Re: TKR next week in Austin and worried sick! Need...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/26/2008 5:52:06 P.M. Central Standard Time,

johnniegarland@... writes:

Hi, I'm on the fluffy side also. I am really glad that I had it done,

I've had both of mine replaced, I was 45 when my first one was done. You might

want to see if you can get someone to stay with you for a few days, or check

on you quite a bit. On my second one my husband stayed home from work for 5

days, he really wasn't a heck of a lot of help though, he just brought me

water and such. Finally he brought me a gallon jug full. I went to my Moms

after that for a bit, but I really wouldn't have had to. One of the hardest

things to do is to get more ice packs out of the freezer, and just get food and

such. Mine would throb if I stayed up on it too long. The best thing that I

did was strapped a bag on my walker so you don't have to try to carry

things. It's really kind of hard to remember, it wasn't very bad, and it's

been

almost 3 years now.

-I'm having a TKR next week..worried sick about it too. In Austin. I'm

in pretty good health, just a bit on the fluffy side. I'd like to

discuss recovery with someone who's about the same, Female, 57yrs old.

I plan to go straight home not to rehab, just have people check in on

me. Does this sound feasible?

**************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel

deal here.

(http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

[Guest guest]

so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

>

> In a message dated 8/26/2008 5:52:06 P.M. Central Standard Time,

> johnniegarland@... writes:

>

> Hi, I'm on the fluffy side also. I am really glad that I had it

done,

> I've had both of mine replaced, I was 45 when my first one was

done. You might

> want to see if you can get someone to stay with you for a few

days, or check

> on you quite a bit. On my second one my husband stayed home from

work for 5

> days, he really wasn't a heck of a lot of help though, he just

brought me

> water and such. Finally he brought me a gallon jug full. I went

to my Moms

> after that for a bit, but I really wouldn't have had to. One of

the hardest

> things to do is to get more ice packs out of the freezer, and just

get food and

> such. Mine would throb if I stayed up on it too long. The best

thing that I

> did was strapped a bag on my walker so you don't have to try to

carry

> things. It's really kind of hard to remember, it wasn't very bad,

and it's been

> almost 3 years now.

>

>

>

>

> -I'm having a TKR next week..worried sick about it too. In Austin.

I'm

> in pretty good health, just a bit on the fluffy side. I'd like to

> discuss recovery with someone who's about the same, Female, 57yrs

old.

> I plan to go straight home not to rehab, just have people check in

on

> me. Does this sound feasible?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find

your travel

> deal here.

> (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

> about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

> have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> >

so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

I am just over six weeks out from a Rt. TKR and still ice it every

night and sometimes several times a day. Ice brings a lot of relief

when it hurts and swells. I had the CPM machine sent home with me with

a goal of using it twice a day for two hours at a time. I probably

didn't use it that many hours, but I used it at least once every day.

I did nap while it was on sometimes, but I don't think you'd want to

do it for hours at a time. It also made the knee feel better. I

believe that machine enabled me to have a good range of motion when I

started outpatient PT last week. I had a visiting therapist a couple

of times a week before that. I am " fluffy " also. My husband was here

for me (retired) and I really don't think I could have done it alone

at least for a few days. I was not steady on my feet, even with the

walker, the pain pills messed my head up some, and I couldn't carry

things or stand on my feet to get stuff. He did meals, ice, water,

etc. I was in the hospital four days, then had a 6 hour ride to get

home. The first week was really hard and painful.

On a more positive note, my recovery is going well. I will probably

get rid of the cane this week as I am finding it in my way more than

being useful. I have been able to walk outside for a half mile or so.

It is still stiff and hurts at times, but the progress the past two

weeks has been wonderful. I am only taking pain meds (Vicodin) before

I have PT or before I go to sleep. Some days I don't use the pain

medication at all. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but I'm not

there yet. It does not hurt to walk on it, but I do have some pain and

stiffness, and I still have some swelling in the knee. However, it is

getting better and I am starting to feel like myself again and am able

to do more normal things. Today I had a milestone in driving the car

again. I probably could have sooner, but waited until I had the

confidence that I could do it. I don't go down stairs very easily, but

I now go up the stairs better than before the surgery.

Good luck to you in this process. You just have to take it a little

bit at a time.

Louise in Maine

[Guest guest]

Thanks Louise,,you sound encouraging for just 6wks out..Are you using

the reuseable ice packs or zip-lock bags? What seems to work best?

