Eight days into a total knee replacement and hoped to have posted before now. I plan on keeping a running log of events in order that the info may be of help to others if they decide to or are planning on having this procedure.

Note that the decision to have the replacement was an educated decision (I think) and not a Wheel-Gate or Z-Flop accident. I spoke to several different people about their procedures and received many different responses. One guy indicated he was playing golf within two weeks and another stated nothing to it and did not use any pain meds after leaving the hospital. I’m only eight days in, but would have to throw the “BS” flag on these two.

A little background: Had right knee arthroscopy in Jul 05 and Feb 12. Determined to be bone on bone during the 2012 procedure. As a result, took what is commonly referred to as Rooster Cone series injections. Had success with each of the three series of injections, but each series results were shorter in duration. Last series lasted approximately six months and the knee was locking on me at least a couple times a week. I am retired, active individual and try to play golf at least two times a week. Would be playing more but the knee has not allowed it up to this point.

The surgery was scheduled for Mon, Nov, 3 (New Knee – NK).

NK -3 (10/31/14): Received call and was advised surgery time had been moved up and was to be at the hospital at 0530 on NK day.

NK -2 (11/01/14): I’m not supposed to have any alcohol within 24 hours of surgery. Decided to have my last cigar and beverage today. During the afternoon, I smoked a Tat BL Corona Gorda and had a few adult beverages while watching UA edge by Ol Miss.

NK -1 (11/02/14): Normal day and ate a light evening meal around 1800 and had a BM that evening. The BM info is important and I will reference this later.

Time for in-home therapy ice time for the knee. Will post more later.🌫

I had my right knee replaced four years ago, after many years of severe and constant knee pain. Knees wore out from years of running and tennis. Couldn't walk very far, about half a mile before pain stopped me, and quit running and tennis. I started to put on weight. Good result from the surgery and I'm sorry I waited so long before going outside of Kaiser, which has a very conservative protocol for arthritic and damaged knees that would've had me wait at least another six to eight years, trying synvisc injections, then cortisone, then arthroscope, then replacement. I'm able to walk long distances, hike and fish again, but ortho doc advised me not to play tennis again, except occasional doubles against fogs.

I was on oxycodone for two weeks afterwards, then two weeks of hydrocodone, then OTC pain meds. Best thing was proper elevation (leg above level of torso) and ice packs to keep swelling down. Did the walking and physical therapy relentlessly. Knee does not feel like a "normal" knee, but I'm mostly pain free and can sleep without taking OTC pain meds, I'm active again and have lost 10 - 15 pounds. Need to lose another 10-15.

Are you using an ice therapy machine? That was a real nice sleep aid. It is a cold therapy wrap for the knee that pumps and circulates icy water from an ice filled cooler through a tube and into a flexible knee wrap for up to 8 hours. I used it along with a leg immobilizer while I slept. If you don't have one, I can ship mine to you.

If you're taking oxycodone or hydrocodone, BM's are wicked important... I didn't have one for TWO days because of that crap, and I am a once a day pooper (at least).

I, too, have one of those electric coolers. But my cuff fits over a shoulder, not a knee.

Get Well Soon !!

Get well soon Burner !!

Listen to the docs and Macs is correct about the Hydrocodone,,



Best wishes

wheel,,

A epic County post this was not 😟

Be sure to keep us up to date on the BM status!!!!!! Good luck best wishes...

here's to a rapid recovery. no doubt you will be a model rehab enthusiast as you want your life back!

Frank

Nov 3, NK Day is finally here. Wife and I arrive at the hospital at 0525. Check in and quickly moved to the back for prep.

Pre op info indicated that the procedure would last an hour and would be in recovery for two hours.

Last thing I remember is someone doing the nerve block and asking how it felt.

First thing after surgery I remember is someone asking how the leg felt. I told them not good because I could feel everything. Guess this meant that the first block did not work and they began a femoral block immediately. Don’t remember a lot about recovery after that.

