Help- Need advice- TKR after spinal fusion

[bastet56]

My husband had TKR on Monday. He has had 3 spinal fusions, the last in 05. He has come home from the hospital today and is in great deal of pain. He had to lie on his back for 2 days (not an ideal situation) and the machine they put on his leg to work it aggravated his back too. He is now lying on his side to sleep. Is this safe? How long do tkr's usually use a walker for? How long is the leg acutely painful for? I cannot seem to do anything right in helping him and am very frustrated. Any help or advice would be great.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

I wish him luck and my good wishes are with him but he needs to fight this out and needs your help. Total knee replacement surgery recovery depends on the support of the whole family and every one in your family will have to come out of this stress.
Do not remove the bandages and remember the most important complication after any orthopedic surgery is infection. It can create problems so maintain complete hygiene and follow proper hand washing before and after you nurse him.

Start physiotherapy.

Take care!

[bastet56]

We had a horrible day today. He could not get comfortable no matter what he tried. I finally had to call the dr and the nurse said basically the same thing you did. He is now in bed, one his side, with a pillow bracing his leg. He will stay there for 3 days at least. He can still get up to go to the bathroom and back but that is it. This day has been hell. I can only hope it improves from here. Even the guaze bandage around his knee irritated him and had to be removed. If he is still in great pain tomorrow I am to call the dr and see if they want to see him. I hope not as it is difficult for him to not only get in the vehicle but it's a 40 mile ride one way. Wish him luck and thank you for your help.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

The best position to sleep in supine and he should avoid prone. If he has back pain then sleeping on the side with the top leg rested on a pillow would be a good position. He can change sides and avoid placing both the knees together when he is sleeping on the side.

Physiotherapy is very important and he has to go ahead aggressively for complete recovery.

He can take anti inflammatory drugs intermittently for relieving the surgical pain.

He has to use a walker for 2-3 weeks followed by a stick till he needs no support.

Try to collect all the Do's and Don’ts from the hospital and follow them religiously.

Do not forget physiotherapy which is the best road to recovery.

Take care!