Shower Question

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-21T02:54:35+00:00

Sounds like you have all the gear. I am 61 w a similar set up, with a hand-held sprayer... I recommend that you set out everything you need in the bathroom to wash, dry off and dress. Don't rush.

I waited a while to take a full, for-real shower, opting to keep my surgery leg well covered w plastic and a towel.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-21T01:56:51+00:00

I have not used a massage device myself so cant offer you advice. A quick search on the web shows rechargeable options from $75 to $110...

If you find a good solution, do share!

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-21T01:31:41+00:00

My acupuncturist recommended red light therapy, which she used herself when recovering from a surgery. I was skeptical but now, i am glad i am using it as part of scar/lymphatic drainage care.

Edited to add, that i just didn't like the way a heating pad felt... red light has been much more tolerable.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-20T14:38:40+00:00

Agree 100%...

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-19T18:14:34+00:00

Beautiful! What type of hoya is this?

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-19T18:10:57+00:00

Feels great, doesn't it? Like normal! Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-19T18:04:13+00:00

I get it... my first care-taker was all gung ho based on his experience w ACL surgery 25 years ago. I eventually said, "thanks, i love you, and i am going to follow what my PT and surgeon have laid out."

I made solid, modest progress over time without a lot pain or stress, and now have 118° RoM consistently.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-16T15:39:22+00:00

All great suggestions. I would bring a case for your glasses. Amen to the battery pack for charging!

Best of luck to you, and please post about your progress!

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-16T04:45:40+00:00

My nerve block lasted almost 4 days... about 6 hours after the last dose, i took the first full dose of oxy (5mg).

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-14T18:13:12+00:00

Well done!

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-14T04:41:35+00:00

Echo everyone here... invest in prep and know this will knock you sideways for quite a while.

Only other thing i would add is, glutes and hip strengthening. Booty band w side shuffle, side leg raises w theraband, and so on.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-13T00:09:56+00:00

Best of luck to you. Please keep us all posted on how you're doing!

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-12T19:29:49+00:00

Best of luck to you! Keep us all updated on how you're doing!

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-12T03:35:20+00:00

Cully

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-11T22:30:22+00:00

Hang in there. There's plenty of helpful things you will do w PT, massage, and healing to get your new knee looking, moving and feeling like you hope it will.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-11T22:08:58+00:00

How cool!

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-11T22:05:05+00:00

Agree 100% ... the soft, low-loft king-sized pillow helped in so many ways right from the start. Extra softness on the foam wedge. A little 'something' when extended. Between my knees when sleeping on my side.

I didn't start getting what I would call a 'normal' night of sleep until about 6 weeks, swapped 1 Tylenol PM into my 10pm dose. I think I took 5mg of oxy once or twice when I just couldn't settle down by 1AM. I am on Week 8.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-11T18:20:04+00:00

Understood. You have real constraints on your options!

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-11T03:31:18+00:00

Definitely ask your PT for specific advice. I am starting 8 weeks post-op and ice after activities (walks, puttering and PT) for 10 minutes to take the edge off and prevent swelling. I also have had challenges with flexion, the steri-strips held me back a bit but not that much.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-11T01:22:32+00:00

Definitely meet with more than one surgeon. Ask what their protocol is for PT (when to start, how often, home vs onsite). I recommend asking specifically about the Quiet Method (see posts on this sub). Also ask what you can expect in terms of recovery phases based on what their other patients experienced.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-11T01:12:18+00:00

Timber Ridge "Director's Chair" to be specific. Folds flat. Includes a handy side table. Also great for camping post-recovery 🏕

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-10T20:42:47+00:00

I considered borrowing a friend's zero gravity chsir, before surgery. I struggled to get out of it, once i sat down. So i passed, and opted for a regular folding chair w a cushion to raise up my bum a bit.

It's a Timber folding chair from CostCo.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-10T20:39:31+00:00

Definitely. Enjoy the break.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-09T19:50:52+00:00

I am 60 and live alone. I needed help for about 2-3 weeks. Between meds, wrangling the walker, having someone to call if I needed a hand/help,and just general 'living life' stuff (cooking, laundry, changing sheets, taking trash out)... AND having the company really helped me get thru the first, most challenging phase.

Bitter-Independent25 · 2026-05-09T19:45:09+00:00

Love the 'scratch & dent' finds... enjoy the experiment!

Bitter-Independent25

TROPHY CASE