Another New Member to this Site - 9 wks post-op

[Barb123]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site and everyone has given me so much
information. I'm 9 weeks post-op. I only have one more physical therapy
session. I finally got to 105 today with the PT really pushing it back.
I still can't go all the way around on the bike at 9 weeks! I get depressed
also that it will always be like this. Does everyone feel the weakness for
quite awhile? I still have trouble being on my feet for any length of time and
then my lower back starts to hurt. I also had to nausea and feeling lousy for 4-5 weeks. I lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks because of no appetite at all. That has started to come back now. I'm glad people here understand. My friends think I'm a whimp when I complain I don't have any energy, etc.

 

[Skeet]

Welcome, Barb! Good to have you with us. I am at 15 weeks PO and still struggle with stamina. I went to a funeral today and wasn't able to stick around long to fellowship as I cannot stand for long periods of time. Then I drove the store and my leg hurt after just a few minutes of tramping around the store. GOt my mother in law a pedometer so she can track her distance (this is the 78 year old).

Your energy will start to come back gradually. Just keep pushing a bit and it will happen. I think I really started to feel pretty good at 12 weeks and saw a big leap in my stamina at week 14. Hang in there! This is a great place to come for friends.

 

[Nursepair]

Welcome Barb. Email your friends this link, it shows why you are still suffering so much.
broken link removed: https://www.edheads.org/activities/knee/knee1/index.htm

 

[Skeet]

Or invite them to our little party!

 

[Jamie]

Welcome, Barb. At a little over 5 weeks out, I'm looking forward to being where you are and able to get out. I can only go on a very short trip once every other day. Sounds like you are functioning very well. My therapist told me the other day that the angle of bend does not always tell the tale. She said some people never reach those higher numbers, but function perfectly well at a lower degree level. And it is the "functional level" that is the important thing. Once you get that (like it sounds you have), you just need time and exercise to get back the stamina. Nice to have you with us and we'll enjoy hearing of your successes! ...Jamie

 

[JenniferG]

Hi Barb, welcome to our world. Stamina is the thing I want back as well. Ofcourse the ability to walk and move, but just to be able to keep up, or stand in the kitchen to cook a meal or when having a conversation without having to be the one to sit down. I'm only a 2 weeks, so standing still hurts. I think I have the stamina to stand longer tahn the hurt will let me. In time I'll get better. Now my problem is that I go to walk around the house and i stop to do stuff, load dishwasher, fold laundry, pick up newspaper. Got to quit that and keep walking! Soon I'll get outside to walk where maybe there is less distraction. Anyway, welcome again.

 

[edk]

I've gotta say that my knee (2 weeks post op) feels at its best after I walk. Thank God
its 45 degrees. Mornings are the worst time stiff and pain meds worn off. But I go out for a walk (I started at about 1/2 block and I'm up to about a block and a half) and I try to really stride. After that I feel great less pain really loose.... On the flip side that little block walk really takes it out of me. I'll come home raise my leg and ice it, and next thing I know I'm asleep for an hour.

 

[JenniferG]

See, I knew it was time to get out on the streets. I want to go. I had 2 done, do you think i need a spotter for the 1st time? Maybe just the company would be nice.

 

[edk]

My first time I had a spotter, the second time I ran into a neighbor who walked with me, the third time I had my cell phone. I just kept thinking of that commercial "I've fallen and I can't get up"

 

[JenniferG]

Get me a tissue so i can wipe my happy tears! I just got back. I didn't have a spotter, probably should have but couldn't wait. took me longer to get the sneakers on than to take the walk. i did think to take my cell though. It is still cold here though. but oh well! I was walking. I kept wanting to say "it hurts, but then i would realize that it didn't! Praise the lord! What hurt was all the stuff around the knee, skin muscle. Stretched PT kinda hurt,. but not bad. i got back to my driveway and started crying. i don't even know how far or how many steps, but it eas more than the last 6 months. i'll have to dig out my pedometer. Ofcourse now there is no excuse for not going again tomorrow. Thanks ED for the reminder and motivation. Jen

 

[gatiger]

Way To Go Jenn! Now be careful, don't go crazy and start chasin people down the street. Serious congrats though, it is a great day: that solo trip outside on new knees.

 

[JenniferG]

Can I just chase the ones I don't like? Thanks Gat.

 

[gatiger]

Jenn, I guess that depends on what you intend to do when you catch them.

 

[JenniferG]

Sell them for percocet $. Or I could resort to the Mrs. doug method and pull out apricot scrub.

 

[Nursepair]

Oh Jenn, thats wonderful, just how I felt after my first time out. I am crying with you. So early too especiallywith bi lateral. I was several weeks before I could get past my drive because of the deep snow.

I am on my way out soon myself. It is sunny, but still a little below zero at the moment, but the rain washed a lot of snow away the other day. It actually snowed last night, but only a short flurry. I am going to try two blocks today. I always take my cell too, I also use my walker incase I tire and need to sit on the seat. Congrats Jenn, now elevate and ice and relax!!

 

[JenniferG]

Yes, funny, they hurt now! Got'm up and took my pills according to schedule. Happy trails NP.

 

[Jamie]

Jen!!! What an accomplishment!!!! I feel so proud of you for your walk! You're an inspiration to us all.

 

[edk]

Jen

I'm so happy it worked out. I was motivated by getting a post op packet from the orthopod which said "Walking is extremely important for the success of your knee surgery" and "Frequent short walks are a key to a sucessful recovery" so I figured I've got his permission.

 

[Nursepair]

Hey Jenn, hope you feel OK still after your walk, you really are a star. I

decided to walk to our corner store for milk, big mistake, I counted 2,000 steps, I think it was too far. I elevated and iced for over an hour and it is more swollen and stiff than ever. Oh well,I'mm of to Aquafit and PT tomorrow, perhaps that will help?

 

[Skeet]

Way to go, Jenn. I'm so proud of you and your accomplishment. It gets better and better, too. And Sue... 2000 steps is great. I know you're sore now, but way to go for you, too! Sometimes it helps to push a bit beyond what you think you can do to build stamina and strength. Just doing the ice afterwards and all helps, too. I feel like a proud momma.