Re: total knee replacement done on Dec 6th

[Guest guest]

good for you - Keep it up and I hope you are pain-free and back to

normal soon.

Judy

>

> Hi

> I am Joyce--I am new here--I had total left knee replacement surgery

> done on Dec. 6th and was able to come home on Dec. 8th==is doing good-

> the physical theapy is hard in that it makes the muslcles painful and

> spasm and Lortab pain med does not help much with the pain--but i am

> enduring and walking on a walker very well.

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Joyce! I had both knees replaced Sept. 8, and like you came looking for this site when the extent of the pain exceeded my expectations. Though I'm glad I didn't know what to expect or I may not have had this surgery that will let me have a normal life again -- in due time. I get better each week with some setbacks in between. You are so very, very early in the recovery process. I am amazed you were sent home after only two days. I was in the hospital 4 1/2 days -- one more day than planned because I needed a blood transfusion. I then spent one week in an inpatient rehab facility, often recommended for a double knee replacement. At three months, I turned a corner. Which is what I learned here was about the time I should expect improvement. I expect another milestone

after the winter months. And now know it may be a year before I feel really well. After surgery, I was given Loratab and Oxcycotin, but still was never pain free. You need to discuss your pain with your surgeon and ask for what you need to help you keep up with your physical therapy. I fully intended to be Super Woman in my recovery. The wise and experienced people at this site taught me there is no shame in asking for the medications I needed to heal. It was cool and rainy here in Northern Virginia (USA) today, and I had the worst arthritic episode of my life. I called my GP about a pain management specialist, and she recommended I try a new arthritis doctor who has a good reputation for pain management. Then if I still feel I need it, I will seek out a pain management specialist -- because bless our skilled surgeons -- they are often best at surgery, but not helping us deal with the pain afterward. I think the arthritis throughout my entire body has made for a slow recovery for me. Yours may be much faster. I've also learned that it is an individual thing. Age and physical fitness can help, but they're no guarantee. I always thought being a physical therapist would be a cool job until I went through physical therapy. I don't know how they face each day having to bend and stretch we patients for our own good and listen to us moan and sometimes cry. I was shocked in inpatient therapy how painful it was in the immediate days following surgery. It took a lot of trust to believe letting someone hurt me that badly could be good for me. Also, I had some scar tissue on the back of my right knee that I fully expected would always be a problem spot. My outpatient PT had me lie

on my stomach and dangle my legs off the table -- just that was excruciating -- while she massaged that area over and over again as well as the very sore tendons. I dreaded every session. One day I lay down and buried my head.... and then realized it didn't hurt anymore. That sore spot that I was sure would never go away was gone. Same with the tendons. The fact that you are moving well with your walker is a super indicator that you are well on your way. But be patient. And in the meantime, make sure you have the pain medication you need. Many doctors would love not to have to prescribe pain meds. We would make their lives so much more comfortable if only we

didn't ask for relief. If your doctor doesn't have the kahunas to give you what you need, find a pain management specialist who will. And do consider the natural ways: massage, whirlpool therapy when the incision heals, acupuncture or whatever alternatives are available to you. I'm struggling with trying to rest and not let the holidays put me in situations that result in setbacks. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was to ask for help. My friendships have deepened because of the friends I became grew closer to as they into drove me to physical therapy and brought me dinners, which they stayed to share. I've always loved my son in law and daughter in law. But

we are closer now that they, along with my children, scrubbed my kitchen floor, took me grocery shopping and helped decorate my tree. I wish you the best, Joyce. Please keep sharing your pain and progress. You will find many friends here who are more knowledgeable than I am. But you will also be comforted by the empathy of everyone here. Warm regards,

Donna >> Hi> I am Joyce--I am new here--I had total left knee replacement surgery > done on Dec. 6th and was able to come home on Dec. 8th==is doing good-> the physical theapy is hard in that it makes the muslcles painful and > spasm and Lortab pain med does not help much with the pain--but i am > enduring and walking on a walker very well.> __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Joyce, I just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery and welcome to the group you have a nice day :-) SusieJoy <virtuousliving2@...> wrote: HiI am Joyce--I am new here--I had total left knee replacement surgery done on Dec. 6th and was able to come home on Dec. 8th==is

doing good-the physical theapy is hard in that it makes the muslcles painful and spasm and Lortab pain med does not help much with the pain--but i am enduring and walking on a walker very well.