TKR Finally made it

[newnee]

Well tomorrow is another fun filled day of PT. I was happy that I reached 95 ROm at my last session. They tried something differant they put me on the flexinator again but this time piled nice warm fluffy towels on my thigh the warmth made my thigh muscles feel so good and when the measured me i was able to hit 95. I have finally hit the sleep wall I am tired but when I lay down I sleep for about 2-3 hours and then wake up. Knee swelled up a bit more today. It seems like every step forward I take lately I take 2 backwards. I feel like I am going through this alone sometimes and I find myself crying for no reason at all. Then I feel guilty and selfish because my best friend is going through chemo. The sad thing is she is here for me more than anyone else. I love her dearly and I try to understand that her kids, who are as dear to me as if they were my own kiddos, are worried about her and just because they don't visit me doesn't mean they don't love me too.

 

[karmigirl]

Mary,

Hang in there girl, you have to realize your are not even a mnth out of surgery yet. You are doing great for where you are. Still more time to have sleep issues and all the rest. Please don't feel like you have t be alone someone is always here to talk to. You need to now we have all been there and that we really care about you. Hope you start feeling better and in time things will truly get better.

 

[bottomshollow]

Oh, Mary, you know that things are going to get better. But right now I know its hard when there's not another human being around to put an arm around you and tell you that you are doing great for so soon after surgery.

You've given so many pep talks to others as you waited patiently for your turn for that new knee. Gotta give yourself one a day at least, and all your Bone Smartie friends will do what we can to keep those spirits up.

Please take care of yourself and your new knee. Keep us posted--and cry on our shoulders whenever you need. We care. Judy

 

[vegasmomof3]

Mary your ROM is good! Don't worry bout the numbers cuz they will go up and down! You are still early in the TKR roller coaster! You are going thru a lot of emotions right now. Not only are you dealing with your TKR surgery but a dear friend is going thru chemo. ((hugs)) to you. Stay positive and it's ok to cry, I'm pretty sure that everyone does it! I have cried a lot in the first few weeks over the silliest things. I must admit I Lol a lot at myself too! Here's to a better day. Take one day at a time. Try not to focus on what you were able to do yesterday and not today! We are all on this journey for the long haul and it can definitely wear down our patience at times.

Margei

 

[bottomshollow]

Such kindness and good advice, Margie. Have been monitoring your posts---your recovery has really been terrific---you're just doing so well and you are so positive----I love it.

Take care. Judy

 

[Jamie]

I agree!!!! Don't get discouraged.....things will get better. One thing that can contribute to those "down" feelings is being tired. So please do allow yourself as much rest as you can get. Getting the "blues" after surgery is very common. Most of us experienced it at some point. Take a look at this link from the BoneSmart Library:

Getting the Blues after Surgery

 

[newnee]

Hi thanks all:ThankYou:. It is comforting having such a wonderful family you guys are great. PT was not too bad today I was on the bike and I was so close to making a backward revoution. I was just inches away when finally I I got so close that I pushed and made a revolution. It was rough but not painful. I could not make another revolution but that is ok. Still feeling a little down but I think I see some light approaching from the end of the tunnel I hope it is not a train coming in to run me overMy friend took me to the store then we went out to eat We were talking and actually the kids have not come over to see her much either. At least we have each other to get us through this she is going in for surgery on Monday to have an aneurism removed. This poor lady has been through she is so due to get some good news.

 

[Jazyb]

Hi Mary
I'm just catching up with you and I really felt for you on your previous post. I think you are at that tricky stage of recovery when you can feel down and wonder how long it's all going to take to feel slightly normal again. I remember feeling low about this stage but in a week or so it all changed and I could see progress. As all the experienced Bonesmarties have said it will all fall into place eventually - the knee is in charge!!

Well done on the bike - great news!! I wish your friend all the best for her surgery on Monday. Have a good weekend!

