Revised PKR to TKR Terry's Recovery Updates

[tejubeha]

Post-Op day 6. I am feeling great considering I had a TKR less than a week ago. I continue to stay on schedule with walks around the house and icing. I start PT tomorrow and will ensure that I do not do too much or the Therapist tries to push me too hard. I remember all of the bonesmarters telling me that if it hurts then don't do it! I will heed to that advice.

 

[sistersinhim]

I remember all of the bonesmarters telling me that if it hurts then don't do it!

This statement also covers if it hurts or swells that night or within the next two days, then it was too much for your knee at this time. This recovery is a trial and error thing all through its journey. You learn what to do and what not to do. If I obeyed my knee's reactions, then my recovery went a lot less painful. If I overdid, then my knee turned into a real brat, and threw a fit! I'd rather have a peaceful knee any day!

 

[tejubeha]

Post-op day 12. PT started on Monday (post-op day 7) and I had three PT sessions this week. My therapist is very careful and ensures that if something hurts then we will not do that exercise. The knee bends better than I thought it would at this point and I am able to comfortably walk with the walker. Other than tiring very easily (PT just zaps all of my energy) I feel great! I know I have a long way to go but I feel like I am farther along than I was with the PKR at the same point in time.

 

[benne68]

tiring very easily (PT just zaps all of my energy

Yes, that fatigue in the early weeks of recovery can be overwhelming, but it is absolutely normal. We refer to it as "energy drain."

You body is working really hard to repair itself from the trauma of surgery. Recovery takes all of your energy, which is why you fatigue so easily. It may seem like you are doing "nothing," but your body's energy stores are busy doing things like making and restoring lost blood, repairing soft tissue damage, and beginning the process of producing the important building blocks to insuring proper bone growth into your new prosthesis so it can be solid and not loosen.
It does improve -- slowly, with time.

 

[tejubeha]

Post Op day 13. I feel great and will follow-up with my OS tomorrow. The swelling is down quite a bit around the knee but the lower leg (calf) is still a little swollen and feels tight and sore. It feels like I have had a week long "charlie horse" and the soreness that follows. It does subside with icing and stretching. Also, I was able to get out of the house and walk a couple of days ago. It was sunny and 75 degrees outside and I could not pass up the opportunity to walk a little bit outside. I was able to walk two houses up the street and back before I got tired.

 

[sistersinhim]

Wow, you are coming right along. I bet getting outside was a real mood booster. Cabin fever can set in quickly. That sunshine can feel so good, especially this time of year.

 

[Layla]

Hi and Happy One Month Anniversary!
We haven't heard from you in a few weeks, how are you doing? Hopefully you're doing well and had a good appointment with your OS last month. We'd love to read an update from you soon.
Take good care!
@tejubeha