RE: CHRISSIE RE: 90 degree bend question

[Guest guest]

The post-op pain is so different from the pre-op pain that you will be

relieved. First, you are on good drugs. Second, you can tell that it's

surgical pain and thus will go away. It's nothing like the grinding pain

from before my TKR. You are hauled out of bed and use a walker to plod

around for just a few steps at first. The PT helps you and supports you. By

the next day I could flop my legs out of bed and use my walker to get to the

bathroom. I was dizzy, but I could do it. Each day gets better and by the

time you leave the hospital, you are achy but you can handle it.

Re: 90 degree bend question

Hi Chrissie,

Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after seeing

how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

(was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and never

did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire procedure.

Sylvie Hanna, , BC

On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

> Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

> bend your

> knee to a normal sitting position?

>

> Chrissie

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thank. That's what I need to hear.

Chrissie

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

Re: 90 degree bend question

Hi Chrissie,

Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after seeing

how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

(was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and never

did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire procedure.

Sylvie Hanna, , BC

On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

> Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

> bend your

> knee to a normal sitting position?

>

> Chrissie

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Ok then, next question...WHY do I have to go to rehab after the hospital? If

I can walk before leaving the hospital, I would rather go home and do the

physical therapy at home, or even as out-patient everyday, if necessary.

Normally I wouldn't mind going to rehab at all, but right now my husband is

depressed and actually tried to commit suicide a few weeks ago, so I would

rather be home where I can make sure he is ok. Besides taking care of me

would be good for him, rather than just sitting around alone. He would do

the job of taking care of me wonderfully, as he has in the past when I have

had surgery, just as good as rehab would, I believe.

I just wonder why rehab is necessary with bilateral TKR if you have someone

at home to care for you and your insurance will cover visiting nurses, etc

as much as necessary.

Is there anyone who has had both knees done and gone home instead of to

rehab for 7-10 days?

Chrissie

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

Re: 90 degree bend question

Hi Chrissie,

Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after seeing

how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

(was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and never

did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire procedure.

Sylvie Hanna, , BC

On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

> Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

> bend your

> knee to a normal sitting position?

>

> Chrissie

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

my husband who is fortytwo had his BTKR on July 8th of this year. He

had it done on Tuesday and went home on Friday. We had no problems

taking care of him at home. He had home Pt and a visiting nurse once

or twice. He came home using two crutches and within about a week

was down to one. It is very possible to go home and not to a rehab

hospital.

-- In Joint Replacement , " shihtzumom "

<shihtzumom1@...> wrote:

>

> Ok then, next question...WHY do I have to go to rehab after the

hospital? If

> I can walk before leaving the hospital, I would rather go home and

do the

> physical therapy at home, or even as out-patient everyday, if

necessary.

>

> Normally I wouldn't mind going to rehab at all, but right now my

husband is

> depressed and actually tried to commit suicide a few weeks ago, so

I would

> rather be home where I can make sure he is ok. Besides taking care

of me

> would be good for him, rather than just sitting around alone. He

would do

> the job of taking care of me wonderfully, as he has in the past

when I have

> had surgery, just as good as rehab would, I believe.

>

> I just wonder why rehab is necessary with bilateral TKR if you have

someone

> at home to care for you and your insurance will cover visiting

nurses, etc

> as much as necessary.

>

> Is there anyone who has had both knees done and gone home instead

of to

> rehab for 7-10 days?

>

> Chrissie

> To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who

dont, no

> explanation is possible

>

>

> Re: 90 degree bend question

>

> Hi Chrissie,

>

> Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

> couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

> normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

> years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

> other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after

seeing

> how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

> (was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and

never

> did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

> any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

> stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

> took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

> did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

> just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire

procedure.

>

> Sylvie Hanna, , BC

>

> On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

>

> > Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

> > bend your

> > knee to a normal sitting position?

> >

> > Chrissie

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Chrissie,

What a lot you are dealing with!

This is not my personal experience but my sister had bilateral TKR and went

directly home. I visited here at her twice for a week or so each time to

help out. She had multiple family members assisting her as well as daily PT

at home. She needed quite a bit of support.

My understanding is that the rehab is an option that depends on individual

circumstances. Not only what is available at home but what your particular

medical situation is. It is probably your decision whether to go to rehab

or directly home. What has your dec said about the rehab versus going

directly home?

