After knee replacement surgery

Posted by beatricefay @beatricefay, Jun 16, 2016

Had left knee replaced 9 days ago. Right knee two years ago. Having a problem with inflammation so hard to bend knee and exercise. Trying to ice and raise knee above heart. Doctor suggested getting compression hose. Anybody have this experience and can offer suggestions. So tired all the time from pain interrupting my sleep and painkillers. My insurance refused to pay for the painkiller recommended by surgeon so have to take one with more opiates. That's frustrating. Two years ago it was covered but now too expensive for me to use. Seems the drug companies, not our doctors are determining what we use.

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ellerbracke | @ellerbracke | Apr 20, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "I feel very fortunate to not have the pain that others have, not sure why but..." + (show)

You are very lucky that your pain level is fairly low. However, I considered myself lucky that my incision was closed with surgical glue, so I did not have the “pleasure” of having staples removed. I’m sure you’ll be roaming your neighborhood with the cane soonish. I was told to start walking outside on day 8 or 9, went for 1/4 mile walk (crutch I had from previous knee surgery in hand, but not using), and then I realized that I also had to walk the 1/4 mile BACK! Slight miscalculation on my part, but it went ok.

JK | @contentandwell | Apr 20, 2019

In reply to @ellerbracke "You are very lucky that your pain level is fairly low. However, I considered myself lucky..." + (show)

@ellerbracke I never did much walking in my neighborhood after my TKR, it's uphill and downhill, but when we went to NYC for my daughter's after-wedding party (she got married in a very small ceremony in our home in November) a little less than two months after the surgery I walked all over the place. I was amazed at how much walking I did! My son had given me some really cute lace-up boots from Jambu (one of their only "cute" styles) and they are great for walking even with a heel that's about 2". I love visiting NYC, but would never want to live there unless I was rich enough to live on 5th Avenue or someplace really nice.
JK

dkapustin | @dkapustin | Apr 20, 2019

Walking is proving challenging for me as well. I live in a neighborhood with no sidewalks and the streets are so uneven. Although I limp along with a cane, I've been using a 4-wheel walker with brakes and seat so I don't have to be afraid so much of falling, can use the seat to go further distances to rest when needed and that has been a Godsend. My PT told me to NOT use the treadmill at the gym until my gait got better but I'm not sure I agree with that. What about putting it on the lowest speed? Thoughts? Learning to walk normal again is my BIGGEST challenge right now.

JK | @contentandwell | Apr 20, 2019

In reply to @dkapustin "Walking is proving challenging for me as well. I live in a neighborhood with no sidewalks..." + (show)

@dkapustin My outpatient physical therapist put me on a treadmill immediately! I mentioned that to my surgeon on my next checkup and he said that the treadmill really does nothing to help the knee, that the bike and elliptical were much better for that. He said it couldn't hurt, it's good cardio, but does not really help the knee to recover.
JK

dkapustin | @dkapustin | Apr 20, 2019

@contentandwell That's what my PT said too. Bike and elliptical! I think heel to toe when walking but I'm not sure that's helping. Guess it will take time. Actually, come to think of it, my PT said with an uneven gait will only cause a pounding on the knee.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 20, 2019

@dkapustin and @contentandwell -- I have a combo recumbent bike and elliptical. Day 3 I tried the bike and got a big ouch on my knee so got off quickly and tried it as an elliptical. I was able to do the elliptical but it felt a little uncomfortable. I'm planning to try it later today. Was out walking since it's such a nice day but just did loops on the driveway and the road until my hands got too cold holding the cane ☺ I was wondering if the elliptical would be a good exercise for the knee rehab. Thanks!

JK | @contentandwell | Apr 20, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "@dkapustin and @contentandwell -- I have a combo recumbent bike and elliptical. Day 3 I tried..." + (show)

@johnbishop I would keep trying it as a bike too. I gradually moved the seat forward and now have it all the way forward -- I'm short, and getting shorter every day. At this point I am only 5'2.5". The bike really forces you to flex that knee. You sent me a picture of your machine once, it's great that it works both as a bike and as an elliptical.
JK

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 20, 2019

In reply to @contentandwell "@johnbishop I would keep trying it as a bike too. I gradually moved the seat forward..." + (show)

JK I moved the pedals back to make the stride a little longer for the elliptical and was able to do 10 minutes after my last post. The pedals were at the end of their travel for the bike and it stressed the knee pretty good. I think I might stay with the elliptical until I can get more flexion in the knee. I do like the bike the best since I can sit ☺

lioness | @lioness | Apr 20, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "JK I moved the pedals back to make the stride a little longer for the elliptical..." + (show)

@johnbishop I THINK YOU,LL Are right the bike helps the knee recover when it's ready for it that's an individual choice you,ll know when it's ready to soon and as John says you get a big OUCH. 😞

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Apr 20, 2019

In reply to @gobigorgohome "John. I had muni-lateral yesterday. So I’m still in the hospital today and should be discharged..." + (show)

@gobigorgohome - Congrats on getting through your surgery and doing well enough to show off your leg lifting! Sorry about your pulled groin, but I'm telling you - it's the story of my life: pushing too far and then having my body shout out in agony to STOP. I think that's how we heal - three steps forward, one back. You are doing great. Keep us posted.