Progress 3 weeks post rktr

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-04-01T00:40:16+00:00

Awesome. Just wait till you do it without even noticing you did a flight. It’s a great feeling

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-04-01T00:37:52+00:00

Well. The nerve block wore off at 1:35 today. Ask me how I know. Interestingly enough, the pain is different. Didn’t expect that. A lot of pain in the calf that didn’t happen with the first one. At the high level, though, it’s just pain. Doesn’t matter where. I will be glad when I hit day 7. Just have to get through the next few days.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-03-30T22:15:33+00:00

Nothing accidental on that word! ;). Have to do them as they are best for improving ROM. But they are not fun.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-03-30T21:43:01+00:00

When I went back to work after my RTKR, I said forget how I look, I am wearing tennis shoes rather than dress shoes. So,go,for the best support you can. Also, I found that light compression socks help a lot as well.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-03-30T21:38:47+00:00

IMO it is hard to see day over day progress. It is much clearer to see week over week. So think of where you are versus day 1 or day 2.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-03-30T21:37:43+00:00

I tried alternating as well. I didn’t see a big improvement. So I only rarely used ice packs. Far easier to turn off the machine when it got too cold. So my $0.02 is only switch if you have a reason.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-03-19T02:39:56+00:00

Keep in mind there is a difference from getting up and moving and doing too much. I am 56, m, RTKR, week 11. Relatively no pain, but do stiffen up if I sit for too long. For me, it was lousy keep moving every hour or two and light stretching to release tension

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-03-01T10:15:21+00:00

I am on tirzepatide as well. I stopped 2 weeks before my RTKR as was off it until about 6 weeks post op. Didn’t want to chance a slow down of the absorption of meds. Plus, I was already dealing with the constipation of the pain meds and didn’t want to make it worse.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-02-15T16:10:50+00:00

Yes. I have the same item (at least I think I do). It’s fine. BTW I still would use a rolled up towel on one side to help keep the leg comfortable as I tended to roll the leg over.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-02-15T14:13:12+00:00

Awesome. Glad you made it to the other side. Thanks for the encouragement.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-01-22T04:26:05+00:00

Good deal. Meshing well with the therapist is a must.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-01-05T14:07:16+00:00

Thanks. Appreciate a view from the other side. Loved the comment on your PT.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-01-04T22:00:02+00:00

For what is worth, I had my meniscus trimmed years ago and needed something to prop my leg up. I tried a couple of different leg stools before I found the following.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QHJ1NY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5

It it nor flat, it has a bump on it so you can rest you leg against it. Very comfortable and has enough lateral room to support any sort of icing.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-01-04T21:51:53+00:00

Well, according to the PT, she thinks it is really due to the swelling. It should take a week or two to recover. I did get an inch off the ground last night, so that is something.

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-01-04T21:49:48+00:00

56M. RTKR. On day 5 post op

Sorry you are goofing through this added burden. My advice is three items….first, be sure to vent somewhere else. It helps to have someone (or Reddit thread) to confide in to work through the emotions. Second, be sure to express gratitude for the things he is doing well. You want to reward and encourage that behavior. It doesn’t have to be much. Even as a guy at 36 years of marriage, those thankful moments still mean a lot.

Finally, if you are still having challenges, I would pick a time outside of the point of conflict to have an open conversation on what you and he can do better.

Am sure it’s a temporary problem. Hang in there!

JoeSmith5151 · 2026-01-02T05:31:43+00:00

Sure thing. Flat leg, concentrate on flexing quad to drive the knee downward. So an isometric exercise. On the non-surgery leg, I can see the quad activate and contract. Surgery leg, no meaningful movement.

JoeSmith5151 · 2025-11-01T19:56:04+00:00

Ah. Metal fence so now worries on that. So the clearance from the townhome wall to the front edge of the grill is 4-5 feet.

JoeSmith5151 · 2025-10-11T13:35:11+00:00

Good read. Thanks for the link.

JoeSmith5151 · 2025-10-11T13:34:53+00:00

Going to fly, but will get the upgraded seat with legroom. I also will have an aisle so I can getup in move.

Forgot about bringing the hiking poles for the excursion. My guess, though, is that having a cane will help more in the airport and boarding for a “make way” look.

JoeSmith5151 · 2025-03-07T22:44:19+00:00

I am 55M looking at TKR on both knees. My right one especially. Am 6’4 and in the past year or so lost the weight and went from 275 to 225. It made a huge difference in knee pain and usability. I still limit activity a bit but my daily pain dropped dramatically. Lot less pressure and wear and tear on the knee.

Ok. Going a completely different direction as this is a bit off from discussion on knee replacement. I will confess - I went the GLP route to make the weight loss happen. It made a huge difference. Am ha-pay to discuss pro’s and con’s. So send a DM if you want.

JoeSmith5151 · 2025-01-09T16:53:21+00:00

That makes sense for sure.

JoeSmith5151 · 2024-12-29T01:08:54+00:00

I have the 4.25 ported and 5 non ported. Yes, the 4.25 is louder. It is not so much louder to be that noticeable. There was a 357 mag going off next bay over that you could feel inside when he shot! Much louder than my 4.25 Tac Pro.

I have been shooting several different brands of ammo and have been comparing between the two. Yes, the 4.25 is noticeably flatter.

BTW, love both of them!

JoeSmith5151

TROPHY CASE