I’m so very sorry you are having a rough time! I had trouble with Tramadol,& couldn’t tolerate the opioids. I did hold off for a long time getting the anti nausea medication, but once I finally got it, it helped. My appetite was still “off”, & I lost 10 pounds or so, ( and, as my PT pointed out, most likely muscle, which hampered some of the exercises & progress), but it’s coming back since I’m off the IV antibiotics. But that anti nausea medication really did help. Wish I’d asked for it sooner. ( I can be a bit hard-headed ).
One exercise that I do is on our stairs, if you have a 2-story house. (moderators, please correct me if you disagree with this one, the PT. who first had me do this could be a bit aggressive on some of his exercises, but my local PT ok’d this one). I put my TKR foot on the second stair, grab the rails for support & gently move forward ( just till you feel the stretch, not pain)- 5 of these. I hold the position a few seconds. After the 5, I then extend my leg , hold for 30 seconds, again, not to point of pain, but a stretch. Then 5 more of the bends. In total, 3 stretches & 15 bends. Or maybe a small stool if you don’t have stairs. That has helped me some. I hope this is helpful. Also, my PT always stresses for me to tighten my thigh muscles as much as I can when I do the extension exercise where you lay down & extend your TKR leg raise it to the level of your other leg, which is bent. Hold briefly, then SLOWLY lower your TKR leg, all the time holding that thigh tight, & control the leg. It was hard at first, I really had to focus, but has become easier to do correctly. ( I Still have to focus! I’m easily distracted). I hope these might be of some help.
I feel so bad for what you’re going through, & I’ll be keeping you in my prayers, for sure. Oh, and ( again, moderators, please correct me if you disagree)...my thighs would ache sometimes from all the work they’re having to do, & I found if I put heat on them for a bit, it really helped. I kept it off my knee & scar, & they don’t ache now.... but I sure am reminded that those muscles in thigh, and calves are still weak. Finally getting to take a bath instead of shower was a Shock as I lowered myself into the tub!
. Btw, my extension is still struggling to get there, but both my PT and my Dr assured me that it will get there. In fact, my Dr reminded me on my last visit that full recovery is generally a Year process. And he was pleased with the progress I do have, even though I’m sure he sees better & faster. And you have been through a lot, in addition to the TKR. No doubt, these little “ surprises “ along the way can slow down our progress. Don’t be hard on yourself or compare yourself to someone else. And remember my older sister’s Dr’s sage advice. : “ if you’re just a Little better each day, that is progress”. I remind myself of that every day, it has been a big help to me since my cleanout surgery. ( she is 80 & had fainted after surgery, had a concussion & broke several vertebrae in her back, it had helped her to remember this. She’s fine now)
Do take care, & take heart. I’ll be watching for your posts. You were one of the very first folks I saw on this forum, you, SusieQ, & Hawk2go... I always love your photo of your cute little dogs.
United Kingdom
nurse that knee, and elevate as much as you can to reduce the swelling xx
I’ll certainly try your exercise suggestions, they are very helpful. I find that I keep cheating with the exercises, not intentionally, but I seem to unconsciously find subtle ways of making them easier.
