After knee replacement surgery

Yep, I've had very bad swelling, too. Skin stretched so tight it was shiney. All we need is some glitter and we're all set. Put on some shorty shorts and sport that big ole scar with pride! Seriously, not much can be done, but ice and elevation. Part of it is all the Iv fluids. Which you may be off now.Wait, are you home? If so, you'll get lots of exercise just unloading all your fluids. Even if you don't do therapy, there are a few things you can do for yourself to at least keep your circulation flowing. But, I'm sure you know that already.

If you don't mind, please post a weekly pic so we can see how your swelling and incision is doing. I love to see the progress. I am confused though. Did you, or did you not have both knees done, John?

God bless!

@debbraw Your scarring did fade nicely. Did you use any special products?

Crack me up! You don’t have to scoot your butt to the wall. You can just raise your legs up. We do this every morning. While in that position, we point and flex the feet 10 times. Take a break and then up they go again and turn your ankles 6 times in one direction and 6 times the other direction. Helps with the numbness in the feet too. We don’t do enough for our ankles and we need them to be strong. I will FaceTime with you if you like. Be secure and safe tonight. Chris

Very nice looking scars! I know it’s not a competition, but after looking at yours (and John’s.... doozy), I could not resisit taking a closer look at mine (don’t worry, no photo upcoming unless specifically requested!!), and I was pleasantly surprised how short it is. With leg straight, about 4 1/2” long, at 90 degrees bent just barely under 6”. That seems to be at the very low end of what is considered normal. Some surgeous specialize and advertise “short scar technique”, but my OS is not one of them. Got lucky, I guess. Not that scar length has anything to do with knee function, of course. I had surgical glue, and super tight sealing, long, sticky cover over incision, and just 2 additional single sutures. Let me shower right away, what a relief!

@jmjlove I think the swelling is down a little from yesterday. My daughter kept telling me elevate elevate elevate when she was with me Monday and Tuesday but I wanted to walk walk walk. Here’s the week 1 swelling. Hopefully the left leg will get me through without replacement.

April 17th - Added Week 2 swelling photo. Staples come out tomorrow! Still a lot of tightness in the right leg and have been unable to put on my compression socks for my lymphedema. Got a lot of walking done in the driveway yesterday - 2877 steps and 5 sets of the knee lifts and flexion stretches. I have also been able to work from home this week which is a plus for me. Bummed out today - it's Wednesday and my lunch day at the Old School House Cafe. Love their homemade soups. Hope all is going well for my new TKR friends. Taking it one step at a time ☺

Thanks for sharing your scar photos. They look so much better than I was expecting. It’s encouraging to know that overtime they will fade away. I live in Arizona half the year and we wear a lot of shorts and swimsuits. You’ve made me feel much better about the procedure.

I’ll be doing bilateral TKR April 18th. Your knees look great! I’m hoping for similar looking results. John, right now your knees are frightening me a little bit. Too new I guess.
I found this Mayo site a few days ago and was looking for PT tips. Frankly, I think ignorance is bliss in some cases. I was assuming this procedure and recovery would be difficult and painful but hadn’t really talked with anyone who has had bilateral TKR. Now I realize I was unaware of all the complications that might occur. But, I’m going to try to keep a positive attitude and hope that I’m one of the lucky ones.
I’ve been cooking and freezing lots of dinners. My husband lowered our bed thanks to the suggestion made by (now I can’t find the name), I borrowed a walker, toilet riser with handles, a shower chair and a cane. Im rearranging furniture to make sure a walker can make it through the paths.
Any and all advice would be appreciated. As each day nears the TKR procedure I feel anxious and impatient. Afraid of the pain and hard work ahead and impatient to have it over with so I can go on long walks and possibly even hikes with my Husband again. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll be on this site after surgery. I’m glad I found it. Donna

My advice...look forward to the procedure. Sure recovery will be tough but think about the alternative option of doing nothing! Be disciplined with the PT!!!! I'm coming up on my two year TKR anniversary and have been back to playing COMPETITIVE singles and doubles tennis for some time with no pain and full movement.....last night 3 hours of quick burst actions front, back, side to side, twisting with a two hander, and full weight bearing; even though I'm only 140 lbs. The reality of "so I can go on long walks and possibly even hikes with my Husband again" can and will happen with your perseverance!!!

6 weeks post surgery....left....

Hi Teresa. I had bilateral tkrs 5 months ago next week. It really has gone well. I went in slightly naive as well, but my optimism and determination pulled me through. Sounds like you are all set. I felt
anxious as my surgery came closer too. It didn't help that people continually told me how brave and courageous I was. 🤔 It makes you wonder if you made the right plan at times. But for me it went well, and I am so GLAD and thankful I chose this route. I tended to think of my surgical knees as one instead of two separate surgeries. Each knee reacts a little differently. I am back to swimming and weight class 5 times a week. My walking is fluid and pain free. Get ready to work hard afterwards. It will be your full time job. You go, girl! Good luck.