TKR TKR Right Recovery and losing my right mind

[Neveragain2021]

OMGoodness…you guys rock!

I decided that with the 30 days I have until my next postop follow up, I’m going to continue to walk, do my exercises and use my peddler. If he’s not satisfied there’s really nothing I can do at 4mos post op. I’m going to follow the BoneSmart kinder, gentler approach and be good to myself.

I’m chasing the blues by, baking bread, crocheting and chilling. @FCBayern, I long to go back to hiking; it’s my goal!

 

[Neveragain2021]

The case manager says I’m out of time, and measuring 78 degrees. Wow.

Some of us take longer than others to regain ROM,

Here's an article you might find interesting.

Myth busting: "window of opportunity" in TKR

This "six week window of opportunity" surgeons often speak about is little more than a myth. It presupposes that all patients have the ability to create adhesions which is far from the truth. It also ignores the simple fact that in the first 3-4 weeks after surgery, swelling reactive to the...

bonesmart.org

That article was an answer to prayer!

 

[FCBayern]

I’m going to follow the BoneSmart kinder, gentler approach and be good to myself.
I long to go back to hiking; it’s my goal!

I think you will be happy with that choice @Neveragain2021. The hiking will come as well, just not as soon as any of us want. Be kind and patient with that new knee and it will eventually take care of you.

 

[Neveragain2021]

Excema…I knew you guys would have the answers to that as well!

stress…yes…understandable that our immunity is stressed.

As usual you guys had answers before I even asked. Btw, my solitary workouts are going well. My mini-lunges are allowing me more flexibility and my ice and elevate routine is working as well. You guys are a Godsend!

 

[Rain Dancer]

Glad to hear that you are doing well!

 

[sistersinhim]

I just want to heal and increase my walking.

That is the best attitude. Numbers don't matter, function does!

 

[montanagal]

Yeah the back sleeping is killing me too. I wake up 12x a night with my mouth wide open and my mouth and throat totally dried out. I tried my husband chinstrap but it's too big. Finally I ordered one from Amazon, shoulda done it earlier. Here's hoping.

 

[Neveragain2021]

@montanagal , I’m so sorry. Hopefully the chin strap will help.

with the help of the body pillow, I’ve been able to sleep on my side and just recently I’m turning more toward my stomach; however now my cpap mask is complaining about lack of contact. You know what, I’m moving and exercising so I really don’t care, if I can get 4 hours, I’m cool.

Btw, it may not be a big deal, but to me it’s everything…I was able to sit on the commode, with both knees together!!!!! Oh happy day!! Not one knee forward and one over there, but like a ‘real lady’

That to me is progress

 

[Susie-Q]

I feel you on the back sleeping. I am SO over that. I've finally figured out how to sort of sleep on my stomach and right leg with the left leg stretched out straight and this morning (in the wee hours) I sort of figured out another side position on the left side with my left leg bent and on the top part of my body pillow. Any position I can figure out that doesn't hurt that ISN'T on my back I consider a win!

@Neveragain2021 I totally get that "one knee forward and over there" while on the toilet! I'm still there!

 

[Sisterpat]

Neveragain! Maybe you are actually past your username now!

 

[Neveragain2021]

Another month down…tkr on 07/21/21
Doing it alone (no pt)
Having trouble maintaining 90, but getting around.
I’ve been cleared by the surgeon to increase my walking/hiking up to 2 miles and restart my yoga, but… with the change in weather and the continued stiffness, depression has set in. Craving motivation without overdoing it.
You guys have never let me down, I’m glad I can come to you. I don’t want to force the leg, by increasing the degree of my supported lunges but, I crave improvement.

 

[right TKR 2 Mo]

Had my TKR on my right knee done August 1st. Went back in for a manipulation because scar tissue built up quickly and was stuck at 90 ROM after my manipulation I'm now at a good 140 ROM.
I'm walking much better and pain has really improved. after about 2 months the pain will considerably improve. It about drove me insane. Thought I was being a big cry baby. I really feel for you all. I have just started being able to sleep on my side with a pillow between my knees and one under my arm. I am having trouble with the back and neck realigning.
[copied to members thread]

 

[Neveragain2021]

Hullo everyone…
I’m back again.
I’ve discovered some nodules under my skin, near the scar. It’s only tender when pressed. The nurse says it could just be scar tissue under the skin, but if I’m concerned, call the surgeon, .

And the eczema has increased especially near the scar site. Anyone have a recommendation for a moisturizing cream/lotion to treat it, otc?

