total knee replacement

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Comments

  • babytiger
    babytiger Member Posts: 360
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Marrianne
    All the best for tomorrow, you'll be on your feet before you know it
    Love Eileen xx
  • marrianne
    marrianne Member Posts: 1,161
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thankyou everyone , Your support was invaluble ,I went in with confidence ..........had a spinal block ,so could hear but not see anything going on and apart from 1 day of itching and vomiting ...re morphine .. every thing went so very well ....home now with a 70 per cent bend and crutches only worry how to stab my self for the next 10 days to stop any blood clots ...Marrianne :)
  • JuliaHod12
    JuliaHod12 Member Posts: 456
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Marianne

    Thats fabulous news.........well done om the good progress! :-)

    Fingers crossed for a smooth recovery xx

    I'm going in tomorrow, but will catch upwith your progress posts when i get home

    love
    Julia xx
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Marrianne, Julia, please can I join in and compare notes and progress. I had a bilateral TKR (ie both knees) on Sunday July 8th. I came home the following Thursday - it was supposed to be Wednesday but I refused to go unless they gave me some morphine to take with me as the pain was still so bad. Also it's a long walk (about 100 yds) from the car park to my house on the estate where I live and I was scared I wouldn't make it. The pain nurse was on my side and next day I went home...with a little bottle of morphine.

    Since then progress with mobility has been better than I expected. I'm off crutches indoors except for stairs, can manage with only one crutch out of doors but my knees swell up so I think I'll go back to two for a bit. Knee bend is good (though I want better) and I can do all the exercises quite well.

    However, what's worse than I expected are the pain and fatigue. I gave up the morphine after a few days as I was getting so woozy; I couldn't remember anything from one moment to the next, which is OK in hospital but not too good at home. I'm taking paracetamol and codeine four times a day, but they don't last six hours, and I sit there looking at my watch wanting more. And of course I can't sleep. I'm allergic to anti-inflammatories, and have bad side effects with most other pain relief, so I think I'll have to put up with it...but for how long? Then there's the exhaustion. The slightest little thing seems to wear me out. I'll probably have to go to bed after writing this post. My partner takes me for little drives to remind me that there's a world out there, but they tire me ridiculously. I never heard of this happening after a TKR. I'm a freelance writer, and I thought I could carry on working; well, I managed one short article, but it should have been half a day's work and took me a week!

    I guess we're all different, and I just did a search and found these forums, because I wanted to speak to others in the same situation. I'd especially like to hear from anyone who's had both knees done at the same time; I gather we're pretty rare. So...thanks for listening, and I'll look forward to hearing from any of you....
  • marrianne
    marrianne Member Posts: 1,161
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Helen .I am not supprised you get tired 2 knees together would absolutely exhaust me ,you have done fantastically well ,we must all follow and help each other along ,you were brave to insist on your morphine ,I think they can be a bit one way only , I am hopeing to find an alternative treatment toFragmin injections but not haveing much luck ,guess I will give in in the end ,Steve is after you and after a painful time in hospital seems very well ,and lots of love and luck for Julia tomorrow ,we will be thinking about her.Marrianne :) .want to chat more but so sleepy as first day at home is really great as you know but it can be fraught to friends for tea a big mistake I think o/h will have to see to tea this time good luck :) and love ..Marrianne :)
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Marrianne, good to hear from you, and yes, we'll definitely support each other. Friends for tea on your first day home! Are you mad or a superwoman? I even found speaking to people on the phone was too much. My six cats were wonderful (purrs are incredibly therapeutic), and so was my partner David, though no-one should have to cope with as much as he has. Luckily I can do a few things now and take the pressure off him. You take care now....Helen
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That’s great news, marrianne. I’m very pleased for you. Now then – exercises and rest and very little else for you right now. Don’t overdo stuff. There’s a lot of healing to be done in there. I hope it continues to go as well as it has done so far.

    Helenbothknees – Wow! Well done! I know someone was asking recently about having both knees done together and I’d never heard of it though we did have one lady who had both hips done together. Anyway, welcome to the forum!

    It’s still early days for you. I’m a veteran of 3 knees (The first one lasted 27 years) and I know the importance of rest, exercise and elevation in the early weeks. And ice, if it’s swelling, though not directly on the skin.

    You will soon get tired. You are not long post op and, for a start, you must have had a lot of anaesthetic, which doesn’t just leave the body instantly. Also, a lot of the paindullers make us sleepy. Codeine is one of them for me. Being unable to take anti-inflamms is a nuisance in these situations but I can’t take them either and there is other stuff out there which you might find more helpful. Ask your GP.

    Post op I always find distraction is the name of the game. I play computer games, do puzzles, read something I can get my teeth into – anything to distract me from pain. That way I usually find I can delay the next lot of pain relief. Luckily, I always end up so tired at the end of the day, I can just take the dullers and go spark out.

