That sounds like a very good idea! Calling attention to that muscle will help to activate it, I'm sure. Good going with your shortened time!(I lightly touch any muscle needing activation with a few fingers, very effective!)
TKR BoneSmart Works!
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In Which I Join The ODIC!
Tomorrow is post op day 70: ten weeks! And this dummy finally noticed last night a recent three day pattern of increased pain and swelling after dinner needing low dose codeine... I had increased my walking distance one day and had managed five minutes on the exercise bike the day after... so I decided to cancel tomorrow's PT, dial back the walking to the previous level, avoid all yardwork for at least anothrr week (it's been a week since I did any) and defer the bike for now.
This morning I reviewed my steno pad daily notes and can see a direct correlation over two weeks of increased (any activity) with codeine that evening. Doh! Time to dial waaay back.
I have one PT session left, next week, which I will use under strict limits as my discharge visit. Lesson: keep and review your notes!
Tomorrow is post op day 70: ten weeks! And this dummy finally noticed last night a recent three day pattern of increased pain and swelling after dinner needing low dose codeine... I had increased my walking distance one day and had managed five minutes on the exercise bike the day after... so I decided to cancel tomorrow's PT, dial back the walking to the previous level, avoid all yardwork for at least anothrr week (it's been a week since I did any) and defer the bike for now.
This morning I reviewed my steno pad daily notes and can see a direct correlation over two weeks of increased (any activity) with codeine that evening. Doh! Time to dial waaay back.
I have one PT session left, next week, which I will use under strict limits as my discharge visit. Lesson: keep and review your notes!
We have definitely noticed a correlation between activities and pain and swelling. It happens over and over again, year after year with new members. It's great that you have been keeping your notes and can see it now, too!
Yeah, that dreaded ODIC. We've all been members at least once if not many times! It's a membership we may not want but realize we're in good company. Smart to take notes so you can determine trends either positive or negative. 
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ODIC.... fixed for now!!!!
Over the past week... No yardwork. Maximum community walking 1/2 mile. The only strengthening besides ADLs has been quad sets while relaxing in the recliner.
Upshot: only took low dose codeine twice. Two evening episodes of swelling, one for no discernable reason, one last Friday from sitting in a chair too long during my 2 hours volunteering (I did walkabouts and did one short elevation).
Today I did some house cleaning involving semi squats, much less than the triggering yardwork, and hopeful it will be proven acceptable this evening!
Over the past week... No yardwork. Maximum community walking 1/2 mile. The only strengthening besides ADLs has been quad sets while relaxing in the recliner.
Upshot: only took low dose codeine twice. Two evening episodes of swelling, one for no discernable reason, one last Friday from sitting in a chair too long during my 2 hours volunteering (I did walkabouts and did one short elevation).
Today I did some house cleaning involving semi squats, much less than the triggering yardwork, and hopeful it will be proven acceptable this evening!
That's a club nobody wants to join. Most, if they do, don't want to go back. Once is enough! I'm glad you're out of it now.
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Today is POD 84: 12 weeks!!!!
PAIN: There is momentary pain getting into the driver's seat of the car, and after sitting too long, severe pain the first half dozen steps of a five minute walk. Parts of the day I'm pain free. Most evenings there's significant deep aching of the lateral quads and ITB just above the kneecap. Have reduced Acetaminophen to 2000 mg/day. Use 15 mg codeine a couple of times a week when the ache drives me nuts.
MOBILITY: I can walk 3/4 mile to nearly a mile at close to my normal pace. I raked a lot the other day without problems and this weekend will try deadheading and pruning again (semisquats). Sitting remains the main cause of stiffness and discomfort. Until I can get into the driver's seat comfortably I won't try the exercise bike again. My ROM is otherwise functional as long as the knees are warmed up with ROM or walking. Doing a very light strenthening exercise twice a week on my own.
SLEEP: I don't need to routinely use my sleep tea or melatonin! One or the other maybe twice a week is all!
PAIN: There is momentary pain getting into the driver's seat of the car, and after sitting too long, severe pain the first half dozen steps of a five minute walk. Parts of the day I'm pain free. Most evenings there's significant deep aching of the lateral quads and ITB just above the kneecap. Have reduced Acetaminophen to 2000 mg/day. Use 15 mg codeine a couple of times a week when the ache drives me nuts.
MOBILITY: I can walk 3/4 mile to nearly a mile at close to my normal pace. I raked a lot the other day without problems and this weekend will try deadheading and pruning again (semisquats). Sitting remains the main cause of stiffness and discomfort. Until I can get into the driver's seat comfortably I won't try the exercise bike again. My ROM is otherwise functional as long as the knees are warmed up with ROM or walking. Doing a very light strenthening exercise twice a week on my own.
SLEEP: I don't need to routinely use my sleep tea or melatonin! One or the other maybe twice a week is all!
You are doing great, @mendogal ! 
I can remember having to park my car in such a way that I could open the driver's door wider so I wouldn't have to bend my leg too much (I couldn't at that point) plus I stopped using my emergency brake because I couldn't bend my left leg enough to push it down. You will get there, don't worry!
I can remember having to park my car in such a way that I could open the driver's door wider so I wouldn't have to bend my leg too much (I couldn't at that point) plus I stopped using my emergency brake because I couldn't bend my left leg enough to push it down. You will get there, don't worry!
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Wednesday was THREE MONTHS on my newer knee (soon will achieve 8 months on number 1)...
