I’m day 7 of post knee replacement. Your vlogs are fab - thanks. I too am in a lot of pain. I’m in UK - I definitely have not been advised to not do physical therapy for several weeks. I am doing PT several times a day as advised. Oh and although it’s really painful it’s not as bad as childbirth! That is agony!!! It’s like having a limp amputated without anaesthesia! The difference is that the pain of childbirth doesn’t go on for as long as the pain of knee replacement.
I think over the past 10 years they have changed philosophies, or the NIH was split because I heard half it was like the experience of recovery I went through, half was rest for weeks and then PT. I hope you have a great outcome, Julie - I have pretty much a normal life back and am always thankful of having the TKR.
G'day Chris, thanks for sharing your story mate! I'm having my first arthroscopy in 2 days on my left knee as i have severe arthritis from old soccer injuries from high school. 3 knee dislocations. It has now caught up with me at the age of 42. I have 4 loose bodies in my knee causing it to lock up. I don't need a knee replacement yet but i will probably need one by the time i'm closer to 50. It's very refreshing to see someone make a detailed vlog about their experience with a TKR. It's a big shock when you find out your joint is just worn out and you think strewth! What the bloody hell happened to me? But that's life i guess mate. You're a true warrior mate and i give you the thumbs up for being tough as nails! I'm no stranger to pain myself and been under the knife several times so this procedure doesn't make me nervous. When i have to do it, bring it on! Thanks again mate and wish you all the best fella! From Australia.
Thank you so much for the kind words. The arthoscopic surgery is pretty "easy" for the knee. I had the same done on the shoulder and that recovery was much harder. It will blow up for a week and then be pretty much back to normal - hopefully without the pain! I hope you have great success and that you can push off the TKR as long as possible - while it has been a godsend, it isn't the same as a natural knee - you can feel it ache after doing too much and you notice that you aren't 100%, which when you are in your forties is a little depressing :)
@@dixielandfarm I totally understand mate. Of course no one wants to go through that at that age but like you said, better than the alternative you had! I think the most important thing after such a big life change is mental wellbeing. Staying positive and constantly reminding yourself what a gift you've been given. Not saying you're not grateful but i understand it'd be hard at times. One day when i get my TKR all i ask is that i can walk, drive and ride my electric mountain bike! I love roaming the outback and camping so walking would take care of that part. I'm a bit overweight too so i've just started a healthy lifestyle change with my diet. I've already lost 5 pounds and once i have the surgery and can be fully mobile again and return to work i will shed the weight faster. That should help my knee in the long run too. Thanks again mate for shedding light on so many people's lives! Cheers.
I had lost 30 pounds before surgery and then 15 more post surgery (which I have put back on, but I keep trying!)... being fit will definitely help, and I am at the gym 3 times a week working the knee (and heart) to make sure I get to keep this shiny new knee strong.
I had my 1st TKR done in May in which the first week was hell but I healed very quickly with no side effects. I had my 2nd TKR done 5 days ago and am experiencing every side effect in the book. Was so happy to find your videos to see I am not the only one that had itchiness, fever, chills, etc. etc. Misery loves company!!!! Thank you so much!!
The good news Missy is it is temporary - and no matter how many times you hear that/say that, it doesn't matter while you are going through it. Just keep icing, manage sleep expectations, and hopefully you will be able to start functioning better within a couple of weeks. Sudafed did help with the oxycodone side effects and helped sleep a little as well, so ask your doctor/nurse about adding that to the mix. Or just getting off the pain med you are on and transitioning to another - I think some side effects get amplified after surgery and others get muted, so one drug may not be right at any given moment of the process.
This makes me realize that I'm not near getting TKR myself yet. My issue is increased tendinitis tendancy due to the arthritis. This past year, the right knee as been the bad guy. 2 years ago, it was the left. Anyway, this week has been good so far (but a bad week is to come, usually). Thanks for continuing to share your progress, and best of luck!
That's it, CJ. Hold off for as LONG as you can putting anything artificial in your body - I was at the point where I never had "good" days - it was pain or lots of pain - so the choice was made up for me - I couldn't go any longer with what was happening - but this really is a last resort surgery - scopes are MUCH easier to bounce back from, and there are lots of other therapies I tried before this was considered. Try them all! But when you get to the point where you can't live your life normally anymore, where you avoid doing things, then its time to take action - as bad as this looks, everyone I met in P/T after 3 weeks are basically back to a normal pace and pain level, and six weeks are back to a normal life entirely.
I've been looking for week 1 post op videos. Finally, someone going through the same issues. I'm right there with dozing off during the day, lack of sleep during the night and lots of pain. I just want this to be over! Thank you for posting. John 47 TKR- MAKO.
John, it will be a bumpy month - there is no way around that - give up on the idea of a night sleep and just think of constant naps when you can - and schedule the medicine even if it means waking you up - but as you will see in the series, it will eventually get better and the results if you put in the work will be worth it. Let me know how you are doing!
Week two and the pain never stops. Physical therapy is very painful but necessary for a full recovery. My journey is similar to yours with the exception of the narcotics. I am down to two hydrocodone a day and two aleve a day. Still using the walker outside while transporting to my Physical therapy location and at home if feeling weak or in pain. Had a slight setback due to intense itching in my knee. On my own now with family members returning to their own lives. I live alone so its all up to me. I am fortunate that a courtesy van drives me to and from physical therapy twice a week. Before the surgery I spent a fortune on food and other essentials to hold me for 4-6 weeks. My car is parked in the driveway in order for me to start it occasionally. Getting inside of the car will be challenging with the additional diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. This is turning into a book........thanks so much for your posting its something I look forward to each day.
The itching is most likely due to the Hydrocodone - you can take sudafed to counteract it, bonus that it will make you sleepy (but of course, check with your doctor/nurse first - don't take my word without checking). That's one reason why I do everything I can never to take it - Tramadol didn't have that side effect, nor Dilaudid, but each medication is its own issue. My itching was so bad that I ended up making myself bleed because I was doing it in my sleep.
Chris, thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband has just undergone bilateral knee replacement surgery (in NYC) and currently day 6 post op. We have been watching your 'blogs' every day which have proved so helpful with OUR journey. You have taken the viewer through such a great level of detail in such a brilliant and relevant way...whilst being wonderfully light hearted bringing a smile to us watching. so THANK YOU. Hope you're now fully recovered! we have a long way to go ...but very hopeful and excited about the new knees!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Krissi. I made these videos because I didn't see them out there and online forums gave plenty of conflicting information or just bad advice. Almost 11 months now, and I can't say that I am pain free, but I have no regrets and work normally now around the farm, as well as go to the gym 3 times a week. The knee is a very dull ache that barely registers - but I know when I am pushing it and I never need to take medication for it. I know someone who is 71 who had both done at the same time and he can squat and do everything like he was in his 20s... so everyone is different. But, the good news is even though I am not 100% pain free, my life is back to normal - no more wincing in pain just standing for a minute or two, no more having to sit down for hours to recover - I can be on my feet all day and not have any trouble.
Chris, your videos have been very helpful for me. I am on Day 7 of a TKR rehab and still feeling a lot of pain. Knee has osteoarthritis which makes things more complicated. I will stay on the movement, exercises and pain meds and hope it backs off soon. Thanks.
Thanks so much for that - the pain will always be there for the month, but the way the medication works with it might need to change - I think I had to do three different meds over the course of healing (one would stop working, so I had to transition to a different one) - don't be afraid to tell your team you need something different for that moment to keep you comfortable - and you need to be comfortable to do that critical P/T work. My TKR leg is the better leg now, and it is because of all that PT work I did.
@@dixielandfarm Thanks for the reply Chris. It is good to hear a normal person's experience. Did you ever get cramps and spasms inside the joint that were just crazy painful??? Painful enough to jolt you out of sleep?
@@heygringo7 So much so I went in for a check because they were worried about blood clots. Super painful. And the IT band was basically in permanent spasm and required dry needling to fix (think acupuncture but like needles stabbing into you to make spasms happen harder).
Man I’m glad I came across this. I am exactly the same time post op, going through the same pain and discomfort. Hitting pain level so high that getting sick and passing out is a daily routine. Was supposed to start pt on day 7 but had to cancel due to situation. Post op dr visit today, Day 8. At least now I know it’s not just me. I’m pretty much pain tolerant, but this has a whole new meaning of pain.
Make sure you tell your doctor - not all medication works the same for everybody, and I also found what I needed changed over time. I had to switch medication three times during recovery. The best that worked for me starting out didn't work as I progressed. What they prescribed me initially also didn't work as well - so make sure you speak up - that's what they are getting paid for! Good luck, and let me know your progress.
Wow, sorry for your experience, but it's an encouragement to me ... Woke up at midnight with 9+ pain and thought I would have to go to ER. Now 6 days post surgery... Getting better.
I just had my TKR this past Thursday. Man o man the pain is something else. My pain medication doesn't even touch it. Great videos and thank you for taking the time to do them.
If you are in that much pain, call your nurse/support staff and be asked to be switched on to different medication. Medication plays with our chemistry, and our chemistry is different from each other, and also different depending on pain levels as well - what worked for me in the beginning didn't work for me in the end. Being moved to a different medication made the relief instant - DO NOT SUFFER FOR NO REASON. People will take on this martyr role during recovery and there is no need for that - call and make them change it to something else.
@@dixielandfarm we talked to the dr's nurse. all is good now. swelling is going down little by little. had first PT session last night and went to the gym this am. just about one week post op. still need to learn how to take things "slow"
The first three weeks you are basically on the icing machine - not just 20 minutes here or there, its more like a 20 minute break every now and again, otherwise ICE!
Reading about using the ice machinemakes me mad because my doctor gave me a two-part ice holder to use on my knee which is covered with a insulated bandage and compression socks. So basically nothing is happening to contain the swelling! I am starting to use a borrowed ice machine 6 days post-surgery. Time lost!
I'm happy I'm watching your blogs. I'm 9 days out. You talk so much about pain and about passing out and crying. I took myself off of Norco 3 days out. Today I walked around the block for the first time. My pain is barely minimal. Sleeping is great. I wake up once a night for a few minutes and back to sleep. I'm walking great with the walker. I'm doing my exercises as needed. As they say, everyone is different. Good luck to you and your rehab.
Fantastic Ed - everybody is different (like you said) - there are people who are in much more pain than I ever was, and there are others who barely need any drugs at all. You are lucky you can sleep - most people can't.
At 57 with no cartilage left and walking like one of the “Walking Dead” was no fun. Going on my 4th day post total knee replacement. I take each day as a victory while doing the physical therapy exercises. On the back of my mind the songs“I Will Survive” and “Eye of the Tiger” pops up. My thigh feels like elephants danced the samba on it. Much obliged for your videos sharing your experience.
Thanks so much for watching, Paul. The first few weeks are painful, but the weeks after that are more about the lack of sleep than anything. Its been such a big difference post-op - truly a blessing.
Day 7 for me post op! My 4th joint replacement. Have had 2 knee and 2 shoulder total replacements... all due to having been struck by lightning. This was incredibly helpful as I forgot a lot from the prior replacements. I’m out of pain meds and they want you to be out prior to begging for more! Fingers crossed.
You know, if you asked me now how the TKR went, I would say it was no big deal, a week of pain but that's it. Maybe barely a story. Your brain forgets how hard things actually are - and when I went back and watched a few of these videos I realize how much of a struggle it really was. I have read that is by design - your brain does what it can to forget pain/trauma, even with stuff like this. Hope everything goes well - you are an expert at this point!
Hi back again not just to see what tkr will be like but from the perspective of going thru it. i am 7 days post op just like you were here. What a comfort to watch this video.u cracked me up w the alien facemask joke.tyvm. i am going to shoe ur videos to my caretaker and fiancee throughout my knee warrior journey.
Fantastic, Lynne. If you watch the series in reverse order you can see my knee go from great to bad :) Somewhere around the 5th week is where it starts turning around, so you will be challenged at the 3rd and 4th week (most likely), but everyone's timetable is different - some heal much quick or much slower... but it was worth it - I have a normal life again.
I feel a mix of amazement and respect seeing how intensely you live this experience .You analyze your physical and mental evolution so well, it sometimes seems as if you are talking about someone else. I am well aware it's you alright who feel all the pain and inconvenience, but maybe this attitude helps you in a way. Hang on in there...