    I really don’t think you should expect too much of your body so soon. Just do the exercises several times a day, elevate the legs and only do other stuff as and when you feel able. You will get there :wink: .
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Stickywicket, thank you for that. I read bits of Steve's long thread (too tired to read it all) and realised it might help someone in the future if I start a separate one about having both knees done. So I might do that tomorrow if I have the energy...only just found these forums so I didn't think of it. Actually I'm really glad I had them both done as I'd hate to have to go through all this twice!
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Marianne :) welcome back and well done, it sounds like you had a decent time and coping with it all very well indeed.

    Helenbothknees - well what can I say :)

    You have left us all behind with your two knees at the same time and recovering well. I was about a week before you and only had the one knee done so I am in awe of your bravery :)

    I'm four weeks now and managing to do things without the sticks but always use them when I can, I mean I have cooked the evening meal for three days running now, in the kitchen on my own two feet but once finished cooking my missus carries it all to the dining room for me.

    I think I need to walk more, outdoors so may take advantage of the good weather and do that.

    Once again well done to you both and good luck to Julia tomorrow :)
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Steve, thank you, but I'm not brave and I haven't left anyone behind. I was desperate, and delighted when the consultant said since both my knees were knackered but I was otherwise fit and healthy he could do both at the same time. I didn't think it through - probably lacking in imagination.

    I was feeling a bit isolated and at a loss until I found this forum and a few people in the same position to talk to. So, thank you for your long thread; it really stopped me worrying so much.

    And from me too, the best of luck to Julia.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Helen, I for one shall be very interested to read a thread about two knees being done. Both of mine are bone-on-bone through about 3/4 of the joint but have to wait another year at least before orthopaedics will see me again. In the meantime I guess things can't get much worse. :wink: Good luck, exercise and rest are the key words for the time being. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Marianne! What fantastic news, I am so proud of you. You did it with just a spinal block? I don't have the cojones for that, I wanna be totally knocked out! You rest now please, do the exercises then rest again. The exercises are key to your recovery, as is not pushing yourself too hard physically. Life will be 'limited' for a while but once everything is mended and working? Cor! Party-party-party! Good luck, please keep in touch and let us know how things are going for you. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • marrianne
    marrianne Member Posts: 1,161
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD Sticky Steve and Helen,Oh its a beautiful day and all is well in the knee camp so far,waiting for Julia to join us ,Helen keep up the good work but make sure you get rest Sticky is right ,my tea time guests were a very big mistake DD my knee let me know later,took off my flight,oh my socks and took o/h 20 minutes to get them back on me ,but at least they were nice and clean ,Steve your brilliant I havent mannaged to cook yet but I made a pot of tea ,and put a wash on .......lol sat with a tissue and cleaned the remote controls ,nurses came to change dressing exercises done twice ,feel very tired so catch up with you all later ,DD can we have the party at your house please :D:D ,Marrianne :)
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    DD, thread started. It's a bit brief as detail of the last two weeks would have taken more time and energy than I have. Sorry I keep on about lack of energy, but it's my main problem right now. Even typing at the PC wears me out. As for meals, I can't eat much, and it seems like digestion is a major function that requires all my energy...finished lunch and now off to lie down. Marrianne, glad to see you so positive; keep it up!
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Whenever I've had surgery Marianne I've kept myself to myself for a good month after. Surgery knocks us for six, it 'hits' the whole body (not just the operated bit) and it takes a while for things to settle. I think the surgeons tend to lead us to think that immediately after their activities we will be skipping round like spring lambs. That may prove to be true but there are some tough times to get through first. You're in those tough times but they will pass. Rest, exercise, eat well, keep hydrated, exercise and rest again. Forget the housework and social life for a while, your knee needs your full attention. Take care. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • marrianne
    marrianne Member Posts: 1,161
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks DD ,I know it does knock the bod for 6 ... really tired at the moment o/h will cope and your right about house work , he tries very hard and I cannot ask for more .....I had 2 boiled eggs and a dry ryvitta for brecky the eggs were bullet hard but I was absolutely starving so scoffed the lot :lol::lol: ,tea will be tin of soup but he has put glasses of water every where and lots and lots of fruit todayI love him :) Marrianne
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Bullet hard? Send him round mine, that's just how I like 'em! I'm glad about the water and fruit, it's so hot at the moment it's best to keep sipping away. I've munched half a cucumber this afternoon - lovely and cool and fresh!

    It's going to take time Marianne, but it's important time. Your future rests on you resting now. Simples. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • marrianne
    marrianne Member Posts: 1,161
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD and everyone ,Would it be easier now to lump us all together under Helen s postings ,is that cool with Steve as well ,Marrianne :)
  • marrianne
    marrianne Member Posts: 1,161
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD.Would it be easier to lump us all together now under Helens bylateral op ? Hope you are fine today Steve noticed you had not posted recently would you be cool with that also for Julia to catch up with ,Marrianne :)
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Marrianne, I didn't realise I was being timed ha ha :D

    Yes that's cool with me in fact its as cool as the ice on my little ole knee :)
  • knuckleduster
    knuckleduster Member Posts: 551
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Many best wishes for a good recovery.

    Husbands can do funny things when they are not used to doing them.
    I remember when I was due to leave hospital after our son was born, hubby brought in some clothes for me and I asked him what had happened to my tights - he had ironed them, bless him. And don't get me started on his diy mishaps.

    Janet xx

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