Hit the wall....

[Karen M]

Well not literally but emotionally hit the wall last Thursday. Cried my way through the day. Questioned why I had the surgery and why was I doing the stupid exercises when I wasn't getting any where. Generally a bad day all round. Went to bed early and vowed Friday would be a better day. Worked hard on not letting myself get down over the weekend and am now feeling much better. I am now 5 weeks post-op on a left TKR and I finally feel a part of the human race again. Something seemed to click at the 5 week mark and I am doing much better. I am driving short distances (yeah freedom !!!), saw physio today who is happy with my progress but who counsels "patience" ( my word of the day and not one of my strong points) and who reminded me that this is a long process and to allow my body time to heal. What a nice man. So for everyone earlier than 5 weeks, I am here to say it does get better, just be patient!!!!!!!!!!! I am now working hard on that skill.

 

[Judles]

Welcome back, Karen! You JUST turned the corner! Hope you feel better from now on!! You've come a long way! Give yourself credit! (0)

 

[loggon]

Karen glad you are back. yes 5 to 6 weeks seems to be the turning point.

Glad you have a good and wise therapist. Slow is the way to go. You will get there fine and you don't need to have painful PT.

Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

 

[Texas]

Hey Karen im glad you are felling normal again you will get better and better..........keep us posted and thin positive it works........you are early but sounds like your doing well............)glad your getting around........)

 

[brs0660]

As others have said...both your ups and downs are pretty expected. Six weeks is about when you suddenly feel like you can join humanity again. Sounds like you are doing pretty well.:thmb:

 

[beachbum]

Thanks for posting your story.... I'm one week out today, and holding my own. PT is happy with my progress, but I'm already tired of being tied down. Hoping the weather is nice this weekend and I can talk hubby into taking me out for lunch.

 

[Linda2]

I found that, for me, the turning point was 10-12 weeks. I was really at my lowest about week 7. Both times it seemed like I should be so much further along. Now, at four months, I really feel on "the other side". I still have to get stronger; I still have pain, but I am definitely getting there. If this one is the same as the first, I will feel much stronger yet again at six months.

 

[mtngal67]

Karen,
Sorry you were feeling so down, I had that kind of a day today, so you're not alone! It was good to read you're feeling better and at a turing point! Those down days are so frustrating to get through, but we all do and this group sure helps with that!

Gale
RTKR 10/5/09

 

[tom67]

I Applaud you Karen, I'm so glad your feeling better. Thanks for your confidence
and I wish you the Best,

 

[Karen M]

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. Even when I was feeling realy low, I read all the posts and took heart from them. I think this is a great place. Thanks again.

 

[Judles]

And tomorrow will be BETTER!!! Think positive!

 

[Josephine]

God bless you, honey - the first few weeks are the worst.

 

[Jamie]

Karen, so glad to hear you are getting to the positive phase of recovery. It is such a normal thing when you are early on and in pain to doubt your sanity for ever allowing such a major surgery to take place on your body. But fortunately time softens all that and you begin to feel better and get your life back.

Don't be surprised if you still have ups and downs. It's just part of the deal. But generally, you should see yourself moving forward down the path to recovery and your new (fun!) life.

 

[cindy88fan]

Karen...you are doing great! I'm glad you are feeling better! I think I got down in the dumps at week 2. I live by myself and I would have given anything for somebody to come see me. I did have visitors but I couldn't do anything or go anywhere when I was by myself...I felt I had a pity party for a few days and then my Dad came and got me out of the house! Then I was a new woman!!! Stay positive! It's the best therapy!!!