Hi
@billywhizz666 Am 6 weeks out now after TKR in Manchester on the Choose and Book thingy, so got a private hospital and " The Knee Doc" a Prof. Jari. Good bloke. Physio had me on the CPM (too high!) and I would wait till she'd gone then put it down till it was stretching me but not painful. When I got home I did the leg raises and sliding foot up the bed exercise regularly. In fact quute alot really. ...but never so it hurt. Went back for a couple of physio appts but had a good bend so they were not too bothered. Need to build up muscle strength now.
Last time I went she had me doing step-ups which really hurt so had to stop it. Couldn't weight bear for a week after that! So just doing my own thing now. I have bought a big exercise ball from Amazon and slide up and down the wall for quad exercise. A small pedal exerciser I use for 15 mins at a time. Lying on my tum with leg dangling over the end of the bed to help it straighten.
I walk with no crutches and no limp and NO PAIN. (I know your recovery will be different because of your torn leg muscle and detached retina .....but am just reinforcing what others have said about what can be achieved the gentle way. And dare I say it - the Bonesmart way). The elevate and ice stuff of course I now walk round the block every day too, a bit further every day. Can't do stairs properly yet but am improving and can do the odd one but taking it easy and not worried! The Bonesmart guys and girls have given me the confidence to set my own pace!
I now only need co-codamol during the day and keep the morph for night! So basically keep it all moving but as gently as possible. Take as much pain relief as you need. Research knee replacements, medication, ice, exercises and what they achieve, etc till you're blue in the face. Arm yourself with knowledge my son!!!!! Knowledge is power. Don't take any notice of wife, kids, cousins, second cousins, district nurse, physio, Great Aunt Fanny, UNLESS THEY'VE HAD A NEW KNEE TOO!!!!!! Your body. Your knee. Your pain.
You're not going to get addicted to morphine/codeine/opiates just because you need them for pain - you will need less and less as you improve, you just won't feel the need for it eventually and you'll suddenly realise you've missed a dose because the pain has lessened. BUT if you need it, take it. Take whatever works for you.
So here endeth the lesson ..... keep the Bonesmart faith! "Nice and easy does it every time")There are 16,000 members on this site I believe. From all over the world. We can't all be wrong!!!!
All the best
Mel (from Barrow in Furness)