Is he crazy?!! I sure hope he was joking. If not, he is not trained in joint replacement recovery.
TKR TKRsharon's Recovery
- Thread starter TKRsharon
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The world of joint replacement has moved beyond the painful therapy stage but unfortunately a lot of folks in the medical community just have not gotten the message. This is why we are here and why we are so strong about patients advocating for themselves. You know your body better than anyone and no one can force you to do anything when you know it’s not right for you.
Your surgeon likely used a cocktail of pain meds injected into your incision before closing to help with immediatly post op pain. This is a great treatment but it comes with some problems. The main one is that surgeons usually don’t tell their patients what they are doing and what to expect after surgery. These strong pain meds keep you comfortable during the first 3 days or so after surgery. But when patients don’t know that it’s the meds doing this, they think they are recovering really fast. So lots of people either overdo things in those early days or are shocked on day 3 or 4 when those meds wear off and pain hits hard.
Be sure you’re taking enough of your pain meds and icing your leg enough to keep pain under control.
Your surgeon likely used a cocktail of pain meds injected into your incision before closing to help with immediatly post op pain. This is a great treatment but it comes with some problems. The main one is that surgeons usually don’t tell their patients what they are doing and what to expect after surgery. These strong pain meds keep you comfortable during the first 3 days or so after surgery. But when patients don’t know that it’s the meds doing this, they think they are recovering really fast. So lots of people either overdo things in those early days or are shocked on day 3 or 4 when those meds wear off and pain hits hard.
Be sure you’re taking enough of your pain meds and icing your leg enough to keep pain under control.
TKRsharon
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Well today, he didn't touch me at all! He got the message.
TKRsharon
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Good evening everyone. I hope you are all hanging in and doing well.
I am not sure if it's lack of sleep, pain or a combination but I find myself crying every evening. I know I am making progress and I know it's not even a week since my surgery- but those thoughts creep into my mind, "will I ever get better?" I worry if I did everything correctly and I am laying the right way. Maybe I'll feel better when I can finally shower and sleep in my own bed? or just sleep? It's just overwhelming, I am sure most of you can relate. I want to get back to life and walking and even shopping and of course work. I remember this feeling and I try to convince myself that it will pass. Things seem worse at night I guess.
Thank you everyone for always being there.
I am not sure if it's lack of sleep, pain or a combination but I find myself crying every evening. I know I am making progress and I know it's not even a week since my surgery- but those thoughts creep into my mind, "will I ever get better?" I worry if I did everything correctly and I am laying the right way. Maybe I'll feel better when I can finally shower and sleep in my own bed? or just sleep? It's just overwhelming, I am sure most of you can relate. I want to get back to life and walking and even shopping and of course work. I remember this feeling and I try to convince myself that it will pass. Things seem worse at night I guess.
Thank you everyone for always being there.
@TKRsharon that's exactly what I experienced, the whole shabam. Absolute nightmare, couldn't see the light at the end, oh my word what have I done and why. And, for all the fabulous people on here telling me it does get better
just wanted it to be immediately. So, I am one of those now, 4 months and 1 month mua, and can honestly tell you it really does get better, BUT the only way to get there is to practice patience. I eventually had to get help from my GP, as I was lucky to get 2 hours sleep and constantly crying with pure frustration. Medication which helped enormously and now I am weaning myself off. To keep looking forward is key as we want to get ourselves fit and strong, but if you look too far forward on some things you're just getting yourself in a mess. Each day do your exercises, ice, rest and gently massage your new knee and hopefully you will make a friend of it. Stay positive, don't rush. Sending you hugs xx
just wanted it to be immediately. So, I am one of those now, 4 months and 1 month mua, and can honestly tell you it really does get better, BUT the only way to get there is to practice patience. I eventually had to get help from my GP, as I was lucky to get 2 hours sleep and constantly crying with pure frustration. Medication which helped enormously and now I am weaning myself off. To keep looking forward is key as we want to get ourselves fit and strong, but if you look too far forward on some things you're just getting yourself in a mess. Each day do your exercises, ice, rest and gently massage your new knee and hopefully you will make a friend of it. Stay positive, don't rush. Sending you hugs xx
There is a period of several weeks after a major surgery where your body is undergoing a major recovery from the trauma of the procedure as well as the anesthesia. During this time you can be extremely tired and prone to what we call “the blues.” Just be sure that you are keeping your pain under control. That can add to what you’re feeling. And get plenty of rest. Nap during the day. That is when your body does its best healing.
