Wednesday, August 28, 2013

My Knee replacement, One week in.

Say hello to my new left knee . It's been a week to the day since I had the operation and I can safely say that everything has gone very very well. Nothing's perfect and there have been some bumps in the road but one week out I am doing better than expected and have high high hopes for the coming weeks and months.
The operation took 3.5 hours, 1.5 more than usual as my old knee, as my Dr said, "was just not normal". It was so deformed that had to use other procedures to place the cutting devices and make the implant fit. One part of the medial tibial component ended up being 3 mm shorter than the other as that was how much bone needed to be removed and the tibial component shimmed up!
You even see it on the X ray above- looking straight ahead the left side with bone is lower than the right side( with the fibula). Either way, they made it work.

With that much cutting and sawing Mark is a very sore puppy! Most of the pain the next days was from that.The knee itself, being cobalt and polyethylene are perfect with no nerve endings.:)
Bending or holding it was very painful, even with the super drugs I got.
Didn't get to walk the first day as blood pressure was too high for some reason but settled down the next and I did my first walk and 'pseudo' stair negotiations.


I was very happy that I could put full weight on my left leg and that I could actually stand up straight on it for the first time in forever. This all however, will take some getting used to.


I can get into a swing stance and have done some air swings that feel perfectly safe! But the real priority will be getting knee range of motion into the 110+ area. That HAS to come first, before everything else.
(-5 degrees extension on the goniometer in the hospital, day two the day before the op=  -15 deg)

I got a nice curvy scar to balance out my other one
Saw Dr Blatz yesterday and he was very pleased with everything, how the knee looked, how I looked and moved  and my health. He said it was fine if I handled my own physical therapy. I did one session yesterday with the PT that was prescribed and it was less than a joke. I did more productive work in the morning before I went there than at the session. And since I have to pay for it out of pocket I don't want to waste my money or time.

Most of my updates about this will be via my facebook page until my energy turns around. I'm pretty tired and my 'perfect' daily routine is completely blown to bits so it will take some time to ge things sorted out.

I am napping alot and nights are very long and tough. Mornings, however are great :)

My facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/mark.reifkind

If you are not a FB friend and want to follow this just send a friend request.

This is what I've been training for all this time. This is strength for real life.This is when it really counts. THIS is SISU.

datsit for now!

31 comments:

Diana said...

Mark,
That new knee looks great! It is truly amazing how surgery can take it's toll on a person. I felt pretty good one week after mine, however, got tired super, super fast! It all just takes time-then before you know it...life picks up!
You'll be in much better form doing your own PT-that profession is pretty much a joke, that's JMO!
Continued good healing-enjoy the time!

Unknown said...

People who are interested in getting the knee replacement in India they can easily make their appointment with our centre. We are the number one place in entire India that provide you best ever treatment as per patient requirement.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for a great post. I'd like to know more about these topics and hope that I can receive more insight on Knee replacement in detail.

Sunil said...

Partial knee replacement surgery is performed when only part of the damaged knee requires to be replaced.
Total knee replacement surgery is performed when a diseased knee is replaced with artificial material. Depending upon the injury your knee specialist will guide and instruct you regarding the knee replcement surgery.

Manipal Hospitals said...

Nice Blog about Knee Replacement Surgery. Contact our expert doctors at Manipal Hospital.

Aditi Corporation said...

Yes many people think that this is a simple surgery but they don't know that this is a critical and difficult surgery and only senior surgeons do this.
Total Knee Replacement in Bangalore | Total Hip Replacement in Bangalore

bestorthocentreinindia said...

Get know all details about the knee replacement surgery from this video. We are the only source on the internet from where you will know all the details about the surgery that you're want to know.

bestorthocentreinindia said...

People who are interested in knowing full information about knee replacement surgery then those people can follow the given link and watch the full video. We explain every single information about the surgery without any complications.

Unknown said...

Hello this is very nice blog. When i was searching for Knee Specialist in Ramamurthy Nagar, Bangalore that time i got one hospital that is Koshys Hospital. Friends it is one of the best hospitals for Knee Specialist in Ramamurthy Nagar, Bangalore. If any one want more info. please go through here http://koshyshospital.com/

boneandjoint said...

Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this article. It helps for knee replacemenet surgery. Get the the best knee replacemenet surgery in mulund, thane, Mumbai and in major cites.

ravinder singh said...

Searching for the best Orthpedic Treatment in India? Click on this link and get proper details. Kalyan Hospital is one of the best and finest treatment centre in India.

Dr Madhu Thumu said...

Nice post!
excellent stuff and valuable information over here...
Myself Dr. Madhu Thumu am one of the most patient Orthopaedic Surgeon in Hyderabad practicing for the last 12 years, and has gained a lot of good-will. Along with exceptional skills in joint replacement surgeries, and also good at personal counseling, which has helped many people grow out of their worries.
Orthopedic Doctor in Hyderabad

Dr Madhu Thumu said...


Hey..!
Nice blog thanks for sharing your experience on "Knee Replacement", that was a fascinating and informative article.
Joint replacement surgery

Anonymous said...

I would like to say Thanks for helping..

Orthopedic Hospital in Hyderabad

Unknown said...

Orthopaedic services and treatment in Ludhiana,Kalayan hospital Providing Minimally invasive surgeries Arthroscopic procedures, Hip and knee replacement surgeries, ACL and PCL Reconstruction, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Sports injuries treatment and surgeries and Proper medication among others.

