TKR 2 weeks out
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mbitney
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Jamie & Jo: Thanx for the info on the TEN's unit. Now I know what it is. But I'm still not sure when & how it's used?
Do you wear it during the day? If so for how long? After you exercise your knee? At night?
Is it mean to suppliment or be used in lieu of pain meds, elevation, & icing the knee to control pain? Does it help the healing process?
I'm not in constant pain. It's just that when I'm on my feet or sitting at my desk at work for hrs on end; that my knee becomes inflamed & then won't bend much beyond 95 degrees.
I think that my knee just needs more time to heal, so why this TEN's unit?
I feel like I'm missing something or didn't ask my OS enough questions about why he thought that I should give it a try.
Any ideas?
Sorry to be a pest, but this thing has me worried that maybe my doc thinks my knee isn't gonna heal & that I'm gonna need this device to cope w/chronic pain from now on. Not a very comforting pronosis.
Hope I'm wrong.
JMB
Do you wear it during the day? If so for how long? After you exercise your knee? At night?
Is it mean to suppliment or be used in lieu of pain meds, elevation, & icing the knee to control pain? Does it help the healing process?
I'm not in constant pain. It's just that when I'm on my feet or sitting at my desk at work for hrs on end; that my knee becomes inflamed & then won't bend much beyond 95 degrees.
I think that my knee just needs more time to heal, so why this TEN's unit?
I feel like I'm missing something or didn't ask my OS enough questions about why he thought that I should give it a try.
Any ideas?
Sorry to be a pest, but this thing has me worried that maybe my doc thinks my knee isn't gonna heal & that I'm gonna need this device to cope w/chronic pain from now on. Not a very comforting pronosis.
Hope I'm wrong.
JMB
You're letting your mind run away with you.....try to relax!!!
This machine is something people use all the time for variouis pains. Yes, you probably should have asked your surgeon more questions. But his recommendation to use a tens machine doesn NOT indicate anything more than what you have already determined. Your knee requires more time to heal and he's just offering you an alternative for pain relief. You would use it in addition to your pain meds and it may give you more comfortable days until healing takes place.
This machine is something people use all the time for variouis pains. Yes, you probably should have asked your surgeon more questions. But his recommendation to use a tens machine doesn NOT indicate anything more than what you have already determined. Your knee requires more time to heal and he's just offering you an alternative for pain relief. You would use it in addition to your pain meds and it may give you more comfortable days until healing takes place.
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
This is the official definition:A TENS unit is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals.The electrical currents produced are mild, but can prevent pain messages from being transmitted to the brain and may raise the level of endorphins (natural pain killers produced by the brain).
Electrodes are attached to the surface of the skin over or near the area where you are experiencing pain. It is important that you learn how to:
correctly put on the electrodes (proper placement is important)
operate the unit
change the batteries
vary the controls and settings (both the frequency and voltage)
set the proper duration and intensity of the stimulation (which depends on the location and type of pain)
TENS units are prescribed for both acute pain and chronic pain conditions such as:
For some chronic pain patients, a TENS unit provides pain relief that can last for several hours. Some people hook the unit onto a belt turning it on and off as needed.
When I use mine, I use 4 electrodes placed in a diamond formation as shown in the thread Jamie gave you. The machine has a variety of modes of impulse, some like trickling, others like pulses, there is one like tapping. The idea is that you try each one and see which suits you, which you feel most comfortable with. There is usually one setting which is a medley of most of the other settings which is the one I mostly use. The point being that eventually your nerves get accustomed to one mode so have a series of modes in the one setting means the effectiveness lasts an awful lot longer.
You can also choose a strength of signal. Start off with a fairly mild setting and in the first couple of minutes raise it until it reaches a strength that you feel comfortable with. At first you will be very aware of it but gradually, it will seem to fade. This is the point where it has reached peak efficiency and the area has become a little numb. Resist the temptation to turn it up as it will not increase the overall effectiveness and if it goes up too high, you could even risk a small burn under the electrode. Most units also have a timer so it only runs for 30 minutes which is reckoned to be the safe amount of time though I frequently turn it on again many times one after the other. The timer is good to have if you should nod off to sleep with it on!
I do put my unit in a pocket or something and get on with things, even going for a walk. When I had my arthroscopy in 2006, I used it to get to work and wore it for the whole shift! I kept the unit in my scrubs pocket so I could switch it on and off. Mostly I had it on until I had a patient come in and then I switched it off so as not to have a distraction whilst looking after someone.
Things you should not do with the unit on is drive, bath or sleep!
Regarding other pain meds, it all depends upon the degree of pain you have. I've used it on my lower back, upper back (never the neck) shoulders and knees. It's not good to use on the areas with less 'coverage' like forearms, hands, ankles and feet as it needs a degree of thicker tissue to help conduct the impulses. So I would use it either instead of or as an adjunct to oral pain meds. It really doesn't matter. Your choice entirely.
