Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
(4 1/2 weeks Post -op) Yesterday, I took a day off from exercise as I had overdone it on Saturday with all the walking in a supermarker. Boy was I stiff! And my back hurt. But lots of ice and Tiger Balm on my back seemed to have helped. I will exercise today and have PT at 7PM. I want to have another serious talk with Brian the therapist. I shouldn't HATE to go to therapy! I don't mind all the exercises, and do them with comparative ease ---but when he says he will take it easy on the ROM --- and then proceeds to do as he wishes, then it makes me want to change places of therapy!
I don't seem to have the everyday pain as some of you have. I can't take an anti-inflamatory, and I am down to just one Tylenol with codeine before PT. I do know I have a high pain threshhold, but I am wondering if I am not doing enough to exert pain. I do a household job and then sit for awhile -- sometimes for an hour --- like I'm doing right now on the internet. If I happen to twist my leg --- I sure feel it, but at normal rest, I feel nothing but the swelling and stiffness.
I did cut one of the compression stockings, but when I pulled it, it began to have a pile of 'runs'. I tried to hem the runny edges, but (DUH) the thread didn't expand when I pout the stocking on!! So, I'm using it with all the runs. I think I will google to see if there are compression stockings that go from calf to thigh --- rather than foot to thigh. Yesterday, when I wasn't active at all, I used elastic knee highs, and an ace bandage for the area above that. It was good, but all that bulkyace bandaging makes the leg more stiff than a single layer from a compression stocking.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KittyCat62
Avenue, I am 8 weeks PO and I still have pain. My surgeon told me at my 2 week check-up that they will not perscribe any more pain killers for me...what I had was all I was getting! At that point i only had 12-15 pills left. I have been very dilligent using them and now only have 2 left. I tryed saving them for PT days because they were pushing me so much. I have been getting by for the most part on 2 Motrin and then three hours later 2 Tylenol. I follow this pattern through the day and I have gotten by so far...although there are days I wish I had more pain pills!!!!
My God, KITTYCAT62, how dare your surgeon refuse you any more pain meds. These doctors have no idea what this surgery or recovery feels like. At any rate, thank you so much for telling me about the good results you're getting with Motrin and Tylenol. I'm going to run over to the drug store and buy both and give it a try. I'd much rather take those than the pain meds. I really want to get off the pain meds because of the side effects. At least I'm well over the depression they caused me.
I cut waaaaay back on them and only take them when I need them. I'm proud to say that yesterday after coming home from church, the cemetery to place flowers on my Dad's grave, a quick trip through Costco (could the make the store any BIGGER???), and the long drive, I took two acedamenophen(sp) and later one percocet and was able to walk for the equivalent of 4 blocks with my cane for the first time in two years!!!
I think I'm addicted to the pain meds because I can't sleep at night without them. I haven't been taking them at night because I want to save them for the day time when I have pain (only when I walk or stand). I feel horrible at night and can't sleep - it's not painful, I just feel really sort of anxious and unsettled and can't sleep no matter how tired I am.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Quote:
Originally Posted by GaterGal
SueSan, you're alive! Great to have you back on the board! How long will you be in rehab? My home health nurse was just here and the PT comes tomorrow. I'm a little drowsy from the hydrocodone, and doing 2 on/2 off on the cpm. Am on it now and will do the ice machine gizmo when I finish. Then isometrics then settle in for the night and more cpm. Love the cpm. what do the have you doing at the rehab center?
[COLOR="Blue"][B]GaterGal, I am GLAD THAT YOU ARE ALIVE TOO.....!!! and My TKR Sisters, it is my first REAL day of Rehab. Things start BRIGHT AND EARLY here, just like at the hospital.
My aide Lucrezia came in and helped me to the Bathroom this morning, I still need help with the "cleaning duties" in that department.
She then proceeded to give me a SHOWER......!!!
She had me sit on this pvc round wheel chair with an open seat and wheeled me into an open shower, OMG.....!!! It felt GLORIOUS......!!!
She washed me all up and my hair too.....!!!
Then I started getting visits from PT People, Occupational Therapists, the Nurse the Dietician the Social Worker and housekeeping.
I had my first PT this morning at 10:00am. My PT Lady, Donna, Oh, that woman is going to WORK ME....!!!
Shw was bending/stretching my knee backwards, well, THAT HURT.....!!! But, I HAVE TO keep my eyes on "the prize"....
I walked quite a bit with the walker, got tired. Then it was back to my room for a wee rest and Lunch.
Then back to PT at 1:00pm where I was put on a walking machine thing for 15 minutes then I walked around the PT rooms and the hallway then rested and walked almost to my room....!!!
