Knee replacement in three weeks and one day

Nothing like sunshine and fresh air. I am supposed to help out at a local Car Show Saturday that we started a few years ago to benefit the Park and Recreation District. Weather looks to be cooperating so I'll see how that goes.

Susan Mené wrote:
   It sounds like we are on very similar timetables! 2 weeks out I'm 95% cane, 1% walker, 4% walking around unaided while  occasionally holding on to walls.
   Yesterday was a big day.  My German Shepherd has been so patient, basically limited to our yard, woods and neighborhood, and yesterday my husband and son took me and my pup to one of our favorite town parks nearby. There's a spot where there's a huge grassy hill and meadow, and we can park right there.  They threw balls for the dog, and I, using my cane, went down the hill (zig-zagging to reduce stress on the knee), checked on an autumn olive tree that is loaded with berries for foraging, went back up the hill.  Walked a teeny part of one of the trails and back to the car. I felt wonderful watching the dog run and just being in a favorite spot of the favorite little 152 acre park the pup and I know so well (We explore everything, not just the trails).  
   This morning I made a decision to up my anti-inflammatory (celebrex) to 200 mg in the morning and what a difference! Max dosage per day is 400mg, so I will be within normal range.  Have my 2-week fllow up later today, so will talk to them about it.

Good for you! Today was the first day I walked down to the barn and back up in years. Progress! Talk with your doctor about upping the meds.

   Hi everyone!
   I had my 2 week follow up on Thursday; passed with flying colors. I still have a long way to go, but I was pronounced a month ahead of schedule for pain management and range of motion!  I drove yesterday.  Driving is no problem; it's the getting out and walking, hahaha!
    I'm finding that healing develops into a routine, a rhythm.  
    I'm so freaking grateful that joint replacement is so much easier than it used to be.  That being said, it is no picnic.
    Look through this thread.  If you posted a reply, liked a post, read the thread, anything: you are helping me through this.  I cannot express my gratitude enough.  
     

Welp, today I am in pain. Both knees hurt--not just the knee replacement one. Why? Because yesterday I went to the farmer's market and did my shopping. Yes, I brought my hiking stick and I dragged around a wagon for my purchases. It felt great to walk the entire length. Until today.

I'm stiff and sore. My knees are protesting with occasional sharp stabs because they hate me. It reminded me how much I need to build my endurance back up. I've been avoiding the serious pain killers and sticking with acetaminophen and Celebrex, because I really don't want to go back to opioids and muscle relaxants. So, I'm just going to have to deal with it tonight and try not to overexert myself too much.

The other knee isn't in great shape, but it's in a lot better shape than the replacement knee was before the operation. Still haven't been able to do my stationary bike yet even though I can use the physical therapy bikes just fine. I need to walk more, but not today. Tomorrow is physical therapy and no doubt my therapist will tell me to be patient.

It's only been two and a half months since the surgery. This is a two year process. I must remind myself of that.  

T. Woolf wrote:Welp, today I am in pain. Both knees hurt--not just the knee replacement one. Why? Because yesterday I went to the farmer's market and did my shopping. Yes, I brought my hiking stick and I dragged around a wagon for my purchases. It felt great to walk the entire length. Until today.

I'm stiff and sore. My knees are protesting with occasional sharp stabs because they hate me. It reminded me how much I need to build my endurance back up. I've been avoiding the serious pain killers and sticking with acetaminophen and Celebrex, because I really don't want to go back to opioids and muscle relaxants. So, I'm just going to have to deal with it tonight and try not to overexert myself too much.

The other knee isn't in great shape, but it's in a lot better shape than the replacement knee was before the operation. Still haven't been able to do my stationary bike yet even though I can use the physical therapy bikes just fine. I need to walk more, but not today. Tomorrow is physical therapy and no doubt my therapist will tell me to be patient.

It's only been two and a half months since the surgery. This is a two year process. I must remind myself of that.  

