THR 1st April Surgery and doing well

[Jyoti]

Thanks Cardie and Cathy,
You're right. Maybe I should try kmi anatomy trains. Never went, as I wanted to try one thing at a time as it can get confusing seeing what is helping. I still have regular massages and see my personal trainer. That is just to try and keep me fit and not to gain weight. Keep wanting to lose weight which should help the knees.

I can understand you thinking Cardie, that I do so much, but it's the quality that is important. I try everything so I don't seize up as if I didn't I probably would not have the ROM etc that I have now, which isn't the best but it's something I can work on. My aim is to keep moving as long as possible as in one of my earlier Threads in 2010 when I joined up, I had a second opinion by an OS who said that if I had the surgery now I would need walking aids when I'm older and a revision in about 8 to 10 years time. He was right about the walking aids, but I'm still hoping I can get rid of it for general walking, for longer walks ( with breaks of course ). Being active just keeps you going. I sometimes feel older then I am, which is stopping me doing things. I know I'm using it as an excuse but it is all in the mind. Still trying to let go of all the baggage and move forward.

I have to say, it was good watching the Paralympic opening Ceremony as it so resonated with me about accepting who you are and achieving your goals. It was a good wake up call to keep at it and to not let things get in the way. Now I need to practice what I'm preaching.
Will stop going on and thanks everyone for the support. It is very much appreciated.
Jyoti

 

[Anniepops]

Hi Jyoti, it's lovely to hear how you are doing.

It's good the PT thinks your ROM and walking have improved albeit slightly, any improvement makes us feel it is worthwhile continuing with our exercises. My PT said that some 'experts' say that muscles can only be improved so much whilst others say they can continue to improve given the right exercises......at the mo I'm sticking with the positive outlook

I do hope you can get your knees sorted, perhaps a bit of a clean up would help with the pain

About the LLD, I too am having knee problems, mine s still turning inwards and I am hoping that when/ if I can get it to straighten out then my LLD will decrease. As with you, now the healing is just about done and everything has settled down I now have a small LLD. My operated leg was longer post surgery, now shorter again, wish I was aware and therefore able to experience and appreciate the time they were exact but I missed that moment.lol.

Ii's good that you have got your shoes done, I think that will make you feel much better when walking. When I had a raise I just had a 3/4 inch tapered raise to go inside my shoe. Just wondering of this could be another option for you so you could wear some of your existing shoes sometimes too.

Hoping you continue to see improvements Jyoti, stay strong.xxx

 

[Jyoti]

Hi Annie,
Thanks. I have had my trainers raised and have sent 2 other shoes. Need to go shoe shopping now

Unfortunately, many of the shoes don't have the space to put an insert in the shoe. So the only option for me is to have the heel raise. I am more accepting of it as I had to wear one for 10 months prior to my surgery.

Will let you know what happens next.
Jyoti

 

[Poppet]

Hi Jyoti

I so feel for you when I read back through your thread several times.. You are one strong lady!

Like Cathy said, you didn't plan for these issue in your recovery and you certainly have had your share and Sharon's comment about you are allowed to have grumpy.. I thought both comments were so thoughtful and comforting and apply to lots of our members situations.

I too have had issues with finding the right sorts of shoes.. expensive! Also have noticed that my knee turns in a wee bit.. Noticed it right after surgery, doesn't bother me, but I can see it! SO says no, your leg is as straight as a dye... What's that saying about being in the eye of the beholder!

I do hope the heel lifts help and so pleased to read about the DWR, that would have improved your stamina, even if it has plateaued now.. I am sure it is still gently helping those muscles. Also pleased to read your back pain is easing somewhat

 

[alexthecat]

Cardie tagged me, so I'll share a couple of thoughts...

Weak hips and thighs cause knee pain, so I wouldn't worry too much about the knee thing yet. Keep working on that hip and I think your knees may come around eventually.

I'm not buying the idea that your muscles are atrophied beyond all hope of recovery. The human body is amazing in its ability to heal and that is its natural tendency. You said that you saw some initial improvement from water running, right? So, that would indicate that you have the potential to improve. I'm sorry this is taking longer than you expected.

I do think that perhaps your LLD may be causing you to use some of your muscles incorrectly. I'm glad you're giving the lift a try. You can always get rid of it, if it doesn't work out. In the meantime, really try to focus on maintaining a proper gait. Lift your knees a little when you walk and concentrate on rolling through heel-ball-toe. If you are using a crutch, you may find that you lean a little toward that side. Try to avoid that and walk straight and proud.

If you've plateaued with the water running it may be time to add in something else. Sometimes we can trick our bodies into giving us a training response, even if it doesn't want to. Variety is key there.

 

[C Mac]

liking what Alex has to say here... maybe your personal trainer or PT person can think of some new and different things to change up your routine.

