Knee replacement

[BlizzardBabe]

Sending you great recovery vibes!!

 

[skibum4ever]

Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.

I had the surgery on Tuesday and was released on Wednesday. I was glad to spend one night in the hospital, as they helped me control my pain. I actually had my first home PT session today, and walked about 400'. Will do more every day. I will have 5 Home Health visits and have already scheduled my first outpatient therapy at my favorite therapy provider.

No pain when reclining or laying flat, but it definitely hurts to stand up and walk. I am trying to get up every hour to avoid getting stiff. And yes, I am icing and taking painkillers and other meds.

Leg is slightly swollen. I'm looking forward to having matching legs. I will order scar tape or gel today. Also looking forward to my first post surgical shower tonight.

 

[SnowHot]

Good to hear it's going well.
I know a handful of people who've had TKR that had buyer's remorse the first week or so because it was so invasive but quickly recovered and had total elation later.

Keep the healing vibes going and ... see you on the snow.

 

[skibum4ever]

Well it's 3:38 am and my new knee is swollen and painful. But it's been less than a week so what did I expect? I can see an improvement in my walking as the week has progressed. Using an ice pack; took a non narcotic pain pill and a pill that reduces swelling. Good night.

 

[skibum4ever]

Yes, I had some buyer's remorse both before the surgery as in:
Do I really want to do this? And after:
Why did I do this? It hurts more than it did before.

Icing and taking meds to reduce the swelling and the pain. Second PT session today. And I guess I can't complain as it's been less than a week. Walking a bit more every other day. But it is 4 am and I'm not sleeping...

Oops, double post. That what happens at 4am.

 

[nopoleskier]

Yes, I had some buyer's remorse both before the surgery as in:
Do I really want to do this? And after:
Why did I do this? It hurts more than it did before.

Icing and taking meds to reduce the swelling and the pain. Second PT session today. And I guess I can't complain as it's been less than a week. Walking a bit more every other day. But it is 4 am and I'm not sleeping...

Oops, double post. That what happens at 4am.

I have several friends with TKR's they all said same, initially they questioned why they did it, a couple weeks later were so happy they walked with out pain! After a month and more all forgot the pain and invasive surgery and are thrilled. My GF now totally forgets she has a new knee.. she got stopped going thru a metal detector and couldn't figure out what was causing it.. I mentioned her new knee.. OH YEAH.. LOL that will make the alarm go off.. All that have new knees are very happy. All said PT is essential and worth the pain. I hope once your swelling subsides and you get accustomed to walking properly instead of limping you will be very happy and Skiing will be so much better!! Keep healing!!

 

[contesstant]

Well it's 3:38 am and my new knee is swollen and painful. But it's been less than a week so what did I expect? I can see an improvement in my walking as the week has progressed. Using an ice pack; took a non narcotic pain pill and a pill that reduces swelling. Good night.

Patience, my friend! I know you know that, and I know the pain is frustrating, but it will be worth it! FWIW my neighbor had both knees done this year. The first one was pretty uneventful, but the second one is a lot more painful and swollen, but it IS getting better and I know her pain level is much better.

Hang in there!

I'm staring at a TKR someday based on MRI and arthritic changes in my right knee. I mean, I know more people over 55 who have had at least one TKR (and/or hip, shoulder) than who haven't, so I think it's to be expected at some point. Since I have my fun connective tissue disorder and can't take NSAIDS, it'll be interesting to see how long I can hold off.

Cycling will be your friend! Get out on a bike as soon as you are cleared to.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

TKR gave my mom a new lease on her skiing and she skied on that new knee until age 90. It WILL be worth it!!

 

[skibum4ever]

My physical therapist was not pleased with my boast about how far I could walk. Walking too soon increases swelling and thus decreases ROM. So I backed off and am only walking around the house. Focusing on frequent icing and the recommended exercises. ROM went from 75° to 82°. Shooting for 90° by next week.

Still using the walker but took a few steps with the cane yesterday. Hope to be using the cane exclusively by the time I see my surgeon on June 2. This will enable me to start doing my usual errands with my DH. And eventually, once I have stopped taking narcotic pain killers, to start going out on my own again.

