MUA Frustrated!!

[Chris Cruz]

Hi Jimbojunk!!

Gosh...I haven't used my walker since week 4 but I'm not opposed to giving it another try. I find myself reminding my brain to "bend" with each step. Although, I feel foolish that I can't seem to remember how to "walk normally".

I watch how other people walk now to figure it out. I never gave walking any thought before my TKR and now I feel like I'm learning to walk all over again.

Thanks for your advice and I think I will go dig out my walker from the garage.

 

[Chris Cruz]

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.

 

[SadKnee]

Hi Chris,

While I have not had a MUA I have had some of the same issues and can totally relate. A few weeks ago my husband was telling me to "bend" my leg when I walked GRRR and it was really hard but now a few weeks later I can it just took extra time. Since you had the MUA it will take you more time.

It is not your fault your OS had to do the MUA nor is it my fault my ROM is not where everyone else's is at. I do understand dealing with the OS when they are frustrated .... another GRRR. He cannot send you back if you cannot work and will have to extend you, however, you need to tell him loud and clear you cannot work in your current condition.

Things will get better! I say this as I have had such a hard time gaining ROM but I do keep gaining a degree or two a week. Also once you can get your leg straighter it will help with your walking. You need more time. It has only been 4 weeks since your MUA.

I do agree that this forum is a lifesaver!!!!

 

[Gamera]

I can definitely relate with your frustration, Chris. My recovery has been runnng in a similar direction. A straight line.

You are not ready to return to work! If your OS doesn't agree, I would go seek a 2nd opinion from someone more sensible!

I am back to work part time after my MUA on April 22nd. My job is not physically demanding like yours. I would never be able to do what you do now, even for an hour a day. I can't imagine anyone expectng that of you.

I am not sure what's ahead for me either. I cancelled all my physical therapy and am just doing the basics... Icing, elevating and gentle stretching. I am going against doctor's orders, but I have more trust in the people in this forum. I agree... It is a blessing.

Hang in there. You are not alone.

Laurie

 

[StillShortie]

Hi Chris,

I have to concentrate on every step when walking otherwise I walk very strangely (my OH says I look like - there is no nice way of saying this but- he says I look like I've pooped my pants!). And YES we are having to learn how to walk all over again, I say in my head bend, bend, bend with every step.

If I use my crutch I don't have to concentrate so much but without it I can't even walk and talk without it affecting me!

I agree (I too am a nurse who does 12.5 hour shifts) that it doesn't sound like you are ready to go back to work, can your GP sign you off work for any longer (sorry I don't know how the US system works) and when you do go back can you Occupational health department help you with some sort if phased return? I know Josephine has an article about it in the library somewhere.

Most of all I want to say DON'T WORRY! This forum has taught me that this a long journey, we are all slightly different and most important our knees are in control and we must listen to what they want and need.

Shortie x

 

[KathyH]

Chris, it's still not that long since your MUA. Maybe you have reached a plateau ROM of 85 (I am stuck at the mo on 105) but I'm sure that gradually it will improve. What was your ROM before your MUA?

Before my MUA I could get no further than 70 and after about three months I got to where I am now. So it will come, although you may not feel it right now.

I do hope you can get signed off from work for longer. Good luck for Monday. Don't let your surgeon bully you, stand your ground - it is YOUR knee. Let us know how you get on

 

[Campervan]

Hi all,

For walking focus "heel, ball toe". Don't get hung up on the ROM numbers at 3 months. I had around 102 for months and then 105 for months, until 10 months finally got over 110 and now at 18 months I have around 120. So improvement for some of us is slow. I have found my exercycle my best friend. I lower the seat so my pedalling is just on the point of discomfort. Sometimes my knee feels stiff, I ride my exercycle and he stiffness goes away.

So everybody, relax and just slowly slowly work on things.

 

[KathyH]

I like your post very much, Campervan. It gives us great encouragement Thank you

 

[maryo52]

Thanks for checking in, Chris. I was thinking about you yesterday and almost posted to your thread but don't want you to feel "watched." Kids? Twelve hour shifts? Oy!!!!

Ask your ortho about the artroscopic debridement of adhesions. Has he performed this, how many, results. It was my miracle procedure.

 

[kneefromhell]

Hi Chris,
First, I have to agree that this place is a blessing! There is so much support and everyone on here is friendly and full of knowledge! It is also a great place to vent.
Second, you are only three months out from your TKR and one month from the MUA. But, I hear you! I am now 6 months out and still can't extend (about 30) or bend (about 90). I have an appointment with the OS tomorrow to see what the plan is. I am in so much pain - and have been since December. I also had to go back to work after my 12 weeks were up - I am a teacher. If it wasn't for the fact that I am doing something I absolutely love, I would be so miserable. My kiddos and my coworkers help me get through the day! I will report back what he says, but I do think you need to give it a little more time.

 

[Josephine]

I do feel I have to continue with PT because of my concerns with me seeing the ortho in a few weeks.

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?

So what if he isn't pleased? You are allowing him to guilt you into thinking this poor outcome is all your fault. Did it ever occur to you that it's his fault and that that's why he's getting antzy, because you are ruining his record of good outcomes! You really want allow him to bully you like that? Please, please don't. I think you should cancel the appointment and just not go back to him anymore. Then give yourself another couple or three months to see how you progress. If it's not good, find yourself another knee surgeon to get a second opinion. There are a number of reasons why you are unable to get a decent ROM - wrong choice in implant size is one, malalignment is another.

I do have a question: I am bending to 80-85 degrees. Wondering if this is "normal" progression?

At 12+ weeks, no it's not. Hence my previous comments.