In making this decision it would be important to have more information on

exactly what kind of support you will need at home and whether your husband

will realisticallly be able to provide that level of support given that he

is also dealing with a serous medical condition. You will need a lot

support after those first days and there will be plenty for your husband to

do after your initial 7-10 days. He can also visit you if you go to rehab

and help with your exercises and practical care. That way he could learn

more about how to support when you are home. That would be an alternative

to his sitting at home while you are in rehab.

Best wishes with making this difficult decision. It will be important for

both of your healing to make sure you are really looking carefully at which

option will be optimal for your own healing.

Jackie

On 11/21/08 8:23 AM, " shihtzumom " <shihtzumom1@...> wrote:

> Ok then, next question...WHY do I have to go to rehab after the hospital? If

> I can walk before leaving the hospital, I would rather go home and do the

> physical therapy at home, or even as out-patient everyday, if necessary.

>

> Normally I wouldn't mind going to rehab at all, but right now my husband is

> depressed and actually tried to commit suicide a few weeks ago, so I would

> rather be home where I can make sure he is ok. Besides taking care of me

> would be good for him, rather than just sitting around alone. He would do

> the job of taking care of me wonderfully, as he has in the past when I have

> had surgery, just as good as rehab would, I believe.

>

> I just wonder why rehab is necessary with bilateral TKR if you have someone

> at home to care for you and your insurance will cover visiting nurses, etc

> as much as necessary.

>

> Is there anyone who has had both knees done and gone home instead of to

> rehab for 7-10 days?

>

> Chrissie

> To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

> explanation is possible

>

> Re: 90 degree bend question

>

> Hi Chrissie,

>

> Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

> couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

> normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

> years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

> other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after seeing

> how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

> (was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and never

> did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

> any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

> stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

> took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

> did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

> just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire procedure.

>

> Sylvie Hanna, , BC

>

> On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

>

>> > Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

>> > bend your

>> > knee to a normal sitting position?

>> >

>> > Chrissie

>> >

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks. You are the first person to say this is possible.

Chrissie

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

Re: 90 degree bend question

>

> Hi Chrissie,

>

> Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

> couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

> normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

> years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

> other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after

seeing

> how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

> (was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and

never

> did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

> any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

> stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

> took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

> did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

> just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire

procedure.

>

> Sylvie Hanna, , BC

>

> On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

>

> > Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

> > bend your

> > knee to a normal sitting position?

> >

> > Chrissie

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

My surgeon just said that all of his bilateral patients must go to rehab. I

am 55 and my husband is only 50. We are both physically healthy enough to

handle whatever rehab entails. He is already going to make the sofa and

lounger higher by making about 4 inch wooden lifts. He will do this for the

bed too, when I can get upstairs. He is very good at carpentry type stuff,

so can make them so that they can't slip out. My sister is lending me her

commode chair, and bought another one for me (for Christmas) so both

bathrooms will be ready. My husband is installing grab bars in the bathroom

also, probably 3 of them, wherever I need them to get in and out of the

shower. My sister also has a wheelchair, if needed, and I have a scooter. I

have a ramp already from years of using the scooter. I have crutches and a

walker (rollater type) already. I plan on getting a shower chair also.

Anything else I think of, I am sure my husband will provide quickly for me,

as he has always done in the past. He was the one who built the deck and

ramp years ago. I can't imagine any situation that he can't handle along

these lines. I think keeping his mind on my needs will be a good thing for

him also, rather than on his depression.

My sister, who had nurse's aide training years ago, lives right next door,

so she and her husband are here for me too. I also have a 19 year old

daughter and a 10 yr old daughter. Actually the 10 yr old will probably be

of more help than the 19 yr old, who is attending college. The 10 yr old

loves to help Mommy, and should be a big help.

I'm counting on talking the surgeon into letting me go home, as long as I

don't get any infections, etc, while in the hospital. I will use Christmas

as a reason, if I have to. I can be pretty persuasive, when needed. And I

don't see any real reason for " having " to be in rehab.

Chrissie

Re: 90 degree bend question

>

> Hi Chrissie,

>

> Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

> couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

> normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

> years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

> other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after seeing

> how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

> (was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and never

> did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

> any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

> stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

> took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

> did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

> just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire procedure.

>

> Sylvie Hanna, , BC

>

> On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

>

>> > Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

>> > bend your

>> > knee to a normal sitting position?

