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TKR GKnee's Recovery Thread

You all have been such a support. I hope I am still posting on my own thread as I was a bit confused at first. I'm two and a half months post TKR and mentally I've hit a wall. I don't know if I mentioned that I live alone and have done all of my own cooking, cleaning, etc. since July 6 after 10 days in rehab and five days with my sister here. I do have someone come in once a week for an hour to change sheets, vacuum, take trash to the alley. She initially came twice a week. This person is not covered by insurance, but having her here is wonderful, not only for what she does, but for the company. I go to outpatient PT twice a week now and have driven for about a month. I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the setback when riding the stationary bike in PT and the IT bsnd involvement.

I am on leave as a speech-language pathologist for another month. This is my 41st year and I travel between two schools and this year I will do a 4 day week. I'm disappointed with myself that I've hit a plateau in motivation. For the first time ever I cancelled PT. Is it normal to go through this? I worked so hard through the second week in August and I'm hoping I get my drive back. I've spoken with my surgical team and my internal medicine specialist. I wonder if I'm just tired of doing everything on my own. I can't even ride the bike as well as others and use the walker only when I'm out to remind me to walk straight, carry my purse, etc, but not to depend on for walking. I do not like the cane as my hip alignment suffered last year because of my gait. Thank you for letting me share.
 
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I hit the wall also at 2 weeks. Seems like everything I did made me cry. Sounds like you are finally an official member of the "over did it club". Having help is great and also good company. Next time you go out get a motorized cart. It makes things a lot easier. Maybe taking a break from PT is a good thing. I did the same thing and after a month went back with a better PT. Feel free to vent anytime. That's what we are here for. :doggie:
 
I apologize as I wrote 2 1/2 weeks post op and I'm 2 1/2 months! Please forgive me.
 
This site keeps has given me so much information and I thank all of you. I am 2 1/2 months post tkr. I have been doing all of my care at home since July 6 as I live on my own. I do have a person who came in twice a week and over the past three weeks once a week. She comes for an hour and changes sheets, vacuums, and takes out trash to the alley. At the beginning she helped me with a shower. I pay out of pocket for this as the insurance company does not cover this except for shower assist for about 3 weeks once a week. I am doing heel sides, etc, when I sit, but I don't get out as much as I should except to drive to PT twice a week. Do you think every ADL I'm doing helps and perhaps tires me. I also have a wonderful dog and take care of her. Again, I have been doing this since July 6. I still have tightness around the knee, but less than a couple of weeks ago. I do get a bit "sad" at times and I'm really a very upbeat person. I don't feel much motivation and am hoping its temporary.
 
GNee, it's totally normal to hit a wall at two and a half months -- and lots of other places in recovery. I feel like I'm hitting walls all the time in this recovery. Most of us know it's a long haul going in, but actually slogging it is wearisome.

The wall I'm at right now is wondering if dragging my non-TKR knee around is helping or hurting my TKR knee which is gamely pulling more than it's share of the load.
 
Thank you for taking the time to write. All that I thought I knew and researched before the TKR was not close to what I've learned through others. Going to PT it sometimes fee as though I compare myself to others...not good. I know what you mean about the other knee and wondering what will happen. Strangely on X-ray both knees are the same, but the right knee does not bother me. Let's hope I'm lucky as I not sure I'd go through this again.
 
I'm frightened because I've gone from 105 to 100 degrees. I'm 10 weeks when I missed last week due to stomach flu. I al also afraid to go all the way around on the stationary bike in PT since I had that IT band mishap in PT three weeks. Maybe manipulation ? I'm discouraged.
 
I know your concern about losing range of motion: several times during my first TKR I lost ROM and recently I have had similar ups and downs with my second TKR. My guess is that once you are back on track you will see improvement. I use my bike on a stationary trainer has a central part of my recovery. I also recently had s minor setback on the bike and I recovered by starting rocking back and forth gently to get back in condition and it did not take long. Taking small steps forward at this point can be a help, at least that is what I have done when there is a setback.

