TKR Whoopee! Fabby new knee fitted!

[Catanne]

Saw the nurse today and had my staples removed. It didn't hurt at all and feels much freer now . I don't have any dressing on and it's looking good, if tad grusome.
I asked about pain relief, and the advice is to keep taking the paracetamol every 4 hours so it stays in the system.I will try that, as every other pain killer seems to upset my body in some way! I woke a few times last night but went off to sleep again pretty quickly.
The leg feels great, strong and straight and I am pleased I did it-so far!

 

[gami]

Hi Catanne
it does feel better when those staples come out and hey just wait a week and your scar will be looking so much better. When mine came out I felt I had more movement in my knee too which was good. I take panadol osteo which has 665mg paracetamol in it and is slow release but I can only take 6 in 24hour.but it works for me...need to be spot on with the timing though and not get behind.
Still find getting back to sleep after 4am is difficult...I get in some naps during the day so I'm not a total walking zombie. Hope you have a restful day

 

[Titianlady]

Catanne. You are doing just wonderfully!!!! Oh, my, can I remember trying to lift my leg..I couldn't lift my leg for a good 2 weeks!! They used a tourniquet during the surgery, and THE worst pain was in that poor squeezed to death thigh!!

Frankly, I think that tourniquet causes unnecessary post op pain and some difficulty with extension because of the thigh pain, but it is what it is.

Keep up the fabulous recovery!!!!!! Way to go!!

 

[Fernie]

Morning Catanne - im really pleased to hear you are doing so well and are happy with your new strong, straight leg - welcome to the straight leg club! (mine was so deformed it was shocking, i still cannot get over the new found straightness!).

you keep up with the medication so the early days pain doesnt kick back in -you really dont need that.

you'll be amazed how quickly the scar starts to settle down - i will get round to posting some pics v soon!

keep on with the brilliant recovery and have a wonderful weekend with lots of rest.... Take care
Fernie

 

[Catanne]

I had my first Phisio today, he was pleased I can nearly get 90 degree bend, but I need to get the leg lift practised. He was very nice and only pushed me to the point of feeling the stretch, not the pain! I was a bit surprised to be told I must still use both crutches because I can, in fact, walk without either, a few steps. The phisio said I must use 2 because I am walking lopsided through years of doing so, and if I fall I risk a fracture. So I will have to do as I am told! He also told me I had had my patella resurfaced, which explains the hot pain under the knee cap.
It was nice to go out, even though it was just to the hospital!
I have had lots of flowers cards and chocs, so feel quite spoiled, too. Life is progressing well.

 

[Toothfairy]

Sounds good Catanne , you are doing brilliantly. Have a lovely weekend,
Toothfairy x

 

[forevergimpy]

Catanne it sounds like you are doing very well. So glad you survived the staple removal and all seems to be progressing well for you.

By the way, I LOVE your avitar. Does that beauty belong to you? Reminds me of my mom's Haflinger with all that beautiful mane.

 

[Catanne]

I am 2 weeks post op today and feel quite good, the leg is much less hot than it was, looks a bit sausagey still but is getting better.
Forevergimpy, yes that's my fatty little gypsy vanner cob in the avatar. He is exceptionally hairy at the moment in his winter coat and his mane is much longer than the pic. I have him at a livery yard and he's across a few great muddy fields, so not seen him for 2 weeks. However, a friend is looking after him for me and he's fine. By summer I will be back in the saddle I hope! He is very easy to look after, very friendly and well behaved.
When I was in hospital I understood just how the stabled horses feel -when someone picks up a bucket they all put their heads out and whicker. When I was in the hospital room and heard the rattle of the tea trolley I wanted to put my head put and go, "OOoooHhhh, teeeea!" like a horse!

 

[Toothfairy]

Good to hear you are feeling well at two weeks out. I am a week behind you. I like your sausage comment. My surgeon popped by on the day I was being allowed home, took one look at my leg and said " that's a real fat sausage leg" he really knows how to make a girl feel good!
thankfully I was in a laughing frame of mind.
Each week will bring new improvements, just enjoy each day.
Toothfairy x

 

[Catanne]

Went out to the supermarket yesterday, was really nice to have a change of scene. I walked for about 20 minutes then came home. Leg was hot and sore afterwards, but soon iced it down. I can see normality on the far horizon!

 

[gami]

Hi Catanne congratulations you are doing really well out and about at the supermarket already but glad you remembered to ice and elevate when you came home....getting out definitely helps us feel that we are progressing in our journey.
hugs Gami

 

[Toothfairy]

That is amazing Catanne, I can't imagine being able to do that two weeks from now.
Hope your recovery continues to be smooth,
Toothfairy x

 

[Catanne]

Yesterday I went out for a pub meal with friends. It was an early deal so I wasn't out late, but it was great to go out! Then today a friend picked me up and took me to visit my horse, who remembered me and demended treats! After that I went to another pub for lunch with another friend. I could get used to this lifestyle It is so nice to escape the confines of the house.
I am getting my leg lifts well now, but still can't bend beyond 90, seems to be stuck ! Oh well, see phisio tomorrow.

 

[Toothfairy]

That is great news Catanne, good for,you getting out and about and getting your life back. There is life after TKR! Make sure you have a rest and ice that knee after your adventures,
Toothfairy x

 

[kneeper]

Sounds like you're doing well!

 

[Catanne]

I feel I am making good progress, three weeks plus. I am trying to do something everyday, shops, stables or visit friends. I have to rely on friends to take me, though-can't wait till I can drive again.The knee is a it hot and sausagey after every outing but putting it up and icing help.So... it's kind of a bit of walking, then lots of rest.
I have got my leg straight and lifting well, but the bend is just over 90-not much improvement there, but it bends with less tightness. Phisio is pleased with my progress and I can pedal backwards on the stationary bike-just about do a rotation forwards by lifting my hip and making a big effort!
The worst thing is sleeping, still can't do more than a couple of hours in a row without waking. Still, as I am not at work being a bit dopey and vacant in the day doesn't matter too much.
Onwards and upwards.

 

[Toothfairy]

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly with all these outings.
Enjoy ,
Toothfairy x

 

[1ELISEA]

Wow, you are doing a lot for 3 weeks! The swelling will take awhile to get under control, for sure, and it took me months to get back to a normal sleep pattern.

Great report!

 

[Catanne]

Well, it's six weeks today for me!
I am happy to report that I am back driving, short distances, and, even better, I got back on the pony yesterday and today! Six weeks ago I thought it might be months before I could ride again. I didn't do much, just went in the school and walked and trotted over a few poles-but it was great to be getting some normality back. I did have to sit and ice my hot knee when I got back , but I do if I go to the shops or for a walk. My phisio says that's quite normal for 6 weeks and will improve so I am not worrying.
My knee is bending and straightening fairly well, but my phisio says my walking's terrible. Hmm..I told him all my friends think I am taller and straighter, he didn't see how bad it was before! So, I am now working on improving my gait and am confident I will get there.
Sleep's still not brilliant, but the phisio said that's a problem nearly everyone has, and by 12 weeks will be getting better..so we shall see. I still find I am getting tired easily, which is ok but I am hoping my stamina will improve before I go back to work. Not sure when I will be expected to return, I see the OS this week.
Am i glad I did it? Yes.

 

[Spingirl]

Hooray, Catanne! I'll bet riding that beautiful pony made you feel like a million bucks! You are doing great. Your stamina will come back, especially as your sleep improves. I went back to work at 11 weeks, and it was perfect timing for me.