 

[Ditzzeechick]

It seems like we all go thru a 4 week cycle of frustration and impatience where we question our progress. I'm coming up into week 8 with my right knee and week 7 on my left and feel like I should be so much further along than I am. Where is the patience fairy when we need them? Good luck to you and your friend too, Mary!

 

[newnee]

Today I slept most of the day. My leg is aching from the ankle to the hip. So I have pretty much stayed in bed most of the day. It seems pain and energy wise I keep going backwards. I tell myself this is normal and it will pass but I still get frustrated. Guess I am on the down side of the roller coaster ride can't wait for this ride to turn and hit the up side. Thanks to all of you I will get through this. to those new folks reading my post don't get discouraged I may be going through a rough patch but this to will pass it is all better that the pain I had before because I know this pain will pass

 

[referee54]

Mary your ROM is good! Don't worry bout the numbers cuz they will go up and down! i

Excellent advice! you are on a roller coaster ride and will have good, great, and lousy days---don't even try to figure out why!!!

Don't worry about the numbers, either---the PT's are big into that, but you just keep on keepin' on! The PT's are into quantitative stuff, so let them focus on the numbers---you go about your business of recovery.

 

[Jazyb]

A big hug being sent to you Mary

 

[Elizak]

Hi Mary,
We had surgery on the same date ! It is wonderful to hear how well you are doing with your new knee ! The PT sounds very tough, you are brave in working through it and also getting out with your friend.
A friend reminded me today that sleep is when our bodies really go into high gear healing, so I am feeling better about sleeping so much.
I have gotten the weepy moments as well. Boredom has driven me to watch more movies in the last few weeks than in the past 20 years and anything remotely sad really turns on the waterworks ! Even the Walton Easter Movie made me cry and then I felt really silly. Wishing you the best and hoping your pain is better.
Courtney

 

[newnee]

Well I am not so depressed today I am still having pain issues my whole leg is hurting but recovery is a roller coaster ride. Part of my problem is I am stressing out about my dear friend who has an aneurism removed yesterday and is due to come home from the hospital today thank you to all for your encouraging words. The z monster has found me again and i am going back to bed good night

 

[Jazyb]

Glad to read you feel a little brighter Mary but the pain issues will ease up when your knee gives the green light. It's good to sleep, as you know that's when your body does most of the healing - so enjoy the naps!! I hope you get some good news regarding your friend.

 

[Nyland]

Dear Mary,
Bless your heart! I hope that when you wake up everything turns to the better for you. I also ope that your friend gets good news and feels better.

 

[newnee]

My friend made it through the surgery but is having a hard time with depression I can't blame her for that she has been through so much. Hopefully i only have one more week of PT I made it to 100 ROM. I still have a hard time making a revolution on the bike but that will come. My knee is stiff but the swelling has gone way down. Still having pain in the lower leg and ankle. All in all I am feeling ok. Time for bed

 

[newnee]

Hopefully tomorrow is my last day for PT I have to make ROM of 110 before tey will dismiss me. Wednesday I was at 103. They said I can use the cane only around the house or if I am going short distances, but to use the walker if I am going out for a while like shopping. i am looking forward to losing the walker, actually I am looking forward to losing both but I will take it one day at a time I still get a strange feeling like my knee wants to give out Guess I still need to work on muscle strength.

I have felt better today. The past week I was havng problems with pain and swelling. gotta love the roller coaster ride. Stamina is still a problem I cant seem to stay up longer than a couple hours before I get exhausted and need to lay down.

 

[1cruiselvr]

Hi Mary.....My surgery date was just a few days from yours. I feel the same way and discussed this with my OS today. He said it's normal and not to worry about it. I know it's frustrating as like me, you are probably use to being more active than we have the energy for right now, but hang in there, and every day should be a tiny step towards normalcy again. Take care.

 

[vegasmomof3]

Hi Mary- You have better ROM than me!!:biggrin: Im in the 90's and im pleased with that. I will keep working at it til I get to where I want to be. The statement that everyone recovers different is soo true!! Stay focused on the light ahead, even if its seems dark, soon enough it will appear!

Margie