Posted , 14 users are following.
hi, 2 wk post op and I feel like I've become a different person. Instead of the strong dependable wife, mum and nan I've turned into a wimp!!! If anyone looks at me the wrong way I'm in tears, im worried that I don't have enough bend in my knee, and dreading physio next week as he wants an extra 10 deg bend, I only had 50 deg last week and he bent my knee in so far, it was the worst pain of my life! I had massive swelling at the back of my knee Even the receptionist asked if I was ok afterwards. I know it s painful and I've always managed pain very well , but I just feel a failure over 10degrees. My staples come out in a couple of days so I hope that will help too
2 likes, 45 replies
veronica91735 chrishappy
Posted
You will see from all the posts that it really is a brutal operation. Someone descibed it as more-or-less having your lower leg taken off, & then put back!
The pain of having the leg pushed back is dreadful - I was told to stop them if the pain was severe - it's your body. Ask if they have a CPM machine, that helped me so much, your leg is strapped in, it revolves in motion, & you (or the physio) adjusts it upwards (& straighten adjustments). I used up most of my physio time on the machine!
It's two steps forward, & one step back (& sometimes the other way around!) - but you will soon find the pain easing a little. Raise your leg, use lots of ice-packs over the knee, & a covered hot water bottle for the muscles that have been cut, & take ages to repair, above the knee.
Good luck, Veronica
chrishappy veronica91735
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martinarvelo chrishappy
Posted
gill77343 chrishappy
Posted
First of all welcome to the forum, You will find plenty of people on here who will have gone through what you are experiencing.
Crying is part of the process, trust me we have all done that.
Pain take all your meds that are prescibed for you at regular times and take the most strongest painkiller you have approx 1 hour before pt, that should help with the exercises, most of us on here thought we had a strong pain threshhold....wrong when it comes to the knee.
Staples, my doctor didnt take them all out at once he took every other out, but it did help when they all came out.
Keep us up to date with your progress, It will get better, but time and patience is the key word, I myself am only 6 weeks and still cry now and then.
This is a long road, so just take each day as it comes.Gill X
chrishappy gill77343
Posted
david55379 chrishappy
Posted
Im in need of both a knee and hip replacement and have been putting it off because im afraid. It's been the worst summer of my life as i am just recovering from a major rotator cuff shoulder surgery and now my hip and knee are betraying me.
Anything i do; walk the dog, climb stairs...even putting my shoes and socks on is a painful affair...and now hearing about you alls stories are scaring me more.
Can you tell me about the actual surgery.
How long are you in the hospital, or is it an outpatient procedure? Im single...how will i get along?
If i was a horse they'd probably humanely shoot me...maybe that's an option...lol
I laugh but i cry...i don't know what to do 😕 Im soo blue
veronica91735 david55379
Posted
I was only in 3 nights for my primary TKR - that is about usual. Different hospitals use different methods - as you are on your own, you will be asked what help you need, & in some cases, Social Services come in. It is NOT outpatient proceedure!! Stock up on cuppa soups, bread for toast in the freezer, ice packs (quite cheap on ebay, get the one that wraps around the leg) & maybe even the small pedal excerciser (about £12) that sits on the carpet (I tied mine to my chair as it kept moving). Keep on this forum - it is a Godsend! Veronica
david55379 veronica91735
Posted
I'll keep that jn mind.
I think I'll You Tube euthanizing horses before i do TKR surgery...lol
lou1982 david55379
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david55379 lou1982
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My entire body shoulders, knees, hips it's overwhelming! All have taken a turn for the worse all at one time!
I've got some serious life contemplations to make. 8 months ago i was running around a tennis court at 55 yrs old teaching 20-40 yr old adults and having the time of my life...then in the blink of an eye my rotator cuffs tear on my right shoulder.
Fine...i had surgery restored it. However out of the blue, while RESTING doing NOTHING my left knee and hip go out.
I'm rambling i know...I'm whining and crying and am in such a state of confusion.
I don't understand what's happening to me...
I just need to vent...sorry if i sound like a baby...but nothings making sense and all the doctors have to say is SURGERY SURGERY SURGERY.
Noo...there's something else going on here.
Have any men out there have had Testosterone injections? I've been getting them regularly for the past 3 years now. They've kept me going at 110% in all areas of my life...especially physically on the tennis court....i WONDER if that has anything to do with my sudden breakdown of all my skeletal joints??? Hmmmmmm
chrishappy david55379
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lou1982 david55379
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david55379 chrishappy
Posted
I'm sure it will get better. IF YOU did it with only an epidural and AWAKE listening and seeing...etc., you can handle ANYTHING!
You'd have to put me into a coma to shop on my knee! Lol
Heal quickly! I wanna hear how you danced all night asap! 😜
david55379 lou1982
Posted
I am totally overwhelmed.
It feels good to know im not alone out there
David X
gill77343 david55379
Posted
This group is a godsend,there will be plenty of advice of the surgery and recovery, but im hoping these tips before your surgery will help you.
Do as much exercise as your body allows you to, swimming is good, this will help you after the op.
Get a sling to go around your foot, this helps you to lift your leg up and down, off the bed, sofa etc, especially in the first few weeks, this was a lifeline to me.
On Amazon you can buy gel packs that go in the freezer, you will need these to ice your knees, try and get the ones that come with their own cover, if not wrap it in a tea towel before placing on the knee.
I still use mine and at night in bed, i wrap a large bandage loosly around the ice pad and the knee and then when you turn over it doesnt fall off.
If you can get a seat extension over the toilet.
As you are on your own, make sure you buy ready cooked frozen meals, i know they are not ideal but rest assured they will come in very handy.
Place a small table near to where you sit to put things on.
Get a bag or small back pack, so that you can carry things from one room into another, water by the bucketful, you need to drink plenty, i find the smaller bottles helped me and used to put them in my bag, you cannot carry anything when you first use your crutches, and i know most people are not on two crutches for long, but having a bag def helps.
If there is anything else i can think of, I will let you know
Take care, Gill 7 weeks tkr
chrishappy david55379
Posted
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