MUA Frustrated!!
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Chris Cruz
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I haven't posted in a while so I thought I'd give a quick update.
I had PT on Monday with the male therapist and he wasn't too bad, he showed me some "new' exercises to do at home. Although, I did sense some frustration on his end with me. He stated that I "don't have a high tolerance to pain (which I apparently don't) and that is inhibiting my progress.
I ended up cancelling my appointment on Wednesday due to a stomach bug. I see the female therapist tomorrow morning and she is much more mellow!
I've been doing the home exercises he showed me on Monday which consist of standing in front of my kitchen sink, bending down as much as I can and then "dropping my butt". I've been doing it faithfully since Monday and using the CPM machine. I wake up today and my knee feels as stiff as a board all day! I couldn't tolerate the new exercise today but I managed to do my CPM machine for 3 hours but only sent to 70 degrees.
My knee again feels as though I have a tight rubber band around it. I've been icing all night long with my Polar Cube, elevating and resting.
I want to call the surgeon and ask him What the Heck is going on? But...my PT said that wouldn't be a good idea....I need to "work hard with PT" (exactly what the surgeon told my husband after my MUA). *sigh*
I'm almost out of pain medication so I'm going to have to call him for a refill anyway. I have a follow-up appointment with him on May 24 (seems so far away)!!!
Sorry I was jumping around a bit and again...thank you all for letting me whine!!!
Have a great night my BoneSmart Friends!
I had PT on Monday with the male therapist and he wasn't too bad, he showed me some "new' exercises to do at home. Although, I did sense some frustration on his end with me. He stated that I "don't have a high tolerance to pain (which I apparently don't) and that is inhibiting my progress.
I ended up cancelling my appointment on Wednesday due to a stomach bug. I see the female therapist tomorrow morning and she is much more mellow!
I've been doing the home exercises he showed me on Monday which consist of standing in front of my kitchen sink, bending down as much as I can and then "dropping my butt". I've been doing it faithfully since Monday and using the CPM machine. I wake up today and my knee feels as stiff as a board all day! I couldn't tolerate the new exercise today but I managed to do my CPM machine for 3 hours but only sent to 70 degrees.
My knee again feels as though I have a tight rubber band around it. I've been icing all night long with my Polar Cube, elevating and resting.
I want to call the surgeon and ask him What the Heck is going on? But...my PT said that wouldn't be a good idea....I need to "work hard with PT" (exactly what the surgeon told my husband after my MUA). *sigh*
I'm almost out of pain medication so I'm going to have to call him for a refill anyway. I have a follow-up appointment with him on May 24 (seems so far away)!!!
Sorry I was jumping around a bit and again...thank you all for letting me whine!!!
Have a great night my BoneSmart Friends!
It is so easy for someone else to say that you do not have a high tolerance for pain when they are not the ones feeling it. Besides, pain is not a good motivator and not good for you or the knee. If you have pain the knee will react and swell and hurt and not let you do things. If you have pain, you do not have the stamina and oomph to want to continue pushing it. Slow and gentle stretches get you further. Do something for a few stretches and rest/ice and elevate and then do it again in an hour or two. I do mean short time. This is the advice from so many here who have recovered following these steps - sometimes it just takes longer for some knees than others. It is OK this is not a sprint and there are no special awards for doing it faster than anyone.
Your PTs negativity and lack of empathy and support is appalling. I would ask not to be scheduled with him at all. Keep doing what you feel is right for you - they do not have all the answers.
Your PTs negativity and lack of empathy and support is appalling. I would ask not to be scheduled with him at all. Keep doing what you feel is right for you - they do not have all the answers.
I will keep my fingers crossed for you, Chris. Your PT and ortho are convincing you to follow a strategy that I and most everyone on here disagrees with, including a few of us who have been down this road, but I realize we have to respect your choice. Best wishes that things will turn the corner soon.
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Chris Cruz
junior member
maryo52: I've been following what you all have been saying to me! Rest, ice, elevate. I've only been doing gentle stretches and then back to my icing. I've told them to back off on aggressive therapy and although I can sense my male PT's frustration..I don't care anymore! It's my knee...not his!!!
