TKR TKR on 12 June

[Flash699]

I am having my TKR on 12 June (or earlier as I'm top of the wait list). Looking to learn as much as I can from others who have done this and are going through this. This is the first medical procedure that I'm nervous about. Not really the surgery itself, but the recovery and how I'm going to overcome my lack of patience so as to have a good recovery.

 

[Jockette]

@Flash699 Hi and Welcome!

I started a pre op thread for you so we could discuss your concerns.

and how I'm going to overcome my lack of patience so as to have a good recovery.

The best way to have patience is to accept that yes, this can be a long and slow recovery, but, it is temporary. Give your knee the time it needs and you’ll be back to doing what you love. Rushing things, can cause setback, with can extend the recovery.

Here’s some pre op information for you:

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:
Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic knee?
Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced knee, take a look at the posts and threads from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:
Stories of amazing knee recoveries

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to BoneSmart!

how I'm going to overcome my lack of patience so as to have a good recovery

I believe by having realistic expectations. At the end of each week, you can reflect back on the progress you've made. I suggest weekly because if you look for daily progress you'll be disappointed. Try not to hurry the process because in doing so, most land in the ODIC (Over Did It Club) stalling their recovery. Patience is key...and sometimes difficult to come by early on. I think you may be surprised by how quickly you adapt and progress.

Prepare your recovery nest to the best of your ability so you have all you need close by. It will save you frustration because you often feel like you've never been as forgetful, nor dropped as many things as when you're in early recovery. It's almost comical at times.

Plan ahead of time things you'll be able to focus on in an effort to keep your mind occupied. It will help with the frustration of boredom. Watch your favorite movies, or a Netflix series. Play online games, board games or cards with visitors. Listen to your favorite music, read a book or magazines, do crossword puzzles. If the weather cooperates, sit outdoors taking in the fresh air, sunshine and sounds of nature. Catch up with old friends via the internet or phone. Plan a vacation or mini getaway for when you're feeling better. Just a few ideas.

Take your prescribed meds on schedule so you remain comfortably mobile and less stiff. Icing and elevating as often as possible will help with this also. Sleep is key also since our body does it's best healing while we're sleeping so naps shouldn't feel self indulgent, but instead like TLC for yourself.

Reading through threads here will prove to be a valuable resource as you learn through other's experiences and tips. Remember also that we're always here, lights never go out and we'll be happy to offer support or encouragement anytime you're feeling the need. Thanks for joining us. I look forward to following your journey!

 

[Flash699]

Prepare your recovery nest...sit outdoors taking in the fresh air

Thanks Layla. I think I'm as prepared as I can be, except I'll have to find a hard board to put near my nest to bang my head on in when I get frustrated. I'm a "patience hell, I want to get this over with..." type of mentality that I'll have to overcome.

One serious question relates to the need to keep the knee elevated. I have easy access to decks front (sunrise and mountains) and back (sunsets and valley view) of the house and decent chairs. I need to better understand does the knee have to elevated at all times when sitting? Do I need to plan on footstools and supports to get the knee up to heart level or is sitting with it just stretched out or slightly raised acceptable? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Layla]

You're Welcome!

I'll have to find a hard board to put near my nest to bang my head on in when I get frustrated.

I promise, it will be ok.

First I must say that viewing the sunrise from a deck facing the mountains is a blessing in itself! And I imagine watching the sun sink beyond the horizon over a valley view is beautiful also. Lucky You!

Ok...Elevation. The knee does not have to be elevated all the time while sitting, but you're going to find benefit in elevating, toes above nose, as often as possible. It helps with the swelling which causes tightness and stiffness which we tend to find uncomfortable anyway. While lying in bed, on a recliner or sofa which you do a lot of in the first few days, elevating is recommended.
I will leave you an article from the BoneSmart Library on Elevation -
Elevation: Doing It the Right Way

Also, if it's in the budget because it is a bit of an investment, I'd recommend the Lounge Doctor. I found the money well spent as I still use mine routinely and if I ever need another joint replacement I will use it again.

bonesmart

Elevate Your Health With the only patented leg rest designed by a Board Certified Vascular Surgeon. Shop Leg Rests Made in the USA! The Lounge Doctor is proudly designed & made in the United States About Us Over 100,000 Sold! Check out what our customers have to say about us Our Reviews...

loungedoctor.com

A great evening to you!

 

[lovetocookandsew]

I'll also chime in with icing. Whenever you're resting, having your leg elevated and icing, it really does help with the pain and the swelling. If you can, bring your ice machine, or ice packs if you're using those, out to your decks, and enjoy the views as you recover. As long as you keep a cloth between your skin and the ice, you can pretty much ice as long as you like. Take breaks every hour or two to walk around your house, and farther as your recovery progresses, but try to spend a lot of time icing and elevating.

I'll echo the advice about the Lounge Doctor-I bought one for my second knee surgery and it was night and day compared to pillows! It's easy to use and easy to bring to the recliner, bed, sofa, etc. My husband made a structure out of PVC pipes to elevate the blankets so they didn't weigh down on my leg, but I was still warm and cozy.

