TKR GrandyGirl's Recovery Story 1/14/12
- Thread starter GrandyGirl
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OP
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GrandyGirl
graduate
Hi Luvtocamp,
Yesterday was 6 months for me, too. I must admit that I expected to be more comfortable and further along by 6 weeks. I was basing this expectation on what happened with both of my hip replacements. I've come to the conslusion that hips are easier...hands down. So, I'm in it now and there's no way to go but forward and I am doing the best I can to maintain a positive attitude and to celebrate the small victories. These are some of the measurable accomplishments that come to mind at 6 post op:
1. I can definitely take care of my all immediate, personal needs. I can get in and out of the shower and bathe myself easily, brush my teeth, wash my hair, get on and the commode, dress myself (although I am not looking like my normally chic self yet).
2. I can prepare my own meals, plate them, sit down and eat them, clean the area when finished. I can load the dishwasher (havent' felt like unloading it yet). I washed a load of laundry (havent put it in the dryer yet but I can and I will eventually, though I may have to re-wash the clothes)
3. I can manage the icing and elevating of my knee, including filling and empting the icing unit. I empty a full dispenser of ice cubes into the unit each morning and a 7 lb bag of ice into the unit to get me thru the night if I need it.
4. I can walk around the house wiithout an aide and use one crutch or a cane when outside. I got the gargage can off the curb and the mail out of the box this morning all by myself, in one trip.
5. I can drive the gas station and pump gas into my car. I can drive to the grocery market and shop for a few items, stand in line for a while, get in and out of the car (with some focus) and drive back home. I can put the groceries away appropriately.
6. I can complete all of the physical therapy exercises that have been outlined for me: 3 sets of 15 reps each. I walk around the house or on the patio area outside several times a day. I can ascend and descend my stairs using one foot on each step, holding onto the rail. I can rock back and forth on my recumbent bike but have not made a full revolution yet. I need to increase the distance of the seat but I can't move the bike myself so until I get my son back over to do it for me, I will just rock back and forth.
I can even dance a little bit
)
So I know I have made progress. I wish I had less pain more often. I wish I had less stiffness and more flexibility. I wish I had more stamina. I trust this will come in time. I'm probably forgetting to list some of the things that I can do because I have come a long way...like being able to open and read my mail and pay some bills online with complete awareness. And like picking the phone up to call a friend to just chat for a while because Ive missed our spiritied conversations.
7. I'm not taking as much of the medication as I was when I was in the hospital. I take one percocet most nights at bedtime and maybe 1/2 of one before physical therapy. I've tried Tylenol PM at night but it seems to wear off in the middle of the night and leave me in pain. So until the pain is no longer with me, I will continue to take the meds. I don't need as much as I use to.
I'm even considering a new position I may apply for once I am feeling strong enough to work again. So I'm looking ahead with optimism.
Thanks for being there for me every step of the way. I have been very dependent on BoneSmart and have not been disappointed.
Love,
Dori
aka GrandyGirl
Yesterday was 6 months for me, too. I must admit that I expected to be more comfortable and further along by 6 weeks. I was basing this expectation on what happened with both of my hip replacements. I've come to the conslusion that hips are easier...hands down. So, I'm in it now and there's no way to go but forward and I am doing the best I can to maintain a positive attitude and to celebrate the small victories. These are some of the measurable accomplishments that come to mind at 6 post op:
1. I can definitely take care of my all immediate, personal needs. I can get in and out of the shower and bathe myself easily, brush my teeth, wash my hair, get on and the commode, dress myself (although I am not looking like my normally chic self yet).
2. I can prepare my own meals, plate them, sit down and eat them, clean the area when finished. I can load the dishwasher (havent' felt like unloading it yet). I washed a load of laundry (havent put it in the dryer yet but I can and I will eventually, though I may have to re-wash the clothes)
3. I can manage the icing and elevating of my knee, including filling and empting the icing unit. I empty a full dispenser of ice cubes into the unit each morning and a 7 lb bag of ice into the unit to get me thru the night if I need it.
