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
amy67942 cheryl90571
Posted
many congrats on your new grandchild! How fun! You give me hope. My left TKR was 9 weeks ago and recovery has been awful. But I know I eventually need to get my right done. Thanks for te inspiration!
amy
cheryl90571 amy67942
Posted
I remember putting Icy Hot roll-on on my lower back, which also has arthritis, and turn onto my stomach and SLEEP! Finally being able to get into a comfortable position was incredibly helpful to my recovery.
Each KNEE is different. Each surgery is different. Each person has his/ own UNIQUE experience.
I know that I had no idea how difficult recovery would be when I first started this knee journey! People on this site have helped me tremendously in so many ways! Probably reading all the many and varied experiences has helped most because I realized that my own journey would also be different from other people yet similar in many ways as well.
You are still pretty early in YOUR journey. If you don't see some relief in awhile, maybe a trip to your surgeon is in order. Ask lots of questions, and don't stop until you get answers.
Ice and elevate. Do the exercises they gave you, and stretch a lot. Keep a positive attitude, too! Things will get better!
debz13 cheryl90571
Posted
That is fantastic! I am also sure your positive attitude going into it had a lot to do with it also!
So happy you posted this, as I am very apprehensive about getting my right knee done. I know it's coming, but this has been such a horrid experience with the left knee.
Please keep updating us with how you are doing.
Aren't grandchildren wonderful?!
cheryl90571 debz13
Posted
I know what you mean about being apprehensive about getting the second knee done! About three weeks ago my right knee was in SUCH bad shape that I could feel it "Clunk-Clunk" with each step. THEN the back of my knee would get all TWISTED inside, and I would have to wiggle and rotate it to try to straighten everything out! I was SICK AND TIRED of all the coddling I was having to do with it and actually MAD at it for holding LEFT KNEE back!
Yep! It was TIME for surgery for ME!
YOU may reach this tipping point as well. You may not. I just KNEW my right knee wouldn't get better without surgery. The choice became inevitable.
Yes, I absolutely LOVE being a grandma! What has been so sweet also is my husband now signs e-mails and cards as "Gramps"! He wanders into the baby department when we go in stores, and he holds Arya like a champ!
It has been exciting watching our son and daughter-in-law become such devoted and loving PARENTS, too. Their German Shepherd is official " nanny" and rarely leaves Arya's side. Saphira brings her toys to Arya and always notifies everyone when Arya makes any sounds. It is all beautiful to watch!
Take care! I hope you get some relief soon from your pain!
patsyrose cheryl90571
Posted
Unfortunately, my second knee was far worse than my first (and my second knee was bespoke, whereas my first wasn't').
I'm finally walking better a year on, after having knee opened up again and excess scar tissue removed, so I hope that I will finally feel like a normal person again by Christmas.
Everyone is different and every knee is different, but it's always good hearing about people doing so well.
Take care.
cheryl90571 patsyrose
Posted
I was quite concerned that my recent surgery MIGHT be quite challenging because, like you, my right knee has always been my "Bad" knee.
I think there are many differences not only between people but also many differences between one person's two knees!
For surgery THIS time I had no drains put in. Last time I had two of them. For this surgery I had a nerve block as I did last time, but my leg THIS time went back to normal right away and was not NUMB anywhere. My knee done in June had a successful nerve block, but 15 weeks post op I STILL have areas of my LEFT leg that are NUMB! Last time I was discharged on day three. This time I was discharged on day two. The list of differences goes on and on.
I hope you will be feeling good very soon! Maybe go back to more icing and stretching. Keep thinking positive to get those endorphins working for you!
Let me know how things go, OK?
irish_linda cheryl90571
Posted
cheryl90571 irish_linda
Posted
Arya will be a month old in two days! Hard to believe! We have watched her little personality form, and it is fun to discover ways she is like Daddy, ways she is like Mommy and ways she is her own little self!
My best friend's granddaughter is four. Ann has such a great time with Cassie! They both enjoy cooking, dress-up, and MATH! Ann is very excited about that because she's a math professor! Ann's daughter, Amanda, says THAT ability (math) skipped her generation!
Yes, I feel very blessed!
Take care! I hope you are having a pain-free day!
ElaineA cheryl90571
Posted
As cheryl says if your 2nd knee is bad... don't hesitate get it done asap.
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