TKR 2 straight legs? Check!

[livinginfl]

Yea for Fernie, you go girl what wonderful news. You should be so proud of yourself. Your hard work has been rewarded, I am very happy for you.

 

[Fernie]

Hi Pat, It means so much to know that people are routing for me and how much they care.

I cannot possibly imagine how I would have been getting through this without the support of everyone on here. I think the website address should be mandatory on every hospital TKR handout.

Bless you! Fernie x

 

[Fernie]

Thanks Kim, I'm doing ok. But keeping going slowly, cannot afford setbacks.

Hope you are good and have a great day.

Fernie x

livinginfl

 

[Fernie]

Hi all, today I decided to go on the bike and managed te reverse rotations again fairly well and then popped in a forward one for good measure! Now I have the confidence to do them it's good ad it gives a nice stretch to th knee and quad. Don't think knee as tight today but it's still v warm and numb.

I hope everyone is well. Fx

 

[livinginfl]

Keep on biking
You are an inspiration, can't wait to try but it will be a bit,

 

[Fernie]

Hi Kim, how are you today ?

Dont know about being an inspiration, it's just nice I can add This to my PT and try and get some muscle back in m poor quads.

Im so tired today. How is the stiffness doing? It really is like a brand new start each day. I wish I could fast forward 3 months! My GP said I cn start to use vit E cream now. My scar is looking good though already.. I was lucky I didn't have staples I think.

So whats next on the recovery list for you?

Fernie x

 

[jetthugger]

Hi Fernie!! Wow, you really seem to be on top if it!! Makes me feel less nervous. (slightly) waiting for my exercise bike to arrive, ready for when I'm where you are now. I hope I will be as positive & resilient! Big hugs!

 

[Fernie]

Thanks @jetthugger- i think i'm doing OK. why are you feeling nervous? You'll go at your very own perfect pace when the KNEE KING ARRIVES! What bike have you got coming? Mine is a Reebox Z9 and its got really high handle bars and heart monitor grips, which is great. The seat is also high so i'm almost on tiptoe when i get on it and i;ll just move it down as my ROM increases. We got it last summer when i had my last scope done but never really used it that much and so now it will get lots of use as i'm doing the ultimate recovery! Also looking forward when i can get back in the pool and gym again although I think that'll be about 3 weeks or so - have to starting driving first!

Now, have you packed your bag? hhmm? take care and have a lovely day - Gosh, I cant believe our Toothfairy is up tomorrow... time is really flying by. At least you'll be done and dusted in time to eat lots of Easter eggs as part of your recovery. take care Fx

 

[Toothfairy]

Hi Fernie, it gives me such a boost to see you so upbeat and doing so wonderfully well after your rough start.
Gives me hope.
I am very pleased to hear you will be standing by with your bopping crutch.
I have packed but will take it all out later to check.
In my admissions bag I have a small towel, nightie, undies, toothbrush, toothpaste, dressing gown and will put slippers in later. Also have my meds and some hand wipes and my book, hospital paperwork in a folder, tissues, small handheld fan,( sliding door, cuddly toy, toaster)
In my ward bag I have more nighties, PJ's with short wide legs( just like me) shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturiser, shower towel, t shirts, knee length casual skirt, joggers, undies, socks, hand cream, tissues.
Anything I should be remembering? I would welcome your comments too jetthugger, bag packer extraordinaire.
Enjoy those rotations but be gentle,
Have a good weekend,
Slightly nervous Toothfairy x

 

[Catanne]

Ohh well done Fernie I can't imagine getting on that bike for ages yet! You give me hope.
Good luck Toothfairy, it really wasn't half as bad as I'd imagined, take deep breaths and think about how you will be able to be "normal" dancing and walking again.

 

[Fernie]

Toothfairy, how much stuff are you pAcking? Seriously, you have way tons there. How long will you be in? You won't need half those clothes and if you are able to shower and wash and condition your hair during these couple days then you are a hero! Leave in shampoo is the way to go. I suppose I was private so had own bathroom with all towels and toiletries etc provided but even so. I didn't wear proper clothes apart from arriving and going home, nighties, or your PJs are your friend. I didn't even wear my dressing gown much either, skirts, joggers, toaster, Sliding doors, even face fan and fondoo set, trust me, pixie lady, your hubby will be in combat training lugging this stuff about. ALSo, don't forget, you'll have one small cupboard for your bits, not a walkin wardrobe. You'll probs be in bed more than out of it as you'll be following the mantra........

I wasn't asked for one bit of all the paperwork that I took in either. I just can't stress enough how very little stuff you actually need and hubby Can get anything you forget. Think undies and nightwear,

@jethuggerr take note here!

