Final PT Check

[Simon]

I went back to the PT today for a final check since I finished PT at the end of December (6 months of outpatient PT pt plus a month of inpatient/home PT). I am now 8 months post BTKR and we did get the right one to 120 and the left one to 122. The right one is just a bit short of full extension and the PT said that if you did not know which one had the extension problem you would have a hard time knowing which one did.

It was a very long haul to get them to bend this much as preop the OS did not think we would gain much ROM due to the extent of damage and the very long time they had not bent (they were in the low 90's preop). Can't say enough about a great PT and insurance that did not limit the visits. I still ride my bike everyday and do my exercises and it does may off.

Good luck to everyone.

Simon

 

[1jt@atime]

Simon, it sounds like your replacements have been a success after all you have been through. The low 120s is definitely better then low 90s. Congratulations! Karen

 

[Josephine]

Hey, well done that man! It's great to hear you all getting to the big passing out parade!

And calling, you'll get there too. Just hang in there, girl.

 

[jacques1]

Way to go Simon and Calling...
You both gave me a little lift.
Could someone tell me what a good ROM is?

Deb

 

[calling_all_angels]

Simon,
I think this is good, I am at 94 ROM today. Go for 2 week check tomorrow.
And hope to get other knee set up. Is 94 good for 2 weeks?
^i^

 

[Jamie]

Calling....I'd say 94 is great this early on. Most of us who had a bicycle at home to work on did just what you did....mastered the back peddling before we could go forwards. You'll be surprised how fast you advance if you do just a little of that each day. Short spurts several times a day are better than risking overdoing it at one time.

Simon, what WONDERFUL news. You are doing so well! You worked hard and now you're getting the results. Way to go (high five!)....

 

[Linda2]

Jacques--

ROM is range of motion. I've heard it said that 120 degrees bend lets you do normal activities with no problem--like walking up and down stairs leg over leg--not both feet on each step. 0 extension is the goal, that means your leg will be perfectly straight. I am fortunate, my ROM is from one degree beyond straight to between 140 and 150 depending on the day.

 

[aussie]

Hi all,

Calling, congrats on getting that backward revolution, even though it can hurt it's a great achievement when it happens. I have worked my way down to having the seat at the level I would use it "normally" and can go forwards and backwards now but it took some work, and at times I still have to do a couple of rocks before I can go right around. Keep at it. Also there have been a couple of days I have gotten on the bike and my knee just wouldn't let it go around, but the next day it was back to being able to, so don't be surprised if that happens.

Hmmm as for ROM. I only had 3 short sessions with the PT before they said I didn't have to go anymore, so hearing that everyone knew their ROM I called the physio, (haven't been for about 7 weeks) and asked if I could just come and have them check my extension and ROM, it was 90 when I left. I can do so many more things now, ride the bike, climb stairs, swim everyday, walk without pain, do my exercises, so I was feeling very positive. When she checked it was still 90. UGHHHHH! I was so disappointed, but she was really pleased, I said but how do people get 150? (you must all sit with your ankles behind your ears LOL) She measured my other ROM and it's only 105 although I have great flexibility in it. That made me feel a bit better. She said I was doing great and suggested I don't pay too much attention to the numbers and try to get my knee to equal the other knee. (As in laying on your back with them bent up) My extension still needs some work but I knew that. She also watched me walk and said I had no limp, so my gait was good, but I have been able to walk unaided since I came home at 5 days, I'm not sure if that had anything to do with that.

Hopefully this might help those whose ROM isn't what they hoped it would be. I'll keep working on it.

Have a good day everyone.

Chris
9.5 weeks recovery.

 

[Linda2]

Actually, as a younger woman I could cross my ankles behind my neck. I don't think I'll try it. It was enough at Pilates today to stand on the really high table with one leg raised on a bar doing ballet moves like I used to do at the ballet barre--plies, releves, tournes. I was amazed at myself.

 

[Jamie]

Chris, I think you're doing great too at 9 1/2 weeks!!! You and your therapist are very wise. The goal here is a GOOD life, not a number. So if things are functioning well for you, you're fabulous!

 

[aussie]

Thanks Jamie,

I needed that! Hugs to you.

Chris

 

[Josephine]

The goal here is a GOOD life, not a number.

Well said, that gal! Another quote to add to our list!

 

[backbay38]

Linda2, did you get the hi flex knee?

 

[Linda2]

Nope. Mine is a fixed bearing knee with posterior stabilization. It's made by DePuy and has been around for years, I guess. I agree with Jo; pick your surgeon carefully and let him use what he feels works best according to his experience. I had really good range of motion before my surgery--that's one reason why I didn't wait any longer. I didn't want to lose ROM; it seems to be easier to regain it when you haven't lost it yet.