I am comfortably taking a one mile walk most days, often with a second half mile walk (walks are early morning and after dinner to avoid ongoing afternoon warmth). A few days ago for the first time I did a mild-moderate hill loop behind the house, about 3/4 mile, and was pleased to take it at a good pace and zero ill effects same or next day. My goal over the next ten days is to extend walking to 1.5 miles.
I returned to yardwork yesterday morning, 20 minutes (didn't take a walk!) Was fine, zero swelling at bedtime; today, some anterior swelling and some aching pain at the back of the knee (no palpable swelling). Will try again in a few days with timer set for 15 minutes. I find timing activities is, for me, highly effective.
I rarely ice anymore; the body says it mostly doesn't want it. I retreat to the Lounge Doctor a couple of times a day for 20-30 minutes and spend same time in the recliner at least 3 times a day.
There's still that palpable ropy lump between front midline thigh and kneecap; it softens with massage but not for long. Flexion isn't impaired, just a tad stiff without massage, so it must be scar tissue. It's manageable.
I know my extension is at a plateau that would make a theoretical PT cry, but the extension is functional for now - stairs are taken sequentially, my stride isn't perfect but I'm not limping. Overall I feel like things are going very well!
I am comfortably taking a one mile walk most days, often with a second half mile walk (walks are early morning and after dinner to avoid ongoing afternoon warmth). A few days ago for the first time I did a mild-moderate hill loop behind the house, about 3/4 mile, and was pleased to take it at a good pace and zero ill effects same or next day. My goal over the next ten days is to extend walking to 1.5 miles.
I returned to yardwork yesterday morning, 20 minutes (didn't take a walk!) Was fine, zero swelling at bedtime; today, some anterior swelling and some aching pain at the back of the knee (no palpable swelling). Will try again in a few days with timer set for 15 minutes. I find timing activities is, for me, highly effective.
I rarely ice anymore; the body says it mostly doesn't want it. I retreat to the Lounge Doctor a couple of times a day for 20-30 minutes and spend same time in the recliner at least 3 times a day.
There's still that palpable ropy lump between front midline thigh and kneecap; it softens with massage but not for long. Flexion isn't impaired, just a tad stiff without massage, so it must be scar tissue. It's manageable.
I know my extension is at a plateau that would make a theoretical PT cry, but the extension is functional for now - stairs are taken sequentially, my stride isn't perfect but I'm not limping. Overall I feel like things are going very well!
As you know, this will all improve as time goes on.
This is a very sensible approach. You’re doing great!
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I like the way you are measuring out activity and rest. Using a timer is a wonderful idea since it's so easy to overdo it once we're feeling better. It seems recovery is going very well for you. You're on your way, mendogal!
A belated Happy Three Month Anniversary!
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Milestones during week 15 on the R knee.
Lost four days of outdoor activity last week due to smoke from distant fires (AQI 120 - 150). Yesterday the air cleared and the temperatures were pleasantly autumnal in the morning. I did a half hour of long overdue yard work (semi squats, pushing two wheelbarrow loads, etc) and it felt good!
After dinner we walked a mile and it still felt good. This morning both knees felt just as they have every morning, so I set out for a walk before anticipated rainfall. A 1.8 mile non stop walk - pretty much the outer limit of my old arthritic R knee on a good day! I'm elevating with a HUGE smile on my face.
I was cutting my Acetaminophen dose, successfully for knee comfort, but had to go back to 3000 mg/day due to a chronic neck issue.
Lost four days of outdoor activity last week due to smoke from distant fires (AQI 120 - 150). Yesterday the air cleared and the temperatures were pleasantly autumnal in the morning. I did a half hour of long overdue yard work (semi squats, pushing two wheelbarrow loads, etc) and it felt good!
After dinner we walked a mile and it still felt good. This morning both knees felt just as they have every morning, so I set out for a walk before anticipated rainfall. A 1.8 mile non stop walk - pretty much the outer limit of my old arthritic R knee on a good day! I'm elevating with a HUGE smile on my face.
I was cutting my Acetaminophen dose, successfully for knee comfort, but had to go back to 3000 mg/day due to a chronic neck issue.
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Great going! You are having such a sensible and good recovery. What a good inspiration you are to others!
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16 weeks post op! Can we please change my thread title to BoneSmart Works!
Milestones this past week:
Walking: today I walked 2.25 miles nonstop! This was my "on a good day" nonstop baseline about two years ago IIRC. Walking has long been my favorite exercise so am super happy!
ROM: after several weeks of not trying the bike at the gym, on Monday I tried again. With the recumbent set at my normal comfortable height, and minimal resistance, it was a very stiff start. I persevered, and the knee warmed up nicely and I did ten minutes very slowly.
Also, the past four or five nights my newer knee became uncomfortable in bed on the single pillow I have used since surgery. So now at least a few hours per night it's happier in extension (I'm guessing with the softness of a bed, it's not at full extension yet, but it's a real marker of improvement!).
Milestones this past week:
Walking: today I walked 2.25 miles nonstop! This was my "on a good day" nonstop baseline about two years ago IIRC. Walking has long been my favorite exercise so am super happy!
ROM: after several weeks of not trying the bike at the gym, on Monday I tried again. With the recumbent set at my normal comfortable height, and minimal resistance, it was a very stiff start. I persevered, and the knee warmed up nicely and I did ten minutes very slowly.
Also, the past four or five nights my newer knee became uncomfortable in bed on the single pillow I have used since surgery. So now at least a few hours per night it's happier in extension (I'm guessing with the softness of a bed, it's not at full extension yet, but it's a real marker of improvement!).
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