12 days after Knee Replacement, Worried...

[JRogers]

She saw the surgeon today (2 weeks, 1 day since surgery) and the present theory is that she's having the trouble moving her lower leg because the nerve block they used during surgery was either too much or too powerful as the case may be. He reassured us that leg function always comes back in these cases so we're feeling a bit more positive. Her X-rays were "textbook" acc'd to the OS. Still, there's precious little forward "kicking out" movement from the knee downward except what's been strenuously coached during PT......

 

[Doug]

Well that is good news..Make sure and keep her working hard at it.

 

[JenniferG]

Glad to hear things look Ok. Certainly all makes you grateful for the movement to come huh?

 

[beachcomber]

We are all impatient. We want it all and we want it all NOW! Unfortunately for some of us, our bodies don't always recover in "textbook" ways, and certainly not as fast as we want it to. I thought my partial replacement meant I would have a very fast, very easy recovery but it has been a tough road... just on one side of my knee instead of both.

We have all had very major surgery and our bodies respond to the trauma in many different ways and in their own time. My neurosurgeon told me Monday that it will be a WHOLE YEAR before I will know how much ankle and foot function I will regain following his repair of a damaged nerve in my lumbar spine. Nothing I can do about it except continue my work at rehab and celebrate the small victories. I can pick up marbles with my toes now(what a useful skill that will prove to be, huh?) and I no longer have to wear a brace to keep my foot from dragging when I walk and trip me and my new knee. Now I am working on trying to walk in flip-flops for the summer. Celebrate the small victories!

Good luck and stay positive. It's a tough journey but worth it!

 

[Nursepair]

It's so good to hear your positive attitude after all you have been through lately. You are an inspiration to us all Carolyn. Thank you!!

 

[JRogers]

Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since surgery. She had one good day last week where she was able to kick her leg outward about 8"-12" with much effort while sitting on the edge of a chair. Negligible change in movement since then. OS is arranging for a neurologist to see us at the OS's office pending insurance OK.

 

[Pattipoo]

I'm SO praying for improvement for you wife.

 

[JenniferG]

Keeping you both in my prayers. Please let us know what happens.

 

[beachcomber]

It sounds like you are getting the medical referrals you need. Will keep you both in my prayers and hope for a positive outcome! Some movement is good, right? Hope to see more soon.

 

[Jamie]

I'm praying that things turn out okay for you both. What a difficult time you are going through! I'll be waiting to hear the outcome of your meeting with the neurologist. So glad your surgeon is on top of things. Sounds like you have a good one and that is VERY important!

 

[Nursepair]

If she had movement once, then hopefully that is a very good sign for the future? Sure hope so. Wishing her all the best. Sue