Thanks, Francis... it is cathartic to document the experience - but believe me, I left out the two times where I broke down crying, or the disappointment I felt when I did backslide on my stretch goal from the day before... it really has been up and down, but I imagine that is from the drugs more than anything. Even those I am getting used to - no more eye issues taking them, and I am less cloudy. Today was a good day, and I even skipped one pill today, so I am getting better every moment.
Ty for sharing I know this is an older video, but yes after having 4 beautiful children it's interesting for sure. I was fortunate my surgeon prayed for me. Took it as motivation. Was worried about the bending. Everyone except therapist is harsh on the bending & I'm exhausted living up to high standards. We will do our very best & not regret yesterday & concentrate on today & tomorrow.🙏
Good luck! Bend is certainly important and dry needling helped with that for me (mentioned in another one of my diary videos). I got my full bend back also by the rolling chair exercise - but I steadily worked on it for literally a year.
Hi there my name is Mike and I’m from the UK I’ve been watching your recovery of your knee operation it has given me inspiration how you describe it is exactly what I’m feeling but what’s more better I’ve shown my wife or girlfriend how I’m feeling by letting her watch your video so thanks for that and just want to tell you that the drugs that they give you in the UK are paracetamol I’ve had my don’t need done for three weeks now and they give me paracetamol and I’m very jealous of the tracks that you have so just thought I’d say hi
Thanks so much for watching and commenting, Mike. I have heard conflicting reports on how the UK handles TKRs, but I would say Tylenol/Paracetamol post op simply isn't strong enough. I also understand the UK doesn't have the same Opioid crisis America does, so I guess I can only look at it from my perspective of pain and recovery :) I'm also not sure how aggressive you can get with PT with just that low level medication - I know the super intensive PT I did in the first few weeks set the stage for a good recovery; if I had taken it slow/easy I don't think I would have the flex/straight I do now (estimating -1 and 155 at this point). I hope you much success in your recovery!
I just finished watching this series of videos, and shared your experiences with my wife, who's about a year away from surgery herself (at 44). She's bone-on-bone at this point. Interestingly, she's taken tramadol for many years, for cramps, and it has been a pretty big help with her knee pain. I think it has a psychoactive effect as well as a slight opioid component, kind of like an antidepressant. My wife is at the point where she can't walk for more than 10-15 minutes without taking a 5 minute break, so our younger days of walking around NYC or Magic Kingdom all day are long gone, unfortunately. I really worry about her doing all of her physical therapy, though. She works in healthcare but is the definition of a noncompliant patient. Like she has diabetes but continues to drink nothing but soda all day long (!). Anyways, thanks for sharing your ordeal. These were a great series of videos. I'm glad to see you're making good progress, and I hope it continues.
Thanks so much, Mike. When you can't have a normal life, it is time. However, you REALLY have to push yourself with PT otherwise you can end up worse in the end, permanently crippled. Less pain, but crippled. I am doing at least two hours of PT a day and have been since the day of surgery - it is exhausting, but that's what it is going to take to get better. Tramadol is still my friend - I wouldn't be able to do what I need to right now without it.
Hang in there. My wife had a total knee replacement 10 years ago. 7 months after she back packed the third highest peak in the Smokey mountains. She’s a beast.
Better you know the truth than the rosy picture the doctors gloss over. If you watch the other videos you see it does get better quickly and my TKR was a great decision for me - my life has changed for the better compared to where I was at. Everyone is different, Tony - you may have ZERO issues or you may have an even tougher time. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Me too. I am meeting my surgeon next week to plan the surgery. I am beginning to think I’ll live with the limp and my new limitations like not hiking or kayaking
@@dixielandfarm ive had both done and your so right im crying with laughter because your so right its the worst pain you can imagine but thats how it is well done
Sorry, didn't see this comment - if you can live with the pain and it isn't affecting your life, keep going like that - this is only when there is no other option left for you.
Hi I’m in the uk and I’ve just got home from tkr and feel rotten , the incision is bleeding and I have to go back to the hospital so it can be checked as it’s stopping me getting into the physio, as soon as I try to bend it the wound bleeds ... as you said it really is brutal but I know it will be worth it in the long run .. I learned so much off your diary before surgery and new what was coming ... thank you 👍
My gosh Pete, I am so sorry to hear that you had surgical issues. I know there were at least 20 staples in mine, plus a HUGE bandage plus compression bandage. I hope they get you fixed up soon so you can focus on recovery!
73 yr old July 2020... TKR... Your videos very informative! I was out of hospital after one night stay... Large BM 4 days after surgery. Prescribed only one pain med: hydrocodone every 4 hours. Main issue 1week after surgery: so stiff and painful first thing in morning. Given double flap reusable ice packs. I guess you had better insurance!
Im intolerant to hydrocodone - too many side effects for me, but that is probably enough for most people. Ice packs work - just not as fancy. Just make sure you use them all the time the first few weeks.
Kris, your videos made me feel normal. My blood pressure dropped at PT and I felt like I was having a heart attack. The pain is excruciating. Like you life without nerve block is pain reality times infinity! I am 60. If these weeks don’t go by soon, I am jumping off my porch. I made 2 weeks yesterday. When did you say this eases up?
4 weeks. But at no point should you suffer - let the doctors know to make sure there isn't a blot clot (which they did an ultrasound to double check on me), or at least to change the meds you are on - you may need to change meds more than once as you body adapts/changes - what may have worked great for days 1-3 may not work at all any more - so let the nurse/assistant know. With that much pain you can't do the PT you need to do, and PT is what is going to determine your success. Also, I am sure you are icing constantly, I know I did cool water even while sleeping.
I'm 65, almost two weeks post op. I only take pain meds on therapy days not even sure if I need them. I am walking without a cane or walker. Leg is still stiff in the morning range of motion is 0 to 118 right now.
Excellent, Max - the older one is, the better the surgery outcome is usually, so in my 40s I had a much tougher time, and someone in their 20s would have a tougher time still - but also EVERYONE is different and their pain levels and recovery are different - your easy success is not typical but not uncommon, most people suffer some but not as bad as I did, and some suffer much worse than I did - there is no guarantee of recovery type.
Thank you for the video I’m at 9 days right now and I thought I was just being a baby. My pain is really high especially in my calf. Thanks for the update
Oh the calf pain will be with you for a long time - I needed dry needling to help with that. BUT, if you are unable to handle the level of pain, ask for new medication or dosage - and your needs will change as you recover; what worked for you two days ago may stop working.
I was wondering about the farm work. I'm surprised to hear it isn't too much for your wife to handle by herself. Don't worry too much about painkiller addiction, man. Yeah, it can happen, but as vigilant as you're being, it really shouldn't be an issue. And I'm sure I don't have to tell you that painkillers are no fun when you actually need them.
I even skipped todays lunch dose and I am doing good, so I am hoping to scale back this week a bit more... not just because of the addiction possibilities (unlikely the way I am doing it), but so I can drive around sooner - once I'm off some of this stuff I will have some freedom back (and closer to going back to work)... Not that I'm in a hurry, but a middle-aged man needs to have a bank of sick days for anything that could happen - just because I have 12 weeks doesn't mean I should use them all. The side effects of these painkillers when you aren't in horrible pain like I am make them so unpleasant, I don't know how people get hooked on them...
Extension is actually more important than flexion at this point. Physical therapy is the most important thing you can do, it's grueling but it works.. Physical therapy starts immediately after surgery and conts until you're met your goals. You will get there and be astonished at how well you have done.
I think I say that in one of my videos, but bend is the thing you notice since you can't get into cars or sit in chairs without an issue. I have a whole series of these videos in my playlist; five years out and doing great!
I just watched your video and then realize that it’s probably was done for years ago. I just went through total knee replacement this last Monday and today is Saturday.
Kris, glad your spirits are up! Keep at it, keep moving forward, you'll get where you need to be. Sorry to hear about the incredible pain; I don't know if you've tried this, and if so maybe you can't say, but maybe smoking pot would help? It's not something I partake in, even though it's legal in my neck of the woods, but I've heard it can be helpful for pain management. Chin up, and Marissa seems like an angel. Cheers, Tom
You know, I have never tried pot, but I do know it does wonders for these kind of pains - our state isn't there yet - hell, our state can't get bathrooms or just basic human decency down yet... Luckily, the pain is starting to wain a bit - I'm right on schedule. Apparently another week and it should be dramatically reduced.
My wife just had a TKR. She had to stay at the hospital 2 extra days due to pain. Only dilaudid worked, but when they sent us home, they refused to prescribe that. We were surprised to hear you were able to get dilaudid. Any insight on this?
It depends what country/state you are in on what they do and don't allow drug wise. Example: Florida will only give you 3 days worth and you have to keep going back to refill. Also it depends hospital to hospital, doctor to doctor. Some just are adamant about prescribing little and letting the patient just suffer temporarily, while others will do everything in their power to keep the patient comfortable during recovery. BUT, I will say that I have had doctors you had to be firm with - their first answer wasn't always the best and being firm about the discomfort and not downplaying it is important and sometimes you have to be your own advocate, even if that means multiple attempts to resolve it. During the TKR, it wasn't an issue with my recovery team - we were all on the same page.
Hello Kris, you measure with the lid Kris and meds cause constipation...I'm late but I've been pretty ill myself but I'm here now...yippie for therapy..don't let the pain get ahead of you my friend, docs and therapist will tell you that...just think about elderly that get this done! I live around quite a few that have had it done and live alone.. so stay strong and keep doing the do my friend!!!you must & and you know it will pay back in many folds to keep pushing through. Stay well----Lisa
Thanks Lisa - today was a good day - graduated to using the cane to walk around. Also today was the first day I tried cutting back one of the medicines - I did okay! Need it now (so 10 hours not using it), which is a big improvement as well. Sorry to hear that you have been having problems - hope you get better!
Constipation can cause a love for easy listening music, be careful. You have such a lovely nurse, how lucky can you get ? It's great to see you this morning.
Hi Kris. My dad had a hip operation a while ago and he struggled a lot after it. Unbelievable amount of pills, each with its own nasty little arsenal of side effects. Hang on in there, good work with the ice and the alarm-set pain-killer regime.
Thanks so much, James - I will make an update next week, but I am walking around, barely without a cane at this moment - I have also cut back one of the big drugs to half the amount - every day is more and more progress.
I'm having my right knee replaced in January 2025. Did you have the Mako Assisted Robotic surgery? How long did it take the swelling to go down? I know that's crucial to getting the flexion going. You looked really young for a TKR. I'll be 62 when I get mine.
I did have the Mako assist surgery. Swelling took many weeks - and I used the ice circulator all the time the first week, and even subsequent weeks. I was 43 I think when I had it done - 7 years post op now and still am doing great. Working through the pain for the PT was crucial, as was continuing to work the flex for a good six months after surgery - I have 155 and -5 flex. At work I have a rolling chair and I would just go back and forth with it all day. I still need to have my knee propped up when I am at my desk for long periods of time, but I am able to perform all my farm duties.
@@dixielandfarm I'm having the Mako also. Wow, 155? You can touch heel to butt! I hope I have same results. Did PT come to your house for the first few times? Or, did you go to them?
Not only did I have to go to them, after the first few times I had to drive myself, so that means I only had Tylenol in me doing PT. Literally screamed a few times (which they said was fine). I took my meds after the PT. The real trick is to keep going, even after PT - and work at home. I walked a mile as soon as I was off the walker, did my exercises, did the work at the PT office, and still did more exercises. Got an exercise bike for cheap so I could work on ROM that way as well (and yes, screamed). The amount of PT you do is the determining factor for the most part. Women seem to have a way easier time with the surgery and just have good flex. The older you are, the easier it should be to get flex back - younger than me would have an even tougher time - just the way the muscles are.
Hey Kris, my Mom's best friend just had her knee done about the same day that you did, and I can tell you that you are doing waaaaay better than she is. Hang tough my friend. Take care...
It is a ROUGH two weeks after surgery, but it should be a huge improvement after that - its those first two weeks that feel like you have been hit by a truck (because, well, you sort of are)... Tell her to hang in there for me!