So it's slow but it is progress.

 

[VTsnowflower]

Good luck. I’m 6 weeks post-op on a new left knee, a year post op on the right knee. I started skiing at 7 months post op. But as the new knee got stronger, the old knee got worse! So I still had a lot of pain this winter. I’m looking forward to the coming season with two strong knees. My second knee recovery has been easier than the first, so I’m optimistic.

 

[skibum4ever]

I'll be around 7 months post op when I start skiing hopefully in December. A lot of recovery time and a lot of PT between now and then.

Twelve days post op, I am walking with the cane and have even taken some steps unaided. But I will continue to use it outside for a while. My current goal is to walk into my orthopedic surgeon unaided on June 2. (My goals continue to be increasingly ambitious.)
However, this is the same surgeon who was upset when I walked in unsupported to my 4 month appointment after my major surgery 4 years ago. He was pretty displeased! So I might carry the cane despite (hopefully) not needing it.

Unfortunately as I do more I am feeling more pain. Sleeping is still difficult. I know it's normal but I'm not enjoying it.

Still working hard on my ROM. Next PT appointment is on Tuesday so I'll see if I have met or exceeded 90°.

 

[skibum4ever]

And on the pushing myself front, I walked about a mile today. Walking the first half mile was ok. The return trip, however, was pretty painful. Very slow. I barely made it.

Since coming home I have been icing every 2 hours. My knee is not pleased. When I see the surgeon in 2 days, he will not be pleased. Then outpatient PT starts Wednesday. Hoping for 90° ROM by then. If not, that will be the starting point for my PT.

Sometimes I can be my own worst enemy.

 

[SnowHot]

And on the pushing myself front, I walked about a mile today. Walking the first half mile was ok. The return trip, however, was pretty painful. Very slow. I barely made it.

Since coming home I have been icing every 2 hours. My knee is not pleased. When I see the surgeon in 2 days, he will not be pleased. Then outpatient PT starts Wednesday. Hoping for 90° ROM by then. If not, that will be the starting point for my PT.

Sometimes I can be my own worst enemy.

It will be interesting to hear what your surgeon says. Keep us posted and listen to your body.

 

[skibum4ever]

Two month update:

Saw my surgeon for the 3rd time this week. My knee is doing better but I have had a couple of setbacks. I do something that seems OK then wake up to additional swelling and pain. For example I walked a mere .6 mile two days ago. The next morning my ROM was down and my swelling and pain level were up.

Surgeon says that this is well within the parameters of knee replacement. I will have ups and downs for 3-6 months. Even by this morning I could see some improvement. But I will have to continue to ice and won't go out walking for a while. Obviously I can shop and walk short distances, but I certainly expected to be able to walk a mile by now.

All the platitudes are in play:

Stay ahead of the pain.
It's a marathon not a sprint...etc etc.
I'm not pleased but I expect to meet my ultimate goal of skiing in December or January. It's supposed to be a much better ski season in the West. I'm looking forward to it because the last one was fairly dismal for both my knee and the lack of mid winter storms.

Is it time to snow dance yet???

 

[zee]

Since you've been through this before, you have a pretty good idea of what's involved. Pre-hab exercises sound helpful, though. Best of luck!

I just had my right knee replaced 8 weeks ago. I did pre-hab exercises to get stronger. I strongly recommnend doing them. My surgeon and my also PT suggested going in strong. It will speed recovery.
This is my second knee replacement. (First one was 7 years ago.) Good luck!

 

[nopoleskier]

Two month update:

Saw my surgeon for the 3rd time this week. My knee is doing better but I have had a couple of setbacks. I do something that seems OK then wake up to additional swelling and pain. For example I walked a mere .6 mile two days ago. The next morning my ROM was down and my swelling and pain level were up.

Surgeon says that this is well within the parameters of knee replacement. I will have ups and downs for 3-6 months. Even by this morning I could see some improvement. But I will have to continue to ice and won't go out walking for a while. Obviously I can shop and walk short distances, but I certainly expected to be able to walk a mile by now.