I'm supposed to have some sort of in=house PT for first couple of

weeks as well. Don't know what that will consist of. You can walk

almost a mile,,that definately sounds good for the 6wk mark. I want

to be walking for a change vs limping and back hurting. it's getting

really old. Does the bow in your legs straighten up immediately? Or

did you have that yet? I'm starting to get the bow-legs, or rather

the bow-LEG,,one sided. Bummer.

nie

> >

> > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just

wondered

> > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will

probably

> > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> > >

>

>

> so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

> about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

> have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

>

>

> I am just over six weeks out from a Rt. TKR and still ice it every

> night and sometimes several times a day. Ice brings a lot of relief

> when it hurts and swells. I had the CPM machine sent home with me

with

> a goal of using it twice a day for two hours at a time. I probably

> didn't use it that many hours, but I used it at least once every

day.

> I did nap while it was on sometimes, but I don't think you'd want

to

> do it for hours at a time. It also made the knee feel better. I

> believe that machine enabled me to have a good range of motion when

I

> started outpatient PT last week. I had a visiting therapist a

couple

> of times a week before that. I am " fluffy " also. My husband was here

> for me (retired) and I really don't think I could have done it alone

> at least for a few days. I was not steady on my feet, even with the

> walker, the pain pills messed my head up some, and I couldn't carry

> things or stand on my feet to get stuff. He did meals, ice, water,

> etc. I was in the hospital four days, then had a 6 hour ride to get

> home. The first week was really hard and painful.

>

> On a more positive note, my recovery is going well. I will probably

> get rid of the cane this week as I am finding it in my way more than

> being useful. I have been able to walk outside for a half mile or

so.

> It is still stiff and hurts at times, but the progress the past two

> weeks has been wonderful. I am only taking pain meds (Vicodin)

before

> I have PT or before I go to sleep. Some days I don't use the pain

> medication at all. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but I'm not

> there yet. It does not hurt to walk on it, but I do have some pain

and

> stiffness, and I still have some swelling in the knee. However, it

is

> getting better and I am starting to feel like myself again and am

able

> to do more normal things. Today I had a milestone in driving the car

> again. I probably could have sooner, but waited until I had the

> confidence that I could do it. I don't go down stairs very easily,

but

> I now go up the stairs better than before the surgery.

>

> Good luck to you in this process. You just have to take it a little

> bit at a time.

>

> Louise in Maine

>

[Guest guest]

nie, I had bi-lateral TKR 6/18.  My legs, especially the left one, was bent

at the joint prior to surgery.  I didn't have bowing.  After surgery, the goal

of PT is to bend and straighten the legs.  My therapist told me that she

witnessed a TKR surgery in college and that the knee can straighten and bend all

the way immediately after surgery.  However, swelling and our pain keep us from

going all the way straight or bent.  Gradually, with the help of surgery it

improves.  My right leg can straighten all the way and bends 114 degrees.  The

left leg is lagging behind.  I was sent home with refreezable ice packs which

worked great for me - no dripping.  Ice gives relief and helps with swelling.  I

also did the passive motion machine in the hospital (2 days) and rehab (1

week).  It felt good to have help bending and straighten.  I did 2 hrs. a day -

each leg and had nursing help me get in and out.  You can strap yourself in and

out

alright.  However, it's kind of heavy when you don't feel good top get it on

and off the bed.  At the end of rehab, I was told that it couldn't bring me all

the way  with the straightening and bending and that I likely wasn't getting any

more benefit from it.  I didn't have it at home.  I was able to nap a bit on it

too.  I also recommend having help and support that first week.  First week is

no picnic and help should be welcomed. 

Re: TKR next week in Austin and worried sick!

Need...

Thanks Louise,,you sound encouraging for just 6wks out..Are you using

the reuseable ice packs or zip-lock bags? What seems to work best?

I'm supposed to have some sort of in=house PT for first couple of

weeks as well. Don't know what that will consist of. You can walk

almost a mile,,that definately sounds good for the 6wk mark. I want

to be walking for a change vs limping and back hurting. it's getting

really old. Does the bow in your legs straighten up immediately? Or

did you have that yet? I'm starting to get the bow-legs, or rather

the bow-LEG,,one sided. Bummer.

nie

> >

> > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just

wondered

> > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will

probably

> > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> > >

>

>

> so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

> about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

> have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

>

>

> I am just over six weeks out from a Rt. TKR and still ice it every

> night and sometimes several times a day. Ice brings a lot of relief

> when it hurts and swells. I had the CPM machine sent home with me

with

> a goal of using it twice a day for two hours at a time. I probably

> didn't use it that many hours, but I used it at least once every

day.