Thank you for being frank about what the pain of a total-knee replacement is like. It is NECESSARY to manage the pain post-op. so that you can (a) make the leg lay flat, and (b) overcome the damage that was done by the cut-&-reattach procedure on muscles and tendons to the new TKI (total knee interface). In 2021, Stanford uses a different approach to physical therapy. I had PT at the hospital 2 times the the day after surgery before going home. Then, they sent out a visiting PT at home for 6 weeks. In early April I will begin 9 out-patient visits at their PT center in Redwood City--if we need that many.
I had PT twice or so as well when I was in the hospital - then 3x a week - I think it just depends on insurance and location whether you go to PT or they bring someone in - I still know of people who get the flex machine and have that at home... The one thing I wish I did that I was told at the end was putting a small weight on the knee so when you are sitting down with the leg up it will actually help flatten the leg somewhat - that may have helped my progress along some. Hope you continue to do great, Fredrick - and remember, PT doesn't end when they stop seeing you - I worked on my bend for at least six months when at work on the rolling chair.
I'm a 68 year old male and had a left tkr last thursday 13 Feb here in the UK MAKO robotic assisted. I have to say that after 4 days now I've experienced fairly low pain levels is that likely to change, sleeping is just not happening though not so much through pain but the nervy feelings I get. I can bend the knee to 85 deg and seem to do most of the exercises OK except raise my leg which I just cant do, I'm currently trying to arrange physio locally as I chose a surgeon and hospital 40 miles away to conduct my procedure. The thing that puzzles me is that everyone says take the meds religiously but I have only been sent home with Ibuprofen, Paracetomol and a small dose Codein (probably called something else in the US) what are your thoughts?
It isn't unusually (lately) to be sent with only mild anti-inflammatory that you can normally just buy without a prescription - and more common in the UK to do that, which seems insane to me - HOWEVER, since you aren't having much pain (just discomfort) then you don't need them anyway. All due to the opioid crisis. Your pain levels won't get worse - it just is luck of the draw on how much you will feel - but it seems once you are over 65 the pain levels post-surgery are dramatically reduced, I think due to the wear you have been feeling for years was greater than the surgical pain combined with the fact the muscles are just looser after a point compared to a younger person - a 20 year old would have had greater pain than I experienced being in my 40s. Dead leg is common for the first week or two - I needed my wife to lift my leg into bed for me (or what you can do is hook your good leg foot under the other foot and use the good leg to lift the dead leg). Also remember straight is more important than bend - do everything you can to get that leg straight, don't prop up the leg with pillows, even use a little weight to help get the leg straight - the bend is easier. Good luck!
Hey Kris, It does sound like a series of moment to moment ordeals for sure, though also sounds like you're doing all the right things to heal and get back to a semblance of normalcy, which I'm sure some people perhaps give up or slouch a bit in their healing regimen and really improve little if ever. Yes, do keep the spirits up...laugh, and soak up what you love as much as possible as you're able. -Carm
Thanks so much, Carm. I must have received 30+ cards from work (all the offices throughout the state that I assist)... plus all the love here. Three days ago I was a wreck - today things are looking much brighter - its amazing how quickly my body is adapting and healing.
Today may be the day we try it again - I am getting around on a cane now, so it may be possible - but I also toss and turn alot due to discomfort, so I don't want to possible keep her up, either...
We already have one planned (79 days away)... But don't forget, Marissa had major surgery in March and I had to take care of everything for six weeks while she recuperated as well... we tag team these things.
I cannot believe that it is six days already Kris. It seems you are following it all to the letter R. . Yeah it is going to be hard no doubt. Hang in there because you are able to get through this like so many others. My only question would be, why do you think some people have to get this surgery and others do not? Did you play football when you were younger? Talk tonight~ Rob/Boston
Rob, Kris had mention post-surgery that the doctors said one side of his femur - at the knee joint - was longer than the other and that was a rare condition, and that had caused a lot of the pain. Cheers, Tom
Tom is correct, Rob. I had a deformed femur that caused my entire body weight to be on only 50% of my knee - it wore out that side. Farming did NOT help at all - I remember the first time I did fence work where I got up and down at least 100 times was the first time I knew I tore something and had to have my knee scoped. We have potholes, uneven ground, walking on bales of hay, rocks, and getting on and off the tractor absolutely sped up things - if I lived the life of a fat IT nerd exclusively, I don't know I would have had to have this surgery until a normal point (like 60) - but having two jobs accelerated the process for me.
My God!. Everyone is different!! I had a TKR and had some pain and trouble sleeping for some time, but never had this nightmarish experience. Pal, take your laxatives and get your body moving! Take your pain meds and try to keep ahead of it. I walked and stretched each day. It gets better. I'm sorry you are having a really tough time. I did all My P T at home, had a good coach and used massage therapy from a very experienced therapist and my motion was never less than 90 degrees. To me, it hurt yes! But I never passed out, threw up or cursed the surgery God's. I hope your better now and if you ever need the other one done, explore the newer minimally invasive quad sparing surgery for TKR. Good luck
They give you everything you need at the hospital and of course charge accordingly :) The few things you will need to get prior is a walker, a cane, and a bathroom chair setup - they should tell you exactly when you need pre surgery. Let me know how everything goes!
Hi, just found your video. Im getting knee replacement in the uk in 3 weeks time. How are you doing now several years on?. Im nervous of the surgery but ive done my research so im excited to get it done at the same time. A trip to disneyworld is my after surgery goal😂
Doing fantastic - I regret NOTHING about the TKR, but there is quite a bit of work in recovery and PT, and it doesn't end when you "graduate" - I STILL do PT and exercise to keep the knee strong and flexible, and it can tire out/get sore more often so you get a sense on how to read your body. I was at the point where I would have chosen amputation if they didn't give me the TKR, and it has been a godsend. Some UK hospitals are different then others - some are like the US where they load you up with drugs and get you into PT immediately while others give you way less medication and want you to heal up first and then work PT, so be on the lookout for that (I went through the former, but I don't know much about the latter approach).
@@dixielandfarm thanks so much for the reply. I will look out for the type of medication and physiotheraphy that my hospital suggests. I didnt think about that until i watched your videos. Ive watched alot of knee replacement journeys but the majority of them have been from the united states so ive been assuming thats how it will be for me. Im really keen to push on with the physio straight away. Im a post woman here in the uk and havent been able to work since december due to my pain, i was meant to have TKR in february but surgeon decided to do arthroscopy instead but then straight away apologised and said that he didnt expect my knee to be that bad but the pain ive had since the arthroscopy has been so much worse,its like my lifes on hold, im only 55 so not that old so ive still got some good years in me!.. 3 weeks now until my TKR and im nervous but excited, i 100% need it doing , your videos have really helped me with knowing what to expect, i know nobodys journey will be the same but its nice to know that others are going through this and have come through it with flying colours. I just watched your 1 year update and it was great to see the quality of life improvement. Thanks for all your content, really enjoyed it🙂
In your first video, you said something about going eight (8) days without a bowel movement. Six days post-op to a total hip replacement (1975) I had the same problem. The nurse said, "Order this guy a Fleet's!" Then thy put me atop this little fracture bedpan that hold 10-ounces or less. EAT PRUNES AFTER BONE SURGERIES!!!
Pretty bad. You must constantly ice, and basically don't go to bed - just sleep on the couch/chair. You also MUST set an alarm to keep giving yourself medication - you cannot let it wear off even if you are already asleep.
I wasn’t allowed to prop a pillow under my knee which makes it tough… but I did try a small rolled towel under my foot to help things from pooling. But honestly, nothing is comfortable. I did set an alarm to wake me up to take pain meds, because the first few weeks that is worse waking up in pain then being woken up to take medicine.
Hi lve just watched your video l had my knee replacement done last Monday.... l feel your pain !!! And yes it is worse than child birth ... in England now the Pts get you up the next day after surgery now we have the same programme of physical therapy it's agony ... l like you couldn't lift my leg and still can't it feels like it's made of lead !!!! I hope this won't last forever !!!!
I had my left knee total replacement last Tuesday. My leg is really swollen, and this makes it hard to do the therapy - but I try. i'm 59, in pretty lean muscular shape, and I rehabbed a broken wrist - my right wrist - last year. It was my first broken bone, and that hurt like hell, but this is way worse. Very hard to manage when home alone. It's hard to carry things with 2 crutches! I can lift my leg, but it takes a hell of a lot of mental power and muscle strain! It wont last forever. I know eventually my leg will recover and I will forget about the ordeal and the pain. You will too. Hang in there. Another problem I'm having is heartburn and nausea from the pain meds, and like this guy I was constipated - but only for 4 days!! But that for me is a record. Drop me a line on here sometime, and we can chat about where we are at??
@@mikthe2004 lm using an ice cuff on my knee which is helping the swelling l am exactly one week in and l can walk from my lounge to my kitchen without crutches lve no pain in my knee just the discomfort of the surgery itself...l broke both my ankles 2 years ago stepping off a kerb and losing my footing ( and yes l was sober 😂🤣🙄 ) l became quite proficient on crutches a pair of padded bicycle fingerless gloves are invaluable for those numb hands ..also l have a nylon rucksack l put things in to go from room to room and upper levels of my house a thermal enclosed cup with a screw top is a great way to carry a hot drink from kitchen to lounge... lm very compliant l do all required exercises and every day it becomes easier lm only on ibrufen and paracetamol and that's okay for me ...drink plenty of water and fresh veg ... but keep that swelling under control a cold cuff is essential.... and elevation at rest times ... hope you find some useful tips in my comment ... we will get there ( oh and no loo problem for me diet is key ) catch up soon !!!
@@BlueWaterSue21 Whaaa!! You can walk, and you have no pain!!! And you're only on ibuprofen and paracetamol!! I'm jealous. My knee feels really really tight. I'm icing probably 4 or 5 times a day, especially after doing the exercises. This morning I felt OK, but my pain gets worse throughout the day - probably because I'm sitting instead of lying down with my leg up. I can stand OK, but my "walking" is limited to 3" steps. Occasionally I forget and stand and try to walk, but I remember pretty quick - lol. I'm going to try and buy a leg compression bandage tomorrow. I'll write again when I improve, but I feel it could be a week or so. I'm just glad I'm in a single level house. How old are you? I'm assuming you're female? Is your name Sue?
@@mikthe2004yes lm sue and 65 but far to young to be old ... have horses dogs etc... can't wait to get some of my life back ... am booked in for next one( right) consultant 1st September... ... l got a gel knee cuff off amazon its a must ... yes check in soon ... stay strong and keep your chin up we will do it !!!! 💪😊
@@BlueWaterSue21 Sue, I don't envy you having to go through this again. I'm hoping my right knee holds up, but I suspect at some point it may need intervention. Yes, get our lives back. I surf, Rip surf, play tennis and go to the gym. After breaking my wrist I couldn't do any of those things, although I did go to the gym and train legs, and upper body with machines that didn't require me to use my hands. After rehabbing I did resume all those activities with no problems until my knee went. After rehabbing my knee I'm only going to train my son in tennis, and not run after the ball at all. Surfing and gym will resume, although I'm going to go real easy on my knee joints from now on. In fact I'll probably keep training my upper body right now as usual, but modified as I can't carry dumbbells. I'll get my son to set the weights up in our home gym, and just do the best I can. I might have this week off though, as I just don't feel physically up to any exertion. I'm also dieting a bit to get as lean as I can, figuring the less weight means less stress on my remaining joints. Fortunately humans seem to have poor memory when it comes to pain - otherwise women would only have one child?? So once you recover from this knee, if the other knee needs doing just get it done. There really isn't much choice is there. I got pretty embarrassed limping around like an old person - even though I am one!! And I knew if I wanted to travel or do anything, I needed 2 decent legs to stand on.
7 лет назад
Man, what an ordeal. It's painful just to hear you describe the details. How long is the average recovery time?
It really depends - the doctor said he was going to write me a note for no work for 12 weeks. Now that is for a worse case scenario - I think realistically I should be walking around without too much discomfort within a month, probably can go back to light farming after 2 months - but it could take a full year to get back to completely normal. It really depends - and it is so important to keep up with P/T during this initial phase - lots of people don't push hard enough and suffer for it later.
