5 Months Post R TKR my Journey

Hello Everyone! Especially Jenny 80029 :^)

I have to say this forum really saved my mind. The Dr's do not really prepare you for what you will go thru. I am in the U.S. in Oklahoma. I'm 53. I'm obese. I weighed 294 when I had my knee replacement in Jan.24th 2017. I've been in good health. This was my first elective major surgery. I was diagnosed with bone on bone in my right knee at age 45. I was told then to wait till age 50 to seek a TKR. So by age 52 I'm screaming for a TKR, lol. I had no idea how not weight bearing on the right would gradually get worse. How much my gait would change over time. That is what finally drove me to surgery. My low back, L5 and hips were constantly going out. Over the years I faithfully used my chiropractor, who used cold laser therapy and massage to keep my pain away. It has worked wonderfully till the past two years. 4 Months before my surgery I started going to Accupunture with massage to deal with my chronic low back pain and sore legs. I was amazed at how sore my saphenous vein stayed. I truely was so tired of running to the Chiro doc weekly.

So I went to a large orthopedic group. Went with an experienced Ortho surgeon who worked with my weight. They send you to a class 3 weeks before as others have said. I felt empowered understandingthe sugery, how much exercise to do, when should I be performing certain tasks.

BUT. As we all know. It's not like they paint it to be. They fail to mention all the things I came here, to this forum to begin to cope with and feel normal in my New NORMAL.

my surgery experience was very good. I woke up in the recovery area feeling Alert, ready to eat! Lol. Glad they gave me broth, coffee and jello hours later. My knee, leg was very swollen but not my ankle and foot. In the hospital PT I was able to bend to 82 degrees and not much for straight. I went home to home health nurse for 2 weeks till my post op. I could not bend much at all. By the 3rd nurse visit she was concerned. So at 10 days post op went to out bound therapy evaluation where I was assessed at being behind the curve with 55 degrees of bend and contracture behind the knee.

I find it interesting as I know now, for the Surgeon and PT, its about your numbers.

So began the first 6 weeks of PT. For me looking back I was very blessed the surgical pain was almost gone at 2 weeks. And I was able to only have to take the Oxycontin for PT. After PT 3 x a week it was about dealing with pain and swelling from therapy.

This whole process consumes you. It takes over your life. My husband stayed home with me the first two weeks. By my 5th day post surgery, I could get up and down from my bed by myself, get to the bathroom and kitchen. The fatigue. It doesn't take much to wear you out. I was No Shape before surgery. Going to PT as a fat lady sucked. But I ended up with an amazing PT guy and assistant. I was able to use him the whole 12 weeks. At the end of the 6 weeks I was at 95 degrees and negative 5 for straight.

I went back to my doc and begged to continue PT. I then started twice a week. I returned to my job at 9 weeks. Doc insisted I go back half days for 2 weeks. That was good!

The 2nd 6 weeks of PT was brutal. Doc told them to get me from 95 to 105. My knee capsule was bad, plus the scar tissue setting in. I did not have to do an MUA.

Each session went like this, Bike to warm up 10 mins, gentle force bending 6- 8 mins, back to bike, more force bending. Then total gym squats, single leg , 60 reps. I HATED those.. but saw the benefit, so sucked it up. Finished with one more force bend and ending on the recumbent bike.

Seriously for 6 weeks I did that, with some stair climbs. My PT said that combo helped folks who's knee locked up.

This is a mental game folks. Chico Marx is correct. Our emotions and fears play Jedi mind tricKS on us. The next to last PT session I mentally was DONE. could not take any more. I literally had sessions I cried and hyperventilated. I would always go in with a good attitude, determined. But no amount of pain pills will stop the pain you get from force bending.

You feel out of control over your surgery. The Dr wants you to achieve 95 degrees or more right away. As you now face the daily trauma of trying to live post surgery you feel you have something wrong. Your surgery is not working! Why does the pain not get under control? I'm still swelling at which ever week later it is..

This forum, you ALL. Made me see Slow and Steady wins the race! Because it's not a race!! It's healing at its own pace. You have to determine to keep stretching, working that knee!! Don't get lazy..

By the end of my 12 weeks I purchased a used recumbent bike, a Therapy strap and ankle weights of 3 lbs.. I graduated at 105 degrees passive bend and negative 4 on straight. My PT strongly encouraged me to keep gaining ground slowly by keep up with strength and exercise.

The Joy came when you see all the little changes you can do again. Like moving the leg back under the covers freely! Not using the cane when I get up to potty in the night. When I worked out in my yard for 5 hours and no sitting!!! I can walk fast again!

Like Jenny 80029 has said, being able to walk and carry her paintings is FABULOUS! I CAN LIVE WELL AGAIN.

I still need to work on strengthening my legs . Going down stairs I use the hand rail, but not going up! My Gait is good again!

How many of you toe out since the surgery?? I DO have to focus on my heel toe action as I walk. I'm going to buy those rubber bands you work out in..

I always slept well after surgery. Never had any odd pains except occasional. I am pain free for quite some time now. I still have a stiff knee from about 4- 5 hours after being up. It gets aches especially in the lower segment where the implant is. It feels like Arthritis in my joint! My surgeon assured me this is the bone healing from the trauma of being drilled and cemented. On the right side of the knee is where I still get achy numbness? Odd tingling by end of many days.

I have a heel lift I wear in my left shoes.

Although my joy again is being able to wear good sandals that are sturdy but cute!!

Finally, I am beyond grateful I did this. With my health Ins I paid out 3,000.00 total. My initial cost of surgery was 48,000. With my insurance discount it reduced to 28,000.00

It's taken me to 4 Months to feel better, have energy again and ambulating well. After seeing what problems many of you have and are facing, I know I did way better surgically then many.

I strongly encourage you to keep re reading posts by Chico Marx, keep looking at discussions here. Keep as active as you can. Keep icing that knee! I still use my ice machine at bedtime!!

Good Healing to us all!! God Bless you with healing, good knee replacements!!

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