I have finally bitten the bullet and scheduled a TKR (total knee replacement) on my right knee. I have postponed this surgery since last year because the recovery is not pleasant and involves a lot of pain and hard work in physical therapy.
But the time has come when the benefits outweigh the negatives.The pain and reduced mobility is the pits.
I have, in addition to my doctors print out instructions of information on the experience and recovery period, an excellent book which I found on Amazon."Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation:" 50 plus people recommended this book, and I highly recommend it also.
It is written by a doctor, who underwent this surgery himself and a physical therapist, who treats recovering TKR patients.
I am doing the strengthening exercises and also riding our recumbent bike as my knee allows.
I understand the recovery period is difficult and painful but as a friend of mine says "It IS what it IS"
The surgery is scheduled for April 26, so after that I may be MIA from the blogs for a while. But probably not for long as soon as I can hobble to the computer I will post how I am doing.
OK now don't you feel sorry for me? But hubby, Sam, deserves all the good wishes he can get since he will be my "recovery nurse" at home.
Bless his heart, he tries but he is not cut out to be a caregiver.
But...it is what it is...:)
I am getting nervous as the day approaches but I compensate by cleaning out just "one more drawer" And cleaning and dusting. I bet I am a pain in the neck to live with about now.
And poor Buddy is going to be so confused by my 3 or 4 day absence and upset in the routine when I get back home. I will just have to give him extra treats and hugs.
Have any of you had this TKR experience or do you have any good tips or suggestions?
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12 comments:
I haven't had the knee surgery but have encountered many people who have. Those who were motivated to work through their P.T. became quite mobile and were quite glad they had the surgery.
Also know from a family member who had arthroscopic knee surgery when a teenager that the more strengthening exercises you can do prior to your surgery the better for you in rehab. Reads like you already know that and are doing so.
The book you mentioned sounds like it's a good resource.
Remember TV's Hugh Downs? I remember years ago he elected to have both knees done at the same time which I found amazing, but as I recall he worked through it quite well and was back at work two weeks later. He did a 20/20 TV show report on it.
http://www.aeispeakers.com/print.php?SpeakerID=318
Don't know if you can find any of what he said about it on the Internet somewhere.
Will be thinking of you and looking forward to your account of this experience. Many of us may need to have this surgery so your insights will be helpful.
The positive attitude you project as I've read your blog during these years suggest you'll weather this experience well.
I haven't had knee surgery either Janet...but I have been feeling pretty achy while going up and down my stairs. My sister-in-law had knee surgery not long ago and she says she's glad she did...even with the long recovery process.
I wish you much luck with the surgery and during your recovery...and I'm sending (((((((pre-surgery healing hugs))))) right now....it couldn't hurt. ~Joy xo
I have had a bad knee for 30 years and haven't done anything about it. Maybe you will give me courage to have the surgery.
I am not good about doing my exercises and have taken much longer to get over my broken hip because of that. It all takes hard work.
Jored recommended I read your blog as my husband is facing the TKR. He is in a dither about it could not decide to do something for a while, and now just wants to get it over with. Please keep us informed. I will be checking your progress after the surgery. BTW, my hubby is almost 82. Dianne
I wish you good luck, Chancy. I know 4-5 people who have had the surgery and they say you have to do the physical therapy religiously, but you should have full mobility again soon.
I was going to recommend that you read "schmidleysscribblins" latest entry and then see that she has commented here. So, you know you are not alone!!
As I commented on her blog I have known many oldsters who have had this and all have been happy with it.
The one suggestion I have is:
After the knee surgery when you are ready to have PT be sure to take the pain medication about an hour before that workout - it takes time for the meds to get into the system.
I did that after I have my hip surgery and needed PT - It takes the edge of the pain.
Are you planning to go to a rehab after the surgery. In my experience I found it very helpful even thought the food was awful!
The therapy is the most important thing you have to have.
Mildred, Thanks for the useful tips. I am planning on coming home after the surgery and 3 days in the hospital.
My husband will be my caregiver. I hate that he has to do that but " it is what it is" I may change my mind and go to rehab. We will see.
The PT will come here a few times a week for about two weeks then I go to outpatient therapy. I understand that the PT is extremely important to good recovery.
I also have read about the importance of the pain meds before the PT.
Thanks.
I will post when I feel like it after the surgery and let my blog friends know how I am doing.
Good luck, Joared. I'm hoping that your surgeon is top notch. I know that you are doing your part to ensure a good outcome. Kudos!
Cop Car
You're very brave, it is horrible to have to face the thought of pain and a difficult recovery. The best advice I can think of is to concentrate on the ultimate aim..... to be able to walk well without pain. Every Blessing
I hope things go well, and you'll be feeling better soon.
How are you ?
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