hi
am new to this
am terrified ...having TKR in October..help
xx
Welcome, this is a great place to learn everything the doctor's won't tell you (or don't know) about TKR. I had my knee replacement in Jan 2018 and found this site one night while I was in quite a state of depression thinking WHAT THE HECK HAVE I DONE!!!
I would suggest that you read everything written on this site by CHICO MARX and then another favorite of mine is Jenny80029 who also wrote a blog about her experience. You can find them by going to Knee Problems and then hitting members and it will list all the members, then click on their names and it will show you all the stuff they have written.
Good luck and hopefully you will be in the percentage of folks that have no issues at all with their TKR.
Hi Penny.
Had my tkr last November and so glad I had it done but I can honestly say I wished I hadn't at times. It's a long road take your meds and if they're not strong enough make sure you tell them at the hospital they will sort it. Stick to your exercises which is tough at the start but don't over do it. Also try to be as mobile as possible before you got in it will help. A lady next to me said she hadn't done anything for months and her recovery even at the hospital was very slow. I know you will be in pain now but try to keep doing a bit of walking. Good luck.♥️
Hi Penny yes please read Chico he has great advice
Yes it is painful and you at times regret having it done as I do but I’m looking forward to being able to go back to work and be pain free yes I’m only 11 wksand having s few problems but I’m trying to stay positive I’m doing my exercises taking my meds and hoping for the best good luck keep reading and keep us all up dated xx
Excellent advice xx
Hang in, hold on, do the exercises, take the painkillers, accept help.
It is tough but my pain and discomfort before was not bearable. The exercise is worth it! I wish I had been in better shape but the post op physio was amazing.
excellent advice from everyone the only other thing that I would add is make sure that the medications they put you on our working I had my tkr last January and those strong medications that they had me on did not work for me and later I found out it was because of genetics that they weren't working so if you find that your medicines aren't working please talk to your doctor so they can get you on something that will definitely help you get through the rough times good luck
Unfortunately they don’t tell you really what to expect. I had mine done 6 months ago. The first few weeks were rough, lack of sleep, pain and depression. If I had expected it I would have been more prepared and handled it better. I thought there was a problem but after joining this site I realised it was quite normal. I also had an infection and was found to be extremely low in Vitamin D. But now my knee is great, still slightly swollen but no pain and able to walk miles. Persevere with the exercises, elevation, ice and pain relief. It is the way forward. Advice on here is ace! Good luck and follow the advice, wished I’d found it sooner!
All excellent advice, but remember this is your journey and will be as unique as you are. So some things will apply but others won't. Stay positive. Stay ahead of the pain by taking them as scheduled, not after you hurt. Good luck you have the members of this forum pulling for you
I have had both knees replaced, the first with a general anaesthetic and the other with a spinal block. The spinal block was much better and I suggest you go for that. You can be sedated so that you are not really aware what is happening, and the recovery is usually much better. Do your physio and exercise as often as you can, but don't over do it. Take your medication to control your pain, don't try to be brave and put up with pain you wont do yourself any favours. Remember recovery is a journey, not a race, it takes as long as it takes. Read the many posts by Chico Marx, they will help you understand what is going on. Every recovery is different don't worry about where you should be at anytime after your op. You will get there in the end although there may be times when you think you wont. It's almost 20 years since my first and 18½ since the other. 20 years of pain free knee is worth the time it takes to recover. If I had to do it again I would.
1st rule....exhale. You will survive even though at time you'll wonder how. Not to scare you but I've had 11 surgeries, 30 rounds of radiation and 5 complete rehab due to a rare tumor, which can't be totally removed. I started my journey at age 66 and now heading toward 82. One premise to stay with..this surgery is and rehab is a marathon and not a sprint. Patience is the guiding word. This is a process that must be worked through but don't put undue pressure on yourself. Get help when you need it and never turn down a helping hand when offered. Set your own pace and don't let anyone pressure you into setting some unrealistic recovery schedule because we are all different and that means we heal differently. You will have every emotion going both pre and post surgery.....again, you will heal and given time, back enjoying life. You are with a very knowledgeable group that will be patient and nurturing.
One final comment on my part, during the last several surgeries I also had to take care of my wife who was in failing health with progressive form of Parkinson's. She is now in a skilled care facility.
True and thanks
I appreciate your thoughts and you are so positive- funny too😊 I wish peace and care for you and your wife.
Hi David I had a spinal block 11weeks ago as I wanted to watch it I did a night shift the night b4 but sleep was needed half way through I woke up and heard and felt such banging I said to him sounds like you are knocking a wall down I then wake up on the ward so funny it is a better recovery but the numbness from the waist down lasted 2 days causing bladder problems so when I can cope with having the left knee done I will have the general anaesthetic but we are all different all I want is to be pain free like us all and try and get back to leading a normal life what ever that is😂😂 x
ty
i hope so lol xx
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ty for your message xx am hoping i can take some reasonable analgesia xx i have a panic disorder and have never been able to take anything stronger than the naproxen and paracetamol that i am on xx stupid really as i am a nurse prescriber so expect others to take the strong ones i prescribe lol xx
ty xx im feeling a bit better about this from the messages xx i know its going to be painful...i worry about not being able to drive or get out for a length of time..hate being in and will miss work lol xx