> I did nap while it was on sometimes, but I don't think you'd want

to

> do it for hours at a time. It also made the knee feel better. I

> believe that machine enabled me to have a good range of motion when

I

> started outpatient PT last week. I had a visiting therapist a

couple

> of times a week before that. I am " fluffy " also. My husband was here

> for me (retired) and I really don't think I could have done it alone

> at least for a few days. I was not steady on my feet, even with the

> walker, the pain pills messed my head up some, and I couldn't carry

> things or stand on my feet to get stuff. He did meals, ice, water,

> etc. I was in the hospital four days, then had a 6 hour ride to get

> home. The first week was really hard and painful.

>

> On a more positive note, my recovery is going well. I will probably

> get rid of the cane this week as I am finding it in my way more than

> being useful. I have been able to walk outside for a half mile or

so.

> It is still stiff and hurts at times, but the progress the past two

> weeks has been wonderful. I am only taking pain meds (Vicodin)

before

> I have PT or before I go to sleep. Some days I don't use the pain

> medication at all. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but I'm not

> there yet. It does not hurt to walk on it, but I do have some pain

and

> stiffness, and I still have some swelling in the knee. However, it

is

> getting better and I am starting to feel like myself again and am

able

> to do more normal things. Today I had a milestone in driving the car

> again. I probably could have sooner, but waited until I had the

> confidence that I could do it. I don't go down stairs very easily,

but

> I now go up the stairs better than before the surgery.

>

> Good luck to you in this process. You just have to take it a little

> bit at a time.

>

> Louise in Maine

>

[Guest guest]

I came home from the hospital with a device called a cryo cuff. You

put ice and water in it, like a cooler, and a hose attaches to a cuff

that goes around your knee. You attach the hose to the cuff and it

distributes ice water all around the knee. It is a wonderful device

and helps a lot. I had in-house PT too for three weeks or so. The

therapist gave me a few exercises to do to develop some flexibility.

She was not very aggressive and did not hurt me, but between her help

and the CPM machine I went into PT with a bend of over 100 degrees.

Straightening the knee amazes me. My knee was so bowed in, and now my

leg is straight. The therapist says it is from replacing the worn out

parts in my knee, but I am amazed that the bow-legged knee is

straight! I limped a lot too, and more than anything want to be able

to walk freely again without pain. The first couple of weeks were

rough, rougher than I expected, so be aware that it will be painful

at first. Take the pain meds they give you before the pain gets too

bad, and do the exercises as best you can. I think you have to keep it

moving, even if it hurts to do it, so it won't get stiff. I also was

careful to eat well (actually lost weight as I had little appetite)

and rest when my body told me I needed it. You can do it, nie, and

there are lots of us here ready and willing to help. I haven't written

much, but I found so much help from reading the posts on this board.

> > >

> > > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just

> wondered

> > > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will

> probably

> > > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> > > >

> >

> >

> > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

> > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

> > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> >

> >

> > I am just over six weeks out from a Rt. TKR and still ice it every

> > night and sometimes several times a day. Ice brings a lot of relief

> > when it hurts and swells. I had the CPM machine sent home with me

> with

> > a goal of using it twice a day for two hours at a time. I probably

> > didn't use it that many hours, but I used it at least once every

> day.

> > I did nap while it was on sometimes, but I don't think you'd want

> to

> > do it for hours at a time. It also made the knee feel better. I

> > believe that machine enabled me to have a good range of motion when

> I

> > started outpatient PT last week. I had a visiting therapist a

> couple

> > of times a week before that. I am " fluffy " also. My husband was here

> > for me (retired) and I really don't think I could have done it alone

> > at least for a few days. I was not steady on my feet, even with the

> > walker, the pain pills messed my head up some, and I couldn't carry

> > things or stand on my feet to get stuff. He did meals, ice, water,

> > etc. I was in the hospital four days, then had a 6 hour ride to get

> > home. The first week was really hard and painful.

> >

> > On a more positive note, my recovery is going well. I will probably

> > get rid of the cane this week as I am finding it in my way more than

> > being useful. I have been able to walk outside for a half mile or

> so.

> > It is still stiff and hurts at times, but the progress the past two

> > weeks has been wonderful. I am only taking pain meds (Vicodin)

> before

> > I have PT or before I go to sleep. Some days I don't use the pain

> > medication at all. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but I'm not

> > there yet. It does not hurt to walk on it, but I do have some pain

> and

> > stiffness, and I still have some swelling in the knee. However, it

> is

> > getting better and I am starting to feel like myself again and am

> able

> > to do more normal things. Today I had a milestone in driving the car

> > again. I probably could have sooner, but waited until I had the

> > confidence that I could do it. I don't go down stairs very easily,

> but

> > I now go up the stairs better than before the surgery.