>> >

>> > Chrissie

>> >

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

If they keep you in rehab at all, it probably won't be for long. I assume

you will have someone who can give you blood thinner shots if your doctor

chooses them. I know I had 14 days of Lovenox (blood thinner) to take but

I'm a diabetic and can give myself shots. Also, I was 43 when I had a single

TKR so they sent me home after four nights in the hospital.

DO NOT use your wheelchair. That isn't the point. You need to put weight on

your legs the first day. Wheelchairs will slow your recovery. You will use a

walker and it will be all you need and some assistance the first day or two

standing up. I hurt once I was home but I could easily get around with my

walker. Really, you can almost take care of yourself except meal prep and

just times when you will be so tired you need someone to bring you things.

Re: 90 degree bend question

>

> Hi Chrissie,

>

> Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

> couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

> normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

> years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

> other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after seeing

> how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

> (was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and never

> did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

> any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

> stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

> took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

> did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

> just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire procedure.

>

> Sylvie Hanna, , BC

>

> On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

>

>> > Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

>> > bend your

>> > knee to a normal sitting position?

>> >

>> > Chrissie

>> >

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I will be on Coumadin, but even if I did have to have injections, I have no

problem doing that myself even.

Chrissie

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

Re: 90 degree bend question

>

> Hi Chrissie,

>

> Not for me! I could bend my knee to a normal sitting position in a

> couple of weeks. Was driving at 3 weeks and am almost completely

> normal again at 6 weeks now. I'm pain free for the first time in

> years thanks to this great surgery. Eventually I'll need to have my

> other knee done as well but I won't be worried or afraid after seeing

> how great this one turned out. I stopped taking anything for pain

> (was only on Tylenol from the very beginning) at 3 weeks too and never

> did fill the prescription for the narcotic as I hate taking drugs of

> any kind. My doctor insisted on my wearing those compression

> stockings for six weeks on both legs but I did cheat a tiny bit and

> took them off at 5 weeks because they bothered me more than my knee

> did. (G) You have to do the PT exercises and push through the pain

> just a little bit and have a good attitude towards the entire procedure.

>

> Sylvie Hanna, , BC

>

> On 20-Nov-08, at 9:56 AM, shihtzumom wrote:

>

>> > Am I understanding this currectly? It takes months before you can

>> > bend your

>> > knee to a normal sitting position?

>> >

>> > Chrissie

>> >

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> He is already going to make the sofa and

> lounger higher by making about 4 inch wooden lifts. He will do this

for the

> bed too, when I can get upstairs. He is very good at carpentry type

stuff,

> so can make them so that they can't slip out. My sister is lending

me her

> commode chair, and bought another one for me (for Christmas) so both

> bathrooms will be ready. My husband is installing grab bars in the

bathroom

> also, probably 3 of them, wherever I need them to get in and out of the

> shower. My sister also has a wheelchair, if needed, and I have a

scooter. I

> have a ramp already from years of using the scooter. I have crutches

and a

> walker (rollater type) already. I plan on getting a shower chair also.

------------------------

Chrissie, one thing you will want is a comfortable chair - maybe a

recliner- with good strong arms so you can push yourself up out of it.

I echo what the other posters said about getting out of the

wheelchair and walker as soon as you possibly can, although don't take

risks. When you go for walks, it is not bad to have a walker or

crutches with you, but mostly just drag them along for the ride. Try

not to use them for much except stability. Make your legs do all of

the work. Get off the walker and on crutches as soon as you can, and

you really won't need them long, either.

You will probably feel more comfortable standing up than sitting in

the shower, especially with saran wrap around your knees.

The grab bars and raising the bed are really good ideas. Non-skid tape

on the shower floor would be a good thing.

If you are not used to sleeping on your back, you will want to start

practicing that.

Bill in Minneapolis

[Guest guest]

I do sleep on my back already, so that won't be an issue. I am really glad

to hear you say it will be ok to be standing. I was under the impression

from hearing other people talk, that it was difficult to stand on your own

without the walker or something else to help. It sounded to me like I'd be

using the walker for weeks, if not months. Good to hear I won't be. I was

picturing only being able to walk a very short distance (a matter of feet,

actually), with the walker, for quite a while.

I do have a set of crutches that I have been practicing with a bit. I

thought I would need them to take the pressure " off " my knees, not just for

stability. Again, glad to hear I was wrong.

Didn't know I'd be able to stand up long enough to take a shower either.

