BTKR - the Bee's Knees for Maggie

[Maggie94]

thanks @sandbar525 I have a recliner cycle downstairs in my"gym" I'll put dusting it off and giving it a test run on my to do list for today - cheers Maggie x

 

[referee54]

The recliner in my living room was my fortress for several weeks after my BTKR.

 

[Maggie94]

thanks @referee54 that seems to be a fairly common occurrence amongst Smarties

 

[Maggie94]

@sandbar525 Well got down n dirty.... cycle dusted off, plugged in and turned on - BINGO it works. Had a giggle - the weight I had programmed in there is about 2 stone less than I am now. EEEEKKKK a bit of a wake up but also a long target post me Bee's Knees. Hope all well wit you today - cheers Maggie x

 

[vinny]

another question to the forum - does anyone have suggestions for quad exercises pre op? I can't do squats or leg presses at the gym but I can to the exercises on the machines for inner and outer thigh muscles - these are strong on both legs. I have seen lots of comment re getting quads strong particularly with extension post op. Any suggestions appreciated. Maggie

Maggie you can't do squats or leg presses because they have no equipment or it is physically impossible?...if you are capable you can use one of those big beach ball type things....I also just but the ball on the wall and leaned into it and did squats that way.. at first I could barely go down and could not hold it and by the end my trainer had me all the way down holding it for a minute...I also had one of those machines where you sit down and lift up the weight at the ankle(dont know what it is called)..and isometrics just like the post op of pointing your toes forward and pressing down....I really believe the pre op work can help a great deal in recovery and quads ,hamstrings and triceps to get out of chairs, off toilet etc are all helpful

 

[Maggie94]

thanks @vinny - my gym has it all - I just can't physically do it - PAIN!!! Understand re the fit ball but again hurties + I am scared of falling. I will try gentle leg extensions while sitting on a chair - Ok for my right but hurts left. Ho hum roll on Bee's Knees!!!!

 

[vinny]

If you can do the bike that will be a big help

 

[Maggie94]

thanks @vinny I am doing the quad contractions (the ones you do post op) on both, leg extensions on the R - doing these 2 exercise types a number of times per day - flex and hold 5 seconds release & repeat - all good fun; and I will do the cycle on a bit of resistance (probably start at 3 out of 10) to get the quad flexed - thinking 10 mins X 2 per day for this one. I can read my book while peddlingHow are you going? Hope all is well - cheers Maggie x

 

[vinny]

Maggie I continue to do so well it's scary...yesterday was 5 weeks 1 day post op and played golf for the 5 th time last week....went to a Christmas party least night and stood for 3 hours but must confess I was knackered by the end of the night after wearing big boy shoes instead of sneakers....nothing today. It washing the car for my wife and chilling out watching football. Next to last physio tomorrow before venturing out on my own. Still worship my knees..........

Vincent

 

[Maggie94]

Hi Vincent - wow big boy shoes - did you feel 6 again So pleased that you are progressing this well. You are right up there with the karate guy on youtube. I wish you and your family a very happy and safe festive season. Keep on the up and up and keep posting - Maggie x

 

[vinny]

Thank you very much for the kind words Maggie...I wish you and your Family a wonderful Christmas too and I look forward to hearing all about your new knees in the New Year....

Vincent

:santawave:

 

[vinny]

Hi Maggie. Sorry I did not get back to you regarding the don joy knee wrap. Mine is large and my thigh is 21 inches around At 6 inches above the knee...hope this helps.​

Merry Christmas Maggie. I hope Santa is good to you

Vincent
:tree2;

 

[kneeper]

I am doing the quad contractions (the ones you do post op) on both, leg extensions on the R - doing these 2 exercise types a number of times per day - flex and hold 5 seconds release & repeat - all good fun; and I will do the cycle on a bit of resistance (probably start at 3 out of 10) to get the quad flexed - thinking 10 mins X 2 per day for this one. I can read my book while peddlingHow are you going? Hope all is well - cheers Maggie x

That sounds pretty good to me. I also was able to use the NuStep before the surgery, but not on too high of a resistance. Right before the surgery almost any activity aggravated the knee.

On your pain question--Jamie is right that it is very individual.
My personal pain scale-

2--there's some pain or achyness, but it's in the background
4--the pain isn't in the background but I'm not focused on it all the time
5-6--it's hard to avoid thinking about the pain, very uncomfortable
7-8
10--

 

[Phil75070]

@kneeper I like your pain scale. Much more descriptive than just being asked for a number between 1 and 10 and not understanding at what point a given number should be applied. .

 

[Maggie94]

@kneeper I agree with @Phil75070 your pain scale is much easier to empathize with... + you only have to remember 4 levels forget 10 cause it ain't gonna happen and if it does I'll be unconscious

 

[Maggie94]

thanks @vinny I have ordered 2 large ones from the UK - they are in the post as I type. I am 5'9'' and 185 so I figured large would do it. I'll probable get a couple of additional ice pacs for them once I see the size. I'm also going to have the famous packet of frozen peas on standby. Cheers, Maggie x

 

[referee54]

I used these:

Gelpacs 12"X18"---they were excellent.

I still have them and use them for bumps, bruises, and strains.

 

[vinny]

they will work well for you Maggie...they stay frozen for over an hour and cold for longer.....I have one on now while catching up and having my morning 6 cups of coffee.....

Vincent

 

[Maggie94]

He he.... Love the coffee fix @vinny Thank you for the heads up on these. I figure just load then up with frozen gel PACs, strap them on and lie back and relax.... Well that's the plan. Maggie x

 

[TexasTee]

Interesting update - my OS gave me a book for the hospital that I will be recovering at and it included their pain scale - very helpful for speaking the same language!!