TKRsharon
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Today was not bad. In some pain now but that's to be expected after a long day. Took a pain killer and hope to get a little sleep. Anyone ever hear of the "Quiet Knee" approach to rehab? Similar to BoneSmart's approach. Tomorrow's goal is to take a shower.
Hope everyone has a restful, pain free night
Hope everyone has a restful, pain free night
The “Quiet Knee” approach was new to me. But in checking the website, it’s pretty much the same things we’ve recommended for years. Things have changed in the medical community. More and more people are moving away from early aggressive physical therapy to a more gentle approach. We’re certainly happy about that!
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I have not been on for a while and thought I'd give a fast update. The first 2-3 weeks were rough, but I made it through. I am just 6 weeks post - op. I have 0 degree extension and 120 + bend. Surgeon said 125 degrees is a goal - no more with this appliance. Still have that awful tight feeling, but it's a bit better on some days, which is encouraging. I have a wonderful, gentle PT who listens to me. I go to PT once a week. I do exercises at home as well, nothing crazy. I try to take a walk each day, when it's not raining. We have had A LOT of rain and its not good for the knee! I saw the surgeon yesterday and he was pleased with my recovery. starting to put vitamin E cream on the incision. He said I don't need PT any longer, but I will continue as I feel I need to build strength and work on my gait a bit. I DO NOT sleep unless I take something strong to knock me out. The nerve pain on my skin is awful. I wish I could take a bath, but at this point it's too difficult to get up and I am afraid I'll get stuck in the tub! I have been practicing on the floor, but I think it will be a while. Anyone have any suggestions with this? I hope everyone is doing well.I know how rough it can be from my first experience 41/2 years ago. Thanks for reading and for your support.
I forgot to add that I take 2-3 hot showers a day - that's where I feel best. My water bill has increased, a lot. I use the ice machine and elevate a few times a day it really helps. I also use a heating pad ( started about 2 weeks ago), on my quads and behind the knee. I started driving, short distances, at week 4. My plan is to go back to school, I am a teacher, the beginning of June to finish the last couple of weeks. I will bring ice packs. I hope that works out.
I forgot to add that I take 2-3 hot showers a day - that's where I feel best. My water bill has increased, a lot. I use the ice machine and elevate a few times a day it really helps. I also use a heating pad ( started about 2 weeks ago), on my quads and behind the knee. I started driving, short distances, at week 4. My plan is to go back to school, I am a teacher, the beginning of June to finish the last couple of weeks. I will bring ice packs. I hope that works out.
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Thanks for stopping by with an update Sharon. I'm sorry you had a rough time the first few weeks, it is quite common as you likely recall from your first TKR.
Thankfully you've moved beyond that and seem to be doing quite well aside from the nerve pain and need for strong meds to get sleep. Hopefully you were able to talk to your surgeon about the nerve pain and he gave you some tips on managing it. There are medications, as well as topical creams that can help. You may also obtain some relief through icing and elevation which can reduce swelling and pressure on those nerves. Then there are desensitization techniques such as light massage, or brushing the area with different textures in an effort to retrain nerves. Often nerve related symptoms improve over the course of several months. I do hope you find relief soon.
As far as getting in and out of the bathtub, Practicing out side the tub is wise. Consider trying a "dry" run first. Clothes on, no water, someone around in case you get stuck. You can focus on how to do it without the risk of slipping.
