u/Cjane66

I learned something the other day I thought I’d share. I bought a Donjoy Iceman Clear ice machine from my ortho’s office when recovering from my LTKR in February. Had my RTKR done two weeks ago and the machine stopped working. The motor was running, but the pad wasn’t getting cold. Talked to someone in the office and he asked if we use frozen water bottles, which we do. He told us to make sure we are taking the labels off because glue from the label can get stuck in the filter. After a few rounds of running HOT water and a couple tablespoons of bleach for a few hours, it seems to be running great again. I don’t know if anyone else will benefit from this info, but I thought I’d throw it out there. Hope everyone is doing well! 💜

Writing this more for myself, I think. Five days post RTKR, left was 11 weeks ago. I am miserable this time. I can’t get any relief from pain, am on meds round the clock and am just on the struggle bus. Last time at this point i was doing much better. The pain before was a 3-4 dull constant ache. I had stopped the Percocet. I kept a journal so I could look back and get encouragement. This time I’d say my pain is riding a constant 7-8 and it’s more sharp. It’s 4:23 am and I’m laying here watching tv and playing on my Switch. 😂 I’m 59 F and my adult kids convinced me I needed to take up video games. I never ever use it…but it has been the distraction I need right now. 😉. I am so tired of being miserable..I’ve decided that when the sun comes up…my attitude will change. I will be positive. I’ll ice and elevate all the time. (Did I mention my ice machine stopped working? Comical). I’ll do whatever I need to do to tackle pain and I won’t compare myself to even my own experience a few months ago. It’s gonna be harder this time. That’s okay. I’ve been through some hard stuff in my life. I am so excited to have fantastic, non-arthritic knees. Life is good and this is a small speed bump.

I had my LTKR on 2/23. Did PT starting on day two and after 6 weeks was at 128 (with no help). I am scheduled for my right TKR Monday and I’m so nervous!! I am doing pretty good with the left, but it’s getting harder to do all the exercises because my right knee is angry. So I’m excited for the end of the journey to begin…but I know it’s gonna be a looong haul. I was able to start riding the recumbent bike at week three so that’s been helpful but I think what I’m most excited about is the dang stairs!! I could do the therapy steps at the end of six weeks…but the steps at home are deeper and my right side just isn’t having it. Anyway…just posting cause I’m nervous. I know what to expect this time and I dread the first few weeks!! You guys are all rockstars!!!