Re: 4 Weeks post surgery - RTKR Dec. 12

January 11, 2008

Ross,

After my RTKR I was at my mother's house until the two-week mark because I had the surgery in my home town and my husband then drove to get me. I used the walker that whole two weeks in her house and on the trip home, but once I got back to my house (exactly two weeks after surgery) it was hard to use the walker because of space considerations so I immediately switched to a cane. I never had PT at home but within a few days after getting home starting being taken to outpatient PT. I found that at the three-week mark, I preferred to go without the cane, too as it was hurting my arm and just getting in my way so I just left it in the car if I needed it when we got somewhere and walked without aid but slowly and deliberatly trying to make sure I walked with a proper gait.

Since mine was the right also, getting back to driving took longer than if it was the left. I practiced moving the right leg from brake to accelerator, then drove in a parking lot with my husband in the car and finally at about 7.5 weeks post surgery I could drive. It still hurt and I only went short distances but then within a week or so after, I was driving fine. That was also about the time that I flew to Orlando for a seminar and walked without aid through two airports and a big resort hotel.

You can use the walker as long as it's comfortable but you could also just walk without it now, I would think.

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of RBDSent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 3:16 PMJoint Replacement Subject: 4 Weeks post surgery - RTKR Dec. 12

Well here we are 4 weeks post surgery. I am still taking the pain meds (oxycocet), especially at night (1 tablet every 4 hours). However, I have cut down considerably and only take about 2 per 8 hours. Walking is very stiff first thing in the morning but loosens up as the day progresses. I can walk without aid for short distances but like the safety blanket of the walker (wheeled) plus I can load it up with goodies, etc. to get to the table. When do you start to become less reliant on a walker?? I feel as though I am depending on it too much! I am doing physio exercises at home plus visit a physiotherapist twice a week for muscle stimulation, etc. until we graduate to more intensive exercise. In any event, I have migrated steps quite well with a cane and can go up and down stairs (12) with a cane several times a day. Still some swelling but I try to elevate and ice after exercise. Despite the pain and inconvenience, I still would like to have the left knee done as soon as possible. I meet with the surgeon on Jan. 25.My good wife and son are keeping up with the snow removal so far.Best wishes to all others on the group.Cheers, Ross

January 11, 2008

Ross,

I am surprised that you are on that strong of a med now. I had

oxycocet in the hospital (once a day or twice at the most) but was off

them by day 3 or 4. I had vicoden (4 to 2 to 1 a day) but stopped

taking it by the third or fourth week. Only took it before PT. Not

saying you shouldn't need it but that is strong stuff. I was using

the walker for about five or six weeks as a security devise like you.

I guess you noticed you get tired pretty quickly. Thats part of the

healing process. Your body is devoting a lot of energy to healing

instead of stamina.

Of course, if you need the meds then take them but you should be

thinking about reducing and quiting them as well. Everyone is

different.

Don

>

> Well here we are 4 weeks post surgery. I am still taking the pain meds

> (oxycocet), especially at night (1 tablet every 4 hours). However, I

> have cut down considerably and only take about 2 per 8 hours. Walking

> is very stiff first thing in the morning but loosens up as the day

> progresses. I can walk without aid for short distances but like the

> safety blanket of the walker (wheeled) plus I can load it up with

> goodies, etc. to get to the table. When do you start to become less

> reliant on a walker?? I feel as though I am depending on it too much! I

> am doing physio exercises at home plus visit a physiotherapist twice a

> week for muscle stimulation, etc. until we graduate to more intensive

> exercise. In any event, I have migrated steps quite well with a cane

> and can go up and down stairs (12) with a cane several times a day.

> Still some swelling but I try to elevate and ice after exercise.

> Despite the pain and inconvenience, I still would like to have the left

> knee done as soon as possible. I meet with the surgeon on Jan. 25.

> My good wife and son are keeping up with the snow removal so far.

> Best wishes to all others on the group.

> Cheers, Ross

>

January 11, 2008

Hey Ross,

Glad to hear you're doing so well. The stiffness when you wake will

be with you for a loooonnnng time. I'm 15 months healed and still

have to get the joints moving every morning. Usually by the time I

make it from the bed to the bedroom door, they're moving and pain

free. You'll be glad to hear that after about 1-year, you won't even

need Tylenol but once or twice a month. Good luck with your rehab and

push, . . Push . . . PUSH !!! for flexation and extension.

Regards,

Alan in NJ