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TKR Coming along<<

I sleep with my legs on my foam wedge elevator. When I wake up in the morning, or during the night, I’ll bend my knee into a stretch, keeping my foot on the wedge, bringing my foot down the slope of the wedge.

Even at this late date from surgery, almost 2 years, I’m getting a better and more relaxed bend this way. Proof that ROM can continue for quite a while and all the fuss our medical team makes about it early on only creates unnecessary anxiety for us.
 
@NavyGunns
Thanks for the tip! I tried it and though not that comfortable, can do it! Yay, makes me feel I'm doing more to help myself.
Off subject, I just got a call from a friend who had her knee replacement 2 weeks ahead of me. She said she doesn't even feel it anymore, like she never had it done. Shes 12 weeks PO, exercising like crazy, dont know how, its very disturbing to me because it's all I think about.
Thanks
 
I had a very difficult time still at 12 weeks! There are many like you and me, so try not to let it bother you.

My replacement was March, 2017. That Christmas, 2017, I was talking with an acquaintance who had his knee replaced in July of 2017, so 4 months after me. He was way ahead of me in feeling better and ability and ROM. The nicest part was that he DID understand what I was still going through, and he did not boast of his success, he said he knew he was lucky with his recovery and did not belittle my continued struggles.

I had others who looked at me like I had 3 heads because I was still struggling and told me I wasn’t doing ______(fill in the blank)
 
That's why we say to never compare knees. The surgeon, the previous surgeries on your knee, the damage inside of it, your overall health and many more things affect how anyone's recovery goes. Even different knees on the same body recovery differently. You are unique and not in a cookie cutter recovery! Please don't let other people get you down. You are doing well!
 
@Jockette
Thank you for that. It's a good reminder that I am not in a competition with her or anyone. I wasn't in the best shape going into this surgery, and my friend did pre-hab. I could barely bend my knee prior to surgery. I did manage to lose 30 pounds for it though.
@sistersinhim
Thanks for that!!! I spoke with another friend this evening whom I didnt even know just had a revision, she had to have a new spacer put in after 10 years. She is only 3 days po and her attitude is very positive. She was consoling me! I'm such a whimp!
 
This surgery makes anyone a wimp!
 
@sistersinhim
I'm now getting these new pinchy sensations under my knee. I'm so tired of navigating all these weird feelings and that constant low grade pain. When is it going to end? I sometimes feel like I'm at my wits end. I was going to go back to work at 12 weeks. I have to walk about 50% of the time.
 
Could your pinchy pains be what we call zingers? They are nerves that are repairing and reattaching and feel like lightning bolts going through your knee. They can hurt like crazy and last for months. At least they are quick when they hit.

These knees will hurt all over in different places at different times. It's like each area wants their time for attention!
 
The PT told me that my IT band on side of knee is tight and it pinches. The diagram shows the IT band attaches below the knee. I assume its the IT band pulling. Theres also a tendon under.knee cap...who.knows? Will Gabapentin help with nerve pain?
 
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I've not taken Gabapentin, so I can't help you there. But, others on here have. It has helped some and not helped others. Hopefully, someone with the experience will answer your question.
 
@Josephine
I am having tight pain alongside and under my R tkr knee which I thought was IT band pain, that could have been pulling at my kneecap as well. I know there is a patella tendon under knee also. Would you please help me determine where the pain is coming from so I could address it properly?
I went to new PT for massage (only) and afterward it felt somewhat better so I've been massaging it on my own according to the Bonesmart video for IT band massage. It helps a little.
I walk very little around the house due to broken bone in non surgical foot so my activity level is nil. I flex and bend my leg gently while sitting.
Thanks.
Dale
 
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@Elad1002

Hey there :) I don’t know the answer to any of your questions, but just wanted to say I’m sorry you’re experiencing those symptoms and that they’re worrying you.

My LTKR done last year (12/2017) really did take almost a full year to fully heal.

And the full healing kind of happened without my even noticing it - I just found myself zipping around with a lot of confidence and no pain and (almost) no stiffness. Happy days.

Right now I’m where you are - worrying a bit about the daily changes in this RTKR that was done about 7 1/2 weeks ago.

I’m not saying not to worry (I’m worrying too some - this knee feels more stable than the last one, but seems to be less bendy because it’s more swollen).

It’s a long haul.
 
@ebungalow
Thank you for your note and your kind words. I appreciate you sharing your experience with me. I need to get in a better frame of mind, and just let nature take its course. In my youth I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder but severe anxiety has not bothered me in many years. It was triggered by this surgery and the "health anxiety" has at times left me shivering in a corner. I just want my life back. My knee is swollen and sore every day, I wake up with it, and go to bed with it. I ice and rest and bend as much as I can. I'm becoming quite frustrated and that gives me more anxiety. Everyone I know has done better at 8 weeks than I have at 9- I know, dont compare...but I do.
Anyway thanks for listening, this group has been so supportive!
Thanks
Dale
 
@Elad1002

Oh my gosh - anxiety is so rough!!

I don’t have an anxiety disorder, but my daughter really struggles with it at times so I’ve seen how AWFUL it can be. She arrived on this planet with a tendency to be anxious.

I have had a couple of extremely anxious periods in my life, and I told my daughter that I think I’ve gotten just a tiny taste of what she must feel like sometimes and it was just horrid. Horrid. Racing mind, fear, etc.

So <hugs>
 
@ebungalow
Yes, I keep thinking that everything that can go wrong will go wrong. I know it's my anxiety running wild. The truth is that if something happens, I'll deal with it then, that's what we all do, right? Well I've been gripped by fear...I have an appointment with a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders...so I will start there.
Thanks for being there, means a lot! Bless your daughter, I have been anxiety free for awhile. This surgery threw me for a loop.
 
Just wondering if anyone here could suggest the best type of probiotic since the market is flooded with them. I went through 3 courses of antibiotics in 6 weeks after surgery and my bowels arent working well as a result. Wondering if a probiotic would help. Yogurt has not helped me to restore function.
 
@Elad1002, I had a similar situation that added to complications from a different, unrelated digestive issue. My PCP recommended Align or whatever equivalent there may be at your store. For me, he suggested doubling the dosage for the first week. I suggest you check with your PCP or at least a pharmacist first before doing anything similar.
 
@NavyGunns
Thank you. I am looking at one called Florastar right now, and saw Align as well. It gets confusing with all the reviews both positive and negative.
I will call my PCP later today. Thanks
Dale
 
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