I wish you the best as you continue healing and hope you find it comfortable closing out the school year with your students in a couple weeks. Take good care and have a peaceful Sunday!
@TKRsharon
Thankfully you've moved beyond that and seem to be doing quite well aside from the nerve pain and need for strong meds to get sleep. Hopefully you were able to talk to your surgeon about the nerve pain and he gave you some tips on managing it. There are medications, as well as topical creams that can help. You may also obtain some relief through icing and elevation which can reduce swelling and pressure on those nerves. Then there are desensitization techniques such as light massage, or brushing the area with different textures in an effort to retrain nerves. Often nerve related symptoms improve over the course of several months. I do hope you find relief soon.
As far as getting in and out of the bathtub, Practicing out side the tub is wise. Consider trying a "dry" run first. Clothes on, no water, someone around in case you get stuck. You can focus on how to do it without the risk of slipping.
I wish you the best as you continue healing and hope you find it comfortable closing out the school year with your students in a couple weeks. Take good care and have a peaceful Sunday!
@TKRsharon
I was able to get out of my tub by scooting up and sitting on the edge first, then swinging over to the floor while still sitting, and then pushing up with my hands to stand up. You can try this in a 'dry run'.
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Thanks for your reply. Actually, after some practice, (in the tub w/o water,) I was able to take a bath this morning. It is easier to get out of the tub than to get off the floor! I have to keep working on that.
Good for you! That first bath during recovery is amazing, isn't it!
Getting up from the floor after my second TKR was also a challenge for me. I had become so accustomed to depending upon my left (non-surgical) leg during the recovery from my right TKR, that my body just couldn't figure out how to do things in reverse!
I did get there eventually, and you will to! You are making great progress.
Getting up from the floor after my second TKR was also a challenge for me. I had become so accustomed to depending upon my left (non-surgical) leg during the recovery from my right TKR, that my body just couldn't figure out how to do things in reverse!
I did get there eventually, and you will to! You are making great progress.
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Benne68 - Thank you
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Stay safe and enjoy those soaks!TKRsharon
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I hope everyone is doing well. I have a question about the pain on the skin of my operated knee. I can not stand to have anything touching it which makes it difficult to wear pants - even soft pants.The pain is awful. I usually have that pant leg pulled up. Even the sheet is unbearable. I am taking something to help me sleep so I don't have to deal with the sheet pain. How long does this last? I do not remember from last time. Is there anything I can do to help? A pain patch? I tried to tape a soft pad to the knee, but that was counter productive. Also, the surgeon told me to wear a bandage on the scar for a year when I go out in the sun. Anyone have a suggestion of something that won't look like I was wounded in battle? He said no to sunscreen.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
This is a fairly common problem. I had it with my first TKR recovery. A staff member at the time suggested covering the knee with some plastic wrap for protection from sheets/clothing rubbing on it. I took a couple of yards of saran and just wrapped it loosely around my knee a few times so it stuck to itself.
Additionally, you may want to start to desensitize the area by touching soft fabrics to it very gently. I took a silk scarf and pulled it across my knee a couple of time a day. As the knee tolerated that, I tried other fabrics and eventually, the sensitivity disappeared.
I couldn't find anything large enough to cover the whole incision, so I opted for capris my first summer post-op. That did a really good job of keeping the area protected from the sun. It was annoying not to be able to wear shorts, but it was worth it in the long run.
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You may want to consider a THIN, breathable knee compression sleeve In nude (color) to go over the bandage he suggested you wear.
I am so sorry you're dealing with the nerve sensitivity, hopefully it eases soon.
You can try tenting the sheet by using pillows either side to keep the sheet off your knee for sleeping. You can check Amazon also as I know they have products called Blanket Lifters, which provide relief by keeping bedding off of sensitive areas.
Wishing you comfort and a nice weekend.
My PA suggested I desensitize the area by rubbing different textures of cloth over the area during the day. It did help, though was uncomfortable while doing it. You could also wrap your knee in plastic wrap. Many have found that helpful.