Oh yes, and it doesn't help healing as such. But it will help with that stiff, sore knee. It will just make you more comfortable over all. I've always loved my TENS, it enabled me to get back to work in 06 and lots of other things!
Electrodes are attached to the surface of the skin over or near the area where you are experiencing pain. It is important that you learn how to:
correctly put on the electrodes (proper placement is important)
operate the unit
change the batteries
vary the controls and settings (both the frequency and voltage)
set the proper duration and intensity of the stimulation (which depends on the location and type of pain)
TENS units are prescribed for both acute pain and chronic pain conditions such as:
For some chronic pain patients, a TENS unit provides pain relief that can last for several hours. Some people hook the unit onto a belt turning it on and off as needed.
When I use mine, I use 4 electrodes placed in a diamond formation as shown in the thread Jamie gave you. The machine has a variety of modes of impulse, some like trickling, others like pulses, there is one like tapping. The idea is that you try each one and see which suits you, which you feel most comfortable with. There is usually one setting which is a medley of most of the other settings which is the one I mostly use. The point being that eventually your nerves get accustomed to one mode so have a series of modes in the one setting means the effectiveness lasts an awful lot longer.
You can also choose a strength of signal. Start off with a fairly mild setting and in the first couple of minutes raise it until it reaches a strength that you feel comfortable with. At first you will be very aware of it but gradually, it will seem to fade. This is the point where it has reached peak efficiency and the area has become a little numb. Resist the temptation to turn it up as it will not increase the overall effectiveness and if it goes up too high, you could even risk a small burn under the electrode. Most units also have a timer so it only runs for 30 minutes which is reckoned to be the safe amount of time though I frequently turn it on again many times one after the other. The timer is good to have if you should nod off to sleep with it on!
I do put my unit in a pocket or something and get on with things, even going for a walk. When I had my arthroscopy in 2006, I used it to get to work and wore it for the whole shift! I kept the unit in my scrubs pocket so I could switch it on and off. Mostly I had it on until I had a patient come in and then I switched it off so as not to have a distraction whilst looking after someone.
Things you should not do with the unit on is drive, bath or sleep!
Regarding other pain meds, it all depends upon the degree of pain you have. I've used it on my lower back, upper back (never the neck) shoulders and knees. It's not good to use on the areas with less 'coverage' like forearms, hands, ankles and feet as it needs a degree of thicker tissue to help conduct the impulses. So I would use it either instead of or as an adjunct to oral pain meds. It really doesn't matter. Your choice entirely.
Oh yes, and it doesn't help healing as such. But it will help with that stiff, sore knee. It will just make you more comfortable over all. I've always loved my TENS, it enabled me to get back to work in 06 and lots of other things!
old goat
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Well Jo your and Jamie have been an answer to a prayer. This week I go for one of my "last" post surgical visits. The PT recommended I get a TENS for the stiffness, heat, and discomfort I still feel. You have answered so many things I saw about the TENS while in PT. I have more info now to talk to the doctor about. I am almost on the verge of asking him to do a CAT scan. The patella still slips from time to time not as much as before though. Too bad you can't use one in sleep. I know from the first knee I am still healing. I saw that awesome healing chart, thx. I think this right knee is just slower to heal than the left one did. I think, I am no professional here, that the patella might be ok, since I have made some progress. I know up a year on the other knee I was making progress so this is a long process I know. What do you and Jamie think? MB hang in there. This does get better. It is not suppose to be the perfect knee now, but it SURE is better than before the surgery. Liveable! (But the resurrection will be a great blessing for all)
mbitney
member
Thanx Ann. Will do
It's comforting to know that the information & encouragement we get from Jo, Jamie, Tim, and other BS'ers helps not only ourselves but others going thru similar experiences or having similar questions & concerns.
Wish you continued progress too!
JMB
It's comforting to know that the information & encouragement we get from Jo, Jamie, Tim, and other BS'ers helps not only ourselves but others going thru similar experiences or having similar questions & concerns.
Wish you continued progress too!
JMB
mbitney
member
Had a therapeudtic massage on my left leg last night. Felt wonderful! Really helped loosen up my quad & hamstring. Had my OS write me a script to hopefully convince my Health Ins. carrier to cover the cost of my massages. (Not sure if it'll work but it's worth a shot.) Masseur said if I lived in Europe it prolly would be covered, but in USA most Health Ins. companies don't cover massage work.
Today I went in and got my TEN's unit. Pretty cool. Experimenting tonight w/placement of the pads around my knee & the stimulation levels.
