes to deeper tissue/therapeutic massage. (My wife is a massage therapist and has worked on my leg most days=heaven! It worked wonders on the swelling,) When I broke my arm I got acupuncture for the pain and it was effective.
And I think asking your local friends and coworkers for recommendations is the way to go if you can.

 

[Layla]

Here's what I wonder. What kind of massage would anyone recommend?

I am tagging my colleague @CricketHip as this is an area of professional expertise for her.
She's been on vacation recently, but has been checking in frequently, so please check back if you're interested in her opinion.

 

[CricketHip]

What a great question and idea! I used massage therapy during my recovery, beginning as early as 4 weeks post op. But I’m also experienced in giving, getting (plus teaching) massage so didn’t need my dr approval. I TOO, started mainly for for upper body, neck and arms then progressed as needed. It was so very helpful.

My suggestion is to avoid asking for deep pressure until you see if you even like it. Moderate (pressure) therapeutic or even moderate (pressure) Swedish will be a good start for you.
Do not let them suggest help with ROM. because at this point, you want help with the upper body and if you are ok with it then maybe some easy strokes on your post op leg.
I had tight IT bands and having some light to moderate cross fiber friction helped me so much!
Nothing deep, but still very effective.
If you get someone that you don’t feel is a good fit, try someone else the next time.
Most states require licensing now, then a few states still only offer certification.
That’s offered through the NCTMB, so look for that if your state doesn’t require licensing. Theres another higher level called Board Certified and that a good choice, still through the NCTMB.
If you are a massage newbie, I’d recommend going in NOT asking for anything fancy. Just get used to the basics and let your body relax and recover.
I loved when a client would ask my opinion and we could put together a nice treatment plan.

Good luck, enjoy and please let us know how you do with the massage?
Let me know if you have any other questions!
@LittleBit
Thank you @Layla