4. I can walk around the house wiithout an aide and use one crutch or a cane when outside. I got the gargage can off the curb and the mail out of the box this morning all by myself, in one trip.
5. I can drive the gas station and pump gas into my car. I can drive to the grocery market and shop for a few items, stand in line for a while, get in and out of the car (with some focus) and drive back home. I can put the groceries away appropriately.
6. I can complete all of the physical therapy exercises that have been outlined for me: 3 sets of 15 reps each. I walk around the house or on the patio area outside several times a day. I can ascend and descend my stairs using one foot on each step, holding onto the rail. I can rock back and forth on my recumbent bike but have not made a full revolution yet. I need to increase the distance of the seat but I can't move the bike myself so until I get my son back over to do it for me, I will just rock back and forth.
I can even dance a little bit
)So I know I have made progress. I wish I had less pain more often. I wish I had less stiffness and more flexibility. I wish I had more stamina. I trust this will come in time. I'm probably forgetting to list some of the things that I can do because I have come a long way...like being able to open and read my mail and pay some bills online with complete awareness. And like picking the phone up to call a friend to just chat for a while because Ive missed our spiritied conversations.
7. I'm not taking as much of the medication as I was when I was in the hospital. I take one percocet most nights at bedtime and maybe 1/2 of one before physical therapy. I've tried Tylenol PM at night but it seems to wear off in the middle of the night and leave me in pain. So until the pain is no longer with me, I will continue to take the meds. I don't need as much as I use to.
I'm even considering a new position I may apply for once I am feeling strong enough to work again. So I'm looking ahead with optimism.
Thanks for being there for me every step of the way. I have been very dependent on BoneSmart and have not been disappointed.
Love,
Dori
aka GrandyGirl
jerseychick
post-grad
Great post Dori...that's it keep the positive attitude. It's what you can do now, not can't. At 6 months you still have a lot of recovering to do. It will only get better from here. Keep up the great work!
megbabyrn
senior
Dori,I am tired just reading what you can accomplish!! You are 6 weeks out, in the whole scheme, it really isn't that long!! You seem to be doing well, and I love your attitude!!
Lori
senior
Sounds great! I checked your date & it's been 6 weeks! so encouraging to those of us who are still planning to "get fixed!"
referee54
Former BoneSmart staff member
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hat is a great post and it sends a wonderful message to those either early in recovery or who are considering a TKR.
OP
OP
GrandyGirl
graduate
Hey Y'all,
I meant to say 6 weeks...not 6 months! I hope I didn't create any confusion or discouragement. At 6 MONTHS, I will be doing a LOT more and will be a lot more comfortable.
Dori
I meant to say 6 weeks...not 6 months! I hope I didn't create any confusion or discouragement. At 6 MONTHS, I will be doing a LOT more and will be a lot more comfortable.
Dori
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Dori,
Sounds like you are doing great and are right on track.:yes 4:
At 6 months you are right, you will be doing a lot more!
Sounds like you are doing great and are right on track.:yes 4:
At 6 months you are right, you will be doing a lot more!
OP
OP
GrandyGirl
graduate
This morning when I was lying in bed, before I got up, my knee started shooting what felt like lots of electrical charges, and tingling sensations that lasted for about 5 seconds or so. Once or twice I've had the shooting pain up the leg that others have described, but never this. The sensation buzzed for a few seconds and then went away. It hasn't recurred and nothing seems wrong. So I just figured maybe it was my Body doing some healing, maybe knitting some new tissue together or something. If that's the case, "Way to go Body!!"
But I thought I would ask, "Has anyone had this experience or sensation? Do you know what it means?"
Dori
aka GrandyGirl
But I thought I would ask, "Has anyone had this experience or sensation? Do you know what it means?"
Dori
aka GrandyGirl
referee54
Former BoneSmart staff member
- Joined
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- 72
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- Northern Part of the Buckeye State
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Sounds pretty typical to me---i had lots of shooting pains and electrical feelings. during the course of my healing and recovery. It sounds like it may be some nerves meeting each other again!
