Hi and Thanks

[aussie]

Hi everyone,

Even though you didn't know it you have been my guides and encouragement over the past few weeks.

I first found you at four weeks recovery when I was feeling like I would never see any improvement. Sharing your experiences showed me I was on the right track, it was very encouraging, Thanks. I can say now at 7 weeks recovery today, I'm feeling very happy I have had the operation. Yep.. Still swollen, still sore, still having medication of a night, occasionally of a day, still working on flexion and extension, but I am being patient and kind to myself. I know I am streets ahead of where I was even just 2 weeks ago.

I've also realised each day is different and sometimes what I could do yesterday seems like an impossibility today but it will be back tomorrow or the next day.

I also had a hip replacement a year ago, so I am also aware that adds another aspect.

I can't thankyou all enough for your honesty and sharing the ups and downs, best wishes to all of you.

Chris

 

[Josephine]

Welcome to BoneSmart, aussie! And so pleased we could be of assistance. It's very satisfying to know that so many people's journeys through their replacement has been eased by this community. And glad to know you're doing so well. Stay around and join the party!

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Aussie!!! So glad you are doing well and that you decided to post. You live in the country I'd most love to visit one day. I have a good friend from New Zealand and the way she describes both countries....they sound so beautiful and interesting! Maybe one day.... In the meantime, hope you continue to let us know how you're doing. Hang in there...you have a FABULOUS attitude about recovery! ....Jamie

 

[Max Wallace]

Great to have another person on the site WELCOME!

My daughter visited Australia and New Zealand on her senior trip and brough me souveniers that I cherish. Unfortunately because of my knee problems I was overweight and could not wear any. I am now 8 weeks after the BI-TKR and with the excersizes before and PT afterword I can now enjoy my gifts.

Each day I find more things I can now do and enjoy that I had given up for some years. keep up the PT and it will pay off big time.

Max

 

[CG'sknees]

Aussie, I'm at 7 weeks today also, from my RTKA, and I just have say to "ditto" to all you said. I have the same "still thises & thats", but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, with a left knee that will need the same surgery within the next few years, I can already tell the difference between them. The operated knee is strong, though still swollen and healing. The other is wonky and definitely on a downward slope.

Welcome to the board. I'm pretty new here too, and have found the information and support to be invaluable.

Cheers!

 

[aussie]

Thanks again all.

Yes I am fortunate to live in a wonderful part of the world and I live in quite a spectacular part of the country, East Coast. Looking forward to being able to enjoy it all to the full again very soon. I have been pretty restricted for a few years so I am already feeling more positive about getting out and about.

I was in such a hurry to say thanks I left out a few details, I had a RTKR (hope I got the letters in the correct order). I'm 49, female. Have to have the other one done but the doctor is hopeful that when the new knee becomes stronger it will take some of the burden off the left knee and buy me some more time. Although as frustrating and painful as this has been I can say I wouldn't have a problem going back for the next one. (Not in a hurry though). But the good news is my R hip has been spared the OA woohoo!

I had better get on with some exercise, I only went to physio 3 times and she told me I didn't need to come back so I have been doing it myself, I was surprised to hear how long other people have been going and think I may have been cheated a little bit, however, I am fortunate to have a pool, and a stationary bike so I do what I can on them. Seems to be working.

Have a great day everyone,

Chris

 

[richfriz]

Hi Chris

Greetings from anouther Aussie!. I am over in the west (Perth)

I too am 7 weeks post BTKR and things are getting better every day.

I do find it a bit strange that us Aussies get chucked out of hospital without PT?? I found a local phisio place with a hydrotherapy pool that has helped a lot

Richard

 

[aussie]

Hi Richard,

I think we are awake while everyone else sleeps (or tries to sleep I should say)

Thanks for your reply, you too live in a lovely part of Australia, I was over there at the end of '03, my longest serving friend of 45 years lives at Waikiki WA. I visited Perth while visiting her.

Even my OS was a bit surprised at my 6 week visit that they had told me to do the physio at home. Fortunately I am motivated.

I actually did forward rotations on the bike today, I've only been able to pedal backwards up until now, so Hooray for me, funny how these little milestones mean so much.

I feel you are very brave to have both knees done at once. I don't think I could do it.

Best wishes and look forward to further news on your recovery.

Chris

 

[Roof1]

Hello Chris
Just wanted to say Hi to you and Richard. My husband is 3 months into recovery and is feeling better each day. As you say it's funny how little things come to be soooo important and mean so much. One for him was the day he was able to get into his ute (seat fully back) without having to juggle himself this way and that. Now he can do it without having to move the seat, Ripper. All these little (Huge) things help lessen the memories of those absolutely horrible moments, minutes and hours of pain etc., He is to see OS tomorrow and is worried about his ROM but with a bit of luck all will be fine. We live on the Mid North Coast, NSW so I guess if you have to have a TKR it is rather a nice place to spend your recovery time. Good luck to both of you. I suppose there are quite a few from Oz who are members here. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Have a Good One
Sue & Nev

 

[richfriz]

Hi Sue

Yep, I think there are a few of us "Aussies" here. My doc told me there were tens of thousands of knee replacments every year in Australia

It is amasing how things get better every day. I found getting back into the 4X4 and driving one of the best things!

Richard

 

[Josephine]

"Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda ....."




(sorry - couldn't resist!)

 

[aussie]

LOL, thanks for the giggle Jo!

 

[aussie]

Hi Sue & Nev,

Thanks for the hello. Hope all went well at the OS, and a man and his ute, what can I say? Best wishes for a great recovery.

Chris

 

[carolward]

Hi fellow Aussies
I am 56 and am 8 weeks out from a PLKR.
I live in an outer eastern suburb of Melbourne. I can sure relate to what you have been saying. One day I am ecstatic that I have reached a milestone and the next day it just doesn't happen.
Patience is sure the essence. I am still seeing my physio once a week and am today suffering from bruised muscles from a very vigorous massage yesterday. I gather that if it hurt so much it must be doing good!?

Carol

 

[aussie]

Hi Carol,

Nice to hear from you. I haven't "braved" massage yet. Hope it did you good

Yes the now I can and now I can't can be a bit frustrating, but I know it always ends up now I can again, so I just take it one day at a time, even one hour at a time sometimes.

Good luck with your recovery.

Chris