Total Knee Replacement-What works for pain

Hello All!
I wanted to do a quick blog to let you guys know what kind of treatments have been working well for me, with pain, and healing.  Below is a quick list of the items I recommend!

ICE!  Ice is by far the best friend I have right now.  I wake up, I ice my knee for 20 minutes.  On top, underneath, the shin and even my thigh.  Anywhere with swelling and pain.  I do it as often as I like, all day (and night) just only 20 minutes at a time.

Essential oils-Before surgery, I made sure to keep my spirits up with some of my favorite essential oils. (Diffusing-Cedarwood, lavender and spruce blend, or Stress away (a young living blend) with peppermint.  Wearing- My favorite blend right now to wear is called "The Secret", it is available through Rocky Mountain Oils).  A good attitude goes such a long way on this recovery.  Now that I am on the healing side of this adventure, I am using a blend of coconut oil, Helicrysum, Lavender and Frankincense.  I also highly recommend a deep relief or deep blue lotion blend, both available through either Young Living, or DoTerra.  They are pretty much the same.  The deep lotion blend helps to numb me up enough to fall asleep. 

Staying hydrated!!!  Before, during and after surgery, I am seriously pushing water like crazy.  I know it helps, I had alot of meds in me for surgery, and after.  Best to purge all that out!

Go Slow!  I am doing really well with my progress, but I have to keep reminding myself to take it slow.  Keep moving, but go SLOW! 

Its ok to ask for help.  Those who love you will understand.  Try and have a good support system set up BEFORE you embark on this adventure! 

Praying.  I cannot tell you how much my fears, pain, and frustration have been replaced by peace and joy, just by communicating with my Creator.

Take your meds.  Don't try and be a superstar.  You will only end up in so much pain that it takes you hours and hours to get it under control.  You may make this mistake once, but you most likely won't make it again.

Do your physical therapy.  It sucks, it hurts, but it is rebuilding you.  Make all the pain worth it, by teaching your new joint and the muscles around it how to work together!

I think that is it...Just wanted to put together a list for those who may be facing their own joint replacement!

Love and healing,
Chelle

Authentic Battle Damage-TKR 2 weeks Post op

Today is 2 weeks since my knee replacement!  I wanted to reflect on a couple of things I am dealing with 2 weeks post op.

I am still in enough pain that I struggle to sleep some nights.  This is frustrating to me because I am finding with the new crack down on opiates, unfortunately this also means post op patients.  Do most patients not need anything stronger than advil 2 weeks after a total knee replacement?  I am so curious how this is going to pan out.  Right now I am trying to only take it when I need it, but I have been hurting quite a bit last night and today. Honestly, Ice and Essential oils seem to help the most. 

I hate my staples.  I called and got my appointment moved up so I could immediately get them taken out.  I feel them digging and tearing at me, and it makes me reluctant to use my awesome knee! So hopefully later this afternoon I will be happier.

I am beginning to get better with my cane!  No idea how long I will need it, physical therapy will probably let me know.

I am also a bit scared to see how my scar is going to look.  I am thankful my husband, and my sons both see it as authentic battle damage.

May you win your battles today!
m

Total Knee Replacement-11 days Post Op

Good morning! 

I have had a bit harder of a week.  I feel the nerves waking up in my knee, and the muscles that support it, and they are pissed.  I was numb in many areas (and still am), but I feel it all beginning to wake up.  It feels weird, little sharp shooting pains, some acheyness that I was not aware of before.  The good news is that I am healing.  Bad news, pain is no fun, but ice, essential oils and of course REST are helping so much.

I had my stitches taken out this week.  Next week they will take out the staples.  The wound is still covered all the time, which is good, because it is hideous to look at. (its literally like 27 stitches, from my thigh to my shin)  I have a great bloody picture of before I left the hospital.  I wont post it, because it makes me queasy, but if you like that stuff, let me know, I don't mind sharing it if that kind of stuff fascinates you.

As for the new knee.  She is a really feisty. Like a toddler, in a room full of old people.  She is ready to party, and try all the things, she keeps running off without her cane, and thinks she is so independent.  My Quads are the old men who scream at running children, "whippersnapper! You will get us all killed!".  She doesn't care.  Maybe I will end up totally robotic, or have all "replicant" joints. :D  I do feel my new knee needs a name, she is young, and ready to party, and God bless her, she is living with a bunch of boring grown ups. 

I am doing Physical therapy in my home 3 days a week.  I like my therapist, she is down to earth, and has a great personality.  She has also been able to answer so many of my questions, which help me not to worry during this healing process.  My Boston friends will appreciate this, she is a Patriots fan, from RI, and showed up with her patriot colors on her nails this morning.  I am doing better than expected, getting around with a cane when outside, (dr.appts etc), and  I am up and down stairs without a problem, just slow. :)

One thing I wanted to mention is how emotional I have felt through this process, especially this week.  I have alot of feelings, and for some reason, it feels like I am 13 with PMS again!  Why does healing or pain make me so emotional?  I am not saying I cried or anything, but I definitely had a few moments this week that I wanted to. 

I think I am still on track to begin working from home beginning 2/13.  Then the following week, I will probably try and go in like normal.  The main thing, is going to be how tired I get.  Healing takes so much work, and effort on our bodies part, and sometimes we don't even realize how much rest it needs.  So I am resting.

I am so thankful for family and friends who have made this journey so much less bumpy.  Bringing food, sending pretty flowers and plants, giving me rides, praying for me and asking about me.  I cherish you all so much.

xxoo
-Chelle