Connect
← Return to Anyone else feel like TKR has aged them ?
Discussion
Anyone else feel like TKR has aged them ?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
I’m 73 and coming up on 6 month anniversary of right TKR. Had both hips done in ‘12 & ‘13. Those surgeries went well.
I feel this TKR has taken so much out of my life. My energy level depletes way too quickly. I feel so many limitation that never existed 7 months ago. Sure I had a basically useless leg then, but now it’s pretty much the same with even less strength and often more discomfort. Getting a decent night sleep since this surgery is still nonexistent which is likely why I’m exhausted all the time. I’m independent, live alone in 2 story environment and this has, I assume, contributed to derailing a normal recovery and prolonging it. I can’t say I’m sorry I got this, but I don’t think we are properly prepared for the extensive recovery time. Plus a 90 day limit of opioid meds to control pain is a joke. Everyone heals differently, and that should be taken into consideration. One cannot function when in constant pain, and for me, it was causing me to spiral into depression. Thankfully that depressed state didn’t last long. It was the first time in my life I ever was depressed so yes, it did take me to dark places at times. I don’t want to revisit that and pray I can keep my other knee.
They offer classes to prep for surgery. I think they need to offer group sessions to help after too.
Good luck to you.
Replies to "I’m 73 and coming up on 6 month anniversary of right TKR. Had both hips done..."
@luvkitties, You didn't mention anything about your exercise program or PT after surgery. Our muscles especially after the trauma of surgery will start to shutdown and atrophy. 2 hours after surgery I was up and walked, although very slowly 20', out and back with a walker on day 1, then added another 20' to the distance on day 2, and within a couple of weeks I was using a cane, mostly for balance if needed, doing about a mile a day. I read somewhere that the top portion of our calf muscles acts like tiny pumps forcing blood back to the heart, a secondary benefit from walking. The right diet including plenty of protein is also beneficial to rebuilding muscle mass and the exercising releases endorphins helping improve your mental health. Lastly, as I've mentioned to others, give your self some time and the permission to be a little less capable in those tasks we've been doing in the past and live each day to the fullest. I'm 3 years out from my surgery and from time to time I feel a little less discomfort or a little more stronger is some way. My Marine Corps days taught me a very valuable lesson, we humans are very good at adapting and concurring those challenges that are before us.
Connect
@luvkitties I’m sorry it’s been so difficult. I agree with you that some mental aftercare would be nice for those of us who face additional challenges. I find it especially difficult every time I hear about others healing so quickly and easily. It makes me feel like something is wrong with me that I’m still in pain, despite all of the work I have put into getting better. I will say a prayer for our other knees. Stay strong 😊