> >

> > Good luck to you in this process. You just have to take it a little

> > bit at a time.

> >

> > Louise in Maine

> >

>

[Guest guest]

, you've certainly had a lot to get over both TKR's at the same

time. I don't know how you did that! That had to have been

difficult. Sounds like you're doing pretty good now. That's great.

someone mentioned getting in shape before surgery to make it go

better..I've got 5 days to work on that. Think it's a bit late for

that tip. nie

> > >

> > > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just

> wondered

> > > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will

> probably

> > > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> > > >

> >

> >

> > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

> > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

> > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> >

> >

> > I am just over six weeks out from a Rt. TKR and still ice it every

> > night and sometimes several times a day. Ice brings a lot of

relief

> > when it hurts and swells. I had the CPM machine sent home with me

> with

> > a goal of using it twice a day for two hours at a time. I probably

> > didn't use it that many hours, but I used it at least once every

> day.

> > I did nap while it was on sometimes, but I don't think you'd want

> to

> > do it for hours at a time. It also made the knee feel better. I

> > believe that machine enabled me to have a good range of motion

when

> I

> > started outpatient PT last week. I had a visiting therapist a

> couple

> > of times a week before that. I am " fluffy " also. My husband was

here

> > for me (retired) and I really don't think I could have done it

alone

> > at least for a few days. I was not steady on my feet, even with

the

> > walker, the pain pills messed my head up some, and I couldn't

carry

> > things or stand on my feet to get stuff. He did meals, ice, water,

> > etc. I was in the hospital four days, then had a 6 hour ride to

get

> > home. The first week was really hard and painful.

> >

> > On a more positive note, my recovery is going well. I will

probably

> > get rid of the cane this week as I am finding it in my way more

than

> > being useful. I have been able to walk outside for a half mile or

> so.

> > It is still stiff and hurts at times, but the progress the past

two

> > weeks has been wonderful. I am only taking pain meds (Vicodin)

> before

> > I have PT or before I go to sleep. Some days I don't use the pain

> > medication at all. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but I'm

not

> > there yet. It does not hurt to walk on it, but I do have some

pain

> and

> > stiffness, and I still have some swelling in the knee. However,

it

> is

> > getting better and I am starting to feel like myself again and am

> able

> > to do more normal things. Today I had a milestone in driving the

car

> > again. I probably could have sooner, but waited until I had the

> > confidence that I could do it. I don't go down stairs very

easily,

> but

> > I now go up the stairs better than before the surgery.

> >

> > Good luck to you in this process. You just have to take it a

little

> > bit at a time.

> >

> > Louise in Maine

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

So are you still having a lot of pain or did that ease up? I'm just

dreading those first few days/weeks, whatever it is that it hurts so

much. I'll definately hit the pain pills at the first inkling of

pain. I'm a firm believer in pain control. Haven't been on anything

but Celebrex for past year, just lived with this pain in knee, so

maybe I'm so used to the pain that I won't even notice the pain from

the surgery...wouldn't THAT be great! nie

> > > >

> > > > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just

> > wondered

> > > > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will

> > probably

> > > > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> > > > >

> > >

> > >

> > > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just

wondered

> > > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will

probably

> > > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> > >

> > >

> > > I am just over six weeks out from a Rt. TKR and still ice it

every

> > > night and sometimes several times a day. Ice brings a lot of

relief

> > > when it hurts and swells. I had the CPM machine sent home with

me

> > with

> > > a goal of using it twice a day for two hours at a time. I

probably

> > > didn't use it that many hours, but I used it at least once

every

> > day.

> > > I did nap while it was on sometimes, but I don't think you'd

want

> > to

> > > do it for hours at a time. It also made the knee feel better. I

> > > believe that machine enabled me to have a good range of motion

when

> > I

> > > started outpatient PT last week. I had a visiting therapist a

> > couple

> > > of times a week before that. I am " fluffy " also. My husband was

here

> > > for me (retired) and I really don't think I could have done it

alone

> > > at least for a few days. I was not steady on my feet, even with

the

> > > walker, the pain pills messed my head up some, and I couldn't

carry

> > > things or stand on my feet to get stuff. He did meals, ice,

water,

> > > etc. I was in the hospital four days, then had a 6 hour ride

to get

> > > home. The first week was really hard and painful.