Anybody who I have talked to who didn't have a successful TKR experience, I always ask them about the PT. None of them did the pre-surgery exercises (I did for a month straight and not a half-hearted 5 minutes - I did what they told me to do). The same people also waited several weeks before they even attempted PT - I was doing PT the day after surgery - not lying. My PT routine was daily after that for several hours during that day - I didn't wait until I saw someone - I followed the instructions the PT had already given me to work post surgery. I also asked how hard they pushed themselves during PT, and the answer was always universally that it hurt, so not hard. That is not what the PT told me to do - work in the pain level you can tolerate but not any less. Because I didn't want to be a hardship, I had gotten myself off the pain medication I was taking as fast as I could - I was only using Naproxen OTC during the day, including during PT and just the heavier stuff at night to sleep. I know some people who stopped taking everything after 2 weeks - and some that needed it for a full 8. Everyone is different. But the success of the TKR is in the PT and anyone I talked to who was successful followed instructions and did the work, and those who were unsuccessful did not.
Sleep will be the biggest fight of the recovery - don't expect a normal full night - 2-4hrs max at any given time, so if it is the middle of the day and you feel drowsy, sleep! Also, waking yourself up for a pill will be a better strategy than trying to sleep through it as well - good luck and let me know how you are doing.
Hi Chris... Im going for a 2nd revision in my right knee in about 3 weeks.. I never actually recovered from the first initial surgery or the first Revision.. I have had constant pain & issues.. Im wondering how long it was till you felt NO PAIN (post op)???
Right around the eight week mark I stopped feeling constant pain, but everybody is different. However, it will take a full year they say for me to experience no lingering pain - there is still a low level ache when I flex the knee towards the end of my range, and after a long day I do feel fatigue/soreness - but compared to the teeth gnashing pain pre-surgery, its a fine tradeoff if the rest of my life is at this level. The real issue is everybody is different, unfortunately.
dixielandfarm. I definitely have to agree with you there when comparing before & after pain.. But see , after having a partial knee done in 2013, then a total knee in 2015, then revision in Nov 2016, and now another revision, idk what it's like to be pain free . That's why I ask.. After every surgery, once the initial soreness goes away, the pain begins. My first revision was because of a nickle allergy that they didn't find till after the fact, & now my second upcoming revision is because the first revision is loose already .. Meanwhile, I know u never mentioned your age, but I just turned 44 in September. .. SO I'm kinda in an unusual situation. . Anyway, thanks for the reply .. & I hope u continue to get better & better over time.. ;)
43... regarding your loose implant - I know there is another method where they basically crimp the implant in addition to the cement - that could help... but I can't say if I will be pain free or not - I have been hurting the last week or two, but I have also been flexing the knee to the end of my range - I want to get more flexion than I have, so I have been purposely doing so to the point of discomfort - so I assume if I left it alone for a few days I would be okay, but I could be wrong... I hope this time around for your works out - I know another person who has had issues with their replacement, but I don't know the specifics (and I don't think he put in the work, but I can't be sure)...
dixielandfarm. I appreciate the information. I personally have fought day after day (from day 1 till now) to put in the work, build muscle back up, get flexion & extension, etc... But some how, some way, it never seems to work for me.. This last revision, at about 3 months post op, i was at 130 degrees flexion... Which was amazing... But the constant pain is brutal.. Im 1 yr post op now & still have level 7 pain consistently... Well anyway, i wish u the best in your continued recovery, & hopefully i can come back 3-4 months from now to tell you I'M alot better this time AROUND.. lol
I’m into my third week of TKR and it’s a hard recovery but I’m doing pretty well, walking without a walker or cane, I’m doing PT and icing the knee, and taking the pain meds which they are very stingy with in the state of Florida have to beg for more pills the second week and you really need these pain medications, especially at night so you can sleep some, my only problem is I’m having the second knee done in six weeks makes me sick thinking about it, but have to do it, this is Betsy, Andrews wife
Somewhere around three weeks I probably could have just lived on Naproxen, but I would have had to heavily rely on Tylenol PM to even attempt to nap at night. Florida is unrealistic with the pain medication - but as you know the pain isn't as bad as the constant discomfort. I know several people who did both knees at once, which to me is crazy - but you will get through it Andrew!
I'd scratch one if I tried to play one at this point. Don't worry, there are at least six unpublished VC videos you can checkout in my VC playlist if you miss me talking about music.
A lot of your effects are your meds I am post op day 4 and am not taking as many pain meds as they were giving me in the hospital needing ONLY as needed. Tho - strictly doing ny physio excercises. BE VERY CAREFUL and I mean VERY CAREFUL of that ice machine - they had it on my knee too long on a cold night and I got an ice burn which was quite large....please dont use that thing too muchr. They prescribed me elbow crutches for TWO weeks strictly - then down to 1 for a week. Mate can I advise you go get some elbow crutches and DONT walk without them? This is physio ordered. Elbow crutches are GREAT - ask your physio what she thinks rather than a frame? Just some thoughts
Kerri, This was filmed three years ago - so I don't think I will be needing elbow crutches - but I have done very well with my TKR and have had a very successful outcome. Thanks for watching!
My dad is going through day 9 right now and not doing very well. He said the pain is unbearable and his physical therapist said if he doesn't get his leg to 90 degrees soon he will be admitted into the hospital. He said he is working the heck out of it but having so much pain. Any words of wisdom?
I'm so sorry to hear that, Christy. I would say if he isn't getting his leg moving, he should request a machine to assist the therapy - therapists are divided on whether they help or not, but I would think at this point, it is worth a shot before having the surgical option of bending the knee (basically they put your dad under and force the knee to bend, breaking up scar tissue - he won't be awake for it, so it isn't awful but it isn't ideal, either). As for the unbearable pain, he should IMMEDIATELY tell his doctor and switch medications - the pills we get all work different for each of us - the only medication that worked for me was Dilaudid, but for your father it could be something else that works for him (Percocet, etc.) - plus dosage - it should not be unbearable ever... those doctors are there to help so be in constant communication if you need to be. You must also take the medication on a schedule and not waiver - plus always an hour before any P/T.
dixielandfarm that's so funny u said that because prior to reading your response we bought him a floor cycle that he can use while sitting in a chair. Today was one if his best days so far. Day 11. He actually smilied. Lol
Very good, Christy. The PT can give a passive motion machine which will SLOWLY move his knee back and forth, increasing the bend as you go along... my PT had an industrial version they put me on when I was not having much luck at bending as well. One thing I mention in my later video was that I ended up having something called "Dry Needling" done which is like acupuncture with a bit more Western medicine involved, and more discomfort - HOWEVER, it was an amazing difference - basically they stick you in the muscle until you twitch and release - there was like a 5 degree difference before the needling and after (and that was in five minutes)... it got me over a hurdle, for sure.
He needs to get that pain under control, the doc's need to review his meds and give him something that works, icing is important and helps with pain. Physical therapy is paramount to a good recovery. I called my therapist "Master", he had a sense of humor. Thank heavens my ortho Drs believe in pain control.
I wish they would have explained to me the extent of that nerve block. The leg was dead after surgery - couldn't feel a thing. Then it wasn't, so I naturally assumed that means the block had worn off since I could feel things normally - but I was WRONG! That was only half of it wearing off :) Then came the full sensation - way after you have settled in at home and have been getting around ok...
Use walker as long as you can. If you go to cane to soon, it can mess up gait and healing. I found that i needed massage often to help with tight hamstrings etc. As i healed and walked more. People can download MEDISAFE , an app to track your meds and alert you. I set the gaps to try and give most hours to sleep. And set phone to ring.
Setting the phone to ring was key - I figured that out after that first night or two - it doesn't matter what you feel, you have to stick to the schedule that first week - then you can start slowing the dosage. The PT at the hospital also didn't really explain to me how to use that walker, so I used them almost like crutches, not allowing ANY weight on the TKR leg which was wrong, I should have been allowing some weight to build up tolerance.
@@dixielandfarm you seemed to have more of it or longer than me. Whe i woke up, i did not have any med going into it. It never felt dead, i was up and on it 4 or so hours after surgery. And felt better than i thought. Just had leg wrapped thight to toe .Never took wrap off for a few days, till PT. So i could bend more. Then hell began on 2nd day..lol
I've seen a video of a guy who was waling the day after total knee replacement and he wasn't taking anywhere near the amount of pain meds this guy is taking. To each his own.
Your life will be much better if you have been living with constant pain right now - just know the first month is horrible - not due to the pain (which gets manageable pretty quickly) but due to the lack of sleep and being able to get comfortable. Make sure you aren't light on yourself with the PT and do the work and you will be great - you can see that in my later videos. You can do it!
My god, why are people so terrified of addiction? One does NOT get addicted to meds taken for acute pain. Pain meds taken for chronic pain is where addcition is a possible problem. Short term use is okay.
It is true. But, I guess when you see other people in your life get addicted to things, or just the news in general, you always have a worry. So many people have gotten addicted to Xanax, Tramidol, Oxy, etc. that you have to have some concern, especially when you never get a feel of when/where is the line. BUT, you are right - if you are in pain, especially after surgery, you need to use the tools available to you.
Thanks for clearing that up, Holly. I responded in another comment of yours where I picked it up - I am glad to know the philosophy is not the norm. This TKR has been a miracle, and I owe it all to my team who worked with me - I still work on bending the knee after 8 months - I have almost completely normal range of motion at this point - and I know if I had waited in the beginning I wouldn't have the ROM that I do.
Is that a dig or something? Note - she had two spinal surgeries and I had to walk her around for many weeks and do all the farm work while she was recooperating - we help each other, which is what a marriage is supposed to be.
Not at all. I am scheduled for this painful procedure as well. I am saying she had an extra full plate... on a farm... I am from the south..from a farm family.
We scheduled the surgery specifically so it would fall when school was out so the barn kids and moms could pitch in, which they did and made it much easier on us. We have had to do that several times, scheduling these surgeries during the summer to make sure we have extra help and not be a burden.
What a freaking wimp! My wife at 63 had a knee replacement. She never used a walker and only used a cane for 3 days. She did not go through therapy and exercised at home. After a week, she did not need anything for pain and has not looked back since.
Why are you here? To shit on people? What purpose was it to watch this video if you already have gone through this? Also, not everyone is the same - I'm not a 63 year old woman - the surgery gets progressively harder the younger you are.
I’m day 7 of post knee replacement. Your vlogs are fab - thanks. I too am in a lot of pain. I’m in UK - I definitely have not been advised to not do physical therapy for several weeks. I am doing PT several times a day as advised. Oh and although it’s really painful it’s not as bad as childbirth! That is agony!!! It’s like having a limp amputated without anaesthesia! The difference is that the pain of childbirth doesn’t go on for as long as the pain of knee replacement.
I think over the past 10 years they have changed philosophies, or the NIH was split because I heard half it was like the experience of recovery I went through, half was rest for weeks and then PT. I hope you have a great outcome, Julie - I have pretty much a normal life back and am always thankful of having the TKR.
Oooooooo Julie, so accurate. I just feel so helpless. The pain pills cut it to a 3 certainly not a 0.
G'day Chris, thanks for sharing your story mate! I'm having my first arthroscopy in 2 days on my left knee as i have severe arthritis from old soccer injuries from high school. 3 knee dislocations. It has now caught up with me at the age of 42. I have 4 loose bodies in my knee causing it to lock up. I don't need a knee replacement yet but i will probably need one by the time i'm closer to 50. It's very refreshing to see someone make a detailed vlog about their experience with a TKR. It's a big shock when you find out your joint is just worn out and you think strewth! What the bloody hell happened to me? But that's life i guess mate. You're a true warrior mate and i give you the thumbs up for being tough as nails! I'm no stranger to pain myself and been under the knife several times so this procedure doesn't make me nervous. When i have to do it, bring it on! Thanks again mate and wish you all the best fella! From Australia.
Thank you so much for the kind words. The arthoscopic surgery is pretty "easy" for the knee. I had the same done on the shoulder and that recovery was much harder. It will blow up for a week and then be pretty much back to normal - hopefully without the pain! I hope you have great success and that you can push off the TKR as long as possible - while it has been a godsend, it isn't the same as a natural knee - you can feel it ache after doing too much and you notice that you aren't 100%, which when you are in your forties is a little depressing :)
@@dixielandfarm I totally understand mate. Of course no one wants to go through that at that age but like you said, better than the alternative you had! I think the most important thing after such a big life change is mental wellbeing. Staying positive and constantly reminding yourself what a gift you've been given. Not saying you're not grateful but i understand it'd be hard at times. One day when i get my TKR all i ask is that i can walk, drive and ride my electric mountain bike! I love roaming the outback and camping so walking would take care of that part. I'm a bit overweight too so i've just started a healthy lifestyle change with my diet. I've already lost 5 pounds and once i have the surgery and can be fully mobile again and return to work i will shed the weight faster. That should help my knee in the long run too. Thanks again mate for shedding light on so many people's lives! Cheers.