OP
OP
GrandyGirl
graduate
How romantic!:cat-kittyandsmiley:
I like the idea of my nerves knitting together and bonding again)
I like the idea of my nerves knitting together and bonding again
)Hi Dori
I loved reading your post of accomplishments - you are doing so well my friend
I have had those electrical shock feelings in my knee - it feels just under the surface and not deep inside (hope that makes sense). It is such a weird feeling and I put it down to things knitting back together.
Have a good day
I loved reading your post of accomplishments - you are doing so well my friend
I have had those electrical shock feelings in my knee - it feels just under the surface and not deep inside (hope that makes sense). It is such a weird feeling and I put it down to things knitting back together.
Have a good day
speccybecky
post-grad
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I too had that feeling, not so much pain, just 'jangling'. I had a ruptured thigh muscle in the past and remember these feelings being the nerves coming back to life. I was told that sometimes nerves around scar can get hypersensitive and it helps to rub gently with your hand and they should calm down
luvtocamp
member
Hi Dori,
Your list of accomplishments was just what I needed today!! I can't yet do all that you are doing, partly because I haven't had to....my husband who is retired does all the driving, grocery shopping, lots of the cleaning and cooking. He spoils me and I let him. I too wish for less pain and stiffness. I am slowly cutting back on the pain med, but not to much, just one less at night and one less during the day. The stiffness is actually worse than the pain now. I often wonder if my OS put the wrong size knee in because the swelling and stiffness is really bad at times. I am doing soft tissue massage twice a day to help keep the scar tissue from becoming hard. I wish someone could tell me how long the stiffness will last. I am so thankful I can concentrate more now....actually enjoying reading again....always read here each day, but also reading books and newspapers.
You are truly my inspiration, Dori, I hope you continue your amazing recovery!!
Your list of accomplishments was just what I needed today!! I can't yet do all that you are doing, partly because I haven't had to....my husband who is retired does all the driving, grocery shopping, lots of the cleaning and cooking. He spoils me and I let him. I too wish for less pain and stiffness. I am slowly cutting back on the pain med, but not to much, just one less at night and one less during the day. The stiffness is actually worse than the pain now. I often wonder if my OS put the wrong size knee in because the swelling and stiffness is really bad at times. I am doing soft tissue massage twice a day to help keep the scar tissue from becoming hard. I wish someone could tell me how long the stiffness will last. I am so thankful I can concentrate more now....actually enjoying reading again....always read here each day, but also reading books and newspapers.
You are truly my inspiration, Dori, I hope you continue your amazing recovery!!
OP
OP
GrandyGirl
graduate
I've been encouraged not to compare my progress with anyone else's because we are all unique and heal at different rates and at different times. There are also many different circumstances in our lives.
I live alone. So everthing that happens for me happens as a result of My actions and labor. That can be a mixed blessing. It makes me get up and get things done. It also probably causes me to overdo it at times. Believe me, at times I have missed The Grands little hands and feet running errands for me and getting this or that. Nothing is more aggravating to me than to finally get all settling in, get my leg elevated and icing, and to look across the room only to see the remote control to the TV. Bummer!!
I probably haven't gotten enough exercise this weekend because mostly what I have been doing today and last night is lying flat on my back chillaxing. But it all balances out and we do the best we can in whatever situation we find ourselves but I believe the default setting of our human Spirit is to heal and be whole once again.
I feel so lucky to have access to this support group. It helps to check in and talk about things, especially when the going gets rough. These first few weeks have not been easy for any of us. It's challenging to say the least and I definitely understand feeling like OMG! What in the world have I done???":hate-shocked: Then I read a post from someone who is a lot further along on the healing path and I get a second wind to just hang in there and keep the faith.
Dori
aka GrandyGirl
I live alone. So everthing that happens for me happens as a result of My actions and labor. That can be a mixed blessing. It makes me get up and get things done. It also probably causes me to overdo it at times. Believe me, at times I have missed The Grands little hands and feet running errands for me and getting this or that. Nothing is more aggravating to me than to finally get all settling in, get my leg elevated and icing, and to look across the room only to see the remote control to the TV. Bummer!!
