I'm sorry if my comments upset you. Of course we want to help you and will do our best.
I'm happy to hear you have some home health workers who are coming and actively working to get things straightened out for you. I had no doubt that you were in pain. But without knowing what medicatons you have on hand, it's impossible to offer much help.
It does sound like there was a huge disconnect with your blood thinners. You made the correct decision to go with one or the other and not both Lovenox and Coumadin. The reason that the prescription bottle only says to take as instructed is that your dosage may vary frequently based on the results of your INR tests. It is critical that you get these tests on a regular basis so that your INR levels stay within the proper range. It sounds like your home care nurse will take care of this for you.
You misinterpreted my comments about what the doctor said about the possibility of removing your implant. My disbelief was that a physician would say such a thing - not that you weren't telling exactly what happened. My hope was that you would disregard his comments and not worry about it. Granted a clot can be a matter of life and death. But the treatment for a clot does not involve removal of a joint prosthesis.
The activity that will be helpful to know is what you are doing each day. Are you exercising or having therapy? How often do you get up and move about the house? What home chores are you doing? Errands? The reason this is important is that too much activity too soon can cause pain and swelling.
Of course you couldn't log in and respond to questions when you were not well or in the emergency room. No one expects you to be online constantly. It sounds like your pain is better today....is it?
Here are some basic recovery articles for you to read that will help you understand what your recovery may involve. Please don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them. We will try our best to help you.
First are the BoneSmart mantras ....
-
rest,
elevate,
ice and
take your pain meds by the clock
- if it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physiotherapist - to do it to you
- if your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again
- if you won't die if it's not done, don't do it
- never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, never stay awake when you can go to sleep!
- be active as much as you need to be but not more than is necessary, meaning so much that you end up being in pain, exhausted or desperate to sit down or lay down!
Next is a
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) thread.
And here are some very crucial articles
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Activity progression for TKRs
Healing: how long does it take?
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Home physio (PT) and activity progress: suggestions
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?
And finally some wise words from members who have shared their experiences ...
Where are you in recovery?? (TKR)
Five “P’s” of knee recovery
TKR: work “smarter” and not “harder”
Recovering a knee - from one who knows!
It's never too late to get more ROM!
It's worth the wait for ROM