Have just returned from my trip to America. Had a wonderful time just being with my daughter. First time I'd seen her since my TKR in June.
Just to let you know I didn't set off any alarms with my new metal knee. Forwarned the security staff both at Heathrow and Denver and was taken through a separate secuirty screening. No embarrassing moments, thank goodness.
As my other knee is playing up, I used mobility assistance. Have to say, Heathrow was much more on the ball and I sailed through without any problems. Thoroughly advise any of you with painful knees to do the same.
Lynn 23 weeks post TKR
Using mobility assistance is something I recommend to anyone with possible mobility problems - there is nothing worse than having to rush for a connection and thinking you will collapse for whatever reason.
Glad you had and good Thanksgiving - and even more to be thankful for!
Good to hear from you, Eileen.
Yep, the wheelchair and buggy assistance was worth their weight in gold.
Absolutely hated sitting in a wheelchair, but the distances at both airports would have me beat.
Hopefully, when knee number two is fixed, I'll be able to manage again.
Hi Lynn, welcome home and so glad you had a nice time with your daughter. That is great that you did not set off any alarms or have any embarrassing moments. I also had told security about my metal knee and that the alarm would probably go off, but they just looked at me like " yeah, right" and told me to go through. So I did and sure enough the alarms went off and I had to be pat down. It would have been so nice if they had taken me through a separate security screening like they had you do. I guess it depends on whose on duty at the time and the kind of mood they are in!
Anyway, seems your trip went quickly but good to have you back on the forum 
Betty 19 weeks
Good you made it back safely. Most airports are courteous when they know the situation unlike my sister in law traveling internationally and forgot she had an under wire bra on. Created a real search by TSA people in an uncomfortable area of the terminal. One of life's learning moments that she vowed never to repeat.
Hi lynn
glad you had a great holiday
and thanks for the info on mobility assist at the airports
Back to reality now
Jean
What - not even a ride on one of those snazzy golfcart things? Boo!!!!!
Even when I'm feeling reasonably fit big airports take away my will to live ;-)
i didn't know that was enough! Well - won't be taking that off and putting it in a tray! And I don't have any other variety!
Thanks Jean.
As you say, back to reality, but looking forward to seeing my two gorgeous grandsons.
Been keeping an eye on the forum whilst away and see you invested in the peddling machine I suggested. Hope it's of some benefit to you! I put mine away before we went on holiday. No doubt the bl..dy thing will be back in action again come April, 2015!
I used the bike at the physio last week. Once I got it going it was great.
I find the days go so quickly it's hard fitting the exercises in, though I know I must.
Christine NZ
My physiotherapist used to get my knee going by putting me on the rowing machine before transferring to the bicycle.
Still makes you wince for the first few revolutions though, doesn't it!
Hi Lynn,
I was wondering how your TKR was feeling now after 23 weeks? Do you feel pretty back to normal now or do you still have stiffness and the other various aches & pains a lot of us have been experiencing?
Just wondering what to expect at that phase.
Betty 19 weeks
That it does Lynn. At what stage did you go to one crutch then none?
Christine NZ
I had given up crutches by the time I left hospital (after 4 days). I came home with sticks, but was soon down to one, only using two when outside because they gave me confidence. And kept people away!
Stopped using sticks completely by around eight weeks, I think.
I certainly feel like my old self now. Knee still feels stiff on waking, but at least it is no longer the centre of my world.
I do find that the weather affects my knee somewhat. Am more aware of it when the weather is cold and damp - as it is in this part of the UK today.
Living in California, I doubt you have that problem!
Hi Lynn
i love that pedal machine ....money well spent
although my knee still feels as if I'm carrying a lump of lead Round
Jean
Hi Christine
Just wanted to comment when you said how quickly the days go & how difficult to fit in the exercises. I'm at 19 weeks & still having to do the stretches ( I pay for it if I don't) and try to get a walk or biking in too, and from day one, by the time I get the exercises done, then get myself together, half the day is gone!
My surgeon told me the exercises would be a full time job, and he was not kidding! He also told me if I did not do the exercises, then the TKR would have been for nothing.
I have to remind myself of that every day while I'm cursing all these darn exercises.
Anyway, just wanted to throw in my two cents
Betty US
Hi Lynn
Well we just had two days of very heavy rain ( which was a welcome sight as California has been in a serious drought)
and when the weather turned damp & cold, oddly I felt the achiness in my hips more than the knee itself. ( probably a sign of more fun times to come)
But it is true, the weather really does affect our joints!
This may sound completely silly, but are you able to bend or lift your feet up enough to wash them in the shower? I have an awful time as I can't raise my leg enough to wash that far down! It's also difficult sitting on the bed and bending over to put my socks on. How is it at 23 weeks??
Hope that's not too silly to ask, but it's a real issue for me
Betty
Must admit bending the knee enough to put on socks or shoes can be a struggle, but I can manage. I love a bath and, luckily, we have a corner seat in the bath so I can lower myself, and then lower myself again. Not too bad getting in, but getting out is NOT a pretty sight!
Needed to have showers whilst away and washing my feet didn't seem too much trouble. I always use a rubber bath mat though as I'm scared of slipping.
I'm intrigued, can someone enlighten me: will you be able to kneel on your bionic knees? I made a major mess of one knee 20 years ago - absolutely CANNOT kneel on it. The other is the result of torn ligaments and it isn't so hot on kneeling either. I wanted to vacuum under the table in the campervan this morning and tried everything - even the good knee and a thick cushion didn't do it! I was afraid to sit or lie to get at it in case I couldn't get up again as I was on my own and space is restricted!
And: what's a bath? Terrified of not being able to get out again - showers for me!