My Recovery Update @NAES, @Buckeye Mom

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I am now 20 days postop from total knee surgery, and feel I am doing very well. I slept in our big recliner the first week, but have been able to sleep in my bed since then.

Physical therapy is going very well; I do outpatient therapy at the hospital where I used to work 3x a week. My knee bend measurement was 103 yesterday. I have been walking with a cane for nearly 2 weeks, and am balanced enough to walk without my cane here at home. I was able to handle the 4 steps in my garage by day 7.

My swelling was far more intense this time and lasted 2 full weeks. I received a very unpleasant surprise when the tape was removed from my incision, as the swelling caused the adhesive to fail, and my incision above the knee has spread apart. The inner stitches held, but the glued edges did not. Since healing is well underway already, I have to continue to try to heal this incision as it is. The result will be a more prominent scar, but I can live with that as long as the incision heals well. I clean the incision twice a day with peroxide, keep a loose bandage over it, and leave my house only for PT.

Nothing about this surgery is easier the second time around. I was 57 at my first surgery, and am 62 now; I feel far more physically challenged with this recovery, and am so thankful everything fell into place for this to happen now, and not years from now. I cannot even begin to imagine me coping with this recovery with a few more birthdays under my belt. My pain is minimal, and I have reduced my pain medication to half the prescribed dose.

My husband continues to do his best to care for me, but is worn out. His overall health is fair to poor, with progressive diabetes, COPD, PAD, and CAD. Thankfully I no longer require much assistance other than driving me to PT.

Thank you for your prayers, and encouraging words as I continue to heal and move forward with my recovery. I have been blessed with the support of many prayer angels.

Shiloh09 · ‎07-03-2013

I have had both of mine done too. I was 52 and 54. I am now 60. The second one was a more difficult rehab....maybe because I knew what to expect! Still best decision I ever made for myself.

103 degrees is a great range of motion 3 weeks post op. Sorry to hear of the wound though. Take care of that for sure. I used Mederma religiously after my wounds healed and can barely see scars! Wishing you healthy recovery and near perfect range of motion!!

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

@RedTop, I want to thank you for posting about your recovery process. I am also 62 and knee replacement is in my future. I had arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus a year ago and it did not go well. I had a lot of problems and sometimes feel worse off overall then prior to the surgery. Soooooo, I'm in no hurry to have replacement surgery as there is no guarantee on these things. It does seem that most people have very good outcomes, but after my experience with the scope, I'm a bit leery. I thank you for sharing your experience. It helps to hear from others as so many of us will eventually have to go through this. DARN KNEES! Ha!

pup

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

My pain free bend measurement on Friday was 107 degrees. I’m getting there!

NAES1 · ‎09-02-2011

@RedTop wrote:
My pain free bend measurement on Friday was 107 degrees. I’m getting there!

@RedTop

I had to __read__ `that` twice! GREAT

You had to be ~ and apparently still remain, one of the most determined women I have 'ever' read, being very healthy, common sensed ....and with total wisdom.

!! 107 bend measurement DEGREEs !!

Remarkable.....................! Sending you a huge tight hug.

I am so intrigued how your authenticity was never lost.

love, NAES

@RedTop from me, with love.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

9 of 12 PT sessions behind me, and my bend measurement today was 110 degrees, with some discomfort.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I am now 4 weeks postop, and was discharged by my orthopedic surgeon today! My bend measurement on Monday was 110 degrees, with manipulation and some discomfort, but I reached the maximum. My ortho thought my incision looked great, and he was extremely pleased with my progress in PT.

@NAES1, my sincere thanks for your kind and encouraging words. I went into this procedure totally focused and determined to have the best outcome possible; I settled for nothing less. I still have a lot of inner healing to do, but am eager for some lazy days at home, with no trips out for appts and PT. Wishing you a happy, and blessed Thanksgiving!

Evie2004 · ‎09-09-2010

@RedTop wrote:
I am now 4 weeks postop, and was discharged by my orthopedic surgeon today! My bend measurement on Monday was 110 degrees, with manipulation and some discomfort, but I reached the maximum. My ortho thought my incision looked great, and he was extremely pleased with my progress in PT.

@NAES1, my sincere thanks for your kind and encouraging words. I went into this procedure totally focused and determined to have the best outcome possible; I settled for nothing less. I still have a lot of inner healing to do, but am eager for some lazy days at home, with no trips out for appts and PT. Wishing you a happy, and blessed Thanksgiving!

@RedTop, I am really impressed! with your progress & discharge! I think I made it to 110 degrees, (I sure remember that discomfort) but it took me a couple of weeks longer..I'm not sure I made it to 120, but I am happy how things turned out..you must really be looking forward to the Spring, when you will be able to do most of what you want to do!

I am still on the fence as far as scheduling my other knee, plan to just see how it feels in a few months..wishes to you & your family, & your Mom for a happy & blessed holiday season..

NAES1 · ‎09-02-2011

@RedTop wrote:
I am now 4 weeks postop, and was discharged by my orthopedic surgeon today! My bend measurement on Monday was 110 degrees, with manipulation and some discomfort, but I reached the maximum. My ortho thought my incision looked great, and he was extremely pleased with my progress in PT.

@NAES1, my sincere thanks for your kind and encouraging words. I went into this procedure totally focused and determined to have the best outcome possible; I settled for nothing less. I still have a lot of inner healing to do, but am eager for some lazy days at home, with no trips out for appts and PT. Wishing you a happy, and blessed Thanksgiving!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

'I settled for nothing less'...haaa, I thought you were Mehgyn K, there for a second!!

We are having a very wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Our son is making arrangements or has, to be here this year with us.

It's not every holiday, especially a Holy Day, that he can do this each year, so even though Thanksgiving is not truly a HOLY day, it is when we see him.

I am so Very Proud - - PROUD of you..believe I want you for my nurse, `` if ever...what? ~ ~