How about going up stairs? Is that possible once a day, after coming home? I

do have a wide sofa and a recliner downstairs that I can use if I can't make

it upstairs to the bedroom. But, it would be nicer if I " could " get upstairs

to bed at least. Once up the stairs at night, once down in the morning is

more than I had hoped for for many weeks.

Chrissie

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

Re: CHRISSIE RE: 90 degree bend question

>

> He is already going to make the sofa and

> lounger higher by making about 4 inch wooden lifts. He will do this

for the

> bed too, when I can get upstairs. He is very good at carpentry type

stuff,

> so can make them so that they can't slip out. My sister is lending

me her

> commode chair, and bought another one for me (for Christmas) so both

> bathrooms will be ready. My husband is installing grab bars in the

bathroom

> also, probably 3 of them, wherever I need them to get in and out of the

> shower. My sister also has a wheelchair, if needed, and I have a

scooter. I

> have a ramp already from years of using the scooter. I have crutches

and a

> walker (rollater type) already. I plan on getting a shower chair also.

------------------------

Chrissie, one thing you will want is a comfortable chair - maybe a

recliner- with good strong arms so you can push yourself up out of it.

I echo what the other posters said about getting out of the

wheelchair and walker as soon as you possibly can, although don't take

risks. When you go for walks, it is not bad to have a walker or

crutches with you, but mostly just drag them along for the ride. Try

not to use them for much except stability. Make your legs do all of

the work. Get off the walker and on crutches as soon as you can, and

you really won't need them long, either.

You will probably feel more comfortable standing up than sitting in

the shower, especially with saran wrap around your knees.

The grab bars and raising the bed are really good ideas. Non-skid tape

on the shower floor would be a good thing.

If you are not used to sleeping on your back, you will want to start

practicing that.

Bill in Minneapolis

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

>

> I do have a set of crutches that I have been practicing with a bit. I

> thought I would need them to take the pressure " off " my knees, not

just for

> stability.

> How about going up stairs? Is that possible once a day, after coming

home?

------------

It sounds to me like you might want to go and get a little coaching on

the crutches. Normally, they won't be carrying any weight - you will

just sort of go through the motions with them so they are in position

if you should need them for balance, or for a rest.

In the rehab, PT got me off of the walker and on to crutches after

just a few days. When I was using the walker, it was similar to what

I said about the crutches... they told me to just push it along in

case I needed it to catch myself, but let my legs do the work.

Regarding the stairs - I probably could not have done stairs if I went

home right away. I spent a little time in a rehab facility, where

training on the stairs was part of what PT did. When I did get home,

I was able to negotiate the stairs right away, and never slept

downstairs. If you are going to a rehab facility, they will teach

you, or maybe an in-home PT can teach you, but there is a technique

with crutches that you will need to learn one way or the other for the

stairs.

One thing that handy husband of yours can do for you is make sure

there are solid stair rails (on both sides, if possible).

Bill in Minneapolis

[Guest guest]

Good idea. I'll tell him to work on the handrail for the left side. The

right side already has a good one, which I definitely use already. Left side

has banister type up half way already, but a handrail would be better on

that side also. Thanks for that idea.

Chrissie

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

Re: CHRISSIE RE: 90 degree bend question

>

> I do have a set of crutches that I have been practicing with a bit. I

> thought I would need them to take the pressure " off " my knees, not

just for

> stability.

> How about going up stairs? Is that possible once a day, after coming

home?

------------

It sounds to me like you might want to go and get a little coaching on

the crutches. Normally, they won't be carrying any weight - you will

just sort of go through the motions with them so they are in position

if you should need them for balance, or for a rest.

In the rehab, PT got me off of the walker and on to crutches after

just a few days. When I was using the walker, it was similar to what

I said about the crutches... they told me to just push it along in

case I needed it to catch myself, but let my legs do the work.

Regarding the stairs - I probably could not have done stairs if I went

home right away. I spent a little time in a rehab facility, where

training on the stairs was part of what PT did. When I did get home,

I was able to negotiate the stairs right away, and never slept

downstairs. If you are going to a rehab facility, they will teach

you, or maybe an in-home PT can teach you, but there is a technique

with crutches that you will need to learn one way or the other for the

stairs.

One thing that handy husband of yours can do for you is make sure

there are solid stair rails (on both sides, if possible).

Bill in Minneapolis

------------------------------------