I had lost 30 pounds before surgery and then 15 more post surgery (which I have put back on, but I keep trying!)... being fit will definitely help, and I am at the gym 3 times a week working the knee (and heart) to make sure I get to keep this shiny new knee strong.
I had my 1st TKR done in May in which the first week was hell but I healed very quickly with no side effects. I had my 2nd TKR done 5 days ago and am experiencing every side effect in the book. Was so happy to find your videos to see I am not the only one that had itchiness, fever, chills, etc. etc.
Misery loves company!!!!
Thank you so much!!
The good news Missy is it is temporary - and no matter how many times you hear that/say that, it doesn't matter while you are going through it. Just keep icing, manage sleep expectations, and hopefully you will be able to start functioning better within a couple of weeks. Sudafed did help with the oxycodone side effects and helped sleep a little as well, so ask your doctor/nurse about adding that to the mix. Or just getting off the pain med you are on and transitioning to another - I think some side effects get amplified after surgery and others get muted, so one drug may not be right at any given moment of the process.
This makes me realize that I'm not near getting TKR myself yet. My issue is increased tendinitis tendancy due to the arthritis. This past year, the right knee as been the bad guy. 2 years ago, it was the left. Anyway, this week has been good so far (but a bad week is to come, usually). Thanks for continuing to share your progress, and best of luck!
That's it, CJ. Hold off for as LONG as you can putting anything artificial in your body - I was at the point where I never had "good" days - it was pain or lots of pain - so the choice was made up for me - I couldn't go any longer with what was happening - but this really is a last resort surgery - scopes are MUCH easier to bounce back from, and there are lots of other therapies I tried before this was considered. Try them all! But when you get to the point where you can't live your life normally anymore, where you avoid doing things, then its time to take action - as bad as this looks, everyone I met in P/T after 3 weeks are basically back to a normal pace and pain level, and six weeks are back to a normal life entirely.
HI Chris, Hope you have a speedy recovery!!!! When you have your health, you really do have everything. So, take care,
Will do, Richard.
I've been looking for week 1 post op videos. Finally, someone going through the same issues. I'm right there with dozing off during the day, lack of sleep during the night and lots of pain. I just want this to be over! Thank you for posting. John 47 TKR- MAKO.
John, it will be a bumpy month - there is no way around that - give up on the idea of a night sleep and just think of constant naps when you can - and schedule the medicine even if it means waking you up - but as you will see in the series, it will eventually get better and the results if you put in the work will be worth it. Let me know how you are doing!
Week two and the pain never stops. Physical therapy is very painful but necessary for a full recovery. My journey is similar to yours with the exception of the narcotics. I am down to two hydrocodone a day and two aleve a day. Still using the walker outside while transporting to my Physical therapy location and at home if feeling weak or in pain. Had a slight setback due to intense itching in my knee. On my own now with family members returning to their own lives. I live alone so its all up to me. I am fortunate that a courtesy van drives me to and from physical therapy twice a week.
Before the surgery I spent a fortune on food and other essentials to hold me for 4-6 weeks. My car is parked in the driveway in order for me to start it occasionally. Getting inside of the car will be challenging with the additional diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.
This is turning into a book........thanks so much for your posting its something I look forward to each day.
The itching is most likely due to the Hydrocodone - you can take sudafed to counteract it, bonus that it will make you sleepy (but of course, check with your doctor/nurse first - don't take my word without checking). That's one reason why I do everything I can never to take it - Tramadol didn't have that side effect, nor Dilaudid, but each medication is its own issue. My itching was so bad that I ended up making myself bleed because I was doing it in my sleep.
Chris, thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband has just undergone bilateral knee replacement surgery (in NYC) and currently day 6 post op. We have been watching your 'blogs' every day which have proved so helpful with OUR journey. You have taken the viewer through such a great level of detail in such a brilliant and relevant way...whilst being wonderfully light hearted bringing a smile to us watching. so THANK YOU. Hope you're now fully recovered! we have a long way to go ...but very hopeful and excited about the new knees!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Krissi. I made these videos because I didn't see them out there and online forums gave plenty of conflicting information or just bad advice. Almost 11 months now, and I can't say that I am pain free, but I have no regrets and work normally now around the farm, as well as go to the gym 3 times a week. The knee is a very dull ache that barely registers - but I know when I am pushing it and I never need to take medication for it. I know someone who is 71 who had both done at the same time and he can squat and do everything like he was in his 20s... so everyone is different. But, the good news is even though I am not 100% pain free, my life is back to normal - no more wincing in pain just standing for a minute or two, no more having to sit down for hours to recover - I can be on my feet all day and not have any trouble.
Chris, your videos have been very helpful for me. I am on Day 7 of a TKR rehab and still feeling a lot of pain. Knee has osteoarthritis which makes things more complicated. I will stay on the movement, exercises and pain meds and hope it backs off soon. Thanks.
Thanks so much for that - the pain will always be there for the month, but the way the medication works with it might need to change - I think I had to do three different meds over the course of healing (one would stop working, so I had to transition to a different one) - don't be afraid to tell your team you need something different for that moment to keep you comfortable - and you need to be comfortable to do that critical P/T work. My TKR leg is the better leg now, and it is because of all that PT work I did.
@@dixielandfarm Thanks for the reply Chris. It is good to hear a normal person's experience. Did you ever get cramps and spasms inside the joint that were just crazy painful??? Painful enough to jolt you out of sleep?
@@heygringo7 So much so I went in for a check because they were worried about blood clots. Super painful. And the IT band was basically in permanent spasm and required dry needling to fix (think acupuncture but like needles stabbing into you to make spasms happen harder).
Man I’m glad I came across this. I am exactly the same time post op, going through the same pain and discomfort. Hitting pain level so high that getting sick and passing out is a daily routine. Was supposed to start pt on day 7 but had to cancel due to situation. Post op dr visit today, Day 8. At least now I know it’s not just me. I’m pretty much pain tolerant, but this has a whole new meaning of pain.
Make sure you tell your doctor - not all medication works the same for everybody, and I also found what I needed changed over time. I had to switch medication three times during recovery. The best that worked for me starting out didn't work as I progressed. What they prescribed me initially also didn't work as well - so make sure you speak up - that's what they are getting paid for! Good luck, and let me know your progress.
Wow, sorry for your experience, but it's an encouragement to me ... Woke up at midnight with 9+ pain and thought I would have to go to ER. Now 6 days post surgery... Getting better.
I just had my TKR this past Thursday. Man o man the pain is something else. My pain medication doesn't even touch it. Great videos and thank you for taking the time to do them.
If you are in that much pain, call your nurse/support staff and be asked to be switched on to different medication. Medication plays with our chemistry, and our chemistry is different from each other, and also different depending on pain levels as well - what worked for me in the beginning didn't work for me in the end. Being moved to a different medication made the relief instant - DO NOT SUFFER FOR NO REASON. People will take on this martyr role during recovery and there is no need for that - call and make them change it to something else.
@@dixielandfarm we talked to the dr's nurse. all is good now. swelling is going down little by little. had first PT session last night and went to the gym this am. just about one week post op. still need to learn how to take things "slow"
The first three weeks you are basically on the icing machine - not just 20 minutes here or there, its more like a 20 minute break every now and again, otherwise ICE!
Reading about using the ice machinemakes me mad because my doctor gave me a two-part ice holder to use on my knee which is covered with a insulated bandage and compression socks. So basically nothing is happening to contain the swelling! I am starting to use a borrowed ice machine 6 days post-surgery. Time lost!
I'm happy I'm watching your blogs. I'm 9 days out. You talk so much about pain and about passing out and crying. I took myself off of Norco 3 days out. Today I walked around the block for the first time. My pain is barely minimal. Sleeping is great. I wake up once a night for a few minutes and back to sleep. I'm walking great with the walker. I'm doing my exercises as needed. As they say, everyone is different. Good luck to you and your rehab.
Fantastic Ed - everybody is different (like you said) - there are people who are in much more pain than I ever was, and there are others who barely need any drugs at all. You are lucky you can sleep - most people can't.
How old are you? I'm 6 days post-surgery and try and extending pain medication from every 4 hours to every 6 hours. Big mistake 😫
Thanks for your encouragement. I've changed my mind about my upcoming surgery
For or against? I don't regret my TKR one bit - it gave me back a normal life.
At 57 with no cartilage left and walking like one of the “Walking Dead” was no fun. Going on my 4th day post total knee replacement. I take each day as a victory while doing the physical therapy exercises. On the back of my mind the songs“I Will Survive” and “Eye of the Tiger” pops up. My thigh feels like elephants danced the samba on it. Much obliged for your videos sharing your experience.
Thanks so much for watching, Paul. The first few weeks are painful, but the weeks after that are more about the lack of sleep than anything. Its been such a big difference post-op - truly a blessing.
Day 7 for me post op! My 4th joint replacement. Have had 2 knee and 2 shoulder total replacements... all due to having been struck by lightning. This was incredibly helpful as I forgot a lot from the prior replacements. I’m out of pain meds and they want you to be out prior to begging for more! Fingers crossed.
You know, if you asked me now how the TKR went, I would say it was no big deal, a week of pain but that's it. Maybe barely a story. Your brain forgets how hard things actually are - and when I went back and watched a few of these videos I realize how much of a struggle it really was. I have read that is by design - your brain does what it can to forget pain/trauma, even with stuff like this. Hope everything goes well - you are an expert at this point!
Thanks for sharing your experience, I’m finding it very helpful
Fantastic, Mark - thanks so much for watching.
Hi back again not just to see what tkr will be like but from the perspective of going thru it. i am 7 days post op just like you were here. What a comfort to watch this video.u cracked me up w the alien facemask joke.tyvm. i am going to shoe ur videos to my caretaker and fiancee throughout my knee warrior journey.
Fantastic, Lynne. If you watch the series in reverse order you can see my knee go from great to bad :) Somewhere around the 5th week is where it starts turning around, so you will be challenged at the 3rd and 4th week (most likely), but everyone's timetable is different - some heal much quick or much slower... but it was worth it - I have a normal life again.
@@dixielandfarm thank you! I am glad to have you as my you tube neighbor!
I feel a mix of amazement and respect seeing how intensely you live this experience .You analyze your physical and mental evolution so well, it sometimes seems as if you are talking about someone else. I am well aware it's you alright who feel all the pain and inconvenience, but maybe this attitude helps you in a way. Hang on in there...
Thanks, Francis... it is cathartic to document the experience - but believe me, I left out the two times where I broke down crying, or the disappointment I felt when I did backslide on my stretch goal from the day before... it really has been up and down, but I imagine that is from the drugs more than anything. Even those I am getting used to - no more eye issues taking them, and I am less cloudy. Today was a good day, and I even skipped one pill today, so I am getting better every moment.
@@dixielandfarm francis said what i was thinkinh but spared me the trouble of writing it. mental fog is overwhelming atm
Ty for sharing I know this is an older video, but yes after having 4 beautiful children it's interesting for sure. I was fortunate my surgeon prayed for me. Took it as motivation. Was worried about the bending. Everyone except therapist is harsh on the bending & I'm exhausted living up to high standards. We will do our very best & not regret yesterday & concentrate on today & tomorrow.🙏
Good luck! Bend is certainly important and dry needling helped with that for me (mentioned in another one of my diary videos). I got my full bend back also by the rolling chair exercise - but I steadily worked on it for literally a year.
