TKR Valentines Day Gift

[Mae West]

Hi everyone. I’m glad I found this forum. I don’t feel so alone!
I’m Mae. I had RTKR on Valentine’s Day. It truly was a sweet gift as my own knee was all used up. I’m grateful to be in a position to improve the quality of my life. My Stanford surgeon did my LTKR 6 years ago. He did a fabulous job then so I went back to him for the right knee.
I’ve had my Brig ice cube going 24x7. I must say this has been a much easier recovery. I have minimal swelling and very little bruising compared to 6 years ago. I’m walking without pain for 10 minutes every waking hour.
Stanford was excellent! I went home the same day!

 

[Jockette]

Hi and Welcome!

I’m glad this knee is going so well for you! When we have the second one done, we know better what to expect.

I will leave you our Recovery Guidelines. Each article is short but very informative. Following these guidelines will help you have a less painful recovery.

Just keep in mind all people are different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for you.“ Your doctors, PTs and BoneSmart are available to help, but you are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

Knee Recovery: The 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

2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

don't overwork.​

​

If you want to use something to help heal the incision, ​

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.​

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.​

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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​

6. Access to these pages on the website

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Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

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 the 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 the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.

 

[mendogal]

Hi Mae (waving from a few hours north)!

It definitely helps the second time around to know your ortho team and the recovery process!

Whatever your mood, whether you need to vent, ask a question, or share the small milestones that add up to recovery, we're here for you.

 

[benne68]

Welcome to BoneSmart, @Mae West

I'm also recovering from my second TKR and, like you, am finding this time around to be easier. We definitely learn a lot going through the first one, don't we?

Please note that I've added your Left TKR to your signature-- would you confirm the actual date, please, so we can make sure the information is accurate? Thanks.

Look forward to reading more about your recovery.

 

[Layla]

Hi MaeWest,
A warm welcome to you...thanks for joining us! It sounds like you are off to a good start, I look forward to following your healing journey. I love your grateful heart.
Best Wishes!
@Mae West

 

[andpeaches]

Hi Mae West! Congratulations on your newest knee! 10 days out and you sound great!
I’m also 12 days post op LTKR (2/13/) and your story is very similar to mine. I had a RTKR 5 yrs ago on 9/13/18. I also went back to the same OS. And I think this one is a little better!! Fatigue is still very real and pain is manageable with pain meds every 8-9 hours. I hope to hear how you’re progressing and I’m here to be your Valentines’ Day knee buddy. Here’s to getting through these next 3 months

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary, Mae West!
How is recovery going these days? You were doing very well the first time you posted.
Hopefully you're happy with your progress and slowly getting back to life. Please let us know.
Take good care!