r/Kneereplacement:

u/DirectorBiggs

Reach out if you need anything and please let me know how it goes for you. You got this!
u/DirectorBiggs

I live alone and definitely felt envious of folks with parters and/or kids to help them. Ive been leaning on friends and neighbors and its all gone surprisingly smooth. By day 2 I was able to get into and out of bed by myself and on/off the couch where I spend my days reading. Having strong hip flexors from a lifetime training martial arts helped a ton with my mobility and being self-sufficient. Best of luck to you on ur upcoming procedure. Keep me posted and reach with any questions or if u need support.
u/DirectorBiggs

I have a friend whos been here helping out w gardens and critters. One of my neighbors takes over walking duty tomorrow. Maybe next week I can resume a slower stroll w the doggo. My girl (dog) has been incredibly understanding and considerate, shes been really sweet.
u/DirectorBiggs

Yes. I walk my dog every day 1.5 miles along the river and tend to my property; gardens, orchards, chickens. I spent the last few weeks chopping wood because I wasnt sure how long my recovery would take and I wanted to be sure I had cured firewood for the winter. I also tilled and planted most of my gardens the last week. I had to stop going to kungfu last year when the pain became intolerable. Looking forward to finding a taichi or kigong community to start with this year.
u/DirectorBiggs

Very timely post. I’m 11 days out and my BP has been spiking and just sorted out that it’s the Celexib. I left a message w my surgeons MA and may stop taking it altogether. My swelling way down and unsure it’s even needed as I’ve also maintained my Meloxicam, so it may be redundant.
u/DirectorBiggs

Honestly Im not sure the type of surgery, I dont think it was robotic. Im pretty sure I asked that months prior to the procedure I just dont remember. I know my doc specializes in sports medicine, pretty it was done by hand. Ive got a titanium alloy prosthetic. I can get better details from the MA when I speak to her next. Ive been icing regularly as prescribed, at least 20 mins per hour for the first 8 days. Yesterday was first day I eased up on the ice schedule. Surgeon insisted I would not need a machine and ice packs have been serving me fine. My swelling is almost completely down. Really good RoM, walking without a cane mostly unless Im looking at my gardens or putting chickens in for the night. Ive cut way back on the pain meds now, still painful to sleep and be comfortable.
u/DirectorBiggs

Im on day 9, using a cane and getting around great. The swelling is almost completely down, great rom, can almost straighten leg completely. Im in a lot of pain but the healing is happening faster than I could have hoped for.
u/DirectorBiggs

Day 8 here and the swelling almost completely gone. Really good rom and able to straighten the leg almost entirely. Been walking around using a cane the last 3 days, just got in from looking at my gardens outside. Since day of surgery and every day since Ive taken the time to massage my knee, my quads, muscles and connective tissues on and behind the knee and along the insertion points to my hip. It made sense to do it, nobody told me but I believe its played a vital role in the swiftness of my healing.
u/DirectorBiggs

Im on day 12 post op and today was the first day I attempted walking my dog on the road, using a cane as needed. I didnt make it more than 200 yards before turning back. Ive been icing my knee and about to go outside to water my gardens and refill chickens water trough. Ive got to get another hose attached so I dont need to carry the water. Im one of the lucky healthy ones, being very active and in good shape and using a great surgeon, have had minimal swelling and bruising. Ive got great RoM and strength building daily. Today was first day Ive used the toilet without the riser on it. Tomorrow is my 2 week post op check. Everybody at their own pace. Theres a lot one can do to set yourself up for good healing but most of that has to do with active lifestyle with positive nutritional and fitness levels.
u/DirectorBiggs

My surgeon did a great job, I’m pretty fit and very active and healing has been swift. No bruising, swelling almost gone completely. Pain level is high but RoM and strength are way ahead of schedule. I’ve been walking without a cane around the home and was able to use the toilet without a riser two days ago. Feeling good about it all. The clicking in the leg / knee is a bit weird / uncomfortable and I’m hoping that goes away once all the muscles and tendons are stronger.