I do feel I have to continue with PT because of my concerns with me seeing the ortho in a few weeks. I have told them to be less aggressive (which they have been). I saw the female therapist yesterday and she did gentle massage and gentle stretching and positive energy. It was the best therapy session I've ever had (I didn't achieve any new degrees of bend but I'm totally okay with that)!
I do appreciate everything you all have told me and I've been living the mantra of BoneSmart. Obviously, aggressive PT doesn't work for me and I've come to the conclusion that if it takes twice as long for me to heal..then so be it! I have nothing but time in my future (LOL)!!!
I do feel I have to continue with PT because of my concerns with me seeing the ortho in a few weeks. I have told them to be less aggressive (which they have been). I saw the female therapist yesterday and she did gentle massage and gentle stretching and positive energy. It was the best therapy session I've ever had (I didn't achieve any new degrees of bend but I'm totally okay with that)!
I do appreciate everything you all have told me and I've been living the mantra of BoneSmart. Obviously, aggressive PT doesn't work for me and I've come to the conclusion that if it takes twice as long for me to heal..then so be it! I have nothing but time in my future (LOL)!!!
The exercise you describe, bending down and "dropping your butt," sounds aggressive, and you report a backlash. 
Though you're right, apparently you've said no to the extent that your male PT is frustrated. So good job there!
Though you're right, apparently you've said no to the extent that your male PT is frustrated. So good job there!
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Chris Cruz
junior member
@mary052: what gentle exercises do you recommend? I've been doing heel slides while sitting in my chair/laying in bed and also putting my foot up on the first step and stretching that way.
Any suggestions would be appreciated or do you have a link to gentle stretching?
PS...I haven't done the butt drop thing since Wednesday because I could barely move my knee on Thursday.
Any suggestions would be appreciated or do you have a link to gentle stretching?
PS...I haven't done the butt drop thing since Wednesday because I could barely move my knee on Thursday.
Sadperson
junior member
Hang in there, I think we all go through highs and lows. The battle is certainly tougher than I thought. It will be worth it in the end. I learned more from this site than the experts as well as got support and encouragement. The guys here cannot answer all the questions but they sure are wonderful.
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Chris Cruz
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Sadperson: I couldn't agree more, this site has been a life saver for me! The members have given me encouragement and helped me learn to stand up for myself!
I also agree...this has been much tougher than I ever imagined but I'm hopeful that someday I will look back at this struggle and think...I made it thru it!!!!!
I also agree...this has been much tougher than I ever imagined but I'm hopeful that someday I will look back at this struggle and think...I made it thru it!!!!!
When you do the "butt drop" thing, it sounds as if all your weight is used to push a stretch. The no-no here is pushing the stretch. Dancers and athletes push stretches. For us it's a different matter because those tissues have been recently injured (and then re-injured during MUA).
A gentle stretch involves bending until your knee stops being willing to bend and holding it there 30-60 seconds. I did 10 a session twice a day. Period. Nothing else. No strengthening. No butt dropping or anything dropping or weights or lifts. And that's what worked for me. You have to decide what works for you, Chris. I'm so glad you didn't that routine again. Strengthening exercises builds muscle, and building muscle involves tearing muscle according to what I understand. You don't want to do that to recently injured tissues. I did no strengthening exercises until my leg started bending beyond 100.
What your OS and the male PT are thinking is totally logical: do your best every day to bend the leg as much as possible, and it will gain in time. This is what they want you to "work hard" at. But, again, it doesn't seem to work that way with TKR knees because of the tissue injury, and it certainly doesn't work for people who have scar tissue or swelling.
I too used the CPM machine. But again, it should not hurt when it reaches the top of the bend. So I'm guessing that's why you didn't go beyond 70
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Chris, so glad you're sticking with us. I really want to see you win this one!!
A gentle stretch involves bending until your knee stops being willing to bend and holding it there 30-60 seconds. I did 10 a session twice a day. Period. Nothing else. No strengthening. No butt dropping or anything dropping or weights or lifts. And that's what worked for me. You have to decide what works for you, Chris. I'm so glad you didn't that routine again. Strengthening exercises builds muscle, and building muscle involves tearing muscle according to what I understand. You don't want to do that to recently injured tissues. I did no strengthening exercises until my leg started bending beyond 100.
