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Difference between Robot-Assisted TKR and Conventional?
In April 2017 I had a right total knee replacement (TKR) performed by Dr. Ortiguera @ Mayo Jacksonville. I was pleased beyond belief at the results. On 1/29/19 (last Tuesday) I had a left TKR, again performed by Dr. Ortiguera. This time, he used the robot-assisted technique. Prior to the surgery, Dr. O talked to me about his expectation that the greater degree of accuracy and precision might result in a quicker recovery and less pain. I had high expectations for this surgery and so far I am astounded! Before surgery I had 3 degrees extension/130 flexion. I had 3 PT visits in the hospital. On the last one before discharge, I had 5 degrees extension/110 flexion. I still need my RX pain meds, but the first night home, I slept 6 full hours before the pain woke me up. And, on my first in home PT visit, I was walking so well with the walker that the physical therapist let me try the cane, I was strong enough to go back and forth across the LR with just a cane. I am SO pleased with the results I'm seeing. (At this point, my only complaint is that I'm still having a bit of nausea and brain fog from the meds!) Has anyone else had this kind of experience with the robot-assisted TKR? If so, I'm wondering how your PT was different and also how long you stayed in PT after the surgery?
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Mine was the right knee. My husband took off two weeks to be home and help me which I definitely needed. I did get really constipated from the pain meds which didn't really do much good anyway (I have constipation issues anyway) so at 9 days I had a CT scan and had to to a bowel prep because nothing else would make me go. Be careful with those if they give you issues. I actually started driving at 3 weeks as my husband was out of town my fourth week and didn't want to not go to PT. I have a Subaru and it has EyeSight so it drives itself if I use cruise and I drove at non-busy times to PT. It was 45 minutes one way so it was a struggle but I did it. I think pushing myself helped but didn't feel that way while I was doing it lol. Getting in and out of the car will be difficult and my husband lifted my leg straight up and over being careful not to bend it much at the beginning and I had my seat all the way back. Thankful I had a big car. Feel free to ask any questions that I can help with.
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2 ReactionsHi Cindy, This was so great for me to read. One of my Daughters is taking me to the hospital and then to her house for 3 weeks. I know I am most fortunate. I am concerned about when I get home. I have some obstacles, but my house is one story. That's good. I always drive a big diesel truck, but I especially purched a mud size car. I will want to go to PT when I get home. It will be week 4, so you gave me the encouragement I wanted. A hospital liason nurse had told me I might not be cleared to drive until week 6. I want to prove her wrong. I have a hundred questions, but you helped me with this one. You made a friend. Sheryl from Magalia, CA
Please make sure to let us know how you are doing. I actually had someone tell me in NC we aren't really supposed to drive but my Dr. told me to just go out and practice in the neighborhood and see how I feel so I took that as if I was comfortable why not. And I'm kind of strong willed lol. I kept my distance from people and drove at non-busy times of the day. I did have to pick my leg up sometimes and move it over to the brake which was ok since I kept my distance. I also drove to PT with my husband in the car several times before he left for the week. If my car thinks I'm going to hit something either going forward or backward it slams on the brakes (scares you if it does). That's good and bad lol...My staples (26 of them) came out at day 10 and when they came out it made a huge difference in being able to bend my knee more comfortably in my experience. What day is your surgery?
Hey I sent you my email in a private message if you have any questions after your knee replacement. I wish I had someone to bounce things off of.
Thank you. How did you send a private message?
Hi Cindy. Now I see your private message in my email inbox. Nice. I see how you were able to go for it and just get out there and try to drive. I want your car! It was helpful. I am adventurous too. My Silverado truck is up pretty high, but I do have a place to step up on. My smaller car is new to me just so I could get in easier after TKR. I will test it too. Pain will be my hindering factor. I was told in California that I need to be cleared to drive before 6 weeks! I wonder if surgeon or PT will clear me and will I rebell. ...to be known at a later time. My TKR is May 2, 2023. Also, is there a way to make my comment private?
I'm not sure if there is which is why I sent you the Pm with my email. If you can and they think you're ready they should hopefully clear you. It's usually sooner if it's your left knee. I don't think I could get in a truck until at least my 4th week or so when I was more mobile. I didn't really start doing steps fairly well until about 4 months and then it was slow going up and down. I live in a two story so I go up and down a few times a day now and can just now alternate my feet which I couldn't do before surgery. Feel free to email me.
I don't have your email. How do you know mine?
I didn't get a regular email from you. I was confused. It was all from Mayo Connect.
I clicked on your name at the top and send you a private message with my email. That's how I did it. I clicked up top on Maggiegirl1123 and it let me send my email to you. The message I sent to you had my email in it. Let me know and I can send it again.