Best of luck in your continued recovery
 
PolarBear is right! This is why we encourage people to ignore numbers for the most part and just work on comfort and functionality. Relax....you're doing fine. This recovery journey is not linear!!! There will be times when you take a step backwards and other times you'll leap forward. It's all part of the program.

And please don't fear using the exercise bike. Just do so gently and for short periods of time to start with and you'll be okay. If you're worried about your IT Band, do some of the stretches in this article from our BoneSmart Library each day to stay limber and loose.
 
Reading these posts before bed certainly brings peace of mind. I will add the IT band exercises. With gratitude...GNee

JUNE 15, 2015
TKR
 
I've forgotten to ask this question each time I post. Is it unusual to feel stomach flu symptoms for no reason? This doesn't happen often, but I may get an upset stomach, chilled, and lethargic after feeling fine the day before and then feel fine the day after. I believe I read that in one of the articles, but can't remember. Thank you, in advance, for your information.

GNee - TKR
June 15, 2015
 
I am three and a half post operative total knee replacement and will be going back to work on September 29th. I'm a apeech-language pathologist in the public schools and am sitting most od the time my surgeon has written an explicit list of accommodations as he studied the physical requirements of my job. As I've noted before, my surgical and therapeutic team is outstanding and I am showering them with gifts this week.

I am quite anxious about returning to work although I only work Tuesday through Friday at two schools as this is my 41st year. I have materials to carry and initially I'm bringing my two wheeled walker to hold all the bags I need, my purse, etc. I know that this recovery is a long process, but I also can't afford to take more time. In some ways I think it will be better as I love the students and I've been by myself most od the time since surgery. If you have any words of advice and encouragement I thank you in advance.

GNee
June 15, 2015 LTKR
 
On the days that you go to work, try to do nothing else except rest when you get home. No exercises, no shopping, no housework, minimal cooking.

You will probably feel very tired by the end of the day, because some of your energy is still being directed towards healing your knee.
 
I was tired when I first went back to work, but after a couple of weeks I got so engrossed in my job that I would forget my knee. Until I stood up. It would remind me that I still needed to take it easy. But it was a joy to focus on something outside myself. As Celle said, plan on being a total slacker after work, and save all chores for short stints on the weekend. Good luck!
 
I am sorry to be a bit of a pain as you've helped so much, but each day that gets closer to returning to work, September 29, my anxiety increases. I don't even think it's related to pain or stamina, it's leaving my home and dog for the entire day and the comfort of my medical team, or it's just because. I've been working with children as a speech-language pathologist for 40 years and I so enjoy the job, but right now I'd rather retire and just stay home. Now this is not possible so perhaps it's just getting through the first week and have positive thoughts. Has anyone else experienced this anxiety? Thank you in advance for your help.
 
I haven't specifically experienced what you have, but as a "young" retiree, I think I understand. I sometimes think how much I wouldn't want to return to someone else's schedule in a job. I've grown accustomed to my schedule. I suspect you have, too. (I think this is a disadvantage for the long term unemployed as well. The longer you're off work, the harder it is to return to that routine.)


Jean

LTKR (Stryker Triathlon): 21 April 2015
Right Knee Arthroscopy: 25 July 2006
Left Knee Arthroscopy: 10 February 2005
 
Hi Gnee, are you on an opioid type of pain med? Those can really diminish your motivation and energy. I can relate to how you feel; definitely been there. You just want to stay where you are and not deal with things for awhile, or ever!

I'll bet that your first week will be tiring but you'll feel a LOT better about things by the second week.

Also, keep in mind that people who have been off work for a while have decreased motivation for going back to work (and *more* *anxiety* about it) with every passing week. It's well known in the Workman's Comp field that you want to get people back to the ... office, whatever ... in some capacity as soon as possible, just to keep them in the groove. It's not that they're lazy or weak-willed; it's just a psychological thing that happens. I would like to suggest that you briefly go to the office and see your colleagues, or go to school and say hi to some students, BEFORE the 29th. Start to get your head back into it. I think it could make a big difference.
 
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