Have five weeks before my TKR with robotic surgery. Hope the recovery is easier than my other TKR in 2023. Has anyone here had the robotic surgery?
guitar lady
Robotic-assisted surgery is very common these days, @guitar lady. I don't think the recovery is any different for most people. The main benefit is the precision of implant placement.
Please notice that I've moved your post out of the team thread, which we reserve for surgery dates. (no chit chat).
Your question will get more visibilty here.
I'm sure we have members who've been through both a traditional and a robotic who will pop in to share their experiences with you.
You may feel free to start as many pre-op threads as you like. For more on how to navigate the forum, you can read through this article: How can I find my threads and posts?
How does one keep their feet warm with a winter TKR? My other knee was done in spring so I didn't mind not having covers on it. Do you sleep with light shoes on? I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet so I can't walk in just socks, even thick ones.
@guitar lady My PKR was done in March, so it was still fairly cold, and I also have neuropathy in one of my feet. Honestly, that foot didn’t bother me much in the early part of my recovery, I think my body was just so shocked by what the surgery did to it! And, those special stockings that so many of us are told to wear actually did a good job of keeping my leg warm so that also helped keep my feet warm, and I was able to wear regular footwear. I didn’t need to do much extra for it when I was in bed, but my husband was often cold, so we kept the temperature in our home much warmer than most, which solved a lot of the problems my foot caused me.
Amazon sells “blanket lifters” that might help, when you’re in bed (pictured below) I think one of our staff members, @lovetocookandsew has one that her husband built for her.
By the way, I‘ve moved your post above out of the Monthly team thread as we reserve that thread for surgery date information, and so members can see who else has surgery the same month. We prefer all other comments and discussion to take place in a pre op or recovery thread, such as this one. Enjoy interacting with others who are on the same journey, here in this thread.
Also, I changed the title of this thread to reflect your question, so others could offer suggestions.
Has anyone used a leg lifter gadget after TKR? Lifting my left leg out of bed after my TKR, May '23 was agony. Need to know if I should order this gadget before my TKR Feb. 18.
Thanks,
guitarlady
@guitar lady I was given a hook, bit like a stirrup with long handle and found it brilliant. Especially in and out of car. Before when I had my PKR just used a bandage or robe belt. Wish you well x
Suffering from Raynaud it’s really important keeping my lower limbs warm. I used slippers socks the ones with the sticky pads on the bottom so I didn’t slip. I also used a thinnish blanket on in the day and night and only had a duvet across my top half to stay warmer. Could you wear those? I have to say that once I’d stopped icing I found I was always on the warmer side, which is unusual for me.
I had a left arthroscopy done in September’24 it was ages before I could have anything heavier on my legs, then the light blanket, with this TKR I can actually tolerate the duvet on my leg occasionally at night, so see how it feels.
For moving my leg I used a soft belt it was a martial arts belt but dressing gown belt or similar will do it just needs to reach so need to get anything made for the purpose really. Placing it around the sole of your foot is best because you may well find it too uncomfortable to touch the leg initially. Others use their other leg to help like mendogal but I couldn’t because my left leg isn’t up to the job.
It took until my 10th day to finally move my leg independently and probably 14 days to feel confident to do that every time.
Welcome to the Insiders Club, @guitar lady! So glad you joined us so we can provide your with personalized support during your recovery.
In answer to your question about leg-lifters, many people find them helpful; others "McGiver" it with a belt or yoga strap. Since you had trouble with your first leg, you should definitely test out a few options in advance of your surgery.
Eleven more days...and the the healing begins!
Obviously it's not all fun and games, but the beginning of the end of the pain and limited mobility.
Thanks for joining the Insiders Club, guitar lady! I hope you enjoy the perks of membership.
I believe you'll find a Leg Lifter helpful post op. It will assist in lifting your leg safely without straining your knee. It will be helpful getting in and out of bed and even chairs. You'll feel more independent if you don't need to count on someone for assistance in lifting your leg. It's an effective tool in my opinion.
Mine reminded me of an invisible dog leash, lol I guess our leg is the dog?
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