Do you think anything in particular made the difference? If it was the tape we better buy some stock in whatever company makes it!
Hi Jozilla, I think the biggest thing to help my recovery has been
time. But that doesn't address the question of why it has taken so long. I have a
theory. All the medical attention I've received since my operation has been focussed on physical things eg, scar tissue, misalignment, weak muscles etc. But I think the problem is to do with neuropathic pain (a dysfunction in the nervous system). This issue can take a very long time to put itself right - if it ever does.
The elastic compression sleeve, I am so heavily dependent on, is so worn it no longer provides any compression. And I don't apply the physio tape so that it acts as a splint. But both still work. So what am I getting from them? TOUCH. At the year and a half stage, so long as my TKR is being touched, the right nervous stimulation seems to be restored and tells my brain everything is OK. This in turn improves how my knee feels and my quality of life.
Well that's my theory. I don't know much so I cannot explain things more scientifically . Whether I will be able to ditch the sleeve and the tape only more time will tell.
Does this all sound a bit far-fetched? I've heard of people who have phantom pain when they have limbs removed - they don't have a leg, but they experience leg pain. I think that too is an example of sensory processing.
As I said its only my theory, but it seems to make sense, and certainly none of the medical profession have come up with anything else as to why my recovery is taking so long. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these last few days are a sign I've turned a corner. Carol
ps:bet you wish you'd never asked now
New Zealand
Carol, I was just thinking, what if the newbies decide to read your thread for
Do you think working with the ankle weights & P.T. Helped ?