All the platitudes are in play:

Stay ahead of the pain.
It's a marathon not a sprint...etc etc.
I'm not pleased but I expect to meet my ultimate goal of skiing in December or January. It's supposed to be a much better ski season in the West. I'm looking forward to it because the last one was fairly dismal for both my knee and the lack of mid winter storms.

Is it time to snow dance yet???

I use frankincense and helichrysum oil for muscle pain and swelling, I have them in a balm and oils, I roll on.. it was approved by my Ortho.. Here's to you continuing to get heal :-)

 

[skibum4ever]

Two month update:

Saw my surgeon for the 3rd time this week. My knee is doing better but I have had a couple of setbacks. I do something that seems OK then wake up to additional swelling and pain. For example I walked a mere .6 mile two days ago. The next morning my ROM was down and my swelling and pain level were up.

Just reread my post and realized that the above was a 6 week update rather than 2 months. However, since my surgery was on May 12 I am approaching the 3 month mark.

Unfortunately my status hasn't improved. Yesterday I walked the exact same 0.6 mi. and had the exact same problem. No pain, but swelling and decreased ROM. I'm sitting so much that I'm wearing out my recliner!

Not really, but I am very tired of this. I just compared my knees and the left (surgical) is much bigger than the right. I realized that the swelling is affecting my ROM. (Duh!)

I Googled it (of course!) and apparently it's perfectly normal to experience this 3-5 months post surgery. Fortunately, I have my 3 month appointment on Wednesday. Since I lack a medical degree, as does Google, I will discuss this with my physical therapist and my surgeon this week.

I believe that the fix is icing, which I do regularly, and elevation above the heart. I did this early on but may have to start doing it every time I walk.

 

[RachelV]

3-5 months is a long time to have your mobility limited like that, I can't imagine how frustrated I'd be. I hope your 3 month checkin goes well and they have some solid advice for you.

 

[skibum4ever]

They can do a procedure called MUA, which is "Manipulation Under Anesthesia" to break up scar tissue. However, since my range has been as high as 108 and is currently 100, I don't think it's something that they would want to do on me. I think that bringing the swelling down is key, and will discuss this at today's surgical appointment. The truth is: if I had an emergency and had to walk several miles, I am fairly sure that I could do it. But the effect on my knee might be traumatic. It's tempting to make up my mind that on my next walk I will just go for a longer distance. But the rational piece of my brain says that this rebellion would not end well.

Caution: this is happening because I had traditional knee surgery. There's a procedure called "Jiffy Knee" which is far less invasive and has much better results. A friend at Mammoth walked 3 miles within a week of this procedure. I was aware of this but chose to stick with the surgeon who treated me 4 1/2 years ago when I had my big ski accident. There are no surgeons close to me who do a Jiffy Knee. When I have my next knee replacement I will certainly find a different surgeon and get this new less invasive procedure. Except...I don't have a fourth knee!!!

 

[VickiK]

They can do a procedure called MUA, which is "Manipulation Under Anesthesia" to break up scar tissue. However, since my range has been as high as 108 and is currently 100, I don't think it's something that they would want to do on me. I think that bringing the swelling down is key, and will discuss this at today's surgical appointment. The truth is: if I had an emergency and had to walk several miles, I am fairly sure that I could do it. But the effect on my knee might be traumatic. It's tempting to make up my mind that on my next walk I will just go for a longer distance. But the rational piece of my brain says that this rebellion would not end well.

Caution: this is happening because I had traditional knee surgery. There's a procedure called "Jiffy Knee" which is far less invasive and has much better results. A friend at Mammoth walked 3 miles within a week of this procedure. I was aware of this but chose to stick with the surgeon who treated me 4 1/2 years ago when I had my big ski accident. There are no surgeons close to me who do a Jiffy Knee. When I have my next knee replacement I will certainly find a different surgeon and get this new less invasive procedure. Except...I don't have a fourth knee!!!

MUA, JiffyKnee...we talked or texted about this. I agree MUA would be like starting over from scratch after a TKR. JiffyKnee sounds good, even great. I'm not sure how long this technique has been around. If I needed a TKR, I'd want to know what places like the Steadman clinic are doing or doctors like Robert Klapper are thinking about the JiffyKnee technique.