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TKR Getting somewhere at last!

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I had to push gp to see any physio at all just for reassurance really. I feel a bit abandoned...stupid I know as it's up to me to do the exercises
 
I'm guessing some of it Is the expectations of the patient. In the UK, it's put on the patient and the NHS doesn't feel the need to pay for it, and if the patient doesn't do the neccesary exercises, that's their decision. In the US, I think they feel that patients won't actually do the exercises themselves at home when they are in pain and tired, so won't get the desired results. You can debate the neccesity of what is actually nessecary for recovery, but I think that this is the thinking that goes with the different aproaches.
 
Nancy,
I've found that going to physical therapy is good for a couple of reasons.If I'm doing a particular exercise wrong or the PT wants me to do it in a more advanced way, there's no long delay in correcting it.

Also, the physical therapy centers have equipment to help build strength that I DON'T have at home -- like stationary bikes with various ways of adjusting the resistance and distance from the seat to the pedals.

There are also exercises that are more advanced for dealing with stairs and uneven ground, etc.

Some people get a membership with the YWCA or WMCA where they have staff who will help you find the proper equipment that you need at that time during recovery. My hubby and I are thinking that it might be good for me to get a membership at the "Y" that he attends starting in August. That way we can save gas going for exercise. A fitness facility might be a good idea. The support and expertise of the staff is good -- to make sure you're not doing anything that you're not ready to do when you first start.

Meanwhile I go to the mall 2-3 times a week to get walking exercise.

Good luck with the exercises. If you have any questions about a particular exercise, someone in the group might be able to help with details.
 
I've never seen myself as a gym bunny....but will give it a go. It will be good to have a structured exercise plan and someone to keep an eye on me!
 
And funny how we seem to put out more effort when someone is watching---so just be sure you don't overdo and hate yourself the next day.:th_heehee:
 
Hi - Speckybecky,

I had some hydrotherapy a few years back - and they made me all the things you are already doing. You can make the kicking etc more difficult by using blow up wings and put them round your ankles. Then try to lower your leg into the water - the more air in the wings the harder. Gives a really good stretch. They also made me float on the back (neck was supported so you don't float away and just "cycle" in the water for a bit. There are some fairly cheapish books available on water exercises (around the £10 mark) - there are probably videos on youtube as well.....will have a look later on.

But take it easy - it takes more out of you than you might think!
 
Think it's time to change my tag to 'getting there'. I realised I walked the best part of a mile yesterday without thinking about my knee and how I was walking! I still have sleep issues. I waken regularly with pain behind knee when leg is bent and is sore till I can stretch it out. It is so frustrating, I wonder if this is forever? I have an appt for a gym assessment next week so will see how that goes.
 
When can I run?

I don't want to run as a hobby. I'd just like to be able to run upstairs or run for a bus or across a road without waiting for a great big gap in the traffic! Will I be able to do it and when? I did try .......
 
Re: When can I run?

I know what you mean. I just want to cross the road without holding up traffic :loll: I'm sure it'll come in time.
 
[Bonesmart.org] Getting somewhere at last!

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Hi Nancy, I know what you mean about crossing the road. I tend to find pedestrian crossings. Don't know why but I think I walk more slowly when crossing the road than when walking along the pavement. Bizzare or what!
 
Nancy--walking without thinking about it? I am so jealous. We may be TKR twins, our new knees born on the same day and year, but I have not yet had the experience of "not thinking about my knee" as I walk, not even once. I'll let you know when it happens for me. Congratulations to you!
 
I can hardly beleive I joined a gym today. First time for everything! Didn't do much , just talked over programme, learned about machines, tried them all, will forget anyway as they are all different! A bit achey tonight so ice methinks! Juniper it wasn't for long but it did happen!
 
I wrote a nice long letter that got deleted. But I am thinking about you, Nancy. I went to the gym today too. Saw my trainer after a month of appointments he hadn't been informed about. Really poor technology communication at this gym. Not sure who's at fault. But. Saw him, tried working my knee and when he had me lifting my knee onto a bench, just cried. Okay. Next time, I will just say, "Not for me." Be careful of doing too much. I'm discouraged. I've hit a low point this week and am regularly falling apart at school. Students leave in five and a half days. I am ready.
 
Juniper, I really admire YOU, you're back at work and I am still off so that must make a huge difference. Try and be kinder to yourself, you're doing great
 
hi,its only 6 days for me i live edlington uk outside of doncaster,seen pyhsio in hospital but was sent home after 3 days not due to see anyone at pyhsio for 3 week.No use me going to my doctor he did not agree with me in first place says knne op dont work he is very encouraging.But the point i mean is i will make it work there is to many good reports and peopel on here to do otherwise stick at it and as they say rest
 
Hi Nancy, Where in West Lothian are you? I lived in Winchburgh for 3 years, leaving in 1981 to come to New Zealand. And my original meniscus removal surgery was at Bangour Hospital in 1978.
 
Margaret I'm in Linlithgow just down the road from Winchburgh. Bangour no longer exists as a hospital , now St John's Hospital in Livingston, although I had my surgery in Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank. Are you originally from Scotland?
 
Nancy, thanks for your message. I love the support on this site, and your support has been wonderful! Today, one of the teachers I work with, and actually like a lot, told me that I must have a really low pain threshold because I am still limping and swollen. I wanted to "clock her," as my fifth graders would say. Yes, I really have very little pain, just no ability to bear this little bit!!!??? So I love this site where everyone has had some experience with knee or hip replacement (or surgery). The encouragement shifts my attitude enormously. I also had someone, whose mom recovered from TKR fairly quickly, say, "Well, she's just that kind of person, really determined," the implication being that I'm not. AAARRRGGHH.

Enough. It is beautiful out and I have iced and elevated three times today. And that is good. Have a wonderful Canary Island trip. I hope the weather and water are wonderful. Juniper
 
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