My goodness !

Just been to pub for lunch and it was v nice, mantra for me this arvee.

Will catch up again later. Fx

 

[livinginfl]

Toothfairy, I have to agree with Fernie on the packing. I used nothing that I took, except toothpaste & toothbrush. I wore home what I wore there. Did not even need undies, was "commando style" the whole time. Robe was not needed. That was just my experience.
I know you are nervous know but I will be thinking of you and a big hug for your new journey

 

[livinginfl]

Fernie, Good work, today!

 

[Dewey]

Fernie....I am so envious of you on that bike! I've been trying for a week now, and I can only manage about 3/4 of a rotation. I keep pushing and pushing, but it just won't go! Good work! You should be proud of yourself!

Toothfairy....Yes, I agree that you don't need to take much with you at all! I had a whole bag full of stuff, but really didnt use any of it. I did wear my robe once because I visited another patient in the hospital, but I wore the same clothes home that I wore there. Believe me, those days go really, really quickly! Don't worry, it'll be over berofe you know it!

 

[Fernie]

Dewey hello! Keep the seat really high. Take it gently, i didn't think I could Do it but my physio had faith and she held my foot and around it went! It was just having the confidence . Then I tried on my own biKe at home and did it again. Then I did push it a bit to go forward as its different muscles but it went and none of this hurt, just agentle muscle stretch. Im pleased. How is your ROM?

Fernie x

 

[Dewey]

Well...........I'm sorry to say that at 4.5 weeks out from my surgery, my ROM is just under 80. I know there are many factors working against me (my ROM was really bad BEFORE the surgery, I cannot take strong pain meds, etc.), but I still worry about why it's not improving at least a little bit. I am going to try to work a bit harder at PT and home and see if I can get it higher before my OS appointment next Friday. I'm sure part of the inability to move the pedals is MENTAL, but I just don't think my ROM is there yet. Thanks for asking!

 

[NightQuilter]

Toothfairy - sending you tons of hugs as you get ready to start your new life tomorrow!! Travel lite, as everyone here sad.
Fernie - I am so delighted to hear of your progress! You must just be so excited - it is awesome.
Dewey - you will get there! Sometimes it is just finding the right angle for your hip and knee to get that rotation going - you WILL get it going.
Livinginfl - I agree - commando style. Catheter the first day or two and then who's looking! Frankly, didn't want to try to put panties on with the knees in the way.
Catanne - belated welcome to the other side! You too, will be cycling away in no time, but got to take care of the basics first - healing and the mantra!

 

[Mutley]

Well...........I'm sorry to say that at 4.5 weeks out from my surgery, my ROM is just under 80. I know there are many factors working against me (my ROM was really bad BEFORE the surgery, I cannot take strong pain meds, etc.), but I still worry about why it's not improving at least a little bit. I am going to try to work a bit harder at PT and home and see if I can get it higher before my OS appointment next Friday. I'm sure part of the inability to move the pedals is MENTAL, but I just don't think my ROM is there yet. Thanks for asking!

Dewey, I was like this at 6 weeks. My knee was not going to budge and I couldn't improve on 80 degrees. Trying to ride the stationary bike was my goal but I just couldn't do it. I HAD to have an MUA at 81/2 weeks as it was driving me nuts. I am now 3 months post op but only managed to ride the bike (with the saddle up very high) about 2 weeks ago. Keep trying, a little bit forward then a bit backward, then HOPEFULLY a whole rotation backwards & then you might be able to go forwards! It's so frustrating when the mind is willing but the KNEE ISN'T :-(

 

[Fernie]

Hi Dewey how are you doing with the bike now? I'm sure your ROM will improve soon. I expect your nearer to a full rotation than you realise, and it's just a bit scary to actually go right over as you wonder what will happen.

I hope you are having a good weekend. Take care You'll be on your Soon enough !

 

[Fernie]

Sleep, where art thou? I think yesterday I had the worst night yet sleep wise. I'd been struggling all afternoon to get comfy and was so tired from previous weeks lack of sleep and my eyes were really struggling to stay open so I went to bed before 9. Got fairly comfy in bed with my pillow stack and dropped off after a while only o be wide awake at 12.30 and that was it, no more sleep for me . Oh man,thiS is really doing me in. Even the slep pills from dr are not working.

So as I'm not sleeping, it seems my knee is never recovering from the tightness properly, it's like Groundhog Day.

I hope all the rest of you BoneSmarties are doing ok and enjoying the weekend. Take care, Fernie x