My Husband Thomas arrived around 10:00am and he just left around 2:15pm. He came with me to the PT classes. He will be back later this evening with our Daughter Sara. We will watch "Dancing With The Stars".
Last night I had a rough night. I was just SO UNCOMFORTABLE in the bed, my legs just didn't feel right. Can I sleep on my side (right) six days after surgery?
Since I have been here since yesterday afternoon, I have only had three 5mg OxyCodon. My pain level is quite tollerable. My knee is just quite sore and achy. I find that the OxyCodon gives me "hallucination" kind of dreams. Really, "in your face" kind of dreams.
In the past 24 hours I have become more tolerant of this rehab facility. I was just emotionally overwhelmed with all the elderely. But, now, I am enthusiastic for them at PT.
I WILL have some funny stories to tell. From the man who calls out for HOURS,
"Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello..........." To the old man I heard today out in the hallway saying, "I can't find my underwear....."
This is no joke, going to be the HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE, but, I AM POSITIVE that I CAN do it.....!!!
GG, I have not been on the CPM machine yet here, it is in my room though. I have NOT been given any ice treatments or heat packs either.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Quote:
Originally Posted by anuenue
My God, KITTYCAT62, how dare your surgeon refuse you any more pain meds. These doctors have no idea what this surgery or recovery feels like. At any rate, thank you so much for telling me about the good results you're getting with Motrin and Tylenol. I'm going to run over to the drug store and buy both and give it a try. I'd much rather take those than the pain meds. I really want to get off the pain meds because of the side effects. At least I'm well over the depression they caused me.
I cut waaaaay back on them and only take them when I need them. I'm proud to say that yesterday after coming home from church, the cemetery to place flowers on my Dad's grave, a quick trip through Costco (could the make the store any BIGGER???), and the long drive, I took two acedamenophen(sp) and later one percocet and was able to walk for the equivalent of 4 blocks with my cane for the first time in two years!!!
I think I'm addicted to the pain meds because I can't sleep at night without them. I haven't been taking them at night because I want to save them for the day time when I have pain (only when I walk or stand). I feel horrible at night and can't sleep - it's not painful, I just feel really sort of anxious and unsettled and can't sleep no matter how tired I am.
anuenue, I have been taking a few Tylenol too, just to "help" with the ache and soreness.
If you THINK you are addicted to your pain meds, I am NOT an expert, but, I would then guess that maybe you are. Nothing to be upset about my friend, the pain we have gone through is not exactly "lightweight" you know.
I think you need to speak with your Doctor to discuss non narcotic pain meds that can give you as much of the relief that you require.
I do feel horrible, I just CAN'T get comfortable at night and the past few nights have asked for a OxyCodon to help me sleep. I don't plan on stopping them anytime soon though.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KittyCat62
beerhunters...I don't think that you can comare the recovery of scope with TKR. I have been scoped 3 times in the past and, like you, I was walking right away. I came back from those surgeries with no problems at all!!! This one was soooo different! I feel so far behind in my recovery, maybe it was because I did so well with the scope surgeries that I "expexted" to recover faster than I am! From listening to everyone here it is obvious that the recovery does take time and each of our bodies progress in this own time. We...I need to be patient!!!!
Yes, I AGREE.....!!! We are ALL uniquely individual. Your pace of recovery is YOUR pace, no one elses. Be Happy with each day that gets a littl bit easier and easier.
I am only six days post surgery, I still feel like crying, but, it is NOT an overwhelming feeling anymore. Then again, my moods may change with the wind, depending on if it is a "Good Day or a "Bad Day".....
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeanob
I think I have found the place to be. I am going to have bilateral TKR on December 8 and I have been looking for some answers. You people are amazing. I think I have a better idea of some of the "challenges" that I will be facing. Right now I am nervous but know that it is something that must be done. I am a 64 year old retired teacher. I think my knees are where they are because I always bent down to help students and was on my feet constantly until the last three years when the pain started. I've been retired three years and I've been two years on a cane and 5 months on a walker. Very little stability and lots of pain. All of your wonderful advice is soooooo helpful. Right now I'm looking for the exercises I should be doing before surgery. I do the pt exercises they gave me last spring...should I be doing more? I know I will be back a lot to see how the new knees are doing for all of you.
Thanks for helping so many people!!!!
WELCOME JEANOB......!!!
You HAVE found a WONDERFULL PLACE HERE....!!!
These Lovely Ladies, my "TKR Sisters" got me through such an emotional time last week. THEY WERE my support system, for that, I am FOREVER gratefull......