As usual Jo you are correct,I think this device w/be quite useful in helping relieve soreness in & around my new knee. The stimulation not only takes your mind off the pain, but it actually feels like tiny massages around the knee if you dial in the stimulation level just right. Nice & relaxing too.:wink1:
I only wish the connections were wireless so I wouldn't have wires running up the inside of my pants leg.
Tonight following PT (a nice light session earlier this afternoon) my knee feels pretty good. After a nice, long, hot bath my ROM was 5-105. Able to go up AND down stairs one leg after another instead of the usual one at a time.:biggrin:
Hope my progress continues, even if at a snail's pace. Patience is a virtue right? All my best to everyone. JMB
Really helped loosen up my quad & hamstring. Had my OS write me a script to hopefully convince my Health Ins. carrier to cover the cost of my massages. (Not sure if it'll work but it's worth a shot.) Masseur said if I lived in Europe it prolly would be covered, but in USA most Health Ins. companies don't cover massage work. Today I went in and got my TEN's unit. Pretty cool. Experimenting tonight w/placement of the pads around my knee & the stimulation levels.As usual Jo you are correct,I think this device w/be quite useful in helping relieve soreness in & around my new knee. The stimulation not only takes your mind off the pain, but it actually feels like tiny massages around the knee if you dial in the stimulation level just right. Nice & relaxing too.:wink1:
I only wish the connections were wireless so I wouldn't have wires running up the inside of my pants leg.
Tonight following PT (a nice light session earlier this afternoon) my knee feels pretty good. After a nice, long, hot bath my ROM was 5-105. Able to go up AND down stairs one leg after another instead of the usual one at a time.:biggrin:
Hope my progress continues, even if at a snail's pace. Patience is a virtue right? All my best to everyone. JMB
referee54
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You will continue to progress! You are moving forward---one thng that I learned through the roller coaster ride of recovery is to not worry too much or read too much into what happens. Recovery can be slower---much slower than we would like and we have some good days and some great days---and then, for no reason, there is a real stinker or two tossed in there.
Just fix your eyes on the prize---complete recovery---and you will arrive at your destination. It is where you want to get to; when you get there is not up to you; it is up to your knee. That was a tough lesson for me to learn, as well, bu all worked out well for me, and I have no doubts that it will work out equally well for you, too.
Just fix your eyes on the prize---complete recovery---and you will arrive at your destination. It is where you want to get to; when you get there is not up to you; it is up to your knee. That was a tough lesson for me to learn, as well, bu all worked out well for me, and I have no doubts that it will work out equally well for you, too.
mbitney
member
Thanx much Tim. I'm trying my best learn how to stay on this roller coaster ride w/o getting too high on my good days (like today) or getting too bummed out on my not so good ones (like last friday).
I do have faith that some day this will all work out.
BS'er friends like you & so many other sure do make my long & sometimes painful journey a lot more bearable!
Your words of encouragement really do help beginners, like me, press on when the hills are long and steep and the finish line seems distant & far away.
Thank you sincerely. JMB
A fellow Stryker Triathlon BS'er
I do have faith that some day this will all work out.
BS'er friends like you & so many other sure do make my long & sometimes painful journey a lot more bearable!
Your words of encouragement really do help beginners, like me, press on when the hills are long and steep and the finish line seems distant & far away.
Thank you sincerely. JMB
A fellow Stryker Triathlon BS'er
KneedKnees
senior
jmbitney ~
You are so right about this journey being a roller coaster ride! I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that you have to learn how to stay in the car and deal with the highs and lows, without letting them throw you off of the track. I know from firsthand experience that both extremes are a little bit hard to handle! (If you don't believe me, check out some posts from late August or early September in my thread, "I Made It!" !!!)
Many of us are just waiting for the day when everything is alright! It's coming - and our roller coaster will deliver us there without limping!
You are so right about this journey being a roller coaster ride! I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that you have to learn how to stay in the car and deal with the highs and lows, without letting them throw you off of the track. I know from firsthand experience that both extremes are a little bit hard to handle! (If you don't believe me, check out some posts from late August or early September in my thread, "I Made It!" !!!)
Many of us are just waiting for the day when everything is alright! It's coming - and our roller coaster will deliver us there without limping!
paige
new member
I am so impressed by what you've done in the same length of time that I have been trying to get to 90 degrees. Of course, you are young enough to be my kid. (Does that make a difference, age that is?)
Age doesn't always make a difference, Paige. There is one school of thought that says older patients recover better because their system doesn't feel pain in the same way as a younger person. There are lots of theories out there.....about as many as there are different people with unique recovery stories! It's why we say not to compare yourself to anyone else.
binkie
member
MJ, I recall your earlier posts; You are progressing and you will get there.
mbitney
member
Paige: Thanx for your kind words.
