TKR Sher101 TKR Recovery 4/16/2

[101]

Hi all,

it's been a little over 5 months, and I am doing better. mostly in the emotional realm, but physical, too. I saw my pa due to my concern about swelling and pain. She was underwhelmed by my complaints. Said to keep taking ibuprofen and acetameniphin. She emphasized it takes a year. She explained she knows this intimately because she worked alongside my doctor who often wished he hadn't had it done. He would feel good, do too much and have a very bad day following. But at the end of a year, he was glad to have done it. She advised I rest and elevate (Gosh, where did I hear that?), try to limit what I did in a day and see her at the end of the year. She expected I would have flexion of 130 then. Funny since pt's are pushing that on newly operated folk. it was definately worth the trip for the reassurance. I feel so much better.

Physically I have good mobility, go up and down stairs and sit and rise fine. I can get on my hands and knees and even step forward into a lunge--not that I'm doing that regularly.

So I thank you all for your support and kindness as I whined my way through the early part of my recovery. I expect it to get better from here with maybe a setback or 10 without freaking out. I know you will be there for me.

 

[mendogal]

What a fine update! Yay for mobility!

I agree with your PA - in my experience with our members, 4 to 6 months is when many people slack off on icing and elevating and expect to do activities without pacing themselves. Oops!

You'll still benefit from 45 minutes icing and elevating twice daily.

When experiencing more pain and swelling I found it helpful to check my activity level. I would try to take a break, reducing - depending on the activity or exercise - time or distance by about 1/3 for several days. If it was better, increase in 10% increments every few days.

 

[Layla]

A belated Happy Five Month Anniversary!
You're doing well and I like your outlook. Focus on the progress yet to come and getting back to all that you love. Thanks for stopping by with an update. I hope you have a great Sunday and week!
@101

 

[101]

thanks for the advice @mendogal. I still ice frequently for 45 minutes with legs elevated. i'l follow your outline for getting out of the ODIC.

and thank you @Layla for the 5-month well wishes.

 

[101]

in the last month I sold and purchased a new house. Yesterday was my six-month anniversary and also moving day. I had packers come the day before but still ended up doing way too much then and moving day. So today is icing day and elastic stocking wearing day, mostly. I had to unpack my bedroom to find my clothes. I've decided to have the guys come back and unpack. It just feels too daunting. Overall, though, I'm doing well. my boyfriend and I are planning a trip to the Mediterranean in march. I should ready!

 

[benne68]

Oh my goodness, @101! All that activity would put any of us on the ODIC (over did it club) bench! Now that you are in the new place, give yourself a day or two off and ice and elevate as much as possible. The unpacking will wait.

Happy (belated) six month an-knee-versary!

 

[101]

Yep. On the bench right now!

 

[Layla]

Congrats on your new house!

I've decided to have the guys come back and unpack.

Good call! It's so tempting to overdo it when you have a big task to tackle. Put your feet up with some ice and WATCH someone else do it.
Happy Six Month Anniversary, 101
@101