Left Knee Replacement Surgery

Dec 30, 2014

I had left knee replacement surgery on November 18, 2014.

The actual surgery on my left knee went a lot smoother than the surgery on my right knee on July 23, 2014. My reaction to the narcotic (Norco) that I had to take for both knees was still as bad as it was with the right knee (nausea and vomiting) and I had to take Zofran for that.

I had to have a blood transfusion while in the hospital because the reading for the Iron in my blood went down to a “5” and it should be “35” or higher.

Also my blood pressure bottom number was in the “40’s” and mine is usually in the “60’s”. I have low blood pressure normally. 

My surgeon had me take a blood thinner for 3 weeks and wear support hose for 5 weeks to avoid blood clots.

Pain and stiffness was a lot more difficult with my left knee. I tried to pace myself throughout the day as I healed. 

My physical therapy progression was excellent and I was always above the expected parameters for flexion and extension. I had a Physical Therapist come to my home daily for 3 weeks post-op and then did the PT exercises on my own. I can begin a regular exercise program at 12 weeks post op.

I went to the doctor on December 23, 2014 for my post-op appointment and X-rays. The doctor said the severe pain I have been experiencing was due to me now having Patellar (Kneecap) Tendinitis. The doctor said I was doing my PT flexion into extension exercises too vigorously. I told the doctor I was doing them as directed by the Physical Therapist. My doctor said I needed to stop the PT exercises and take it easy by resting my knee. My doctor said that my range of motion is perfect and that I needed to work on getting the inflammation down in my knee. 

The doctor took me off Norco and put me on Tylenol 3 for 7 days. He also prescribed Voltaren Gel 1% (an NSAID) to be rubbed on my knee for 3 times daily for 30 days. Since I have had RNY, I am not supposed to take NSAID’s. The doctor said the topical gel would not be as harmful to me as an oral NSAID. I also talked in length with my RN son who agreed with the doctor regarding the NSAID gel absorption. I decided to take the risk and use it because the pain was so unbearable. It did help immensely in conjunction with the Tylenol 3. I am monitoring any potential side effects that may come up. After the Tylenol 3 prescription was used, I take 500 mg Acetominophen every 4 hours if needed.

I started driving again at the beginning of week 4 post-op and I was off work for 6 weeks. 

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