TKR 12 days post OP TKR

[speccybecky]

Ducktape, I think we will cut you some slack as you are probably in pain!
All I can say is that Josephine and many others were a great help to me and the voice of reason in my recovery.
You have a long way to go in this recovery process and really are just at the start of the road.
You should not be in pain and may be overdoing things a bit

 

[Whimsy3]

Take it easy.....pushing will only make recovery longer. Ask me I know from experience. (have no idea why I thought walking down our hills was a great idea )Have your friends come and take you out for a bite to eat or just to come and chat. That always does wonders for me. PT shouldn't hurt, uncomfortable maybe but not hurt. My PT has me push down on my own knee cap and hold for 5. I have great extension so it doesn't bother me. Do try to do your exercises at home too, not just at PT.

Try sleeping in a recliner that may be better for you. Most important take your pain meds, if they are not helping you then call your OS and have him give you another kind.

 

[new knee in June]

Hi duck tape,
You are doing way too much to soon. I am 9 wks out & only do p.t 2 times a week. At 3 weeks
I was doing only heel slides & leg lifts. I also had a cpm machine, are you counting that also. Your knee needs
To rest also. no wonder you are in pain cut back on p.t, your knee will thank you.
Please don't resort to name calling....this is a friendly forum & we like to keep it that way
Diana

 

[bottomshollow]

Ducktape, with joint replacements is TIME & PATIENCE. We have to have (or find) the PATIENCE to give our hips and knees TIME to heal at their own pace. Nothing else works like these two things and nothing can take their place. But it is a very hard truth to absorb in the beginning of our recoveries.

Recovery is what it is, and it's going to take as long as it's going to take. So be PATIENT and let TIME take care of things with some assistance from you.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[Travlingirl04]

Hi Ducktape, I am just a week behind you and will be at 3 weeks tomorrow. As an active person, this process and slowing down so much has been a challenge for me. I'm probably my own worst enemy, pushing to work harder, walking with out my crutches then ending up uncomfortable and in pain. Quite frustrating and discouraging some days. I cut out my hydro-morphone the other day, but now have had to take it again to help with the severe pain. Thankfully, I do have a great PT who keeps reminding me that recopy isn't a straight line. She has focused on pushing me to the point of very uncomfortable but wants me to tell her when it gets to the point of pain. Just the other day, she started manipulating my knee cap and shoes me how to do it my self. While my leg is straight she puts a weight on my knee to hold it down and tells me to hold it as long as I can. You are right it can get quite painful, but I am in control and it is definitely harder than bending for me with ROM at 109. I am giving up the CPM machine as I think it is the cause of a big, round, red bruise on the back of my calf. (OS did check to make sure no clots). We talked about doing the other knee in late fall, but right now I'm not sure I'm up for doing this again anytime soon. Sorry to be whining....you are right...this is really hard stuff

 

[Travlingirl04]

Sorry about the typos above...I pad likes to think it knows better what I want!

 

[Ducktape]

Thanks traveling girl. My other knee needs a replacement also, but I'm like you, not sure if I will do it. Actually thurs fri and sat were horrible days for me, but woke up Sunday a new person, pain is less, ROM is better and my PT is really pleased. I'm praying the worst is over. I am able to walk without assistance short distances but I can tell my leg is stronger and more stable. So I'm happy! Thank you for sharing with me. I'll ck in with ya tomorrow.

 

[Ducktape]

Thank you bottoms! You make me feel better!

 

[Ducktape]

Can anyone recommend a good recumbent bike? I am looking to purchase one, I figure I will need this for the rest of my life. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[t4mepam]

I wouldn't rule out a regular bike at this point. I had my RTKR July 2012 and I was able to ride my bike this past spring with no trouble at all. I had my LTKR on July 29th, so I know where you're at right now. It truly does get better with time. Be patient with your recovery. As you progress with PT they probably will have you ride an upright bike at some point.