Jamie is 100% correct in her advice DO NOT to compare yourself or your healing timetable to anyone else. It only leads to frustration.
As an example one of my golf partners, who is your age, was not only up & around w/in (2) mos of his TKR last spring, but he was riding his bike around town & golfing (18) holes, walking carrying his own golf bag! Well. 'ol ignorant & over-confident me thought I can do that, and then some; heck I'm only 51 years young.
Well, it obviously hasn't worked out that way for me.:hissyfit:
As Jamie said, it ain't all about age. We're all differrent and we'll heal up on our body's own timetable. Be patient & have faith. :console:
Finally, I can't tell you how many people I've run into that make some comment (ignorant, if not well-intended) like, "still limping around?" or "so-and-so had his/her knee replaced and was up & around in no time!"
They have no idea of what us TKR'ers go through physically, mentally, and emotionally recovering from our surgery
So just hang in there, stay positive, and believe that one day we too will cross the finishline of recovery! All my best. JMB
P.S. You don't look old enough to be my mom!:wink1:
Jamie is 100% correct in her advice DO NOT to compare yourself or your healing timetable to anyone else. It only leads to frustration.
As an example one of my golf partners, who is your age, was not only up & around w/in (2) mos of his TKR last spring, but he was riding his bike around town & golfing (18) holes, walking carrying his own golf bag! Well. 'ol ignorant & over-confident me thought I can do that, and then some; heck I'm only 51 years young.
Well, it obviously hasn't worked out that way for me.:hissyfit:
As Jamie said, it ain't all about age. We're all differrent and we'll heal up on our body's own timetable. Be patient & have faith. :console:
Finally, I can't tell you how many people I've run into that make some comment (ignorant, if not well-intended) like, "still limping around?" or "so-and-so had his/her knee replaced and was up & around in no time!"
They have no idea of what us TKR'ers go through physically, mentally, and emotionally recovering from our surgery
So just hang in there, stay positive, and believe that one day we too will cross the finishline of recovery! All my best. JMB
P.S. You don't look old enough to be my mom!:wink1:
mbitney
member
Like they say Jo, there ain't no substitute for experience!
Your information, advise and encouragement are invaluable.:ThankYou:
Thanx a million. JMB
Your information, advise and encouragement are invaluable.:ThankYou:
Thanx a million. JMB
mbitney
member
Thanks binkie, means a lot! JMB
JMB
crazycatlady 6-20-2011
member
sounds like you are getting better Mike, just be patient. I know it is hard to do, but you will get to the end of the roller coaster ride. Suddenly, each day gets better and better!
crazycatlady 6-20-2011
member
Will be thinking of you at the appt thurs Mike. Hope the doc has good news for you. I really do think that it will get better if the swelling goes down more. Let me know how it goes.
Lynn
Lynn
mbitney
member
Saw my OS yesterday. He confirmed that my new knee is doing well & is confident that my ROM will continue to improve w/time!:yes 4: Prescribed an anti-inflammatory, 15 mg Meloxicam, and rec'd that when I'm on my legs for prolonged periods, that I think about wearing a compression sleeve or wrap on my left leg to help control swelling & infammation. Also said to continue elevation & icing whenever possible. I asked him about restarting PT and he said to go however much or little as I want.
Also went to PT yesterday. Met a different therapist and she was great! Instead of just asking me how I was doing, she asked me what I wanted to do. That was a nice suprise!:wink1:l Did time on a stationary bike, followed by stretching and exercises. Then she massaged my left knee/leg working out my bumps 'n knots. Felt great. No pushing or pounding. She asked me if I wanted to take a ROM measurement and when I said not really she said that's fine. So I've scheduled another session w/her next week.
Walkin' gate is getting back to normal. Able to go upstairs, one after another w/o holding unto handrails. Still holding on when going down though.
Stayin' positive and patient. Working smarter, instead of harder. Now ain't that a novel idea!
Thanx to all my BS'ers for helping me on my journey. Have a great weekend!:biggrin: JMB
Also went to PT yesterday. Met a different therapist and she was great!
Instead of just asking me how I was doing, she asked me what I wanted to do. That was a nice suprise!:wink1:l Did time on a stationary bike, followed by stretching and exercises. Then she massaged my left knee/leg working out my bumps 'n knots. Felt great. No pushing or pounding. She asked me if I wanted to take a ROM measurement and when I said not really she said that's fine. So I've scheduled another session w/her next week. Walkin' gate is getting back to normal. Able to go upstairs, one after another w/o holding unto handrails. Still holding on when going down though.
Stayin' positive and patient. Working smarter, instead of harder. Now ain't that a novel idea!
Thanx to all my BS'ers for helping me on my journey. Have a great weekend!:biggrin: JMB
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