Use of tourniquet during knee replacement surgery? (and recovery update)

Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version

on 3/10/13 12:02 pm - OH

I am wondering how many of you who have had knees replaced had your surgeon use a very large tourniquet around your thigh during the surgery in order to decrease blood loss.  My thigh muscle (primarily in front, but also in back) hurts like the devil and the PA and one of the PTs in the hospital both said it was from the tourniquet.  I did not know they were going to use one so did not expect the pain from it in addition to the pain in the knee itself.

My pain levels in general have continued to improve, the range of movement is slowly expanding (although bedding the knee at all still hurts like a SOB) and I can stand stationary with much of my weight on the left leg, so those are very encouraging.  I had a shower today and stood the entire time (even though the shower has a built-in seat), so it was nice to finally have a shower and to be able to do it without help. I did have an incident with Gus launching himself at me when I was sitting down yesterday afternoon and hitting both knees, so the knee has been more swollen and quite sore last night and much of today.  Hopefully tomorrow, the swelling will have gone down and I will be abc on track.

 

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

JaneJetson60
on 3/10/13 12:08 pm
RNY on 05/07/12

Thanks for the update, Lora.  Been thinking about you.  I couldn't help but laugh when you said Gus launched himself at you! He is getting so big and I can only imagine how that felt.  Keep us posted.  Jane

BamaBelleAmy70
on 3/10/13 12:10 pm
RNY on 10/24/12

Lora,

I hope you start feeling better really soon, the swelling will go down,  and the pain will get better. My daddy had this surgery and it took some time but now he SO much better. Hang in there! 

Here's to a speedy recovery!  

Amy

            
Professor Sonja!!!!
on 3/10/13 1:14 pm - Miami, FL
RNY on 08/15/12

Hope you are feeling better soon!!  I'm following every one of your posts so that I know what I'm going to go through when I get my knee replacement.  

 

Come keep it real in R&R 3.0 Want an invite? PM me here.

 

    

Shirley O.
on 3/10/13 1:26 pm - NM

Lora,

You will be back on track.  Knee replacement recovery takes a lot of courage and determination, but you will hang in there and do it.  I had both of mine replaced in 2008 at the same time.  I have been thankful that I did because the pain is not there.  The only thing is I wish I had done RNY first and knee replacement second.  Before I decided on knee replacement, one of my knees had gotten bad again.  Getting over 100 pounds off has definitely helped.

One of the things that helped me gain strength back quickly was using a recumbent exercise bike regularly.  The physical therapist that came to the house first suggested it and I was so thankful.  It not only helped with strength, but also with range of motion.  I hope you have access to one and can ask the therapist about getting on it.

Take this recovery one day at a time and maintain your determination.  You can do it!

Shirley

HW: 280, SW240, CW 135

Highest Weight 280, Surgery Weight  240  Current Weight 164  Goal Weight  140

Shirley
New Mexico
   
  
Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version

on 3/10/13 11:43 pm - OH

I have a recumbent bike at home already -- it was the only thing I could use for exercise that did not cause extreme knee pain before my knee surgery -- but was told not to even think about using it until I see the surgeon for the 2 week follow up.  (Based on my current pain levels, I don't think that thought would have occurred to me before then, anyway, LOL.)

Lora

 

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

Jackie M.
on 3/10/13 1:28 pm - Fairhaven , MA

hi my name is Jackie and i have had both my knees replaced. the first one was in 2007 and the second in 2008. Both times i guess they used a tourniquet on my thigh with i knew nothing about.  with the first one my whole leg was numb and tingly down to my foot for about 2-3 days and did freak me out because i didnt know what was causing it.  It really was uncomfortable, with that picky feeling you get when you foot falls asleep.   I hated it! LOL but they told me it was from the tournquet they had put on my leg...

        
OldmanJim
on 3/10/13 1:31 pm - AZ

Had my knee replacement 8 yrs ago and I have never heard of a tourniquet being used.  Are you considered a bleeder?  Hope your pain eases for you.  Good luck on the PT and just be patient.

 

Jim

karenp8
on 3/10/13 11:19 pm - Brighton, IL

I had been wondering how you were doing Lora. Glad to hear your pain is getting better and that therapy is going well. I bet Gus was so excited to see you! Hang in there and keep working hard. You've got this!

   

       

Lori F.
on 3/10/13 11:45 pm - St. Clair Shores, MI
RNY on 12/27/12

The use of a tourniquet is routine in knee surgeries.  Glad to hear you are feeling better.

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HW: 375   ​SW: 342  GW:  140  HT: 5'7"  
   
 

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