On the massage vs. rolfing vs. KMI -- I don't know what your massage therapy consists of currently but I'd venture to guess that KMI and/or rolfing will be a very different modality & sensation. You could also contact a practitioner and have a chat to find out more about what they have to offer and how it compares with the type of massage that you receive currently.

Keep going Jyoti with some breaks and some vacations thrown in there as well!!
Take care,
Cardie

 

[Jyoti]

Thanks Alex. Saw my Feldenkrais practitioner who said the same thing. He believes I have the ability to walk independently but will take time in getting there. He is all about the pelvis which I have noticed is improving in how I can move it more. The right side is so much stiffer then the left but it is going forward.

Also have been wearing the lifts and my gait is better as I don't drop on my right foot as much. The Podiatrist said that when I walk I go from toe to heel more, even though when I walk I am conscience of heel to toe. Must keep trying. Feel the lift will help with that.

Cardie, I have a general sports massage, nothing fancy. The Feldenkrais practitioner is saying that in everything I do I need to be aware of my pelvis and move it correctly. So from getting up and down from a chair, doing exercises with my Personal trainer/gym etc always to tilt the pelvis to get it moving. He did say I am sitting better. Due to my pelvis not being brilliant I tend to put pressure on the knees more causing more pain.

Will slowly try a variety of other things and see how it goes.
Thanks once again
Jyoti

 

[Anniepops]

Hey Jyoti, I'm pleased the lifts are working out and that you have seen an improvement in your gait. Hopefully this is just what you needed and things will improve a lot now that you have them

I find the 'being aware of your pelvis' thing quite difficult, do you? I find it takes a lot of concentration and what with that and concentrating on my feet, legs, knees amongst the daily grind of life that's a lot to handle. I'm surprised I can even hold a longish conversation due to all the body mechanics thoughts going through my mind.lol.

It's all about finding what works for you and with so many options it sure does take some of us quite some time to work that out.

Keeping everything crossed you find your best options and that improvements continue to come your way

Take care

Ann.x.

 

[C Mac]

Cardie, I have a general sports massage, nothing fancy. The Feldenkrais practitioner is saying that in everything I do I need to be aware of my pelvis and move it correctly.

Hi Jyoti,

I've not experienced a sports massage personally, however, I think that you would find rolfing or KMI to be *very* different in how it is conducted & focused. My rolfer has me walk around some and observes my gait before she begins her work. She targets particular areas that are both causing me discomfort and "showing" her they are out of alignment by the way I am moving.

I always love it when one of my helpful people tells me to be more aware of my pelvis. I find that there is just so much variety in the way that I move and often times it is based from my pelvis... walking, sitting, standing, lifting all utilize the pelvis and it can be completely different from one movement to another. I spend a lot of time, when I'm being more aware of my pelvis, doing silly things like tilting forward or back, trying to stand balanced on both legs instead of leaning into one more, wondering if one side is pressed forward more than the other side... Like Ann says above -- when I'm so focused on my body's functioning it is amazing that I can carry on a conversation.

It's great that you are feeling some improvement with the shoe lifts. I hope in time, that the heel/toe movement will get a little easier and more natural for you!!

Take care,
Cardie

 

[C Mac]

How are you doing Jyoti??

 

[Jyoti]

Hi Cardie,
Thanks for thinking about me. I was also thinking how you and Annie have been. The latest is that I am still seeing my Feldenkrais practitioner on a monthly basis. I do feel stronger but it is soooo slowwww. I still walk with the crutch, but walk independently for very short walks ie 100 yards or less. When I walk initially I walk alot better but very soon my trendelenburg gait is so bad. I really hate how I walk so having a crutch is better. I have tried to push myself and notice the pain radiate from my abductors to my glutes and lower back. It is still not strong enough.

My Practitioner is happy with my progress even though it is slow. My femur moves more within the socket so can roll it more which is good. It is a bit clunky but at least it moves which is definately an improvement.

Still seeing my personal trainer and noticing my pelvis is also moving more as my squats have improved so much. I don't get the back ache I used to get as I never stuck my bum out properly so my back and knees were taking the strain. So happy about that.

Have an appt to see an OS in November for my knee. It's interesting that my knee over the past 2 weeks suddenly improved. I was reading about 'Q' angle which is the angle of the hip to the knee. My practitioner said it was to do with that and I need to get my trocanter moving and he believes all will be fine. I have noticed my foot being straighter and my knee not going in as much so hopeful with that.

Last but not least, you are right about doing Rolfing/KMI. The Practitioner also said the same as it would compliment his sessions. Now I need to find one so will have to ring a few up and chat and just try it out. Will probably look at rolfing as it seems more popular and as I have read Ida Rolf and Mosch Feldenkrais worked together.