I am sorry, but, I don't know what kind of exercises you should do prior to surgery. I only had like two weeks to wrap my mind around the whole thing.
This WILL be MUCH HARDER the you could have TRULY, EVER EXPECTED. I won't kid you. Just last night I was lieing in bed here at rehab, crying myself to sleep, saying, "What Have I Done.....???!!!
The pain is MUCH MORE than you can ever think you could have, the uncomfortableness is off the charts, but, just six days post surgery, AND a new day, I think that this will be one of the best things I have done. (GaterGal, I will be in Rehab for at least 10 days)
I may be crying myelf to sleep for many nights too, sleeping is just not fun. It was MUCH easier right after surgery when you are all drugged up......
Ask away with any questions you have, we WILL try and answer them all.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
SueSan -- I'm a bit ahead of you, (4 1/2 weeks PO) but when I realized what I'd got myself into, I was not in tears, but in a depression. The depression is still there, but it was the little things that made me feel that there was an end to this ordeal. Little things like raising my leg a bit without the 'leash' --- or when I was dressing myself, being able to lift my heel up just an inch enough to ease my sock on. I still can't judge progress day to day, but as to where I was a week ago.
I really wish I had heard of that book that was mentioned. I had spoken to others who have had TKR, and felt it was going to be worth it. I know it will be, but I realize now that I had a few more years than those women, and that makes a difference. There is lots to read on line, but I have to say, that this forum is just the best!!!! You ALL understand!!
About the depression. I'm sure it is about being pent up, being helpless (to an extent) and having to be so dependent. Thank goodness for the internet and my favorite political forums as I can get my mind off myself there, but if it continues another week, then I will ask about some temporary help.
GaterGal -- Does kitty like to walk on your operative leg? One of my cats, Daisy, likes to jump up and walk right up my leg as tho it was a path!!
I don't use the shower chair any longer, but one of the best things we did was to install bars in the shower. It is not a slippery shower, but it is nice knowing they are there.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Quote:
Originally Posted by fantail
Beerhunters I had the same problem to begin with and it took a few weeks to settle. I was convinced that my leg was longer but was told it is because I was walking properly again.
Same for me. My legs the same way and I was told exactly what you were told. Crazy, huh? Now the new knee is flatter on the surface than the old knee is. It's very noticeable when I elevate them above my heart.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
I agree that if PT's have colds or symptoms, to STAY home. I would have showed them the door also and tell them not to come back until they are healthy or find a substitute for therapy. I don't know about anybody else, but I don't think any of us can afford to be sick right after surgery. I make sure I disinfect after people leave my home....counter tops, sink, bathroom, door knobs. Maybe I'm being paranoid but better safe than sorry? I don't know but I have become more aware of infections now than before, all because of reading that you need to be careful of the new knee and getting infections......even after a year or two. Boy...I guess I'm paranoid!!!!!! Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me?
Depression sucks...period! It's easy to get depressed now, especially if you're out in the country and you see nothing (but 4 walls) or nobody for long periods of time. I mean my hubby sees people all the time, meaning "men" friends. But, I don't like to hang out with men all the time. Kind of nice to have a woman to talk too once in a while. My kids have been great for the most part, they call me almost every day and get over when they can....only one of them has a license (I have 4 kids and a grandbaby....stink pot that he is LOL but I love them all). Thank God for kids huh!!
It's been nice weather here for a few days (in the 60's) so I have gone for walks and have taken care of my flower beds for the winter (eewwww...what a word LOL). I envy you guys in a warmer climate....especially Hawaii...wow!!!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful pain free day. Thanks all for listening to my rantings.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Dear shatteredangel:
I have had two hip replacements and feel the same way about avoiding infection as you do. I live alone and don't see a lot of other people, but I wash my hands a lot after handling mail, shopping, being out in public, even pushing elevator buttons! When I get back home from being out shopping, etc. the first thing I do is wash my hands. However, I heard the other day that viruses like flu are airborne! Maybe we should all be wearing those masks.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
When family visited while I was in the hospital, I made sure we just blew kisses -- from across the room. They will be here this week-end and it will be the same. No hugs or kisses for a while --- especially right now. Bad enough to be concerned with our own vunerability, but it is the season of colds and flu, too.
DH has a pacemaker and last evening he showed me his swollen hand. He said it was from hitting the staple too hard for papers at work. He said he also had had a small scrape on that wrist. Well------ I said to call the Dr. first thing in the morning. He has a phone meeting today and said he couldn't do it. Short story ---- he called, and saw the Dr. and in now on antibiotics!! Better that than ending up in the hospital on IV medication ------- as he was 2 times with a foot infection. The scare of MRSA is enough to warch yourself very carefully.
