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TKR ON 13 MARCH

Posted , 17 users are following.

stephen34396
stephen34396

Greetings all, I know it’s early days yet but is it normal to spend this long in bed, can get around house on crutches but can’t sit down on chairs easily because of swelling, it won’t bend much, I know it’s early days yet, ( nor a week) but I’m impatient unfortunately, also amaized how painful it is, would appreciate some info on what to expect in coming weeks, I’m 55 from uk, not over weight but bored out of my mind already.

1 like, 47 replies

47 Replies

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  • Laura3333
    Laura3333 stephen34396

    Posted

    Yes, as long as you are doing the physio exercises, and then icing your knee.

    This is so important, if you don’t exercise your knee will build up scar tissue which will stop you bending and stretching it, and it will never get better. Ice after exercising, 20 mins in every hour, it gets the swelling and heat down.

    You MUST exercise the knee, otherwise the surgery will have been for nothing.

    You should at this stage be able to bend it enough to sit down.

    Only you can do this, it’s a long healing process but will be worth it. But you get out what you put in.

     

    • stephen34396
      stephen34396 Laura3333

      Posted

      Hi Laura, sorry for delay in reply, Internet probs, Thanks for good advice, I’m doing all those things that you say and have to be a bit more patient I think, got an active job and it’s come of a bit of a shock to be so immobile , bought a very good sports ice gel pack that mouldy lovely round the knee, doing exorcises regularly, also going up and down stairs and a little walk round the house several times a day, your correct, you will only get out what you put in, thanks for the boost, regards steve👍🤞

  • Saint2012
    Saint2012 stephen34396

    Posted

    Hi Stephen looks like we are cut out of same mold.I also am an active person and get bored easily.Thus Thursday will be 6 weeks for me.I also did not think I would have so much pain until I was told that our leg was amputated then put back together.Because they cannot align everything the way it was you may start having pain a in areas other than your knee.With me it's my calf and IT band.Please do your exercises especially your toe slides for bending and your leg straightening. Very Important! Good luck to you!

    • stephen34396
      stephen34396 Saint2012

      Posted

      Thanks got the reply, your right, my calf and thigh also hurts, think I’m doing all the right things just have to be a bit more patient , hopefully things will improve soon, good luck with yourself 👍

  • JayLo247
    JayLo247 stephen34396

    Posted

    Hi Stephen

    I had mine done on 13th March as well, yes it is extremely painful, though my first one was done last October 10th. I remember being shocked at the level of pain but I knew what to expect this time round.  I prepared for this one, I got a stool so that I could keep my operated knee up when sitting in a chair, I also got a toilet surround as I had so much difficulty last time getting on and off the loo particularly in the early days. 

    I am mainly in bed as I’m finding that I keep dozing off to sleep.  This worried me with the first one as it lasted about 5 or 6 weeks but thankfully wore off. I think most of our healing is done when the body is at rest so that’s all good for me.  

    Yes boredom sets in badly but I have Netflix and Prime, Audible and a few books and box sets to get through, as I said I prepared this time lol.  I went for my post op X-ray this morning as it should have been done last week but the electrical system failed at the hospital and we all had to leave (thankfully it was after I’d  had my op) then they closed the hospital for 3 days while they fixed the fault. 

    I’m also in U.K., in Northampton I’m getting my clips removed on the 27th after which the range of movement will be easier. Are you icing regularly? Ok did with the last one and it was wonderfully soothing but this one wants heat for comfort so I’ve got a hot bottle on the go 24/7.  

    Good luck with healing, I’m sure we shall speak again soon. 

    Regards, Janette

    • stephen34396
      stephen34396 JayLo247

      Posted

      Hi Janette, sorry for the delay, Internet probs, seems like your an experienced campaigner, think I’m doing all the right things just have to be patient, thankfully someone who works with my daughter lent me what’s called a leg up strap to lift leg on bed ect, didn’t realise what a godsend this was to be, icing and exorcising regularly, going back to hospital in a weeks time to check in with the physio , hopefully then thing will be improving, will drop you a line in coming days , thanks for the sound advice, regards from Steve in Derbyshire 👍

    • jill32152
      jill32152 JayLo247

      Posted

      Hi Janette and Stephen I am in UK also and had TKR on March 13th! I have had to cut the pain killers down due to sickness and hallucinations! I am using ice regularly and trying to remember to do all the exercises I was given.

      I too find getting on and off the toilet very difficult as getting on the compression stockings! Both my husband and I have hurt our backs!

      He has to go away on business tomorrow for a week so I am dreading part of this ! It willing be easier through the night as I can come and go from the bed as and when necessary! 

      I have just received a Sainsbury’s order of ready meals. I do have people I can call on if I get in a pickle! We moved 3 weeks ago though fortunately into an apartment with a lift and walk in shower! Tomorrow I have to take a taxi half a mile to the hospital for physio!

      Have you found an easy sleeping position?

