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thought I would update you all on my progress (I use the term loosley) I am 10 days post tkr. I feel much better now meds are under control and the brain is very willing.Sadly the knee is not. Excercising is very difficult due to massive swelling and bandages.Will I ever be able to lay on my back and lift my leg? Will I ever sleep more than 2 hours at a stretch? Will things improve when staples are removed(friday) is it painful? so many questions ! !
0 likes, 13 replies
lynn08926 Dotty_Lotty
Posted
Very early days for you in what is a very long recovery. Personally, I felt the turning point for me with my first TKR was around 12 weeks, although we are all different.
Just a question of hanging in there - no other option really.
Lynn X 2 TKR's
RooQ Dotty_Lotty
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moandrieu RooQ
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denise35025 RooQ
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Steristrips? if in doubt, see your GP or better still, phone your surgeon's office - they'll be able to advise you. When excercising, at this early stage, don't push too hard. It's better if you run through your paces more often, than doing too much and then suffering.
As for housework, I was warned while in hospital not to do any vacuuming or really wild sweeping, because it can twist the knee before it's ready. I'm 9 weeks now, doing the vacuuming, but carefully.
You seem to be doing really well, Roo, if you're already tackling meals and some housework. Stay positive, & I hope you find some answers here.
Denise from Oz
RooQ denise35025
Posted
I see from this forum that each experience is so different, definitely no text book cases. Good luck with your rehab.
moandrieu Dotty_Lotty
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maggie89095 Dotty_Lotty
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sharon52158 Dotty_Lotty
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patsyrose Dotty_Lotty
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Steristrips can come off about a week after you come out of hospital. The scar should be healing nicely then and only dried blood visible, which you can easily sponge off.
Shame that you have to wait so long for your first physio, mine was a week after leaving hospital, but hard work all the same.
Patsy
1st TKR Dec 2012 2nd TKR Sept 2014
RooQ patsyrose
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Clarkey1962 Dotty_Lotty
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I was told that the whole process would be long, up to a year and I didn't fully appreciate that it would be. It is an horrendous operation and I'm beginning to realise that it will take a long while and u fortunately there will be set backs but I'm assured it will be worth it in the end!!
terri59470 Dotty_Lotty
Posted
Yes, you will be able to lift your leg, but when? That's the million dollar question. Every recovery is unique, so don't compare yourself unfavourably with anyone else. Today is the first day I've been able to do a fairly good extended leg lift without it REALLY hurting.
Sleep? Ah, the ever elusive land of Nod. You'll probably find it comes and goes, last night I didn't sleep for more than an hour at a time, but I've also has a night where I did 6 hours. It's absolutely vital that you rest in the day,especially after a rough night. To quote another Forum, " don't stand if you can sit, dont sit if you can lie down, and don't be awake if you can be asleep"! Wise words indeed!
Personally, I've found week three going into four a bit of a turning point, with things becoming a little easier. Trouble is, as soon as I start feeling a bit more human, I overdo things, especially around the house. Please don't do that, you end up feeling wretched and useless.
Be kind to yourself and to your knee, rest, ice, elevate, and above all try to be patient. This will pass, but in its own time.
Take care xx
Dotty_Lotty terri59470
Posted
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