Typical Recovery period?

[Cathie]

Hello,
I would simply like to ask what is the typical recovery period for a MI total knee replacement? I realize that everyone is different and our bodies heal differently. But I was wondering if someone could tell me a "typical" amount of time. My doc told me I could probably go back to work after a month. Well, its 5 weeks this week and there is no way. I am not driving yet, and honestly, I am afraid to get behind the wheel. I just got to 92 degrees ROM last night in therapy. I have to keep putting my boss off and I am just needing to know if this is pretty typical.
Thank You,
Cathie

 

[Josephine]

Oh yes, it is individual, very much so. Also depends upon how much you are prepared to tough it out and try things that might seem a bit beyond your reach, so to speak.

Your doctor said 'probably' not definitely so I would actually rest easy on that. One month for an MIS is a rough guideline only. And one week over is not that much. I wouldn't fret.

Also, having a major op can sometimes set us back emotionally as well as physically and we get into a kind of 'what if' cycle - what if I can't cope, what if I drive there and find I can't drive back - that kind of thing. But just think of it this way - what if it does? What's the worst that can happen? You get into a bit of a pain spasm and the refuge of your home and comfy chair, icepacks, etc, etc, are not within reach. You get into a panic. Yes it will be a tough experience but not something that's going to have a cataclysmic aftermath. I would make yourself go for a drive, right now. First of all, just go out of your driveway, down the block and back again. Ten minutes tops. Then do the same tomorrow but make it half an hour. Not to do anything. Don't go shopping, just drive there and come home. I bet after a week, you will be driving around like you always used to!

When I had my arthroscopy, the surgeon said I should stay off work for six weeks but I was already in trouble for the amount of sickness I'd had so I took two week's leave and returned to mu job in the OR. It was awful! The department was huge and we often had to walk the length to get equipment. I used a TENS machine most of the day and took my painkillers on the dot of the fourth hour!! But I managed. Outside the department I was using a walking stick and couldn't manage without it but, of course, that wasn't permitted inside so I just had to manage.

I could tell that the surgeon was cross with me (I worked with him) for doing it but every time he saw me at work, he simply shrugged his shoulders and said nothing! It was, to use a phrase, "interesting"!

 

[Cathie]

Wow Josephine....you are a brave soul!! I thank you for your insight!! I am going to suck it up and drive down the driveway.....and if that works, down the street. We'll see what happens. I am tired of begging people to take me to therapy, so that is going to be my goal in the next week.
Happy Thanksgiving......

My hubby took me to dinner the other night - just a local family place - and ran into a woman who was an acquaintance when my kids were young. She asked me what was wrong with me and then proceeded to tell me that she has brain cancer........ my heart dropped. I came home and have been thanking God that my problem is curable.....it makes ya really think.....