Tanveer Bhatiia said...

Nice Post!! To get the best Knee Replacement in India, Visit Eva Hospital Located in Ludhiana. Must check our website to find details about Knee replacement surgery in India.

boneandjoint said...

Great blog, thanks for sharing such an interesting information with us. Helpful information ou have shared.
knee replacement surgery in Vikhroli

sravanthi said...


This post was very interesting and informative. thanks a lot for sharing such great articlebest gynecologist doctors in guntur

sravani bhadu said...

ENT Hospital in Hyderabad

Sidarth Hospital provides best treatment of all kind of Ear , Nose, Throat diseases .
As one of the Best ENT Hospitals in Hyderabad, we have been Successfully Treating:
Ringing in Ears
Balance Problems
Ear Ache & Ear Discharge
Hearing Loss
Deafness
ENT Hospital in miyapur
Dr.Samyuktha Samavedam is a ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist in Sidarth Hospitals, and has an experience of 10 years in this field.
She is a well experienced surgeon and provide wide services like Tonsillectomy, Nasal Surgeries, Sinus Surgeries , Ear Surgeries, Throat Surgeries , Foreign body removal for Nose, Ear and Throat.

Urology Hospital in Hyderabad

urologists at Sidarth Hospital provide care for both male and female patients impacted by problems with their urinry tract.We also care for diseases that impact mens reproductive organs.Dr.Bhargav reddy well experienced surgeon he treat all kind of diseases

FOR MORE INFORMATION:7337556767

mounika said...

Good Information

Orthopedic Haospital in Hyderabad
orthopaedics is the branch of speciality involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedics use both surgical and nonsurgical means of treatments for musculoskeletal trauma, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

With the latest and best techniques and work in our facilities our hospital has the latest technology in terms of equipments, operating rooms, recovery areas and advanced Physical therapy facilities.

We perform bone and joint replacement surgeries with Arthroscopic and Reconstructive techniques, joint replacements including hip resurfacing and knee replacement surgeries are done in effectively.

Cardiology Hospital in Hyderabad


Sidarth Hospital provides treatment for all kinds of heart diseases, vascular conditions, heart disorders and emergencies such as heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

Cardiology Hospital in Miyapur
Dr Sudheer Reddy Chandra is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in the Department of Cardiology at Sidarth Hospitals, Hyderabad. Dr Sudheer Reddy Chandra has over 10 years of rich professional experience in his field.

SRAVANI BHADU said...

Master checkup in Hyderabad

Sidarth Hospital provides Best Master Health Checkup package .It includes a range of tests and diagnostics and free doctor consultation .
Provide Beast price:4999/-
Laboratory Tests:
Complete Blood Picture (CBP)
Blood Grouping with Rh Typing
ESR
Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS)
Post Lunch Blood Glucose (PLBS)
Lipid Profile
Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)
Urea
Complete Urine Examination (CUE)
Creatinine Serum
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Calcium
HBsAg
LFT
Radiology & Imaging:
Ultrasound - Abdomen & Pelvis
X-Ray - Chest PA View
Cardiology:
ECG
FOR APPOINTMENT CONTACT:7337556767

PandithRav said...

wonderful blog post
Click here to get a best astrological services contact. Best Astrologer in Bristol

MeriFain said...

I look at many blog articles, but I have never heard of a topic like this. I have some information about the click of a tap counter. If you are particularly interested in this topic you can use the counter counter tool in this profile online tap counter. And you can easily check the speed of your tap click.

Mark Brun said...

Knee replacement without any wait in Cuba might be an excellent option if self-pay or uninsured seen costs on doctorcuba.com

Anonymous said...

Best health checkup should cover all essential test. This should include test for full body checkup like liver, kidney, thyroid, lipid, complete hemogram, urine, iron, diabetes & vitamins.

RAHEJA HOSPITAL said...

Nice Post!!
Please look here at Knee Replacement Hospital in Mumbai

meeran said...

nice post..
Ortho Doctor In Tenkasi
Ortho Specialist In Tenkasi

meeran said...

Ortho Doctor In Tenkasi
Ortho Specialist In Tenkasi

Adventurous Kate said...

Nursing recruitment agencies in London play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare institutions and qualified nursing professionals. These agencies specialize in matching the right candidates with suitable employment opportunities across hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings within the city. They offer personalized services that cater to the specific needs of both employers and job seekers, ensuring a seamless recruitment process. With access to a vast network of healthcare providers, the agencies provide a wide range of job openings for local and international nurses aiming to work in London's dynamic healthcare environment. Furthermore, they offer guidance in navigating the complexities of employment law, visa assistance, and relocation services for overseas candidates. Nursing recruitment agencies also focus on career development, offering training resources and support to help nurses thrive in their roles. By maintaining a strong commitment to quality and efficiency, these agencies contribute significantly to the healthcare system's sustainability and success.
https://www.dynamichealthstaff.com/nursing-recruitment-agencies-in-london

Rashtrotthana Hospital said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rashtrotthana Hospital said...


Great article! For expert advice and services related to knee replacement and rehabilitation, explore this:
Knee Replacement Care Bangalore..

16 kg swings 20 x 10/10 ( 35 min) bodyweight squats 4 x 20, floor pushups 3 x 10 (yay! tricep ok)

 this went great better than I could hope. the swings which I planned to only do 15 sets were so strong I did the 20 and the squats were per...