Hi there my name is Mike and I’m from the UK I’ve been watching your recovery of your knee operation it has given me inspiration how you describe it is exactly what I’m feeling but what’s more better I’ve shown my wife or girlfriend how I’m feeling by letting her watch your video so thanks for that and just want to tell you that the drugs that they give you in the UK are paracetamol I’ve had my don’t need done for three weeks now and they give me paracetamol and I’m very jealous of the tracks that you have so just thought I’d say hi
Thanks so much for watching and commenting, Mike. I have heard conflicting reports on how the UK handles TKRs, but I would say Tylenol/Paracetamol post op simply isn't strong enough. I also understand the UK doesn't have the same Opioid crisis America does, so I guess I can only look at it from my perspective of pain and recovery :) I'm also not sure how aggressive you can get with PT with just that low level medication - I know the super intensive PT I did in the first few weeks set the stage for a good recovery; if I had taken it slow/easy I don't think I would have the flex/straight I do now (estimating -1 and 155 at this point). I hope you much success in your recovery!
I just finished watching this series of videos, and shared your experiences with my wife, who's about a year away from surgery herself (at 44). She's bone-on-bone at this point. Interestingly, she's taken tramadol for many years, for cramps, and it has been a pretty big help with her knee pain. I think it has a psychoactive effect as well as a slight opioid component, kind of like an antidepressant.
My wife is at the point where she can't walk for more than 10-15 minutes without taking a 5 minute break, so our younger days of walking around NYC or Magic Kingdom all day are long gone, unfortunately. I really worry about her doing all of her physical therapy, though. She works in healthcare but is the definition of a noncompliant patient. Like she has diabetes but continues to drink nothing but soda all day long (!).
Anyways, thanks for sharing your ordeal. These were a great series of videos. I'm glad to see you're making good progress, and I hope it continues.
Thanks so much, Mike. When you can't have a normal life, it is time. However, you REALLY have to push yourself with PT otherwise you can end up worse in the end, permanently crippled. Less pain, but crippled. I am doing at least two hours of PT a day and have been since the day of surgery - it is exhausting, but that's what it is going to take to get better. Tramadol is still my friend - I wouldn't be able to do what I need to right now without it.
Hang in there. My wife had a total knee replacement 10 years ago. 7 months after she back packed the third highest peak in the Smokey mountains. She’s a beast.
I have total knee replacement surgery tomorrow and I want to say thank you for scaring the crap out of me.
Better you know the truth than the rosy picture the doctors gloss over. If you watch the other videos you see it does get better quickly and my TKR was a great decision for me - my life has changed for the better compared to where I was at. Everyone is different, Tony - you may have ZERO issues or you may have an even tougher time. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Me too. I am meeting my surgeon next week to plan the surgery. I am beginning to think I’ll live with the limp and my new limitations like not hiking or kayaking
thata the funniest comment ive seen yet ive had both done, im crying with laughter thanks tony fitz
@@dixielandfarm ive had both done and your so right im crying with laughter because your so right its the worst pain you can imagine but thats how it is well done
Sorry, didn't see this comment - if you can live with the pain and it isn't affecting your life, keep going like that - this is only when there is no other option left for you.
Hi I’m in the uk and I’ve just got home from tkr and feel rotten , the incision is bleeding and I have to go back to the hospital so it can be checked as it’s stopping me getting into the physio, as soon as I try to bend it the wound bleeds ... as you said it really is brutal but I know it will be worth it in the long run .. I learned so much off your diary before surgery and new what was coming ... thank you 👍
My gosh Pete, I am so sorry to hear that you had surgical issues. I know there were at least 20 staples in mine, plus a HUGE bandage plus compression bandage. I hope they get you fixed up soon so you can focus on recovery!
Got to take that lax. Pain meds will stop you up like a brick! Glad to see you up and about
Finally broke through a few days ago with Magnesium Citrate - there is NOTHING left inside of me - I'm like factory new, now.
73 yr old July 2020... TKR... Your videos very informative! I was out of hospital after one night stay... Large BM 4 days after surgery. Prescribed only one pain med: hydrocodone every 4 hours. Main issue 1week after surgery: so stiff and painful first thing in morning. Given double flap reusable ice packs. I guess you had better insurance!
Im intolerant to hydrocodone - too many side effects for me, but that is probably enough for most people. Ice packs work - just not as fancy. Just make sure you use them all the time the first few weeks.
Kris, your videos made me feel normal. My blood pressure dropped at PT and I felt like I was having a heart attack. The pain is excruciating. Like you life without nerve block is pain reality times infinity! I am 60. If these weeks don’t go by soon, I am jumping off my porch. I made 2 weeks yesterday. When did you say this eases up?
4 weeks. But at no point should you suffer - let the doctors know to make sure there isn't a blot clot (which they did an ultrasound to double check on me), or at least to change the meds you are on - you may need to change meds more than once as you body adapts/changes - what may have worked great for days 1-3 may not work at all any more - so let the nurse/assistant know. With that much pain you can't do the PT you need to do, and PT is what is going to determine your success. Also, I am sure you are icing constantly, I know I did cool water even while sleeping.
I'm 65, almost two weeks post op. I only take pain meds on therapy days not even sure if I need them. I am walking without a cane or walker. Leg is still stiff in the morning range of motion is 0 to 118 right now.
Excellent, Max - the older one is, the better the surgery outcome is usually, so in my 40s I had a much tougher time, and someone in their 20s would have a tougher time still - but also EVERYONE is different and their pain levels and recovery are different - your easy success is not typical but not uncommon, most people suffer some but not as bad as I did, and some suffer much worse than I did - there is no guarantee of recovery type.
118 is great!
Thank you for the video I’m at 9 days right now and I thought
I was just being a baby. My pain is really high especially in my calf. Thanks for the update
Oh the calf pain will be with you for a long time - I needed dry needling to help with that. BUT, if you are unable to handle the level of pain, ask for new medication or dosage - and your needs will change as you recover; what worked for you two days ago may stop working.
I was wondering about the farm work. I'm surprised to hear it isn't too much for your wife to handle by herself. Don't worry too much about painkiller addiction, man. Yeah, it can happen, but as vigilant as you're being, it really shouldn't be an issue. And I'm sure I don't have to tell you that painkillers are no fun when you actually need them.
I even skipped todays lunch dose and I am doing good, so I am hoping to scale back this week a bit more... not just because of the addiction possibilities (unlikely the way I am doing it), but so I can drive around sooner - once I'm off some of this stuff I will have some freedom back (and closer to going back to work)... Not that I'm in a hurry, but a middle-aged man needs to have a bank of sick days for anything that could happen - just because I have 12 weeks doesn't mean I should use them all. The side effects of these painkillers when you aren't in horrible pain like I am make them so unpleasant, I don't know how people get hooked on them...
Extension is actually more important than flexion at this point. Physical therapy is the most important thing you can do, it's grueling but it works.. Physical therapy starts immediately after surgery and conts until you're met your goals. You will get there and be astonished at how well you have done.
I think I say that in one of my videos, but bend is the thing you notice since you can't get into cars or sit in chairs without an issue. I have a whole series of these videos in my playlist; five years out and doing great!
I just watched your video and then realize that it’s probably was done for years ago. I just went through total knee replacement this last Monday and today is Saturday.
Hope the videos were helpful, Travis!
Kris, glad your spirits are up! Keep at it, keep moving forward, you'll get where you need to be. Sorry to hear about the incredible pain; I don't know if you've tried this, and if so maybe you can't say, but maybe smoking pot would help? It's not something I partake in, even though it's legal in my neck of the woods, but I've heard it can be helpful for pain management. Chin up, and Marissa seems like an angel.
Cheers, Tom
You know, I have never tried pot, but I do know it does wonders for these kind of pains - our state isn't there yet - hell, our state can't get bathrooms or just basic human decency down yet... Luckily, the pain is starting to wain a bit - I'm right on schedule. Apparently another week and it should be dramatically reduced.
@@dixielandfarm u r so funny. i do not do stuff if it is illegal, but if we veterans could legally get pot then shove me first in line
My wife just had a TKR. She had to stay at the hospital 2 extra days due to pain. Only dilaudid worked, but when they sent us home, they refused to prescribe that. We were surprised to hear you were able to get dilaudid. Any insight on this?
It depends what country/state you are in on what they do and don't allow drug wise. Example: Florida will only give you 3 days worth and you have to keep going back to refill. Also it depends hospital to hospital, doctor to doctor. Some just are adamant about prescribing little and letting the patient just suffer temporarily, while others will do everything in their power to keep the patient comfortable during recovery. BUT, I will say that I have had doctors you had to be firm with - their first answer wasn't always the best and being firm about the discomfort and not downplaying it is important and sometimes you have to be your own advocate, even if that means multiple attempts to resolve it. During the TKR, it wasn't an issue with my recovery team - we were all on the same page.
Yeah, I’m in Virginia, and I was not able to get die 11 to take home.
Hello Kris, you measure with the lid Kris and meds cause constipation...I'm late but I've been pretty ill myself but I'm here now...yippie for therapy..don't let the pain get ahead of you my friend, docs and therapist will tell you that...just think about elderly that get this done! I live around quite a few that have had it done and live alone.. so stay strong and keep doing the do my friend!!!you must & and you know it will pay back in many folds to keep pushing through. Stay well----Lisa
Thanks Lisa - today was a good day - graduated to using the cane to walk around. Also today was the first day I tried cutting back one of the medicines - I did okay! Need it now (so 10 hours not using it), which is a big improvement as well. Sorry to hear that you have been having problems - hope you get better!
dixielandfarm so happy to hear you are steadily moving forward always forward!
Constipation can cause a love for easy listening music, be careful. You have such a lovely nurse, how lucky can you get ? It's great to see you this morning.
Thanks so much, Richard - the nurse is naughty, too - that's a bigger bonus.
Hi Kris. My dad had a hip operation a while ago and he struggled a lot after it. Unbelievable amount of pills, each with its own nasty little arsenal of side effects. Hang on in there, good work with the ice and the alarm-set pain-killer regime.
Thanks so much, James - I will make an update next week, but I am walking around, barely without a cane at this moment - I have also cut back one of the big drugs to half the amount - every day is more and more progress.
I'm having my right knee replaced in January 2025. Did you have the Mako Assisted Robotic surgery? How long did it take the swelling to go down? I know that's crucial to getting the flexion going. You looked really young for a TKR. I'll be 62 when I get mine.
I did have the Mako assist surgery. Swelling took many weeks - and I used the ice circulator all the time the first week, and even subsequent weeks. I was 43 I think when I had it done - 7 years post op now and still am doing great. Working through the pain for the PT was crucial, as was continuing to work the flex for a good six months after surgery - I have 155 and -5 flex. At work I have a rolling chair and I would just go back and forth with it all day. I still need to have my knee propped up when I am at my desk for long periods of time, but I am able to perform all my farm duties.
@@dixielandfarm I'm having the Mako also. Wow, 155? You can touch heel to butt! I hope I have same results. Did PT come to your house for the first few times? Or, did you go to them?
Not only did I have to go to them, after the first few times I had to drive myself, so that means I only had Tylenol in me doing PT. Literally screamed a few times (which they said was fine). I took my meds after the PT. The real trick is to keep going, even after PT - and work at home. I walked a mile as soon as I was off the walker, did my exercises, did the work at the PT office, and still did more exercises. Got an exercise bike for cheap so I could work on ROM that way as well (and yes, screamed). The amount of PT you do is the determining factor for the most part. Women seem to have a way easier time with the surgery and just have good flex. The older you are, the easier it should be to get flex back - younger than me would have an even tougher time - just the way the muscles are.
hope your recovery is fast! looking great
Thanks so much, Adam - I appreciate that!
Hey Kris, my Mom's best friend just had her knee done about the same day that you did, and I can tell you that you are doing waaaaay better than she is. Hang tough my friend. Take care...
It is a ROUGH two weeks after surgery, but it should be a huge improvement after that - its those first two weeks that feel like you have been hit by a truck (because, well, you sort of are)... Tell her to hang in there for me!
Thank you for being frank about what the pain of a total-knee replacement is like. It is NECESSARY to manage the pain post-op. so that you can (a) make the leg lay flat, and (b) overcome the damage that was done by the cut-&-reattach procedure on muscles and tendons to the new TKI (total knee interface).
In 2021, Stanford uses a different approach to physical therapy. I had PT at the hospital 2 times the the day after surgery before going home. Then, they sent out a visiting PT at home for 6 weeks. In early April I will begin 9 out-patient visits at their PT center in Redwood City--if we need that many.
