@Jamie Just got back from a week in Spain. My knee behaved so well I wanted to write about it as I think its the conclusion to my TKR journey. Its the happy ending I've been waiting for and would finish my story that you condensed and put in the BS library.
Last week I went on holiday to Spain. I was nervous. I had no idea how my knee would cope with all the extra demands of travelling, flying, carrying luggage, lots of walking etc. 20 months in recovery is a long time - more so because I thought it would take about 6 months. That caused me to worry, seek second opinions and generally seek more support from my BS friends than I sometimes thought was reasonable. Looking back I now see that it shattered my confidence. This is why the trip abroad was such a challenge. I probably would have cancelled it last minute if it weren't that I would have let my sister down.
Anyways off I went GUESS WHAT? My knee was fine. I walked a lot, danced a bit and generally had a good time. I noticed that I was using my leg quite naturally - even turning over in bed wasn't done with knee in mind. I don't want this to sound like a miracle just happened. I doubt I will ever join that group of people whose TKR feels just like a normal knee. My ROM is fairly average 120/0 and I still have to wear my elastic calf support (just below the knee). It makes things just that bit more comfortable, but I now feel that life has got back to normal, and I am not thinking knee every minute of every day and worrying myself that I might have to have further surgery. Oh I also found a brilliant pair of shoes Skechers Go Walk 2 that really put a spring in my step, so that helped as well.
As for the tight band feeling that has bothered me for so long. Well it hasn't gone away. I can still feel the inner workings of my knee. The difference is that my head now accepts it. There's no pain, it just feels different. I have an appointment with the second opinion OS on 5 December. Might even cancel that appointment. I'll decide nearer the time.
I don't know why my knee has taken so long to recover. There was nothing unusual about my pre op condition (just bone on bone caused my arthritis). Nor was there anything unusual about my op. I never needed MUA. I had physiotherapy, but never let anyone hurt me. I was never a member of ODIC. There was a theory that it might have been due to excess scar tissue, but nothing conclusive. It remains a mystery. This just goes to show that we really are all different, and that it takes as long as it takes. So dear Reader, if you are worried that you are in the slow lane. Please, please do not despair . I am proof positive that the `give it time' philosophy really does work. Thanks BS. Wouldn't have liked to have done it alone. Carol
United States
I hope you are enjoying your Vacation
& keeps putting me in
I MISS YOU !!!!!!!! 
It was alright at first, but it is definately
If it were up to her, I would be serving her Rueben sandwiches ( Her Favorite )
Is it really that bad to 