Hope you are well and look forward to an update from yourself

Jyoti

 

[sharonslp]

Jyoti, it's always good to see an update from you. I visualize you as a person who is always focused forward, and who will achieve your full potential....in all areas of life.

Sharon

 

[Jyoti]

Thanks Sharon, I really appreciate it

 

[Anniepops]

Hi Jyoti, such positive news...that is lovely to hear. I know it's going at a snails pace but I'm so happy things are going in the right direction for you

That's very interesting about the Q angle and trocanter, I need to look that up, thankyou for mentioning it. Great that your foot and knee positions are improving..woohoo.

How are the news shoes doing? Do you feel more stable wearing them?

Hoping things continue to improve for you Jyoti

Ann.x.

 

[C Mac]

Have an appt to see an OS in November for my knee. It's interesting that my knee over the past 2 weeks suddenly improved. I was reading about 'Q' angle which is the angle of the hip to the knee. My practitioner said it was to do with that and I need to get my trocanter moving and he believes all will be fine. I have noticed my foot being straighter and my knee not going in as much so hopeful with that.

Hi Jyoti,

I wonder if wearing a lift in your shoe will change your Q angle and help with the knee issues? You are doing a lift now, right? I'm thinking about giving one another try too, my short leg (THR side) seems to be aggravating my sciatic nerve and has always contributed to my quadratus lumborum muscle being in a state of constant contraction.

I hope that you have found someone for rolfing and that all your other work is going well still

Take care,
Cardie

 

[Anniepops]

Hope your appt this month goes well Jyoti, let us know how you get on

Take care

Ann.x.

 

[lisanewmc]

Hi Jyoti (& Cardie too)

just popping in to say and see how the CDH gang are getting on, hope things are still moving forward?

Not sure if this could help anyone else but I've noticed a real difference in my 'walkability' since taking up the pool walking. I've been going 2-3 times a week for the past few months and I'm delighted to say that I no longer need my emergency folding walking stick that has been my companion for so long!!! I can walk much further and be on my feet for so much longer these days - my OS said I would see real benefits after 18-24 months and he was right. My gait is still lollopy but I've given over being concerned about that - it's part of who I am.

Take care

Lisa xx

 

[Poppet]

Hi Lisa lisanewmc; how lovely to hear from you and get a great update from you.

Pool work is fantastic and I am so pleased you are enjoying it and seeing the benefits and the emergency fold up cane is gone.. Wonderful

 

[Jyoti]

Hi Annie, Cardie and Lisa,
Great to hear from you all. Well things are much the same and my knee has remained a lot better. I can only think the Deep Water Running and Feldenkrais has helped. Haven't been DWR for 2 weeks but knee still ok. I did see a Rolfer, who is an American who a friend of mine recommended. He is only here for a short time but in one session he was able to get my shorter THR leg longer so when I stood could really feel the weight spread over both feet. Of course I went back after a short while, but it was a nice feeling while it lasted.

He said he did not believe in heel lifts as he feels the muscles don't work as well. Interesting thought but annoying seeing as I've got my main shoes with a heel lift. I also like it as it makes me walk that bit better. We did speak about the way I walk and to be honest unless I change the way I walk there will always be difficulties. And as I've walked like this for most of my life I can't really see a major change re: LLD. But still hoping for the crutch to disappear at some point.

He was also unsure on whether Rolfing will help in my walking but it makes me feel better that I am doing something. Sometimes I wonder whether it is just time that is helping my progress or the actual Rolfing/Feldenkrais/massage/Physio etc helping also. I'm sure it is!!

Great to hear about Lisa's progress as she is about 6 months ahead of me ( I think ).

Have my appt with the OS for my knee, so will see what he/she says.
Will update after I see the knee OS.
Jyoti

 

[C Mac]

Hi Jyoti,

Glad that you were able to find someone for a test of rolfing. I hope that you can find someone that is more permanent than the American guy. I wonder if he was thinking more about in-shoe orthotics vs. a lift (for LLD correction) as being problematic. My rolfer is opposed to the use of orthotics, used to support the arch of the foot and change the way the muscles in the feet work when walking. She says something similar to what your Am. rolfer guy says, that it impairs the way that muscles should work and weakens muscles in the foot and lower leg. However, she's never said anything about a lift that would enable correction of LLD - negative, or otherwise.

Of course, the reality is, they are just opinions. We are faced with many opinions as we expand the number of practitioners we see during our recovery and as we attempt to get our new normal working!! In the end much of it is trial and error and seeing what seems to work most comfortably for us as we live in our own bodies. If you like your lift and feel it is helping in some fashion, use it. Who really knows what you'll be finding helpful 6 months from now as you continue to work on strengthening and changing ROM in your body.

I hope the knee appointment goes well, let us know!!
So nice to hear from lisanewmc; and Anniepops; and you too, Jyoti; as well!!

Take care,
Cardie