What your OS and the male PT are thinking is totally logical: do your best every day to bend the leg as much as possible, and it will gain in time. This is what they want you to "work hard" at. But, again, it doesn't seem to work that way with TKR knees because of the tissue injury, and it certainly doesn't work for people who have scar tissue or swelling.
I too used the CPM machine. But again, it should not hurt when it reaches the top of the bend. So I'm guessing that's why you didn't go beyond 70
.Chris, so glad you're sticking with us. I really want to see you win this one!!
skigirl
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Chris, sounds like you are doing well with asserting yourself. This is good practice for the rest of your life!!
"Tight band" feeling across the front of my knee
"Tight band" feeling across the front of my knee
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Chris Cruz
junior member
Hi Mary,
I'm doing "okay". Had a great day at therapy on Thursday where my PT stated it was the best bending I've had since this whole thing started. But...when I went to PT on Friday...my knee didn't want to do much. I've learned to accept good days and bad days.
I am using the female PT who does gentle stretching rather than the aggressive PT which works so much better with me.
I see the OS on May 20 and I'm anxious to see what he has to say. I'll keep you posted on that.
Thank you so much for asking!!! I haven't posted much because I'm just plugging along.
I'm doing "okay". Had a great day at therapy on Thursday where my PT stated it was the best bending I've had since this whole thing started. But...when I went to PT on Friday...my knee didn't want to do much. I've learned to accept good days and bad days.
I am using the female PT who does gentle stretching rather than the aggressive PT which works so much better with me.
I see the OS on May 20 and I'm anxious to see what he has to say. I'll keep you posted on that.
Thank you so much for asking!!! I haven't posted much because I'm just plugging along.
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Chris Cruz
junior member
I do have a question: I am bending to 80-85 degrees. Wondering if this is "normal" progression?
I'm scheduled to go back to work on May 30 but again....I don't see how this will be possible at all. I still can't straighten my leg and I can't tolerate standing for more than 10 minutes (and that is pushing it).
Also, I'm having terrible hip pain (hip pain that extends into my thigh). I assume to me walking "funny". Anyone have a remedy for this? My hip is killing me.
I'm scheduled to go back to work on May 30 but again....I don't see how this will be possible at all. I still can't straighten my leg and I can't tolerate standing for more than 10 minutes (and that is pushing it).
Also, I'm having terrible hip pain (hip pain that extends into my thigh). I assume to me walking "funny". Anyone have a remedy for this? My hip is killing me.
Chris, unfortunately most of us TKRs tend to inflame some other physical ailment -- e.g., lower back pain, sciatica, hip pain, other knee pain. At my age we gets lots of these kinds of annoyances, but you are young and I'm so sorry you have to soldier through this kind of stuff. You seem to be handling it well.
It's actually good news that your ROM varies. Mine was a hard stop, which can be a sign of intractable adhesions.
I bet May 30th puts pressure on you. I cannot imagine having done my TKR recovery with a back-to-work date hanging over me. I went on LOA for the TKR and then the poor recovery gave me a good reason to leave that job, which I didn't particularly like.
It's actually good news that your ROM varies. Mine was a hard stop, which can be a sign of intractable adhesions.
I bet May 30th puts pressure on you. I cannot imagine having done my TKR recovery with a back-to-work date hanging over me. I went on LOA for the TKR and then the poor recovery gave me a good reason to leave that job, which I didn't particularly like.
Chris, I'm having somewhat of the same problem but fortunately. Don't have pain. My ROM goes from about 95 to 105 depending on the day. I'm 9 weeks post op. since I'm going back to work in a week, I was hoping to be farther along. But I'm beginning to accept what is. Last week I injured a thigh muscle while on the bike in my good leg. That stopped things totally since I couldn't even get on the table (or n bed) without pain. My PT immediately said no more bike.
I will be contuing gentle stretching and trust that in time things will progress. I started PT with a ROM of 63 so I know this is a slow process. I am also taking advice from people here and trying not to obsess.