After missing 2 sessions of PT last week, and going from 100 down to 95 on the ROM, I really tried to get myself back on line since. At last evening's session, I was anticipating, with dread, when the PT was going to push my leg to get it beyond the 95 he pushed to 3 days ago. But he tried something else instead. It was an exercise where my feet were flat on a wall with my knees bent, and my butt was close to the wall. I bent the operative leg as much as I could, and used my other leg to PUSH it into as deep a bend as I could. After 30 pushes, he measured it as 95. I did it on my own. If he had pushed, I'm sure it would have been close to 100, but he was pleased with the 95, cause I did it myself. So --- I'm continuing that same exersise here at home and I hope my range will continue to improve. It hurts like h**l, but I can go to the limit where I feel I can't go beyond. And --- if he keeps it up, and the range continues, then I will gladly face the PT sessions. But it means lots of work here at home too.
Talking about the little improvements that make you feel that you are making progress. You know how you sometimes use one foot to push off a sneaker, and the other foot to push off the other sneaker? Well, there was no way my operative leg could do that. Just lifting my heel off the floor to get a sock on made me feel happy. Well, one day I used my operative leg to push the other sneaker off! It hurt at first, but now it is a daily thing! Little steps like that are my guidelines on how far I've come in these 4 1/2 weeks.
We don't have many family living near us, so visits are not frequent. But I don't feel closed in by 4 walls. This room where we "live", by the kitchen and where the TV and computer is, is fairly large. It has one brick wall with a fireplace, but 2 other walls are all large windows. I really feel as tho I am outdoors all year round. I have my bird feeder filled and the yard is a wall of green with most of the green tall beautiful bamboo. Over the room is a massive oak, and the rusty leaves are ablaze right now. I've always said that if we move, this room goes with us --- as well as a pool in the back yard ------ AND the massive white oak! LOL! I really don't feel that I have reasons for depression, but maybe it is just a combo of all that has happened this past month. Just overwhelming.
I really hope I have found an answer to my fear of that terrible pain from the PT. I know that the ones that push you are the ones you thank later on. So, I must do my part and do my own pushing here at home. Off the 'puter I go --- and to the exercises!
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Today started out with a VERY unhappy me, I had a tough night sleeping. Not really from pain, just from EXTREME uncomfortableness.
Here at Rehab, the day starts around 5:45am. The Aids start coming around and waking everybody up. I told my Aide I was NOT ready to get dressed at 6:00am. So, she came back around 7:00am. She put a towel in the bathroom, grabbed some clothes from my drawer and told me to "get out of bed" and use the walker, get to the Bathroom and "wash up". I am like What....???
I can't even get out of bed.....!!!
She did help me out, then I got into the bathroom and "washed myself up" as best I could. My knee/leg is SO STIFF, it feels like a piece of lead. Tonight I am going to have my Husband help me with washing up.
I am not a Breakfast person, so I was going to skip Breakfast, but, Lucrezia FORCED ME into the Dining Room. I just had some milk and juice. Talking with all these elderely people can be quite sad, many of them are NOT happy at all with their lives and it is depressing.
At PT and OT, I WAS WORKED OUT.....!!! My walking has improved ALOT....!!! My PT, Donna, thinks I will not a wheel chair at all in a day or two. I have been cleared to use the walker to and from the bathroom and when I am in PT only, NOT general walking around.
My Husband came while I was in PT and was impressed with my progress. It SURE BEATS six days ago, the day after surgery when I was in such pain.....
When Lunch was served and he went and got my tray, and we had Lunch together, like we usually do at home, watching the 12:00noon news.
I had PT this afternoon too. Total PT and OT was around two and a half hours today. Donna told me we start stairs tomorrow.
So, I am a VERY TIRED GIRL........
Maybe I WILL sleep better tonight.
I still feel a little bit depressed. This whole thing is SO overwhelming.
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Quote:
Originally Posted by shatteredangel5
Still looking for the name of that book about knee replacement and afterward and where I can find it....anybody?? Thanks
I found <this book> about a year ago. It is written by a Doctor that underwent two separate knee surgeries and a hip. It is A Patient's Guide to Knee and Hip Replacement by Irwin Silber.
I have gotten many good ideas from it.
I hope this helps.
__________________
Jeanob
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Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
Hi everyone,
I am feel so grateful to have found all of the wonderful people on this board.