 

[Flash699]

First I must say that viewing the sunrise from a deck facing the mountains is a blessing in itself! And I imagine watching the sun sink beyond the horizon over a valley view is beautiful also. Lucky You!

You'd better believe it. We've found our happy place up here and enjoy the heck out of it. Sunrise from the front deck:

Sunset from the back deck:

I think I have the relaxing environment sown up.

I'll echo the advice about the Lounge Doctor-I bought one for my second knee surgery and it was night and day compared to pillows! It's easy to use and easy to bring to the recliner, bed, sofa, etc.

Thanks to both of you. I have already purchased the lounge doctor and have practiced the process of getting in/out of bed, chairs, etc and getting the leg up / down as best I can. I have a good cooler on standby for the ice packs. Just need to figure out a good foot stool for the front porch.

 

[Layla]

Stunning! Love it. Your own piece of Paradise.

I believe you'll like the Lounge Doctor. You can purchase a Leg Lifter to assist in lifting your leg early on. A cheaper idea, and it works just as well, is the belt of a bathrobe.
Hope your day is a good one!

 

[InkedMarie]

@Flash699 welcome! I’ve had both knees replaced. When sitting outside, especially at the beginning, I used a folding chair with my Lounge Doctor on it, sideways, so I could still elevate. My husband used extension cords so I could plug my ice machine in. You will know what works & what doesn’t.

Ask your questions as they come up & we will answer!

Marie

 

[Susie-Q]

Wow! What a view, both ways! You must be in the PNW somewhere, those evergreens and mountains are a dead give away. What a gorgeous place to live and recover!

When I was able to get outside on my patio, I just used another chair (they have cushions) for my leg and an extra pillow if I wanted more height.

 

[Flashlight]

Your views are so beautiful and peaceful. The only thing I would add is to make sure your outside chairs are not too low when you sit down, and you will have to extend your leg while trying to sit. It's the same for the toilet. We had a comfort height one installed a few years ago but you can get or rent a riser. Your foot will be swollen, and you won't be able to wear your regular shoes for a bit. I bought a pair of crocs from Amazon, and they worked out for me easy on easy off. Better than just wearing slipper socks. Best wishes to you!

 

[Flash699]

Your foot will be swollen, and you won't be able to wear your regular shoes for a bit.

I hadn't thought of that. My regular slippers probably won't work. I'll look into something like Crocs. Did you go with a size or more larger than normal?

You must be in the PNW somewhere,

Yep. A ways outside Seattle. On clear days we can see the Olympic mountains to the west 70+ miles away.

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and encouragement. I'm nervous about the recover, but I think I realized this morning that I'm really going to miss my morning routine with my pup. First thing on wake up is I sit on the floor and my 95 lbs German Shepard acts like he hasn't seen me in a week and proceeds to climb all over me while I scratch and rub him down while trying to avoid getting my face washed. Followed by food and a walk. We are still debating what to do about him during the first days / week. The wife can handle feeding and taking care of him, but keeping him off me and out from underfoot is the concern. Do we need to board him or have others managed that successfully?

 

[Flashlight]

I think there are a lot of dog people on this site that can give you good advice about your puppy. I know I had to get used to being around my (53LBS) granddog puppy. He is always excited to see us. Once he settles down it wasn't a problem. He hasn't gone to behavior training yet, so I didn't dare walk him. Do you have someone to walk him and wear him out some? You will be using a walker for a bit so that should help some. Your morning routine is not going to be the same for some weeks depending on whether you are able to sleep in bed or a recliner. Maybe you can start to change parts of your routine with him, so he won't be confused.

I bought the adult classic unisex crocs. I usually wear a 9 1/2 so I bought a size 10. It is a roomy fit and flexible. I bought Kirkland's men's athletic socks and cut about 4 inches off from the top so they would be comfortable. Not so attractive but comfort is the goal. My husband helped me for the first 2-weeks getting my socks on.

 

[SQL_Mark]

Hi Flash699. Regards dogs, our Australian border collie, seemed to 'know' that the Alpha Dog was injured. I think dogs have this kind of sense. He was very respectful around me, calm one would call it, in comparison to his normal level of excitement/anticipation. He's not been a problem at all, he's even been exceedingly careful jumping on the bed with us. Someone above mentioned Crocs, that's a great idea. I found that in the early days wearing no shoes or socks was best for me; getting them on and off, even if someone else was doing it was a hassle. Regards leg raised, etc... I found in the early days, laying down with the leg up helped with swelling and discomfort, after say day 10 sitting with the leg straight (on a stool for instance) was possible. Believe me, you won't be able to bend that thing in any comfortable way in the early days so something to keep it straight will be a must. Even now, 3 weeks out, sitting in a chair for any extended period of time (say 20 minutes or so) stiffens that leg right up and you regret it when you stand.

I've captured a heap of thoughts on my recovery here in various updates over the last 3 weeks (TKR April 4th).