I’m wondering why I haven’t experienced any itching at the site, if itching indicates healing. It’s been over 30 weeks and the nighttime stiffness when extended and the morning stiffness remains.

Somehow I feel like everyone in my circle has moved on, assumed I should be 100%; so I’ve been staying home, icing and elevating and hoping for the best.

I always miss you guys

 

[Jockette]

I would think any moisturizing cream you like will be fine.

I‘m sorry your friends don‘t understand how long this recovery takes, and that it varies for each of us. I also stayed home from things for the same reason, and yes, it’s depressing.

But, it will get better!

Hang out here with us, Bonesmart has a wealth of advice, information and support.
We will offer helpful suggestions,

Cheer your accomplishments

And send hugs when you are feeling down.

Best wishes!

 

[Catalien45]

Thank you. I was so cold after surgery and the first week after surgery, I ran from the ice machine. But, I do see the benefits now, and thanks to you, will try to increase my usage.

Hi - I’m 3 1/2. Weeks since my surgery. Like you, my knee had reached the point that surgery Had to be. It’s not easy, but no regrets. This forum is SO. Helpful!

In regards to your being cold.....it seems in the past few years, I find I am more cold-natured than I used to be, I always welcomed the cold, & was more hot natured. Lately, I notice at night particularly, I wake up COLD. I do sleep with the ice machine, & it definitely helps. Use it quite a lot during day, also. But, it’s Cold! I keep 4 or 5 blankets over the back of our large, comfy old couch ( only place I can get comfortable on right now). When I wake up cold, ( usually to make a bathroom trip) I just layer blankets til I am warm. Really helps.

I am so sorry for your bedsores....when I was 20, I spent a month in intensive care, on my back all of that time due to extreme ulcerative colitis, IV tubes, etc. Fearing bedsores, my care team ordered some sort of very soft layer for me to lay on. Not sure just what it was, ( this was over 50 years ago), but I’m wondering if there isn’t something, probably more updated, that you could use? There are specialists who deal with wound care, I’d think they might be able to help you, & know more how to deal with this .

I hope this is of some help, & I hope you will be doing better soon. I’m learning, it is not a fast recovery, & Rest is very important. Learning this from this wonderful community. There always seems to be someone with a tip, idea, & always, encouragement. Companions in the journey. You’ve found a good place!

 

[Neveragain2021]

Okay guys…btw…how r u ?

After 4 months I was dying for a soak! Before surgery my arthritis in the RK reacted to long hot baths. It was my heaven on earth.

This is a cautionary tale.

After surgery we’re told not to soak until cleared by your surgeon. I felt truly motivated to soak my aching bones, and my inclination was all the more driven by my ability to get in the tub, and hopefully get out, lol. I soaked for 90min after having had a shower earlier.

Well, no more suspense…RK hated it! She absolutely hated it! She reverted to 8wk post surgery stiffness, no redness, no heat, but the swelling was scary! I was going to contact the surgeon but, no pain, no fever, only stiffness for 48hrs. Suffice it to say, no more soaks! If I have to go the rest of my life with only showers so be it! Please, please, please take heed. Wait, until you’re cleared, you’re able and you’re certain.

 

[Rain Dancer]

Wow, sorry to hear about the bad results from your bath. I have applied heat to my knee with okay results but have no bathtub to try soaking. So many factors could have caused this in addition to just the moist heat—the length of time, the position of the leg while soaking, or the contortions to get in and out of the tub. How disappointing for you.

 

[kate97497]

@Neveragain2021 How did you get in and out of the tub? I love a bath too but haven't been able to take one for years due to bad knee. I can't imagine how I could do it post surgery either. I'm impressed although I'm sorry that your knee wasn't.

 

[patriciad]

A lot of this recovery is trial and error - what a shame your soak didn’t work out but Kudos for getting in and out of the tub! Hopefully the bedsores benefitted at least! I used to love baths but had to give up years ago when my knee problems first started - also body problems as could never get enough water in my bathtub to cover me!
You will soon be feeling better as time goes on, the stiffness and soreness eventually pass as you heal and I’ll take a bit of stiff, sore knees over the constant ache and weight bearing painfullness of my pre-op knees! Good luck to you.

 

[Susie-Q]

I have a soaking tub that I loved using prior to surgery. My daughter and I give each other bath bombs for Christmas and she uses it a lot too. I haven't tried soaking in it yet even though I was cleared by my OS to use it at least a month ago. I hope I don't have this same problem! I'm going to practice getting in and out first without the water to make sure it's even possible at this point. I'm sorry you had a bad experience......