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2nd TKR - 7 days ago

Posted , 5 users are following.

lighterson
lighterson

My story, well read lots on here and listened to advice, best you can get from those who have been through it. 

Decided to have spinal block and sedation as apposed to full anaesthetic with last TKR 2 years ago.

Felt brave and in control and it was the right decision for me. All went to plan woke up and felt great on day one, was able to bend the knee to 90 degree and lift the leg and walk to bathroom with walking frame.

Hardly any sleep for 24 hours, that was battle one. Next morning was a total different situation, got very clammy and light headed and passed out in bed. Slept for a while and managed a little physio. Then the fun began, they sent the wheelchair to take me to xray, felt clammy and lightheaded and passed out just outside xray department, felt awful took a far few staff to eventually transport me back to bed and on oxygen for a few hours. Blood tests showed low HB but not enough for transfusion. Also had a slight chest infection. With lots of sleep and basic attention managed to go home on Monday evening (day 4).

Slowly improving and today I have felt a lot more myself today, walking with crutches and managing with help to have shower each day and plenty of sleep, rest, ice and exercise.

First proper physio is Sunday and having it at home so will update you after.

Thanks to everyone for their support on my journey.

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • lyn32416
    lyn32416 lighterson

    Posted

    Glad you are ok. Keep doing what you can to get back to a new, improved life. Merry Christmas.
    • lighterson
      lighterson lyn32416

      Posted

      Thanks Lynn, Christmas & Boxing Day a where I am aiming ton have some lovely family time at my daughters.

    • lyn32416
      lyn32416 lighterson

      Posted

      Good for you! Rest up and do a little exercise each day, apart from normal recovery exercises. I used to do walks around my house. Just 5 minutes walking every few hours. You can gradually increase to some outside walking when you are feeling strong enough. Watch that chest infection. Can quickly turn to pneumonia. Enjoy your family time. x
  • gaileallen
    gaileallen lighterson

    Posted

    Unfortunately you had a bad start day 2,3,4 in the hospital but sounds like you turned a corner now u are home! Do the recommended excercises at least 2 to 3 Times a day that they gave from hospital as it will help with stiffness. Sleep on your back for awhile till knee is a bit less swelled! PT people know a lot and can answer a lot of questions. Use a frame for first week for walking and balance. More comfortable than crutches and better for balance. I am about two months post op and I still have some stiffness which can take 6 months to go away says doctor. I transitioned to a cane by 3 weeks and still use cane on stairs mostly for balance! My best advice is to be patient with total recovery. Takes lot longer than I expected but is still worth it not to have knee pain. U already had a TKR so u must know how long to recover. Good luck and happy holidays!
    • lighterson
      lighterson gaileallen

      Posted

      Now at day 9 and feel so much more human at last, phew, obviously still resting and napping but had gental physio today which gives me more confidence.

      Getting around a bit easier now, still a struggle getting into the shower, but ok with help.

      Slept 5 hour last night as I have actually found a fairly comfortable position with pillow under leg, using Arnika to bring out the bruising to let feeling a little better, incision looks ok and clean.

      So far so good, also eating a bit better, tiny steps on the way to recovery.

      Happy Christmas to you smile

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 lighterson

    Posted

    Glad to hear it went well!

    I fainted few times too, I was told it is quite common!

    Thank you for sharing!

    Sounds like you are doning all the right things!

    • lighterson
      lighterson jenny80029

      Posted

      Now I am eating more frequently small portions the sickness i think has passed, each day I feel a tiny nit better than before in some way or another. 2 weeks before I start work. luckily I do all the admin at home for my husband, so still means I can rest as much as needed. Finding I am at last thinking straight so that in its self is a real bonus.
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