Time To Be Admitted

It is Sunday afternoon and the time has come to be admitted to the hospital. I was welcomed to the Orthopedic Ward by several of the same nurses that took care of me about 5 months ago. That was comforting.

They began to get me ready for surgery the following morning. Again, I was first on the schedule and for this I was glad.

The nurse started a pick-line, I was measured for the compression stockings and the anesthetist explained every aspect of the procedure. Like before, I will have the spinal block for the surgery.

Here We Go Again!

It was 167 days ago that I underwent successful LTKR in Pretoria, South Africa. The pain of osteoarthritis in both knees has been a tremendous set back to my physical health for many years. That pain, in my left knee, was immediately gone following the surgery. As I began to walk again and strengthen my left knee I realized that I was free from the pain that had troubled me for so long.

Once again, I have traveled to Pretoria, South Africa. This time I will undergo RTKR. Arriving on January 9 in Johannesburg late in the evening we spent the night. Early the next morning I had an appointment with my Orthopedic Surgeon. Blood work and labs immediately followed, and the surgery was set for Monday morning, January 16^th at Life Wilgers Hospital.

Again, I will take on this journey with me – stay tuned!

KNEE +5 WEEKS

Week 5, 35 days since surgery. In a way, this has been a long journey. But in another way, the time seems very short. The PT says that I am where most TKR patients are in 12 weeks. I have 123 degrees ROM, and I can use the stationary bike. The PT has added exercises that address my back problems, and they seemed to have helped a little. She is no adding exercises that are designed to build strength around the knee itself. She will be adding exercises that I can use in the swimming pool that will be very helpful.

The OS is pleased with the progress, and is no longer concerned with the sore in the incision. I will see him next week for the last visit.

I have read that some people are not happy or satisfied with the TKR until 6 months to a year. I have been very happy since the first day. Yes, it was difficult to move my leg. Yes, it hurt like the devil. Yes, I had to work at it. But, it was all worth the effort and pain. Today I am walking without any pain in that joint. It is still a little tight, and the muscles are still sore, but there is no pain from the joint itself. I am happy!

KNEE +4 WEEKS

During week four I had a bit of an issue with a small place in the incision. At first there was just a red place about the size of a pencil eraser. Then a small place opened and began to drain just a little. I was concerned that it might be infected. I could squeeze it and a bit of bloody pus ran out. I went to see the OS. He said he thought it was just a stitch that might be working its way out. He put antibiotic ointment and a bandage on it, and prescribed a 7-day round of oral antibiotics. At the end of the 7 days the place had pretty much cleared up. There is just a very small scab left. The OS still thinks it was a stitch. I am feeling really good, and I am getting around very well.

3 WEEKS TODAY!

Today is the 21st day since surgery.  What a difference that makes!  The progress I am experiencing is noticeable every day.  Getting in and out of the car, sitting in a chair and rising again, showering, and especially being able to sleep in my normal position.

The issue with my ankle remains, but my PT worked wonders this morning.  She massaged, manipulated, used electric nodes, twisted and turned my leg in every possible direction.  According to her, my problem has more than one source.  First of all, part of the issue is the fact that my surgical leg is now straight, and being so forces me to walk in a different way to what I have grown accustomed.  And, the muscles in my leg, both upper and lower, are drawn and sore which adds stress in strange places.  But the main issue is having to do with the nerves running down my leg.  Whatever it is, she helped.  The pain is not nearly like it was two days ago.  In fact, I was able to walk quite a bit after the PT appointment.  Some pain remains, but I am trusting that it will diminish completely over the next few days.

The PT will begin to address the issue of lower back pain that I have been plagued with since 2007.  This problem has to play a role in what is going on up and down my leg.

21 days out – God is good!  BTW – 120 degrees ROM today!

KNEE +20

My ankle continues to plague me today.  It seems to be a little better than Friday evening or Saturday, but it is painful to walk on.  Having to “give” to it is making it more difficult to negotiate the knee as well.  Everything seems to be out-of-whack.

I did manage to walk 1 mile today, and do all my exercises.  Not sure if this was good or not.  The issue with my ankle feels like tendonitis.  If it is, the best solution would probable be to not use it for a few days.  If I do that, it will be a negative aspect to my knee therapy.  Glad to have an appointment with the PT in the morning!

KNEE +19

It was difficult to sleep.  No position was comfortable to me.  I awoke twice, but I was able to go back to sleep.

The ankle is still hurting this morning, and it is difficult to walk.  I used both crutches and that did reduce the pain a little.

Exercises, walking, elevate and icing.