I will be contuing gentle stretching and trust that in time things will progress. I started PT with a ROM of 63 so I know this is a slow process. I am also taking advice from people here and trying not to obsess.
kneefromhell
junior member
Chris, I am also having the same problem. My range of motion is from about 30 degrees from straight to 90 bend. Both are hard stops. Lots of pain and nerve issues too. I see the OS on May 17th. We will have to compare what our OS's say! You are even younger than me - this is not how it is supposed to be! I am so glad I have found this site and all of you! Finally, there is someone who understands and lots of great advice!
Mary - you were so lucky not to have to go back to work. I had no choice. If I wanted to keep my health insurance I had to go back. It is so hard being an elementary teacher with a knee that doesn't work and the constant pain. I work with some amazing people who help when they can!
Mary - you were so lucky not to have to go back to work. I had no choice. If I wanted to keep my health insurance I had to go back. It is so hard being an elementary teacher with a knee that doesn't work and the constant pain. I work with some amazing people who help when they can!
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Chris Cruz
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Hi everyone! It's me AGAIN.
Just wanted to vent a little. My knee is still not bending correctly (I'm stuck at 85) and just wondering if it ever will at this point?!?
I have been walking without my cane for the last three days (yes..that is an accomplishment) but I do seem to swing my right leg outward instead of the normal walking motion. My husband and kids constantly remind me to "bend it". Really???? If I could "bend it"...I wouldn't be having any issues. Right?
I go and see the surgeon on Monday (5/20) and again...worried about that appointment. Remember, he wasn't too pleased with me when he had to do the MUA. What is the next step at this point?
I can't stand for more than 10 minutes at a time, I shift all my weight to my "good leg" which is starting to give my ankle quite a bit of pain. I still can't straighten my leg so I'm assuming that is why I can't distribute my weight correctly.
Due to return to work on May 30...ya right!! How can I stand for 12 hour shift, do patient care, help get patients up and down, etc. Not sure if the surgeon will extend my leave (can't see how he can't) but you never know. Thank Goodness I have an awesome nurse manager who is understanding.
Anyway...a huge THANK YOU for letting me vent this evening. I'll keep everyone posted on what the surgeon says on Monday.
Again...this forum is a blessing straight from Heaven. You all have shown amazing support, kept my spirits up and I consider you all my friends. I so enjoy reading everyone else's journey with knee replacements and boy...can I relate.
Just wanted to vent a little. My knee is still not bending correctly (I'm stuck at 85) and just wondering if it ever will at this point?!?
I have been walking without my cane for the last three days (yes..that is an accomplishment) but I do seem to swing my right leg outward instead of the normal walking motion. My husband and kids constantly remind me to "bend it". Really???? If I could "bend it"...I wouldn't be having any issues. Right?
I go and see the surgeon on Monday (5/20) and again...worried about that appointment. Remember, he wasn't too pleased with me when he had to do the MUA. What is the next step at this point?
I can't stand for more than 10 minutes at a time, I shift all my weight to my "good leg" which is starting to give my ankle quite a bit of pain. I still can't straighten my leg so I'm assuming that is why I can't distribute my weight correctly.
Due to return to work on May 30...ya right!! How can I stand for 12 hour shift, do patient care, help get patients up and down, etc. Not sure if the surgeon will extend my leave (can't see how he can't) but you never know. Thank Goodness I have an awesome nurse manager who is understanding.
Anyway...a huge THANK YOU for letting me vent this evening. I'll keep everyone posted on what the surgeon says on Monday.
Again...this forum is a blessing straight from Heaven. You all have shown amazing support, kept my spirits up and I consider you all my friends. I so enjoy reading everyone else's journey with knee replacements and boy...can I relate.
jiimbojunk
junior member
Hi Chris,
Did you give the walker up too soon, maybe? I found that the walker helped me focus on my gait much easier than without. I could focus on the heel/toe and have to constantly say those words with every step as a reminder.
Hang in there and keep us posted!
Did you give the walker up too soon, maybe? I found that the walker helped me focus on my gait much easier than without. I could focus on the heel/toe and have to constantly say those words with every step as a reminder.
Hang in there and keep us posted!
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