> > >

> > > On a more positive note, my recovery is going well. I will

probably

> > > get rid of the cane this week as I am finding it in my way more

than

> > > being useful. I have been able to walk outside for a half mile

or

> > so.

> > > It is still stiff and hurts at times, but the progress the

past two

> > > weeks has been wonderful. I am only taking pain meds (Vicodin)

> > before

> > > I have PT or before I go to sleep. Some days I don't use the

pain

> > > medication at all. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but I'm

not

> > > there yet. It does not hurt to walk on it, but I do have some

pain

> > and

> > > stiffness, and I still have some swelling in the knee.

However, it

> > is

> > > getting better and I am starting to feel like myself again and

am

> > able

> > > to do more normal things. Today I had a milestone in driving

the car

> > > again. I probably could have sooner, but waited until I had the

> > > confidence that I could do it. I don't go down stairs very

easily,

> > but

> > > I now go up the stairs better than before the surgery.

> > >

> > > Good luck to you in this process. You just have to take it a

little

> > > bit at a time.

> > >

> > > Louise in Maine

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm glad I did both at the same time and I'm on the road to recovery.  Doing my

PT still.  I did do PT prior to surgery.  Actually, I think I've been doing PT

for a good part of the last few years.  I needed it for my ankle fracture and

back surgeries in 2006.  10/07, I began to get prepared for my hip replacement -

2/08.  I did it post hip and when the insurance said I was done w/ the hip, I

began my pre-knee replacement work-out.  I actually like the guidance and help. 

Oh, and I'm a big fan of the recliners and needed to sleep in it a few times

after the hip and knees.  Sometimes, having my legs up hurts too and I find,

alternating between up and down is best.  PT told me it would be better to have

my feet on a short stool, without my knees being supported.  This way, gravity

pulls your knees straight.  I haven't been so good about doing that.  You'll be

doing better, before you know it.

Re: TKR next week in Austin and worried sick!

Need....

, you've certainly had a lot to get over both TKR's at the same

time. I don't know how you did that! That had to have been

difficult. Sounds like you're doing pretty good now. That's great.

someone mentioned getting in shape before surgery to make it go

better..I've got 5 days to work on that. Think it's a bit late for

that tip. nie

> > >

> > > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just

> wondered

> > > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will

> probably

> > > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> > > >

> >

> >

> > so you have to keep it iced for a few days or so? I just wondered

> > about getting on and off that passive knee machine. Will probably

> > have to stay with family for the first week the way it sounds.

> >

> >

> > I am just over six weeks out from a Rt. TKR and still ice it every

> > night and sometimes several times a day. Ice brings a lot of

relief

> > when it hurts and swells. I had the CPM machine sent home with me

> with

> > a goal of using it twice a day for two hours at a time. I probably

> > didn't use it that many hours, but I used it at least once every

> day.

> > I did nap while it was on sometimes, but I don't think you'd want

> to

> > do it for hours at a time. It also made the knee feel better. I

> > believe that machine enabled me to have a good range of motion

when

> I

> > started outpatient PT last week. I had a visiting therapist a

> couple

> > of times a week before that. I am " fluffy " also. My husband was

here

> > for me (retired) and I really don't think I could have done it

alone

> > at least for a few days. I was not steady on my feet, even with

the

> > walker, the pain pills messed my head up some, and I couldn't

carry

> > things or stand on my feet to get stuff. He did meals, ice, water,

> > etc. I was in the hospital four days, then had a 6 hour ride to

get

> > home. The first week was really hard and painful.

> >

> > On a more positive note, my recovery is going well. I will

probably

> > get rid of the cane this week as I am finding it in my way more

than

> > being useful. I have been able to walk outside for a half mile or

> so.

> > It is still stiff and hurts at times, but the progress the past

two

> > weeks has been wonderful. I am only taking pain meds (Vicodin)

> before

> > I have PT or before I go to sleep. Some days I don't use the pain

> > medication at all. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but I'm

not

> > there yet. It does not hurt to walk on it, but I do have some

pain

> and

> > stiffness, and I still have some swelling in the knee. However,

it

> is

> > getting better and I am starting to feel like myself again and am

> able

> > to do more normal things. Today I had a milestone in driving the

car

> > again. I probably could have sooner, but waited until I had the

> > confidence that I could do it. I don't go down stairs very

easily,

> but

> > I now go up the stairs better than before the surgery.

> >

> > Good luck to you in this process. You just have to take it a

little

> > bit at a time.

> >

> > Louise in Maine

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>