    • Maryedna21
      Maryedna21 jill32152

      Posted

      Hi Jill. Compression stockings -pop a small plastic bag over your foot as far as your heel. Fold stocking so that you put your toes in first to the fold which should be just to the heel of your foot. Unroll rest of stocking over foot and up your leg then pull plastic bag out through the hole of the stocking where you can see your toes.Hard to describe technique but works - try out on your non operated leg first! Toilet - have you a walker/zimmer frame - the one with small wheels in front and rubbers stopper things on the back legs?? Try using it in bathroom and back towards loo in same way as you do for a chair. Hold onto frame,stick operated leg out in front and lower down onto loo. Getting up hold onto frame and bend good leg so that it acts as a lever to get you to your feet. You come to really appreciate disabled loos when out and about as some cafe looks really low! After first TKR got to know which coffee shops had suitable facilities!! (2nd TKR 5/3/18,first one June 2017 )
    • barb31990
      barb31990 jill32152

      Posted

      Jill can you purchase a portable commode that fits over the toilet? I use that also in the shower to sit and wash my hair and body , works like a charm
    • stephen34396
      stephen34396 jill32152

      Posted

      Hi fellow new knee, bet it wont be nice being on your own but you sound a positive lass, the plastic bag trick described by Mary really does work a treat, as for sleeping can only get comfy on my back with my leg elevated on some pillows,glad I’ve joined this  discussion , it’s good to hear from people who’ve been through it, hope you go on ok, regards Steve from Derbyshire 👍

    • jill32152
      jill32152 stephen34396

      Posted

      Thank you Stephen will try plastic bag tomorrow! I am not looking forward to being by myself but it’s unfortunate timing and I didn’t want to cancel the op there is  never a convenient time! 

      At least I will have the whole bed to spread out in! I have to elevate op leg on pillow also. I have a physio app tomorrow and have to negotiate a taxi! 

    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 barb31990

      Posted

      Be sure and dry it off as the hardware(bolts and nuts) aren't stainless and will that. Shower chairs are rustproof.

    • barb31990
      barb31990 jill32152

      Posted

      Jill 

      Being by yourself will be difficult, see if your friends or family can help you. 

      Just take it easy and rest, try to get things set up and convenient to you while your husband is gone .

    • jill32152
      jill32152 barb31990

      Posted

      Hi we live in an apartment with walk in shower and lift! I had a food delivery arrive of ready meals so will be ok! We have only been here a few weeks but are friendly with a couple on the top floor who have offered to help if I need anything. I have a friend who lives not too far away and my sister isn’t too far! They are both visiting during the week! Our kids all live miles away! 

      I can’t sleep do have left the bed. Husband has to leave at 4.30am for his flight! My physio is st 8.30am.

  • Greazel
    Greazel stephen34396

    Posted

    Hi Stephen I am also in the Uk and had my TKR on 1st Dec 2017.  Spent six days in hospital because of blood pressure issues and did not have the required 70 degree bend when I left hospital.  Was lucky to be put on the advanced recovery programme which meant physio came to me at home for six weeks.  Expect to feel exhausted all the time the first few weeks.  Its normal.  Getting out of bed was really painful but used a dressing gown tie to lift my leg up and slowly down.  Raise the bottom of your bed.  It makes a huge difference.  I couldn't sleep for weeks as couldn't straighten my leg.  Then I read so somewhere to raise the bed.  You need to persevere and do the exercises.  My husband insisted on taking me for short walks twice a day.  It won't be long before you don't need the crutches.  Try and walk upright.  In the early days it all feels pretty hopeless and expect to go through a short period where you will feel depressed.  It will get better.  If you need to sleep then sleep.  Annoyingly I can't cycle but I am getting stonger each day and see small improvements.  My GP gave me liquid morphine which I only took at night as I didn't want to get addicted.  I don't take any pain relief now.  Good luck.

     

    • Greazel
      Greazel

      Posted

      Ps meant to say raise the bottom of the bed.
    • stephen34396
      stephen34396 Greazel

      Posted

      Thanks for the sound advise, thankfully a friend of my daughter lent me what’s called a leg up strap, the equivalent to your dressing gown cord, what a godsend that has been, it’s so painful getting leg to the ground without , will keep doing the right things and just be patient, regards Steve .
    • Maryedna21
      Maryedna21 stephen34396

      Posted

      Hi Stephen. I'm just a week or so ahead of you - second TKR on 5/3/18,first one last June - and can so empathize with you!! Last time I used a long fabric scar as a leg lifter and it was so helpful in getting in and out of bed! Find sleeping on my back with thin pillow under my lower thigh and knee really helps- I use 3 of the sports jelly type icepacks at a time- 2 on top of knee and one directly under knee. All wrapped in thin teatowels and ice packs changed roughly every 2 hours. Ask your GP for decent pain relief and it will make doing your exercises more comfortable. If you have a lot of swelling the mantra is ice,rest,elevate and exercise. It will all be worth it in the end. If you can arrange a private physio to do a home visit it is worth £40 or £50 as they can guide your exercise programme to work in your own environment as soon as possible.Sleep when you can and rest on the bed. I still can only sit in armchair for about an hour and that is with large footstool pushed in tight to chair and pillow on stool.This forum was my lifesaver last time - look for posts from Chico and Jenny ??? blog. Sending you good wishes!!

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