Arrived in the room around 1130 and shortly after arrival was hooked up the ice therapy machine referenced by Delta in #2. Damn, love that machine and more on that later.

Physical therapy folks paid a visit and advised they would see me the next day. They were very emphatic that I was not get out of bed without the assistance of a nurse. Also determined that I would not need a brace for the repaired knee as a result of the femoral block. Leg was not completely dead and would support weight.

Remainder of day was uneventful. Drugs were good and had water and ginger ale throughout the afternoon and evening.
Was able to rest but really could not sleep due to all of the nurse traffic doing their jobs. 🌫

Good info Brother.I'm facing this in the not so distant future.Already had multiple orthoscopic procedures.

Get well soon.


Ron

Lifes gonna get better !

The human body is an amazing piece of work. If you're in relatively good health, have a decent tolerance for pain, and want to be back to normal quickly, you will be.

I went to PT after my shoulder surgery, religiously. I could barely move my arm. It only hurt when I tried to move it too far, and that's what they made me do in PT.

Go to PT. Push yourself to the pain limit. You'll be back at it in no time.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

I've had surgery on both shoulders and one thing for sure, don't slack on the home PT. It's very important and will help you get back to normal faster.

Great news !

Get well !

wheel,

Hope all continues to go well with the new hardware. Stay with the PT and push it as hard as you can. You will be thankful in the future.

Good luck and a speedy recovery.

My wife has had 4 knee replacements on the same knee. Don't let anybody tell you running(jogging) is good for
you!

1st replacement went like a charm except for the slipping on a wet floor and breaking it loose several months after
surgery.
2nd replacement failed, which a certain percentage do.
Third came loose "mysteriously"
Now, the "new normal" is oxy and methadone every day just to be able to walk upright.

NK +1 (11/04/14)
Nurse parade continued throughout the night. Not able to really sleep.

Have appetite and one of the nurses brings me a sandwich plate at 0400. In addition, I was able to fully consume the three regular meals of the day.

Drugs still doing the job and appears that Oxycodone is the preferred drug. Also being pumped full of other drugs to include other pain meds, stool softeners, anti-inflammatories, and anti-nausea meds.

During the day, the staff arranges for the delivery of my own personnel walker and portable potty. Portable unit is for home use and is intended to be a seat extension for existing toilet and used as a shower seat.

Physical therapy (PT) staff pays me a visit mid-morning and takes me for walk down the hall and back. After this treat, they place me in a reclining chair in my room and indicated they would be back in a couple of hours. Nearing the two hour mark, another nurse comes in to check vitals and asked about any BM’s or fluid output. I replied negative to both and she indicated that if I didn’t urinate soon, a catheter would be used. (Note to self, you need to pee asap!) PT personnel finally return after three hours and rewarded me with another trip down the hall. Prior to going back in the bed, I was assisted to the rest room for the first time. The staff helps you onto and off of the toilet. I was able to pass fluids and loads of gas but no luck on the BM. Once back in bed, PT personnel hooked my leg up to a machine that keeps the leg in continuous slow motion. I was hooked up for approximately four hours.

NK +2 (11/05/14)

No sleep again last night. Felt fine until around midnight. Lot of gas and nausea.

Around 0200, nurse removes my knee drain. Was not expecting that. Didn’t like the pull, turn or turn, pull thing she did. Not pleasant!

Have completely hit a wall. Gas and nausea are much worse. Passing fluids, but no BM since Sun night.

PT same as day before, except knee drain hole bled through bandage when they got me up for the morning stroll. All bandages and support hose and socks had to be changed.
Unable to eat anything all day. Did consume small amounts of water and ginger ale throughout the day.

Began feeling discomfort in the affected knee. At my request, nurse increased the femoral block setting from 8 to 10. This seemed to help the pain level.

Femoral blocked will be removed in the morning.

Hang in there. Here's hoping your situation improves quickly.

I'm doing ok and thread updates are about a week behind.


You decided on how many points you are giving me this year?

🌫