I probably haven't gotten enough exercise this weekend because mostly what I have been doing today and last night is lying flat on my back chillaxing. But it all balances out and we do the best we can in whatever situation we find ourselves but I believe the default setting of our human Spirit is to heal and be whole once again.
I feel so lucky to have access to this support group. It helps to check in and talk about things, especially when the going gets rough. These first few weeks have not been easy for any of us. It's challenging to say the least and I definitely understand feeling like OMG! What in the world have I done???":hate-shocked: Then I read a post from someone who is a lot further along on the healing path and I get a second wind to just hang in there and keep the faith.
Dori
aka GrandyGirl
aretha
graduate
Definitely keep the faith Dori!!.
You are doing just fine, and I am one of those people you mentioned who is a lot further on down the line from you, and I didn't personally find Bonesmart until weeks after my TKR, but what a blessing it was when I did. :biggrin:
All the sensations imaginable you can, and probably will feel while your knee is healing, shooting pains, tingling sensations, tightness, stiffness certainly, and aching sometimes, but I can honestly say that I have NEVER felt pain, and that is what I hang on to and makes this operation so worthwhile.
The body is such a wonderful thing, can withstand so much, and this op can be a nightmare recovery for some, but we all do come through it in the end - and it teaches us patience, and positivity, and allows us to give something back to people like yourselves, who are in the early stages of recovery, with a bit more road to tread, but who will also be like me at some stage, just eager to give something back to those that were around for me, and helped me through my own recovery.
Great stuff Dori, you are a lovely person, and I love following your thread. Take care and stay positive.
You are doing just fine, and I am one of those people you mentioned who is a lot further on down the line from you, and I didn't personally find Bonesmart until weeks after my TKR, but what a blessing it was when I did. :biggrin:
All the sensations imaginable you can, and probably will feel while your knee is healing, shooting pains, tingling sensations, tightness, stiffness certainly, and aching sometimes, but I can honestly say that I have NEVER felt pain, and that is what I hang on to and makes this operation so worthwhile.
The body is such a wonderful thing, can withstand so much, and this op can be a nightmare recovery for some, but we all do come through it in the end - and it teaches us patience, and positivity, and allows us to give something back to people like yourselves, who are in the early stages of recovery, with a bit more road to tread, but who will also be like me at some stage, just eager to give something back to those that were around for me, and helped me through my own recovery.
Great stuff Dori, you are a lovely person, and I love following your thread. Take care and stay positive.
OP
OP
GrandyGirl
graduate
Good Morning Aretha,
Thank you so much for these wonderful words of encouragement. This experience is changing me. I'm learning more about just going with the flow and not being so determined to follow my own agenda. It all depends on what my knee says these days. Like right now, I am icing, just took an ibuprofen, and am waiting for my knee to give me the OK to go to the market and pick up a few items that I need. I don't want to get out there and halfway thru it start aching and wishing that I had just stayed home. So hopefully I can get comfortable enough to get the errand done. If not, I'll make do...no worries.
Sounds like you are way past all this by now and I look forward to the day when I am too. So are you now at a point where you don't think about your knee all the time??
Thank you so much for these wonderful words of encouragement. This experience is changing me. I'm learning more about just going with the flow and not being so determined to follow my own agenda. It all depends on what my knee says these days. Like right now, I am icing, just took an ibuprofen, and am waiting for my knee to give me the OK to go to the market and pick up a few items that I need. I don't want to get out there and halfway thru it start aching and wishing that I had just stayed home. So hopefully I can get comfortable enough to get the errand done. If not, I'll make do...no worries.
Sounds like you are way past all this by now and I look forward to the day when I am too. So are you now at a point where you don't think about your knee all the time??
Hi Dori -I'm about a month ahead of you and remember your stage every well. I can tell you that this last month has been amazing -every day brings something to be excited about - I'm certainly not "there" yet in terms of not thinking about this knee but it isn't stopping me from doing anything I want to do as long as I plan my days to allow for rest and ice when I need it. Lots to look forward to --keep doing as well as you are and soon you'll be excited with your progress, too !
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