I'm scheduled to go back to work on May 30 but again....I don't see how this will be possible at all

You will not be fit to go back to work, specially not in your job. I doubt your surgeon will be overly sympathetic so I suggest you have a chat with your GP and see if something can't be arranged in the form of a letter (if that works over there). Sometimes things to go wrong and scupper our best laid plans. That's not your fault and neither is it that you are unfit for work just yet.

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?

Previously you described a really bad gait: that's a really good way to get those aches and pains. And it comes from having a stiff leg. Are you using a cane or two? Anything? That's the only way to ease it. Plus pain meds, of course!

I reread this entire thread and noticed that once or twice you admitted you were afraid of both the PT and your surgeon. This concerned me greatly. I'm no psychologist but it seems to me you've attributed both these men with father-figure status and are both intimidated by them and anxious to please. You also get that from a bullying relationship where the victim does things to appease the bully. Do you recognise that in yourself? If so, then all the more reason you need to sever these relationships. He is not the only knee surgeon around and the other mugger isn't the only PT. Am I making any sense? I hope so, because being in constant tension about earning the approval/disapproval of these two men means that you are always emotionally and psychologically tense so your muscles always tight and that means your progress is seriously obstructed. That's why I take the unusual and exceptional recommendation that you should get rid of both of them, and the sooner the better.


Oh, and btw, I merged your recovery threads.

Would you mind reading this to see why? One thread for your recovery please?​

 

[maryo52]

Gosh, a strong statement from Josephine but I share her concern, Chris. (I have father issues myself.)

The only thing I can add is sometimes it's good to stop and take a good long look at the big picture. What I lost during my ROM saga is a visual image of my knee working properly again. It would've been good for me to spend some time every day envisioning me and my knee in good working order. In other words, be clear about your destination. You will get there but you don't yet know by what means. All will be revealed in time. A second opinion would certainly be helpful at this juncture.

 

[Chris Cruz]

Hi Josephine and Mary,

You are correct that I get anxiety with both of these two but I have gotten rid of my old PT and have a new one who only does gentle stretching and doesn't push me. I am definitely a people pleaser and I'm working on that! Yes, I do identify with everything you said in your post, Josephine.

I have allowed him to bully me in the past but NO MORE!! I know this isn't my fault and as my Mom is stating, he is the surgeon and it's his job to figure out what is the problem. If he won't...I'll find someone who is more willing.

I was at PT today and my ROM was 80. Of course, I wish it was better but at the same time...I feel I am able to move a little better and I've been without my cane for 4 days. My new PT said to look at my progress and not focus on the number, so that's how I've been looking at it.

I have not been having hip pain anymore, as I've been concentrating on the heal to toe gait. Someone on here said they keep repeating it to themselves while they walk and I've been doing that since yesterday (I think it's a good start). Also, I'm more conscious when I'm walking up the stairs to bend my knee while doing so.

Today in PT, I worked on stepping up on a riser while holding onto a bar bolted into the wall. Basically it was practice bending, along with gentle stretching and using the bike.

I appreciate you both responding.

Have a good weekend

 

[Chris Cruz]

Just returned from the OS. He wants to do another manipulation on June 7.

He stated that with me being only 39 that he wants me to be happy with my new knee and have the best function of it.

I was actually quite shocked that he suggested it. I really didn't think they did more than one manipulation. Heck, he even said he had never done 2 on any patients (Lucky me?). He did seem "disappointed" this time but I told him, "if you are frustrated, I'm twice as frustrated as you are".

He started to say stuff about working hard in therapy and I completely shut him down. Told him I've worked hard that at times, I've hyperventilated and cried thru therapy sessions.

Well, my journey continues!

 

[maryo52]

Chris, I'm so proud of you. You are making important strides in advocating for yourself.

I have no comment on a 2nd MUA. I still vouch by the arthroscopic lysis. I was so glad to get that cr-p out of my knee!! Do I remember correctly that you were giving thought to a second opinion?

Anyhow, my dear, you WILL get there. It's like being in a maze, running into dead ends, spending time seemingly going in circles, and yet eventually you will reach that goal. We're here to support you.

 

[Chris Cruz]

Thanks Mary! Ya...I've had enough of him making me feel bad about myself and making me think I did something wrong. I'm doing what they ask of me and it just feels so darn tight in the knee (adhesions?). To be honest..I think he was at a loss of as to why this wasn't working either.

I've heard some chatter about going for a second opinion...giving it some thought.

If anyone has had a second MUA...I'd appreciate your input on this.

 

[Chris Cruz]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone had a second MUA? I'm scheduled for my second MUA on June 7.

Just curious if anyone has had one and how it worked out for them.

Thanks!

 

[skigirl]

Chris, I am sorry to hear about this. Keep us posted about your procedures. I will tag Jo on this.Josephine

 

[Josephine]

Chris, I've merged your threads again! Please keep your posts in this one thread as I need all your info in one place. Think if it as being like your doctor's notes.

Let me ask - have you made any progress since the last MUA? I've also read through the entire thread (again) and have to say I don't think this MUA is a good idea. You've had one MUA at 4 weeks and now another at 14 weeks? Unless you've had zero improvement since the last manipulation, absolutely not! Yes, I know your ROM is presently rather poor but 14 weeks is no time to be doing second MUAs. ROM can go on improving for weeks and months after this and I think he should give you more time to improve on your own.

Do please remember the bit about consent and that you have the final say on whether anything is done to you. You have the right and the power to say no! You also have the right and the power to say maybe! Tell him you'd rather wait for another 4-6 weeks and see how things are then. Even 14 weeks - 10 weeks since the last one - is very early days to be having an MUA.

 

[maryo52]

Hi Chris. Thinking of you.