Re: How to Prepare for TKR

February 22, 2011

Hi Lynn, Yes, in the hospital and the first weeks at home you will be on heavy

meds. This is a good thing, because you almost have to sleep on your back. I

never used a recliner. I remember having to use my arms to pull myself to my

right side to sleep. It took a while to not have to do that. For me, sleep was

not an easy thing to get.

As for machine, I think a stationary bike is the best and cheapest way to go.

All the best, Joan

________________________________

From: Lynn <lynnf_99@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Tue, February 22, 2011 3:56:21 PM

Subject: How to Prepare for TKR

I wonder if some of you would mind sharing how you found your TKR...the days in

the hospital and coming home.

I'm really curious about sleeping...I'm a side sleeper, right side...and that's

the knee that's getting replaced. I sleep with a pillow between my legs since

LTHR, and I do have a bad back, so that makes sleeping on my back hard (but

maybe the pain pills I understand I'll need can pull double duty!) Were you

able to get into your bed right away or did you sleep in a recliner?

I have no exercise machines at home, but if I were to invest in one, is there

one that you've found to be most helpful? I do have a weight problem, but have

been slowly losing...I was trying to get as much as I could off before TKR, but

my knee just can't wait. The surgeon said absolutely nothing about it...I was

worried that I might not qualify for minimally invasive, but that's the way he's

going.

I'm sure there are things I need to know...will check group files to look for

info that might be there...but sure do appreciate any advice!

Thanks!

Lynn

THR 26 Oct 09

Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed

downstairs a step at a time. - Mark Twain

Visit my art blog: http://adreamseyeview.blogspot.com/

February 22, 2011

You asked for our experiences and here is mine. I'm 59 years old and in pretty

good shape except I've had polio in my right leg that left me with much weaker

muscles and a pretty severe angle in that knee. I had the TKR on my right knee

6 weeks ago in hopes of becoming more pain free and allowing me to continue the

physical activities that I love.

Immediately after surgery, in the intensive care unit, things were good. I felt

no pain and the nurses were there to answer questions and see to my comfort.

In the hospital - things weren't so good. the pain, even with meds, was ever

present and depressing. The call button would get me attention in about 45

minutes so I needed to get myself to the bedside commode and let them yell at me

for not waiting for assistance. it was noisy and unpleasant. The TV didn't

work, the nurses were rushed and impatient, I needed to keep track of my

medicines as the nurses made mistakes. My quad muscles weren't responding to

signals. I wasn't able to bear any weight on the new knee. I really questioned

whether this was the worst decision I'd ever made.

I spent 4 days after the hospital in a rehab hospital. Great decision - the

staff was encouraging and attentive. My muscles woke up and I could see that

I'd recover from this. No trouble sleeping at all.

I've been home for a few weeks. Wouldn't be able to be nearly so comfortable

without the great support of friends and family who have relieved me from normal

but physical chores like snow removal and dog walking. I am diligent about the

PT. I'm seeing progress each day and have less pain each day. I can enjoy

short walks outdoors and can do more and more each day. I realize that the old

knee pain isn't there anymore and once the sugery is really healed I'll be able

to resume life with more gusto than before the surgery.

My PT recommended a stationary bicycle - I don't own one so I get to one 5 times

a week. It feels good. first few minutes are a bit painful then something is

released and the revolutions become painfree. I'm six weeks out and the PT said

I'd could go ahead and use my normal bicycle as long as I was careful about

keeping on easy terrain so I didn't fall over. I'm stoked about that and plan

to drive the bicycle to a paved bike trail tomorrow for a welcome spin in the

outdoors.

- Washington State

>

> I wonder if some of you would mind sharing how you found your TKR...the days

in the hospital and coming home.

>

> I'm really curious about sleeping...I'm a side sleeper, right side...and

that's the knee that's getting replaced. I sleep with a pillow between my legs

since LTHR, and I do have a bad back, so that makes sleeping on my back hard

(but maybe the pain pills I understand I'll need can pull double duty!) Were

you able to get into your bed right away or did you sleep in a recliner?

>

> I have no exercise machines at home, but if I were to invest in one, is there

one that you've found to be most helpful? I do have a weight problem, but have

been slowly losing...I was trying to get as much as I could off before TKR, but

my knee just can't wait. The surgeon said absolutely nothing about it...I was

worried that I might not qualify for minimally invasive, but that's the way he's

going.

>

> I'm sure there are things I need to know...will check group files to look for

info that might be there...but sure do appreciate any advice!

>

> Thanks!

> Lynn

> THR 26 Oct 09

>

> Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed

downstairs a step at a time. - Mark Twain

> Visit my art blog: http://adreamseyeview.blogspot.com/

>

February 22, 2011

Thanks, ! Sounds like your experience started out a little dicey, but all

in all, is ending very well! Keep up the good work, I guess it really pays

off! I'll make sure I practice good PT habits and do them faithfully!

Lynn

Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed

downstairs a step at a time. - Mark Twain

Visit my art blog: http://adreamseyeview.blogspot.com/

From: gr8t_northwest <gr8t_northwest@...>

Subject: Re: How to Prepare for TKR

Joint Replacement

Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 5:11 PM