Posted , 13 users are following.
Had my TKR on my right knee on Friday. They let me go home yesterday (Sunday)!
My left knee TKR was in June.
This experience was MUCH EASIER than my first one. For starters the nerve block was very effective for controlling my top of the knee pain, BUT this time I didn't have the knee buckling or the numbness long after the block was removed. I also am much more flexible, have been able to lift my leg a bit, and also had no nausea or trouble with my appetite.
I think that the physical therapy that I did with my left knee also benefitted my right (surgical) knee because my therapist had me do stretches with it and strengthening exercises, too.
No doubt my first experience taught me a lot, so I went into #2 a LOT more aware and much more prepared.
For any of you who have had one knee replaced and are wondering if you should get the other one done, I can say from MY experience that it was very much worth it! Both of my knees were bad, so I knew that they wouldn't get better on their own. My right knee was getting worse with pain being a part of each and every day.
If you see your X-RAYS and your doctor says both knees are BAD, don't hesitate to go for the second replacement. Just three days post op my SURGICAL KNEE is stronger, steadier, and a lot less painful than it has been for at least four years.
Recovery is't always fun, but at least I know that I have two sturdy knees now and will be able to play with our new GRANDDAUGHTER who will be three weeks old soon, and I will be able to enjoy our youngest son's wedding next September without having to constantly find a chair to rest my knees!
So glad I chose to have my second knee replaced!
Wishing that everyone out there experiences less pain, less swelling, and has good outcomes with knees following treatments or surgery!
3 likes, 24 replies
margaret747 cheryl90571
Posted
Good to hear that second time around is easier and less painful that the first TKR.
It's reasuring to hear your positive experiences.
Good wishes for a full and total recovery.
cheryl90571 margaret747
Posted
I was concerned about this right knee because it has always been my "Bad" knee and had gotten increasingly worse even since June when I had my first one done. I SUSPECTED that I MIGHT have more trouble with it. My surgeon said that when he opened my knee on Friday he KNEW how much pain I HAD to have been in! He was VERY HAPPY to have been able to make things right through surgery. I admire surgeons so much! I am so pleased with his attitude and his CARING!
Wishing you lots less pain, swelling, and discomfort and many successes with YOUR knees, too!
BusterBeans cheryl90571
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cheryl90571 BusterBeans
Posted
How are you getting along since YOUR recent surgery?
BusterBeans cheryl90571
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cheryl90571 BusterBeans
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What happened at your physical therapy sessions, if I may ask? Did the therapy cause you to injure yourself!
I hope that you will soon return to days like those first few days of successful recovery.
Please keep me posted, OK?
joyce_61477 BusterBeans
Posted
I was so happy to see u back on the blog! I know u don't want to go to a rehab, believe me I didn't want to either....is it possible for u to go to an acute rehab? In Massachusetts anyway, my insurance paid for an acute rehab...,usually higher caliber of rehab, if you had a bilateral TKR...which I know you also had. I wish you a lot of luck. It is not an easy recovery, I know. You will get through it.
Again, was looking for you in the blog....this blog is helpful on many levels.
Take care
Joyce
BusterBeans joyce_61477
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cheryl90571 BusterBeans
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I will be praying that this trouble will be VERY short-lived and that you will soon be back to your successful first four days of progress!
Please keep in touch! I feel that you, Elaine and I are related somehow--through our very closely-completed surgeries last week!
joyce_61477 BusterBeans
Posted
Did u actually go home after two days? Was it a home care PT that u had a negative experience with? Glad u are in an acute rehab now! I'm just waiting to get on a plane to fly from San Francisco to Boston. So there really is life after a bilateral TKR...I promise!
Take care and be patient with yourself
Joyce
BusterBeans joyce_61477
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chrishappy cheryl90571
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cheryl90571 chrishappy
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I had the BASIC IDEA of what would take place, but more of the experience was a surprise than actually knowing what would happen from day to day.
It is very interesting comparing LEFT KNEE to RIGHT KNEE in regards to pretty much EVERYTHING! I'm guessing that depending on many factors, the surgical team adjusts methods as they go based on what they find when the knee is opened. My surgeon said that until he actually gets in there to see the damage, he is not completely sure of all that he may need to do (repair, scraping, cutting etc.)
I just felt in better shape overall going into surgery this time. It is a real testimony for physical therapy which rehabs Knee #1 and strengthens Knee #2!
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
How are YOU feeling?
anne07663 cheryl90571
Posted
cheryl90571 anne07663
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It is helpful being able to compare LEFT KNEE with RIGHT KNEE. I also kept a journal the first time around which is proving to be quite interesting as I compare both experiences.
Happy Thanksgiving, good friend to our north! We live just a couple miles from the shore of Lake Erie, so about 80 miles across the lake is CANADA!
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