r/Kneereplacement:

u/DirectorBiggs

Im a fairly fit lifetime martial artist in my 50s and had my RTKR early in May. I could easily have put it off another 5 years and dealt with limitations, pain and daily meloxicam but I decided now is the time for a number of reasons. Mainly I have the insurance and Im between careers so I have the time to heal and sort it out. With politics in the states I wasnt sure how long Id have insurance and our society will stay civilized and Ive been dependent on that meloxicam the last 9 months. I wasnt sure dreading a shtf scenario where I needed to defend myself and my community and be dependent on prescriptions. Since my body is in good shape otherwise and I know my kinesiology and have a solid diet with daily activities my healing has been fast and comparatively easy. I had almost no bruising, was off my walker in 3 days, using a cane the week after that and completely mobile without support within 2 weeks. Ive got full range of motion, some swelling and some limitations but Im well on the way to complete recovery. Its a painful life changing procedure but its totally worth it. You got this OP.
u/DirectorBiggs

I had a friend stay at my home the first 3 nights and only needed her help the first two. The help I needed was getting on/off the couch and bed at night. Also needed help w my socks and underwear first 2 days otherwise I did everything on my own. Make sure you have a bag or basket on ur walker so you can get your water and ice packs, food, coffee, etc Take your time with the stairs, ideally stay on the same floor as kitchen and bathroom if able. Youve got this op!
u/DirectorBiggs

Day 3 is when I was able to do everything myself and have been riding solo since.
u/DirectorBiggs

54m, (turned 55 today, damn) RTKR May 8, 10 weeks ago. Started driving after week 2, 80% of swelling diminished by week 5, stopped doing PT after week 6. I’m unsure when the last 20% swelling will reduce or if my knee is just fat going forward. Pain is only an issue after doing squats with weights, dancing, too much time on my knees in gardens or walking more than 3 miles. I’ve been off oxy since week 4, walking without a cane in 3rd week. I’m walking my dog every day 1.5 miles, I’ve been tempted to jog / run and jump but have not. I’m pretty fit, eat really well and very active. Seeking a taichi or kigong group to start practicing again, as much as I want to get back harder martial arts I’m going for softer styles. I miss sparring so fucking much. Okay so OP, everyone is different and this process is different for every one of us. I think it’s best not to compare but to stay active and positive and push yourself without overdoing it. Best of luck, health and healing to you OP, and all.
u/DirectorBiggs

Massage your quads and their insert points. Go gently around the incisions but lightly bringing extra blood flow will help.
u/DirectorBiggs

My suggestion (based on surgery day and your pain concerns) is to contact your doctor or assistant today to know what they’re prescribing for pain meds AND make certain they’re prescribing enough. The pain can be overwhelming the first week, the first weekend was awful for me. My surgery was on Thursday, doctor and assistant both take Friday off and by Sunday I needed to ration out my oxy to make it to Monday morning when they could call in a refill. It pissed me off and I let them know beforehand that I was concerned 5mg wasn’t going to strong enough. Since it’s the weekend make sure you have enough to double what they prescribe. Best of luck OP, you’ve got this.
u/DirectorBiggs

3 days post op
u/DirectorBiggs

Exact same with me, friend brought to and back from surgery and stayed the first 2 nights. I was able to change my socks and underwear by 3rd day, as well as shower. Fourth day on I was completely on my own, I had a friend who would walk the dog for for the first week, another who watered the gardens that first week. I had a neighbor who picked up my prescriptions for me. Having bars in the shower was key, hanging a bag from my walker was also super helpful and utilized immediately.
u/DirectorBiggs

Yo OP congrats man, stoked for you! Youre able to go full on with your new knee? Take downs and full grappling? Are you needing to avoid certain techniques or do you have the full catalog you are using? Im a lifelong martial artist, 55 and about 3 months out from RTKR. I figured Id need to only spar with certain conditions, basically not using my knee to block kicks and asking partner not to do take downs on me, especially leg sweeps or grapples. I miss sparring so much, its one of happy places.
u/DirectorBiggs

The vast majority of relevant posts have that information and if it does not feel free to inquire. Asking the mods to make it mandatory is not a good way to build community. Just ask OP. I’ve commented often and share those details the vast majority of times, there’s been comments where I don’t, all posts I have I think. Either way ask or dig a little deeper on someones profile, making it a requirement is silly.