I had PT twice or so as well when I was in the hospital - then 3x a week - I think it just depends on insurance and location whether you go to PT or they bring someone in - I still know of people who get the flex machine and have that at home... The one thing I wish I did that I was told at the end was putting a small weight on the knee so when you are sitting down with the leg up it will actually help flatten the leg somewhat - that may have helped my progress along some. Hope you continue to do great, Fredrick - and remember, PT doesn't end when they stop seeing you - I worked on my bend for at least six months when at work on the rolling chair.
I'm a 68 year old male and had a left tkr last thursday 13 Feb here in the UK MAKO robotic assisted.
I have to say that after 4 days now I've experienced fairly low pain levels is that likely to change, sleeping is just not happening though not so much through pain but the nervy feelings I get.
I can bend the knee to 85 deg and seem to do most of the exercises OK except raise my leg which I just cant do, I'm currently trying to arrange physio locally as I chose a surgeon and hospital 40 miles away to conduct my procedure.
The thing that puzzles me is that everyone says take the meds religiously but I have only been sent home with Ibuprofen, Paracetomol and a small dose Codein (probably called something else in the US) what are your thoughts?
It isn't unusually (lately) to be sent with only mild anti-inflammatory that you can normally just buy without a prescription - and more common in the UK to do that, which seems insane to me - HOWEVER, since you aren't having much pain (just discomfort) then you don't need them anyway. All due to the opioid crisis. Your pain levels won't get worse - it just is luck of the draw on how much you will feel - but it seems once you are over 65 the pain levels post-surgery are dramatically reduced, I think due to the wear you have been feeling for years was greater than the surgical pain combined with the fact the muscles are just looser after a point compared to a younger person - a 20 year old would have had greater pain than I experienced being in my 40s. Dead leg is common for the first week or two - I needed my wife to lift my leg into bed for me (or what you can do is hook your good leg foot under the other foot and use the good leg to lift the dead leg). Also remember straight is more important than bend - do everything you can to get that leg straight, don't prop up the leg with pillows, even use a little weight to help get the leg straight - the bend is easier. Good luck!
Hey Kris, It does sound like a series of moment to moment ordeals for sure, though also sounds like you're doing all the right things to heal and get back to a semblance of normalcy, which I'm sure some people perhaps give up or slouch a bit in their healing regimen and really improve little if ever. Yes, do keep the spirits up...laugh, and soak up what you love as much as possible as you're able. -Carm
Thanks so much, Carm. I must have received 30+ cards from work (all the offices throughout the state that I assist)... plus all the love here. Three days ago I was a wreck - today things are looking much brighter - its amazing how quickly my body is adapting and healing.
Really good hearing that! Is amazing how the body regenerates itself.
Yeah. My wife would have killed me if I attempted to go upstairs. Just sounds like a bad idea in general but I'm glad to hear your surviving it.
Today may be the day we try it again - I am getting around on a cane now, so it may be possible - but I also toss and turn alot due to discomfort, so I don't want to possible keep her up, either...
I am on day 8 and thank you for sharing your journey. Today swelling is back. Ugh. Leg feels heavy and
Its a never ending cycle of icing with the machine (if you have one)... I STILL ice on occasion - just a few days ago.
Stay strong dude. Sounds like Marissa is going to need a vacation after this.
We already have one planned (79 days away)... But don't forget, Marissa had major surgery in March and I had to take care of everything for six weeks while she recuperated as well... we tag team these things.
I cannot believe that it is six days already Kris. It seems you are following it all to the letter R. . Yeah it is going to be hard no doubt. Hang in there because you are able to get through this like so many others. My only question would be, why do you think some people have to get this surgery and others do not? Did you play football when you were younger?
Talk tonight~
Rob/Boston
Rob, Kris had mention post-surgery that the doctors said one side of his femur - at the knee joint - was longer than the other and that was a rare condition, and that had caused a lot of the pain.
Cheers, Tom
Tom is correct, Rob. I had a deformed femur that caused my entire body weight to be on only 50% of my knee - it wore out that side. Farming did NOT help at all - I remember the first time I did fence work where I got up and down at least 100 times was the first time I knew I tore something and had to have my knee scoped. We have potholes, uneven ground, walking on bales of hay, rocks, and getting on and off the tractor absolutely sped up things - if I lived the life of a fat IT nerd exclusively, I don't know I would have had to have this surgery until a normal point (like 60) - but having two jobs accelerated the process for me.
My God!. Everyone is different!! I had a TKR and had some pain and trouble sleeping for some time, but never had this nightmarish experience. Pal, take your laxatives and get your body moving! Take your pain meds and try to keep ahead of it. I walked and stretched each day. It gets better. I'm sorry you are having a really tough time. I did all My P T at home, had a good coach and used massage therapy from a very experienced therapist and my motion was never less than 90 degrees. To me, it hurt yes! But I never passed out, threw up or cursed the surgery God's.
I hope your better now and if you ever need the other one done, explore the newer minimally invasive quad sparing surgery for TKR.
Good luck
did the hospital have the ice machine and was u able to take home..I am doing this by myself no help..praying goes ok
They give you everything you need at the hospital and of course charge accordingly :) The few things you will need to get prior is a walker, a cane, and a bathroom chair setup - they should tell you exactly when you need pre surgery. Let me know how everything goes!
Hi, just found your video. Im getting knee replacement in the uk in 3 weeks time. How are you doing now several years on?. Im nervous of the surgery but ive done my research so im excited to get it done at the same time. A trip to disneyworld is my after surgery goal😂
Doing fantastic - I regret NOTHING about the TKR, but there is quite a bit of work in recovery and PT, and it doesn't end when you "graduate" - I STILL do PT and exercise to keep the knee strong and flexible, and it can tire out/get sore more often so you get a sense on how to read your body. I was at the point where I would have chosen amputation if they didn't give me the TKR, and it has been a godsend. Some UK hospitals are different then others - some are like the US where they load you up with drugs and get you into PT immediately while others give you way less medication and want you to heal up first and then work PT, so be on the lookout for that (I went through the former, but I don't know much about the latter approach).
@@dixielandfarm thanks so much for the reply. I will look out for the type of medication and physiotheraphy that my hospital suggests. I didnt think about that until i watched your videos. Ive watched alot of knee replacement journeys but the majority of them have been from the united states so ive been assuming thats how it will be for me. Im really keen to push on with the physio straight away. Im a post woman here in the uk and havent been able to work since december due to my pain, i was meant to have TKR in february but surgeon decided to do arthroscopy instead but then straight away apologised and said that he didnt expect my knee to be that bad but the pain ive had since the arthroscopy has been so much worse,its like my lifes on hold, im only 55 so not that old so ive still got some good years in me!.. 3 weeks now until my TKR and im nervous but excited, i 100% need it doing , your videos have really helped me with knowing what to expect, i know nobodys journey will be the same but its nice to know that others are going through this and have come through it with flying colours. I just watched your 1 year update and it was great to see the quality of life improvement. Thanks for all your content, really enjoyed it🙂
In your first video, you said something about going eight (8) days without a bowel movement. Six days post-op to a total hip replacement (1975) I had the same problem. The nurse said, "Order this guy a Fleet's!" Then thy put me atop this little fracture bedpan that hold 10-ounces or less. EAT PRUNES AFTER BONE SURGERIES!!!
I don't think enemas would have done it - but that stuff I drank for it caused an explosion I STILL remember - I honestly lost organs that day.
Yeah, I was as full of $#!+ as an Holiday Goose!
How was the first 2 nights. Wife just got both knees done and she is feeling HORRIBLE
Pretty bad. You must constantly ice, and basically don't go to bed - just sleep on the couch/chair. You also MUST set an alarm to keep giving yourself medication - you cannot let it wear off even if you are already asleep.
Im not sure if you still monitor this post,but i had mine done a week ago,finding comfortable sleep position is killing me,any tips man?
I wasn’t allowed to prop a pillow under my knee which makes it tough… but I did try a small rolled towel under my foot to help things from pooling. But honestly, nothing is comfortable. I did set an alarm to wake me up to take pain meds, because the first few weeks that is worse waking up in pain then being woken up to take medicine.
Hi lve just watched your video l had my knee replacement done last Monday.... l feel your pain !!! And yes it is worse than child birth ... in England now the Pts get you up the next day after surgery now we have the same programme of physical therapy it's agony ... l like you couldn't lift my leg and still can't it feels like it's made of lead !!!! I hope this won't last forever !!!!
I had my left knee total replacement last Tuesday. My leg is really swollen, and this makes it hard to do the therapy - but I try.
i'm 59, in pretty lean muscular shape, and I rehabbed a broken wrist - my right wrist - last year. It was my first broken bone, and that hurt like hell, but this is way worse. Very hard to manage when home alone. It's hard to carry things with 2 crutches!
I can lift my leg, but it takes a hell of a lot of mental power and muscle strain! It wont last forever. I know eventually my leg will recover and I will forget about the ordeal and the pain. You will too. Hang in there. Another problem I'm having is heartburn and nausea from the pain meds, and like this guy I was constipated - but only for 4 days!! But that for me is a record.
Drop me a line on here sometime, and we can chat about where we are at??
@@mikthe2004 lm using an ice cuff on my knee which is helping the swelling l am exactly one week in and l can walk from my lounge to my kitchen without crutches lve no pain in my knee just the discomfort of the surgery itself...l broke both my ankles 2 years ago stepping off a kerb and losing my footing ( and yes l was sober 😂🤣🙄 ) l became quite proficient on crutches a pair of padded bicycle fingerless gloves are invaluable for those numb hands ..also l have a nylon rucksack l put things in to go from room to room and upper levels of my house a thermal enclosed cup with a screw top is a great way to carry a hot drink from kitchen to lounge... lm very compliant l do all required exercises and every day it becomes easier lm only on ibrufen and paracetamol and that's okay for me ...drink plenty of water and fresh veg ... but keep that swelling under control a cold cuff is essential.... and elevation at rest times ... hope you find some useful tips in my comment ... we will get there ( oh and no loo problem for me diet is key ) catch up soon !!!
@@BlueWaterSue21 Whaaa!! You can walk, and you have no pain!!! And you're only on ibuprofen and paracetamol!! I'm jealous. My knee feels really really tight. I'm icing probably 4 or 5 times a day, especially after doing the exercises. This morning I felt OK, but my pain gets worse throughout the day - probably because I'm sitting instead of lying down with my leg up. I can stand OK, but my "walking" is limited to 3" steps.
Occasionally I forget and stand and try to walk, but I remember pretty quick - lol. I'm going to try and buy a leg compression bandage tomorrow. I'll write again when I improve, but I feel it could be a week or so. I'm just glad I'm in a single level house. How old are you? I'm assuming you're female? Is your name Sue?
@@mikthe2004yes lm sue and 65 but far to young to be old ... have horses dogs etc... can't wait to get some of my life back ... am booked in for next one( right) consultant 1st September... ... l got a gel knee cuff off amazon its a must ... yes check in soon ... stay strong and keep your chin up we will do it !!!! 💪😊
@@BlueWaterSue21 Sue, I don't envy you having to go through this again. I'm hoping my right knee holds up, but I suspect at some point it may need intervention. Yes, get our lives back. I surf, Rip surf, play tennis and go to the gym. After breaking my wrist I couldn't do any of those things, although I did go to the gym and train legs, and upper body with machines that didn't require me to use my hands. After rehabbing I did resume all those activities with no problems until my knee went. After rehabbing my knee I'm only going to train my son in tennis, and not run after the ball at all. Surfing and gym will resume, although I'm going to go real easy on my knee joints from now on. In fact I'll probably keep training my upper body right now as usual, but modified as I can't carry dumbbells. I'll get my son to set the weights up in our home gym, and just do the best I can.
I might have this week off though, as I just don't feel physically up to any exertion. I'm also dieting a bit to get as lean as I can, figuring the less weight means less stress on my remaining joints.
Fortunately humans seem to have poor memory when it comes to pain - otherwise women would only have one child??
So once you recover from this knee, if the other knee needs doing just get it done.
There really isn't much choice is there. I got pretty embarrassed limping around like an old person - even though I am one!!
And I knew if I wanted to travel or do anything, I needed 2 decent legs to stand on.
Man, what an ordeal. It's painful just to hear you describe the details. How long is the average recovery time?
