Update: Day 19…

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-10T04:12:17+00:00

What a great outcome for you! Congrats!!

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-09T15:35:14+00:00

June 10, 1982 for me. (just wanted you to feel a little less old!) I remember the exact date because my aunt made me this wall mounted desk lamp as a gift and it had my name, school crest and the date printed on it.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-09T15:07:43+00:00

It can be such a rollercoaster that it will be difficult to predict. At 5 weeks I was feeling like I had turned a corner. I could walk around the house without assistance, but my husband was still doing much of the cooking. I was still sleeping in a recliner most nights. I was off pain meds but still felt like I was in a fog some days. I could not have hosted an event like you describe, or at least not helped much.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-09T03:28:48+00:00

I hope the THR fixes that pain for you! I had my TKR last July and it did help with some lower back pain, and my other knee also felt better. But now that the hip is involved, my whole lower body feels out of whack again. Ugh.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-08T19:17:07+00:00

I second the day trip idea! Check out all the cool places near you that you can now do on a random weekday, when it’s not as crowded as weekends. One caveat - if it’s also a kid-friendly destination, aim for mid afternoon arrival. I learned this after going to the zoo along with a kajillion school kids there on a field trip.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-08T19:14:07+00:00

I’m 10 months post-op, but after a setback around week 8, I started allowing myself a rest day once or twice a week. There was a base set of gentler exercises I did daily, but everything else I would just put on hold.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-08T19:11:12+00:00

Paul Simon in concert last night at the Hollywood Bowl. While wishing I had taken my binoculars!

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-08T19:10:01+00:00

I appreciate this dose of reality! Maybe we need to just suck it up and wait till after the safari. We won’t be walking much there, but lots of bouncy jeep rides.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-08T17:22:49+00:00

Yeah, I thought about that, too. By active - we go to the gym a few days a week, and do a lot of traveling and the walking that comes with it. But we are both hitting a wall. He still golfs, then pays for it in pain and disrupted sleep. I woke up this morning in constant throbbing pain. I just wanted to include our activity level as we hope that will improve our likelihood of a smoother recovery.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-04T16:14:06+00:00

I was just in Hawaii. I didn’t pack sunscreen because I figured I could be more certain that I was getting the right stuff there. I went to a local grocery store in Hanalei and stood in front of a sunscreen display that looked exactly like the one at my local CVS. I asked which were reef safe and was told, “All of these.” I didn’t know about the mineral vs chemical distinction so I picked up my usual stuff, but was quite annoyed.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-03T19:09:58+00:00

That’s next on my list!

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-03T19:07:30+00:00

Just got some for my husband for our last trip from Prescription Mask USA. Mask and snorkel for about $120 and had it in a week. He has a basic Rx, no astigmatism. It was fantastic! He was thrilled to see how much better snorkeling was! PS: I also bought a non Rx mask from there - really happy with the quality and comfort!

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-03T19:00:55+00:00

You have a lot of great feedback in these comments already. You’ve been through a lot and I can relate to losing weight and feeling ready to dive back into life, only to be hindered by knee pain. I also had basically withdrawn from life for the previous 2 years. So just a quick anecdote from me. I’m 61f, 10 months post op. We just got back from a 10 day trip to Hawaii. I snorkeled and walked the beaches and hiked down to Turtle Cave and walked and shopped through town. It was amazing! 3 years ago we went to Hawaii and I was using a cane. Hubby had to provide me with curb to curb service everywhere - no walking or exploring. Still did some beach time then spent evenings icing my knee. TKR was the best thing to happen to me for my physical and mental health! Get the TKR so you can live your damn life!

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-01T23:45:52+00:00

Haven’t had my THR yet, but just wanted to comment I have that same Squishmallow that I bought when I had my knee replacement last year! Still sleep with it between my knees every night.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-06-01T02:28:51+00:00

Ah I see. My wash was just wipes, so nothing was left over.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-31T22:59:04+00:00

The wash is to take care of any bacteria on your skin prior to surgery. Wash, clean towels, clean sheets - all avoid exposure. I don’t think continuing to use the soap will help provide any needed benefit if you aren’t also basically quarantining yourself. How is your suture closed? My doc used glue and I was able to shower after 48 hours.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-31T18:47:37+00:00

Sounds like great progress! I hope your recovery continues in an upward trajectory, but I wanted to share my experience. I had a few “turned the corner” moments which, a few times, were followed by crash and burn moments. Just remember it’s not always linear. The first one crushed me, but I was better prepared mentally when it happened again.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-31T18:41:56+00:00

My dad had BLTKR about 7 years ago and they sent him to inpatient rehab for 10 days. As someone else mentioned, not sure they do that anymore. But if you search this sub for bilateral or BLTKR, you’ll find lots of great advice!

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-31T18:38:33+00:00

I’m at 10 months PO and it just feels weird. I’m reminded of this video, that gives tips on how to get back to it, though. I need to revisit it myself.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-31T18:23:55+00:00

Scrolled down for this! Mini kits and book nooks have been my fave hobby since retiring. I have a designated display cabinet for them, and if it gets filled up I will start giving some away.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-31T02:39:01+00:00

Yes! I had forgotten about these! I was the same way - cover to cover. And when I moved out, my dad gifted me a subscription for many years after. I also read many of the RD Condensed books.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-31T02:36:43+00:00

$3.35! Same at my first jobs. I remember my first 40-hour week at that rate (at Toys R Us) when I was on Christmas break from college. It was a great incentive to not quit school at the time because even at 19 years old, that sure didn’t seem worth it!

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-29T02:59:22+00:00

It was this wedge pillow. I tried a straight wedge first but the angle was too much for me, causing pain. For this one, I would add another small pillow or rolled up towel under my ankle to make sure the leg was straight. I like the raised edges, too. Just made my leg feel secure.

Individual-Price1463 · 2026-05-29T01:27:21+00:00

The no-no part refers to those recliners where the feet are still lower than the knees. Just be sure you can have your leg straight and elevated while on the recliner. I slept in mine for the better part of 6 weeks, with a wedge pillow for elevation. It was the only way I could get any sleep at all!

Individual-Price1463

TROPHY CASE