TKR Flexion Range extremely low

[Josephine]

They did get it 110 but 90 is what I'm achieving by myself.

That's actually very good under the circumstances.

I need to find out how often I should be exercising at home as I don't want to over do. I mean 30 minutes 3 times a day or should it more?
Given this info am I doing enough in your opinion?

You need to read this article Some suggestions for home physio (PT) and activity progress (which was given you in post #9 of this thread). It's all spelled out in there. And btw, do remember that less is invariably more! Meaning that more exercising gets you less improvement!

On top of that I'm doing around 30 mins CPM twice a day

CPMs are actually okay to keep the knee moving but they contribute little or nothing to the overall ROM. The clue is in the name - continuous passive motion. Passive means your muscles are doing nothing in this activity yet it's your muscles that are responsible for ROM. How long have you to keep using it?

I probably don't mean leg raise, I mean from the knee to straighten it not the whole leg.

That's a leg raise - commonly referred to as a short leg raise!

Does anyone know how long you have to wear surgical stockings?

I wore mine for 4 days!

 

[maryo52]

I found that it took about two weeks to get over the trauma of MUA. Try not to get discouraged if it's weeks before your ROM rises above what you were pre-MUA.

 

[Diesellily]

Josephine, I'm so so sorry Yes you did post this for me earlier in this thread. I will write it out by hand and stick it on my cupboard. I've got the CPM until the 18th July. It doesn't contribute to the ROM, as you say, but as I drink my coffee and watch TV I find it helps loosen that tight band feeling in the morning without much effort before doing the PT exercises.

4 days for the compression tights, really? I must be hanging on to mine like a security blanket or something. They will be ditched..........maybe tomorrow .

I found that it took about two weeks to get over the trauma of MUA. Try not to get discouraged if it's weeks before your ROM rises above what you were pre-MUA.

That doesn't surprise me given what the surgeon does for MUA. I watched it being done on youtube, after my procedure of course else I would've stayed home on Monday!

 

[Diesellily]

Been thinking about it and the last two knee ops I had I was in plaster for 6 weeks before commencing PT. If I look at it this the same way with my PKR then I am only a week into PT. Feeling better already

 

[maryo52]

Glad you're feeling better.

This post-MUA business is tough territory. They do something to make things better, supposedly, yet the progress does not become evident for weeks. I remember being so nervous that the scar tissue would would re-establish itself. If you thought you had to be patient before, you're forced to be doubly so now. Sympathies!

 

[Diesellily]

It is tough. It's like it's gone back several stages with the swelling especially with the weather being so hot and dry at the moment. But flexion is still better than before the MUA so I'm trying to stay positive with it.Certainly does try the patient's patience though :D

 

[Diesellily]

See my OS tomorrow. Kind of dreading it. It's if my lack of progress is perceived as his failure.

 

[maryo52]

My OS also took my difficult recovery hard. It showed most after my arthrolysis. He swung in while I was munching on crackers getting ready to go home. He blurted out, "I only got 95 on the table. You'll be lucky to keep 90." That was hard. But, honey, if you are bending past where you were before MUA, that's half the battle. These adhesions have attachment points (thus the term "adhesions") that literally tether structures within the knee to each other to prevent range of motion. That you're beyond your old ROM is great news. It will increase but it's slower than molasses!!! We seriously need to start a Turtle Club on Bonesmart.

 

[Diesellily]

Just got back from my OS check up. All seems well, have to keep up with PT once per week and start weekly hydro on Thursday plus the exercises at home. Obtained 91 degrees on CPM this morning but real ROM is probably around the 80 mark. I'm pretty pleased with that considering all the swelling. Still can't stand for too long before it balloons but that goes with the territory. They want to see me in 2 weeks time.

One thing I'm confused about is they have told me I should only ice for 10 mins 3 times a day as I might damage muscles or tendons or something. I know about ice burns etc but not heard of damaging the inside???

 

[Diesellily]

Just read about ice in the Library section and I prefer the use as much as possible view but couldn't find any regarding internal damage issues.

 

[maryo52]

Cold helps swelling by decreasing local circulation, but then circulation brings healing. In my mind, it's a balancing act.

I hope bending to 91 and getting that measurement did not hurt because that one act can undo progress. Personally I refused to be measured because (a) I could eyeball my progress and (b) the focus on numbers worked against me psychologically.

BTW if they knocked you out your leg would bend further. No doubt you have some guarding. I think you are golden and it's just a matter of time, patience and vigilant gentleness.

 

[Diesellily]

Thank you for your kind words. I managed 91 on CPM but I don't take that as gospel. The mirror is a more accurate measure and I would honestly say Im nearer 80. Im happy with that as its still more than the 15 that I first went to PT with. No it doesn't hurt but is uncomfortable. I will tolerate uncomfortable but no more that that. I have learnt this from the forum.

 

[Diesellily]

Having a fed up day

 

[grumpyj]

stay cheerfull enjoy life its precious

 

[Diesellily]

I'm trying to. Just having a glitch and feeling I'm not doing enough and being a burden. Tomorrow is a new day x

 

[Celle]

Ah, Lilly, feeling down and getting those feelings you have now is perfectly normal. Most of us can sympathise, because we've been there!

Unfortunately, it's part of this recovery process. Hang in there! It will pass!

 

[My knee Charlie]

Aww sorry about your bad day. Hugs coming your way

 

[kneeper]

It's ok to let it out sometimes. and you're right--tomorrow is a new day. hugs

 

[Diesellily]

Awwww thanks guys you're all so sweet. I thought I was passed the 'down days' by now but I guess this will go on for a good while yet. Today I feel ok.

Went to my first Hydro this morning, it was lovely but feeling very tired now. Ice and elevate and a bit TV should fix that. OMG I didn't realise how heavy I felt getting out and I didn't eat or drink anything whilst in the pool !

 

[Josephine]

It's if my lack of progress is perceived as his failure.

I've known surgeons who shut themselves in their office and cried over patients! Big braw men too, rugby playing types and so full of self-confidence. Yes, they can take it personally.

Just read about ice in the Library section and I prefer the use as much as possible view but couldn't find any regarding internal damage issues.

Do you mean internal damage caused by icing?