It really depends - the doctor said he was going to write me a note for no work for 12 weeks. Now that is for a worse case scenario - I think realistically I should be walking around without too much discomfort within a month, probably can go back to light farming after 2 months - but it could take a full year to get back to completely normal. It really depends - and it is so important to keep up with P/T during this initial phase - lots of people don't push hard enough and suffer for it later.
Anybody who I have talked to who didn't have a successful TKR experience, I always ask them about the PT. None of them did the pre-surgery exercises (I did for a month straight and not a half-hearted 5 minutes - I did what they told me to do). The same people also waited several weeks before they even attempted PT - I was doing PT the day after surgery - not lying. My PT routine was daily after that for several hours during that day - I didn't wait until I saw someone - I followed the instructions the PT had already given me to work post surgery. I also asked how hard they pushed themselves during PT, and the answer was always universally that it hurt, so not hard. That is not what the PT told me to do - work in the pain level you can tolerate but not any less. Because I didn't want to be a hardship, I had gotten myself off the pain medication I was taking as fast as I could - I was only using Naproxen OTC during the day, including during PT and just the heavier stuff at night to sleep. I know some people who stopped taking everything after 2 weeks - and some that needed it for a full 8. Everyone is different. But the success of the TKR is in the PT and anyone I talked to who was successful followed instructions and did the work, and those who were unsuccessful did not.
Exact exact exact. Well said. I'm on day 5
Thanks so much, Steve - I appreciate it!
OMG. I’m 1 week out and experiencing the exact same things…
Sleep will be the biggest fight of the recovery - don't expect a normal full night - 2-4hrs max at any given time, so if it is the middle of the day and you feel drowsy, sleep! Also, waking yourself up for a pill will be a better strategy than trying to sleep through it as well - good luck and let me know how you are doing.
I am glad it's going will for you. Keep up the rehab :)
It is - Im doing better every day - finally on a cane today!
Hi Chris... Im going for a 2nd revision in my right knee in about 3 weeks.. I never actually recovered from the first initial surgery or the first Revision.. I have had constant pain & issues.. Im wondering how long it was till you felt NO PAIN (post op)???
Right around the eight week mark I stopped feeling constant pain, but everybody is different. However, it will take a full year they say for me to experience no lingering pain - there is still a low level ache when I flex the knee towards the end of my range, and after a long day I do feel fatigue/soreness - but compared to the teeth gnashing pain pre-surgery, its a fine tradeoff if the rest of my life is at this level. The real issue is everybody is different, unfortunately.
dixielandfarm. I definitely have to agree with you there when comparing before & after pain.. But see , after having a partial knee done in 2013, then a total knee in 2015, then revision in Nov 2016, and now another revision, idk what it's like to be pain free . That's why I ask.. After every surgery, once the initial soreness goes away, the pain begins. My first revision was because of a nickle allergy that they didn't find till after the fact, & now my second upcoming revision is because the first revision is loose already .. Meanwhile, I know u never mentioned your age, but I just turned 44 in September. .. SO I'm kinda in an unusual situation. . Anyway, thanks for the reply .. & I hope u continue to get better & better over time.. ;)
43... regarding your loose implant - I know there is another method where they basically crimp the implant in addition to the cement - that could help... but I can't say if I will be pain free or not - I have been hurting the last week or two, but I have also been flexing the knee to the end of my range - I want to get more flexion than I have, so I have been purposely doing so to the point of discomfort - so I assume if I left it alone for a few days I would be okay, but I could be wrong... I hope this time around for your works out - I know another person who has had issues with their replacement, but I don't know the specifics (and I don't think he put in the work, but I can't be sure)...
dixielandfarm. I appreciate the information. I personally have fought day after day (from day 1 till now) to put in the work, build muscle back up, get flexion & extension, etc... But some how, some way, it never seems to work for me.. This last revision, at about 3 months post op, i was at 130 degrees flexion... Which was amazing... But the constant pain is brutal.. Im 1 yr post op now & still have level 7 pain consistently... Well anyway, i wish u the best in your continued recovery, & hopefully i can come back 3-4 months from now to tell you I'M alot better this time AROUND.. lol
I’m into my third week of TKR and it’s a hard recovery but I’m doing pretty well, walking without a walker or cane, I’m doing PT and icing the knee, and taking the pain meds which they are very stingy with in the state of Florida have to beg for more pills the second week and you really need these pain medications, especially at night so you can sleep some, my only problem is I’m having the second knee done in six weeks makes me sick thinking about it, but have to do it, this is Betsy, Andrews wife
Somewhere around three weeks I probably could have just lived on Naproxen, but I would have had to heavily rely on Tylenol PM to even attempt to nap at night. Florida is unrealistic with the pain medication - but as you know the pain isn't as bad as the constant discomfort. I know several people who did both knees at once, which to me is crazy - but you will get through it Andrew!
Also, no records to show?
I'd scratch one if I tried to play one at this point. Don't worry, there are at least six unpublished VC videos you can checkout in my VC playlist if you miss me talking about music.
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for watching!
Hang in there, Kris.
Will do, Bob!
A lot of your effects are your meds I am post op day 4 and am not taking as many pain meds as they were giving me in the hospital needing ONLY as needed. Tho - strictly doing ny physio excercises. BE VERY CAREFUL and I mean VERY CAREFUL of that ice machine - they had it on my knee too long on a cold night and I got an ice burn which was quite large....please dont use that thing too muchr.
They prescribed me elbow crutches for TWO weeks strictly - then down to 1 for a week. Mate can I advise you go get some elbow crutches and DONT walk without them? This is physio ordered. Elbow crutches are GREAT - ask your physio what she thinks rather than a frame? Just some thoughts
Kerri, This was filmed three years ago - so I don't think I will be needing elbow crutches - but I have done very well with my TKR and have had a very successful outcome. Thanks for watching!
My dad is going through day 9 right now and not doing very well. He said the pain is unbearable and his physical therapist said if he doesn't get his leg to 90 degrees soon he will be admitted into the hospital. He said he is working the heck out of it but having so much pain. Any words of wisdom?
I'm so sorry to hear that, Christy. I would say if he isn't getting his leg moving, he should request a machine to assist the therapy - therapists are divided on whether they help or not, but I would think at this point, it is worth a shot before having the surgical option of bending the knee (basically they put your dad under and force the knee to bend, breaking up scar tissue - he won't be awake for it, so it isn't awful but it isn't ideal, either). As for the unbearable pain, he should IMMEDIATELY tell his doctor and switch medications - the pills we get all work different for each of us - the only medication that worked for me was Dilaudid, but for your father it could be something else that works for him (Percocet, etc.) - plus dosage - it should not be unbearable ever... those doctors are there to help so be in constant communication if you need to be. You must also take the medication on a schedule and not waiver - plus always an hour before any P/T.
dixielandfarm that's so funny u said that because prior to reading your response we bought him a floor cycle that he can use while sitting in a chair. Today was one if his best days so far. Day 11. He actually smilied. Lol
Very good, Christy. The PT can give a passive motion machine which will SLOWLY move his knee back and forth, increasing the bend as you go along... my PT had an industrial version they put me on when I was not having much luck at bending as well. One thing I mention in my later video was that I ended up having something called "Dry Needling" done which is like acupuncture with a bit more Western medicine involved, and more discomfort - HOWEVER, it was an amazing difference - basically they stick you in the muscle until you twitch and release - there was like a 5 degree difference before the needling and after (and that was in five minutes)... it got me over a hurdle, for sure.
He needs to get that pain under control, the doc's need to review his meds and give him something that works, icing is important and helps with pain. Physical therapy is paramount to a good recovery. I called my therapist "Master", he had a sense of humor. Thank heavens my ortho Drs believe in pain control.
There is a machine called a CPM, continuous motion, my Dr uses them and they do help. You can stay in bed and use it.
Yes, nerve block last a day, then hurts like hell...lol
I wish they would have explained to me the extent of that nerve block. The leg was dead after surgery - couldn't feel a thing. Then it wasn't, so I naturally assumed that means the block had worn off since I could feel things normally - but I was WRONG! That was only half of it wearing off :) Then came the full sensation - way after you have settled in at home and have been getting around ok...
Use walker as long as you can. If you go to cane to soon, it can mess up gait and healing. I found that i needed massage often to help with tight hamstrings etc. As i healed and walked more. People can download MEDISAFE , an app to track your meds and alert you. I set the gaps to try and give most hours to sleep. And set phone to ring.
Setting the phone to ring was key - I figured that out after that first night or two - it doesn't matter what you feel, you have to stick to the schedule that first week - then you can start slowing the dosage. The PT at the hospital also didn't really explain to me how to use that walker, so I used them almost like crutches, not allowing ANY weight on the TKR leg which was wrong, I should have been allowing some weight to build up tolerance.
@@dixielandfarm yes, i put front wheels on mine so it would roll as i walked. Just being a safety net and help with balance .
@@dixielandfarm you seemed to have more of it or longer than me. Whe i woke up, i did not have any med going into it. It never felt dead, i was up and on it 4 or so hours after surgery. And felt better than i thought. Just had leg wrapped thight to toe .Never took wrap off for a few days, till PT. So i could bend more. Then hell began on 2nd day..lol
I've seen a video of a guy who was waling the day after total knee replacement and he wasn't taking anywhere near the amount of pain meds this guy is taking. To each his own.
I've seen people who get into car wrecks and walk away without a scratch as well.
Take care! Hubert
Thanks so much, Hubert!
Love the deranged looking video thumbnail, not going to the bathroom that's rough as hell.
I have had a few moments that rivaled Dumb and Dumber since this video...
I'm Going back to Watching the Ape Man check his page out
Thanks for watching!
💕
Sorry - just got this now - hope everything is well!
Oh vey!! My knee replacement is Feb. 4......I’m getting very nervous....
Your life will be much better if you have been living with constant pain right now - just know the first month is horrible - not due to the pain (which gets manageable pretty quickly) but due to the lack of sleep and being able to get comfortable. Make sure you aren't light on yourself with the PT and do the work and you will be great - you can see that in my later videos. You can do it!
zei gezunt
Why post this
Why post anything?
My god, why are people so terrified of addiction? One does NOT get addicted to meds taken for acute pain. Pain meds taken for chronic pain is where addcition is a possible problem. Short term use is okay.
It is true. But, I guess when you see other people in your life get addicted to things, or just the news in general, you always have a worry. So many people have gotten addicted to Xanax, Tramidol, Oxy, etc. that you have to have some concern, especially when you never get a feel of when/where is the line. BUT, you are right - if you are in pain, especially after surgery, you need to use the tools available to you.
@@dixielandfarm btw - Congratulations on your recovery, best wishes.
Your wrong. In Britain we are told to exercise exercise and more exercise! I’m an orthopaedic nurse so don’t believe everything you read on forums.
Thanks for clearing that up, Holly. I responded in another comment of yours where I picked it up - I am glad to know the philosophy is not the norm. This TKR has been a miracle, and I owe it all to my team who worked with me - I still work on bending the knee after 8 months - I have almost completely normal range of motion at this point - and I know if I had waited in the beginning I wouldn't have the ROM that I do.
I feel worse for your wife than you....
Is that a dig or something? Note - she had two spinal surgeries and I had to walk her around for many weeks and do all the farm work while she was recooperating - we help each other, which is what a marriage is supposed to be.
Not at all. I am scheduled for this painful procedure as well. I am saying she had an extra full plate... on a farm... I am from the south..from a farm family.
We scheduled the surgery specifically so it would fall when school was out so the barn kids and moms could pitch in, which they did and made it much easier on us. We have had to do that several times, scheduling these surgeries during the summer to make sure we have extra help and not be a burden.
Now I feel double bad for her. Good thing you support each other..
What a freaking wimp! My wife at 63 had a knee replacement. She never used a walker and only used a cane for 3 days. She did not go through therapy and exercised at home. After a week, she did not need anything for pain and has not looked back since.
Why are you here? To shit on people? What purpose was it to watch this video if you already have gone through this? Also, not everyone is the same - I'm not a 63 year old woman - the surgery gets progressively harder the younger you are.
Thanks for this I needed to know what to expect with my dad's surgery since he does not communicate with me lol
Every one is different - so make sure you keep up with the check-ins - medication needs change, aches change...