TKR TKR at Seven Weeks

[perestroika]

I’m the rare person who has had both hips and both knees replaced. Anterior approach for hips, had them done a year apart. Robotic assisted knees, 11 months apart. Right TKR was done February 13, 2023. Went home that day.
Hips are absolutely pain free.
The first knee still hurts when climbing or descending stairs, but I use a handrail if I can. Surgeon told me stairs are the stress-test for knees, similar to a cardiac stress test for a heart. Good analogy!
I’m 69 and don’t know why the cartilage in my knees and hips deteriorated. I think there’s a genetic component. I did play ball and hockey, but no more than my friends. I did have a physical job, but no more than a lot of folks.
Looking forward to pain-free walking, with dogs and grandkids! It’s a modest goal, and when this latest, last knee heals, I’ll be there!
Having been through four joint replacements and rehabs, if anyone has a question, I would be happy to answer if I can!

 

[Jaycey]

@perestroika Welcome to BoneSmart! Well done on all the joint replacements. Yes for many of us there is a genetic component meaning joints just fail.

Can you give us the dates of your surgeries. We will put them in a signature for you.

Meanwhile I'll leave the knee recovery guidelines for you:

KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
don't overwork.
3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.
4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
the BoneSmart view on exercise
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy
5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for TKRs
The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?

Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery. While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

 

[benne68]

Hello @perestroika and welcome to BoneSmart, Nice of you to join us!

You may be surprised that we have several other members who have had both knees and both hips replaced. And a few who've done shoulders as well!

The breadth of experiences across our BoneSmart community is what makes it so helpful. New members can usually find someone with a similar experience.

We encourage you to share your experience with others, keeping in mind that every one is different and there is no single "right" way to recover.

 

[perestroika]

RTKR March 14, 2022
R Hip May 17, 2019
L Hip April 10, 2017

 

[beachy]

We're the same age and I often wonder why I have so much arthritis. Always active, kept my weight down, etc. 2 knee replacements, 1 shoulder with another shoulder replacement looming.
But, it could always be worse, right? Thankful for great docs, great healthcare providers in general and Bonesmart!
Good luck with your recent tkr! It sounds like you have a wonderful attitude. Sometimes that's a huge part of the battle.

 

[Layla]

Hi there,
Stopping by to see how your recovery is going on this milestone of two months post op.
Hopefully all is well and you're pleased with the progress you're making.
Wishing you only good and hope to hear from you soon! Happy Two Month Anniversary!
@perestroika