my first one was done july 15th. the second one this past jan 3rd. you will be doing great in no time!
i have the start stop button on my janome 6600..use it reguardless of my knees!
stay in the hospital as long as you can..for the PT.i was covered for 10 days.
first knee was my right one also..i was blessed to have a driver to take me to PT. Doc said he wanted me in PT rather than having one come to the house. said there was more equipment to use..
my insurance only covered 1 piece of equipment..so i chose the tub transfer seat.
i was lucky to have a cousin that worked in a second hand store, she got me a plain walker,and a nice walker with the seat on it. cheap! she also got me a small tub seat, so i could shave my legs,after i didn't need the big transfer chair. and a toilet seat riser thing..! important! makes it esy to get up and down for those first few weeks!
my husband bought a hand shower thing, and we attached the holder right to the tub transfer seat.. so i could easily reach it.
worked out great.
to help with the swelling, keep moving your ankles/feet up and down while laying down. it pumps the blood up and out of the feet/ankles..
make your own ice pack.this is plyable and will wrap around your knee.
1 part rubbing alcohol and 2 parts water, double zip lock bag it.
( used 2 cups of rubbing alcohol and 4 cups water)
i made 2 of these..ice packs are so important!
we did take pictures..so if your not grossed out by them, feel free to take a look. i will say the bruising and swelling was worse in the first knee,and the second one, went off without a hitch..
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didn't matter to me, i was going to have the second one done wether or not the first one was painfull or not. it is so wonderful to be without pain! count on 3 months for the short term recovery.. 6 months for normalcy.
DO YOUR EXERCISES! the horror stories i have heard from people, that know someone who would not do what they were told to do! keep moving..walking.
january 3rd knee replacement, started water aerobics last week..could of gone sooner..wish i would of. they have a hot tub..really helps loosen up the muscles and tendons. before and after the pool.
Many blessings and speedy recovery!
oh, make yourself a walker tote, while you can! i used it for everything! then i passed it on to someone else..when i was done with it!