    I quoted your whole post because I related to it completely.  Having stellar days that feel like 5 steps forward and turning a corner, then falling back 4 steps by evening.  Both knees hurting-check!  Here's one: Both feet and ankles hurting, deep intense aching.  What the heck with that?
    I believe now that there is an invisible garden gnome that leaps out like a ninja in the middle of the night to stab my surgery leg in random places, waits till I fall back to sleep, and repeat.  A few of those nights I caved to a low dose narcotic.  Still can't shake the morning-after feeling that when I use them it's a failure, but when it's happing the pain is crazy so it surely doesn't matter then!
    Gratitude, pain, progress, stagnation. relief, pride, joy, depression--looks like life!.  Hang in there, you are doing just fine.  You are not failing or falling short.  This is brutal.  
     You have helped me!  Thank you!

Those poltergeist jabs come out of nowhere. Gaining more flexibility. I would have to say this time around the connection points are a bit more painful.

Susan Mené wrote:
    I quoted your whole post because I related to it completely.  Having stellar days that feel like 5 steps forward and turning a corner, then falling back 4 steps by evening.  Both knees hurting-check!  Here's one: Both feet and ankles hurting, deep intense aching.  What the heck with that?
    I believe now that there is an invisible garden gnome that leaps out like a ninja in the middle of the night to stab my surgery leg in random places, waits till I fall back to sleep, and repeat.  A few of those nights I caved to a low dose narcotic.  Still can't shake the morning-after feeling that when I use them it's a failure, but when it's happing the pain is crazy so it surely doesn't matter then!
    Gratitude, pain, progress, stagnation. relief, pride, joy, depression--looks like life!.  Hang in there, you are doing just fine.  You are not failing or falling short.  This is brutal.  
     You have helped me!  Thank you!

Today is better. I was in a fair amount of pain yesterday (Sunday) the next day after the farmer's market. Saw my physical therapist today (Monday--a scheduled meeting) and I have to admit that I've been in a lot less pain today. My physical therapist says he isn't worried that I have one bad day after doing something like the amount of walking I did. He says he's more worried if my leg swells up like a grapefruit and I'm in pain for 4-5 days. 24 to 48 hours, he's not as concerned as long as my swelling and pain goes down. So, that's the way it's going, huh? Lovely. But not unexpected, really.

I chuckled about the invisible garden gnome because he visits me too. Usually when my muscles are too tight. My hips and ankles complain a lot too, but I think that's just the damage combined with using them properly again.

Oh, and I don't think it's a failing to use a low-dose narcotic. I've used them when I had really awful days or couldn't sleep. I didn't use one yesterday, but I'm rationing in case I get huge pain and stiffness I can't handle. But so far, so good. I slept just fine without them. Hang in there! If you have a lot of pain that lasts more than a day, I'd recommend contacting your doctor, surgeon, or physical therapist to make sure this is normal. Can't hurt to be sure.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and anything I say is utterly trash, so don't take my advice on anything, really. Especially when it comes to medical advice. These are just my own experiences. Your mileage may vary.

Robert Ray wrote:Those poltergeist jabs come out of nowhere. Gaining more flexibility. I would have to say this time around the connection points are a bit more painful.

Ah yes, that's a good term for them too! Poltergeist jabs and invisible ninja garden gnomes with knives. Yep, I swear I've met them both.

Checking in on everyone.
Have been doing "gentle PT at home since surgery, Wednesday was my first official PT evaluation/beginning.  Thursday, quit for a day.  All I wanted to do was sleep, and I did.  Slept great last night, too.  Today I'm back,  Undertow of feeling down but getting outdoors, making phone calls, and doing exersises.

On knee two my skin feels like it is burning or sunburnt over the bruising area. On knee one it was tingly like a limb waking up from being asleep. Walked around the house without a cane or crutch yesterday, not ready to abandon them entirely yet.

Robert Ray wrote:On knee two my skin feels like it is burning or sunburnt over the bruising area. On knee one it was tingly like a limb waking up from being asleep. Walked around the house without a cane or crutch yesterday, not ready to abandon them entirely yet.

   Robert, I'm not ready to abandon the cane either.  I have moments that I still really need it.  No giant leaps forward this week; felt great Friday, did a little too much Friday and ho, boy, did I pay for it in pain Friday night!!!   It's a little difficult figuring out what's too much.

4 weeks in and am off the cane. Just need to build up the strength in my quad. Being able to sleep in a fetal position or on my side without it screaming at me is so nice. PT in an hour we'll see how he treats me. Tylenol on board just in case.