Kneejerk 101
Thank you for the warm welcome from a fellow school district peron. In response to your question: I am sorry to say that my Dr. did not give me a packet of material to prepare me for surgery. He said to show up on the day of the operation and we'd go from there. That is why I am finding this board so very helpful. I did find out that the hospital has a new ortho section for knee replacement and classes. I asked his nurse if he recommends his patients attend...she said no because they sometimes tell patients things that he doesn't do or agree with. I think I will call the hospital and see if I can come in anyway. I would at least like to see the place before I live there for a week. The Dr. was also very frank about the dedication it would take to have both knees done at once. Last year he was very reluctant to do even one knee. When I came in this year I had lost 120 pounds (but am still overweight) and he said that the weight loss proves to him that I can dedicate myself and be persistant, so he would do both knees. Our weather in Illinois has been yucky the past few weeks - lots of rain, cold weather, and wind. My husband retired in May and is helping our tenants harvest crops on the family farm 110 miles away. This weather is not helping them at all. So, he stays at our apartment in Paxton and I am home in Aurora. I supervise student teachers for a local University so I have weekly responsibilities here. We meet on the weekends right now. It is better than when we were first married and he was in VietNam and I was teaching in central Illinois. Let us know what is going on with the patches on your leg. I hope it is nothing.
I Will Survive
Thanks for the wonderful welcome. I have spent hours reading the posts and I still have pages and pages to go. I am now writing things down in a spiral under different categories like things to get, tricks of the TKR friends, etc. I know I will appreciate having them in one place. My Dr. says I will spend one week in the hospital and up to two weeks at a rehab/nursing home place. My husband is wonderful. I know he will be wonderful help when I get home. I I have never been so babied as I have been since he retired. He is the one that got the chair lift for the stairs, walkers BEFORE I needed them, and patience beyond belief. I also have two married daughters and five grandchildren under 7 that will be great helpers too as they live close by. I really look forward to using this board and sharing with everyone that have ideas, suggestions, and the patience when one wants to rant. I truly believe I will enter the hospital a wiser person.
to Shattered Angel 15 and Gospelgal
Thanks for the warm welcome. The people on here are truly awesome.
to Suesan Jean
My goodness...I began this board jumping to a page near the end of the posts and your first post was the first one I read. I followed you and Gatergal and your trials, tribulations, and concerns about the upcoming surgery. Then , you were both done and in rehab. I am so glad you were so up front about your feeling about surgery. I am that way a little bit because it is both knees at the same time. But I know that doing one at a time might be even harder because they are both so bad. I surely consider myself blessed to be among the TKR sisters (and brothers - beerhunters).
to Floating Island
Thank you for the exercise ideas. I copied them, printed them, and will now add them to the arsenal I already have. I did do therapy pool classes and exercises last fall and spring. But with DH retiring, I was downstate all summer and now I am never sure where I will be day to day this fall.
Once again thanks everyone. I am on a journey and looking forward to reading about your successes and funnnies as I get closer to Dec. 8.
__________________
Jeanob
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Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew!
The hospital where I had my TKR, also has its own PT unit -- separate and apart from the surgical wing . It is like going to PT/OT, but is just in the hospital confines. It had a couple of other knee replacements, but also all kinds of other patients. There was a dining room and and a recreational therapist who had all kinds of stuff set up to entice patients to join. They encouraged people to eat in the dining room and attend the functions. I did at first, but I was only one of 2 or 3 others. Not really fun or encouraging. Even the entertaining sessions were not so entertaining. I would rather have been in my room as I am never bored. I had my books and blackberry, and my Chinese interest stuff. And the other patients were mostly involved in their own concerns. I was happy to leave.
I'd heard of PT places where all are TKR, and that sounds kinda nice. You can encourage each other as you are all in the same situation, and compare your progress with others.
That is why I like this forum. Exchange of ideas and all kinds of suggestions and ideas to follow.
I stopped the medication as soon as I could. I hated the feeling of drugs and didn't find they deadened the pain that much, as I was on stuff that was pretty light. They probably would make me feel more like sleeping, but I didn't want them to be 'needed'. I find that since I'm back to my nightly 3 to 5 ounces of red wine just before bed, that it is enough to relax me and let me drift off. I'm a light sleeper, but I haven't had any tossing and turning. HaHa -- tossing and turning with a bum knee? LOL!
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew! 
and My TKR Sisters, it is my first REAL day of Rehab. Things start BRIGHT AND EARLY here, just like at the hospital.
came in and helped me to the Bathroom this morning, I still need help with the "cleaning duties" in that department. 
But, I HAVE TO keep my eyes on "the prize"....
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew! 
Re: Total Knee Replacement: Recovery - Things I wish I knew! 