 

[MarkTKR]

Hi Flash,
Good luck on your TKR. Below are my thoughts... Most here will echo them:

1) Don't expect to get back to normal in a few weeks. Most say after TKR it takes about a year before you wake up and don't immediately remember you had TKR. That doesn't mean you won't be functional, but it will not feel normal for a long time. I'm 1.5 years out, but I also had a tendon issue and a second surgery. It still does not feel perfect, but it is functional and there is no pain.
2) Be prepared. Have elevation pillows, cold packs or ice. Toilet riser (trust me this helps), walker, etc. Get all that stuff ahead of time. As mentioned above putting on socks and shoes a pain. Get a sock helper or if you have someone to help, then that is great.
3) Do not over do it on motion, bike, walking no matter what your PT says. Go at your own pace based on the comfort of your knee. I tried to push it and definitely, you pay the price.
4) The biggest fear with TKR is falling. Most people that fall with a TKR do some kind of damage. Some, like myself, require another surgery and a long healing. So do anything and everything to avoid any kind of fall.
5) A stationary bike is essential. It is actually a better exercise for your new knee than walking. My physician sent home instructions to ride the bike rather than walk whenever possible. At first you will not be able to make full circles so rock gently back and forth. When you can make full circles it will come as a great, low-impact motion for your knee and it will help with blood flow, healing, and comfort.

Lastly, and most of all, be patient. You will have good and bad days and periods. Just get through them. Time is your friend and over time you will heal and things will get better. Sleeping is also very difficult after TKR. So plan to have pillows you an prop up on and try various things to get comfortable. But sleep will get better.

After my tendon operation on the same knee as the TKR, I struggled to sleep for a month. Then one night I managed about 5 hours and it felt sublime! After that it just slowly got better and better. So when you cannot sleep have something near by you like to do. For me, as a software developer I had my laptop near by and I would either write software or when not feeling it, I would just watch movies or TV shows over streaming. Finding a way to distract you from your discomfort is important.

Anyway good luck!

 

[EalingGran]

Agree with all the above. I don't have a stationery bike although I wish I had.
I just walked gradually increasing amounts.
Managing your mental recovery is really important. It is very up and down and trying to stay positive can be difficult.
Plan places you can get to for some normal activities.
My husband drove to nearby coffee shops in the very early days and I walked the rest on two elbow crutches. It was good to be with normal life going on.
We also had an Odeon Luxe cinema nearby that had riseable footrests and handrails. Just going out to the cinema at about 2-3 weeks on crutches felt good.
Most tips have been covered above.
Look after your feet. I found my circulation in the operated foot side was poor and the foot got slightly swollen. I got sore purplish toes for a week or so.
I bought some soft seamfree socks for diabetics which really helped.
I am 6 months out now and can walk further and faster than pre-op.
My pain now is pretty minimal and better than pre-op. I am still not fully recovered but I am definitely still improving.
My surgery though was more complicated because I was very knock kneed and I had leg straightening as well.
I also had pretty bad issues in my back and hip- so my recovery time is slower.

 

[Flash699]

Thanks to all of you on the above comments. Greatly appreciated!

our Australian border collie, seemed to 'know' that the Alpha Dog was injured

My German Shepard so far seems to be sensitive to that type of thing as I'm walking with a cane now (pre surgery) and he seems to know when I'm having a rough day. I'm hopeful that he'll be as careful post surgery.

A stationary bike is essential.

We have a Peloton so I think I've got that covered. Haven't been able to ride in a long while and it will be great to get back on it eventually.

I bought the adult classic unisex crocs. I usually wear a 9 1/2 so I bought a size 10.

Thanks. I'll look into these. On the pup, my wife can and does take care of him when I'm having a rough day or out of town so that's not a problem. Once I can make it to the front porch, he's got several acres to run, chase birds, smell, etc where I can see and monitor him. He's well behaved and comes when called so not worried about that.

Even now, 3 weeks out, sitting in a chair for any extended period of time (say 20 minutes or so) stiffens that leg right up and you regret it when you stand.

This is exactly the type of thing that worries me. Being unable to sit somewhere for any period of time is really going to be difficult. The closest "anything" to us is 30 minutes away (we're rural) so being in the car is at least 30 minutes. Being unable to sit at my home office desk, etc. is going to drive me nuts. Also, enjoyed reading about your journey. Great insights. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Flashlight]

It's the swelling while you are healing both inside and out that makes your knee feel stiff. The first few weeks you will need to rest, elevate, and use the ice machine. Everyone heals differently. Yes, you will get back into that office you might have to figure a way to elevate and ice but you will be able to do it! If you have a car that you can push the seat way back or kind of elevate your leg in the backseat it will work. Someone on this site said to slide in on a garbage bag. I wish I would have thought of that! In those first few months you need to keep your leg elevated or extended. I used an ice wrap while in the car and while driving. Best wishes!

 

[Flash699]

My surgery has been moved up to 24 May now. Only 2 weeks out. The sooner the better!

 

[Layla]

Thanks for updating us with the change.
Not too long now. I hope time flies. Lots of comfort to you as you wait, Flash.
@Flash699