Posted , 8 users are following.
I had a right TKR done 8/5. Today I am 5 days post op and am amazed at how good I feel overall. I do have bruising and swelling up high on the thigh but pain is minimal and manageable with the Vicodin. I am wondering if I am being overly optimistic thinking that I will continue to feel pretty good as long as I do my exercises, rest and ice? I did not expect to be able to walk this well already. My in-home PT was here evaluating me yesterday and my ROM, extension and bend are better than she expected. Any advice on how to stay on a good road to recovery are appreciated.
0 likes, 24 replies
annfed dee53186
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dee53186 annfed
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cheryl90571 dee53186
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That's GREAT to hear!????????
My right TKR went like that, too! It was unexpected as my right knee was a real BUGGER before surgery!
Sometimes things just work out so much better than expected! SO HAPPY it happened to you!??
ENJOY IT!????????
dee53186 cheryl90571
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Thank you for sharing your unique story as well. My original surgery date got postponed and things just didn't seem to want to fall into place for me, but today I feel like it's always good to remember that things happen for a reason. Best wishes for continued healing!!
cheryl90571 dee53186
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Happy healing to you as well!😀
joyfull1 dee53186
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You sound like me. There is no reason why you shouldn't continue to do well as you are as long you follow doctor and therapist instructions and elevate and ice the surgical leg.
dee53186 joyfull1
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Thanks much - I appreciate hearing that!n
CHICO_MARX dee53186
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Impressed. Haven't heard anyone being that good that fast. Check this post for more tips...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499
dee53186 CHICO_MARX
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Yes I have read the post you are referencing and thought it was full of awesome advice. It was also the post that scared me the most as I have been through several kidney stones and was not relishing the thought of going through that kind of pain again.thanks,I have as for LOL of your helpful information!
dee53186
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Sorry about the last sentence above - hat made no sense. What I meant to say was "thanks for all the helpful information!"
dave63380 dee53186
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Hey Dee congrats on your new knee/ I'm 12 days post op NEW HIP and it's getting there/ HOWEVER I had both knees replaced June/Sept 2014 and I was also amazed how quickly I was walking almost pain free. Not everyone is so lucky from what I've heard. Hip is supposed to be easy compared to knee, mine is taking longer but getting better. I can tell you physical therapy working on your range of motion is incredibly important. I was at about 60 degrees after surgery, got to 90 degrees within 2 weeks physical therapy and eventually close to 120. I went to out patient physical therapy as soon as possible and stayed with it 3 times a week for about a year. My knees were really bad before surgery/ that's why I was in physical therapy for so long. My knees are great now/ got blind sided by this hip. It went bad really quick but I'll be back. Best of luck to you, I was fortunate to have good insurance for lots of visits to physical therapy / and made deal with therapist for less $ per co-pay. Work hard and you'll do good. DAVE 63380
dave63380
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CHICO_MARX dave63380
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Had my hip done in 2009. Get into a therapy pool! I spent 6 days a week, 5 hours a day in gym and pool. Full rehab in 6 weeks from when I started (about 10 days post-op). Back to work, no meds, no pain, no aids, full range of motion, full strength. If you do the work, a hip can be done very quickly...unlike a TKR. Can't push a knee but you CAN push the hip. Best in water. Good luck.
annfed dave63380
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Dave,
Surprised you were told to walk. I was told NOT to walk for fun, and only do functional walking. Maybe because I had bilateral TKRs? I'm at 6 weeks, and PT still said today not to walk recreationally.
dave63380 annfed
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Hi Ann, walking was farther into my physical therapy / no one really told me to do it or not. Congratulations on your new knees ! Both at the same time, that's great. 6 weeks still pretty new. You definitely don't want to over do it. Are they working on range of motion and flexibility?
It's been two years and almost two months since my first surgery. The doctor would not do both knees at same time. Did second knee as soon as I could / 3 months later. I went back and checked my photo record on the walking. I was on crutches until October 2014 walking shorter distances like 1/4 mile maybe, just around the block. Was like January 2015 that I got out and started walking a mile or so. Hope the input is helpful and I'm really happy for you, I know how great it is. Dave 63380
dave63380 CHICO_MARX
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Hey Chico, RTHR 12 days ago, thanks for the info, I got 2 new knees 2 years ago so I'm a real believer in physical therapy. Sounds like therapy in the water is a good thing. It will be a while before l can get in a pool but I will definitely try it. This hip is still pretty sore but better every day. Doctor has told me to continue using crutches at least 2 weeks. Thanks again ,. Dave 63380
annfed dave63380
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Hi Dave
Thanks for the clarity. It's all pretty new to me. I had to do bilateral TKR as my legs were badly bowed, and now perfectly straight. I did talk my orthopedist into doing both as he prefers not to at the same time. Three days in hospital and 7 days in rehab, until I came home. I have perfect extension and 125 degree flexion. And finally in past couple of days less pain! Still taking pain meds but cut way back. I do ride a stationary bike, and try to do all my PT exercises. I've heard that 6 weeks is a milestone, and 3 months gets to be really good! I can't wait! Thanks again.
Ann
dave63380 annfed
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dee53186 dave63380
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Thanks Dave - you sure have been through a lot these past couple years but it sounds like your resilience has prevailed. The hip rehab will be so I,portent to keep those new knees working properly so don't be too hard on yourself as you continue to recover. I am searching now for a place to go for my outpatient PT once home therapy is done. I want to find someone who is really going to do an excellent job helping me get healthy and strong again. Best wishes to you!
dave63380 dee53186
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Thanks Dee , best wishes to continue with a strong recovery. Take some time to find a good outpatient therapist. I was lucky to find the people I did . They came highly recommended from my knee surgeon. This has all been quite a journey from which I have benefited greatly. I appreciate every day just being able to walk around (almost there). All the care I've been received from many talented people. Life will make you better if you let it. Best of everything to you. Dave
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