It's an MUA....Manipulation Under Anesthetic. We all know what you mean, though! Just don't want the doc to look at you funny when you ask how the MAU went......:D
How do you know what is enough or too much?
- Thread starter skigirl
- Start date
- Status
lakelover
member
Ski girl: I had the same problem figuring out how much is too much. Then I read somewhere to increase your repetitions, minutes or whatever you are doing by no more than 10-15% per day or even other every other day. So I started at about 2 minutes on the bike, then gradually worked up to 20 minutes. It takes awhile. I am just over three months out and am starting to feel I can do most everything with some caution. My OS said not to plan too much for 5-6 months!
SkiGirl, one thing we haven't talked about is your surgeon's statement that you needed to have your knee done now because of the deformity and the pain you were in. Although you are not convinced that's true, I believe it is. When you have a joint that is not in proper alignment - and especially one without cushioning cartilage - you DO run the risk of doing further damage if you wait to get it repaired. If you had waited another whole year like you said, not only would you have been in pain all that time with limited activity because of it, but the repairs most likely would have been a lot more difficult to do properly. That could have meant that the TKR would not have been as successful in terms of your mobility (you have FABULOUS range of motion!!!) and after-surgery pain.
I do think in time as things settle out for you, that you'll be glad you did this surgery now....before things worsened. So even though I think your surgeon was clueless and mean not to be honest with you about the recovery time, I do think he was correct in saying it is good you had it done now.
Is your other knee in the same shape? I hope not and that it will be a more straightforward operation when you decide to have it done as well.
I do think in time as things settle out for you, that you'll be glad you did this surgery now....before things worsened. So even though I think your surgeon was clueless and mean not to be honest with you about the recovery time, I do think he was correct in saying it is good you had it done now.
Is your other knee in the same shape? I hope not and that it will be a more straightforward operation when you decide to have it done as well.
OP
OP
skigirl
Former BoneSmart staff member
- Joined
- May 5, 2009
- Messages
- 13,594
- Age
- 81
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
- Gender
- Female
- Country
United States
Well, well, well--so much good advice---but there were some good tongue lashings in there too!!! Actually I am laughing my head off at "little lassie" and "wearing the big girl panties"!!! Anything but that---I have just spent quite a bit of money getting panties that are lower than the new pants---please don't send me back to (as my daughter said, the grannie panties!!!)
As most of you can see, I prefer to deal with life directly and head on---and I am pretty good at taking it when the same technique is directed my way too! Since I live in Montana, I am prepared to be a Big Buckaroo---anything but the big girl panties!!!
Jo, I really do understand how we all only have so much energy--but, sometimes exercise--like my upper body exercise gives me More energy--not less. Remember, before this surgery, I worked out at least two hours every day---more before ski season. So, my body needs a certain amount of moving and stretching just to work properly.
I have to admit that since I am such a jock, I don't have the mental resources that some of you have---I simply do not know what to do with myself all day. I refuse to sit in bed another minute. I sit in a chair, then I'm bored and I walk around, then I read for an hour, then I walk around, then I go somewhere for an erran, then I walk around some more--then into the studio for an hour or two, then walk around, then sit for a while, etc, etc. I am so incredibly bored!!! I hate tv and am tired of reading. I am used to more interaction with other people and I miss having friends to talk to and laugh with. But, when I go to a quilt meeting, I become so tired that I am not good company.
Usually I am the happy go lucky one---this surgery has changed my personality---I can see that the lack of sleep and the isolation from other humans is what does it. My husband is depressed and usually it does not bother me because I have so many other friends---spending day in and day out with a depressed person is really wearing me out.
Bob's daughter is coming for a visit and I have spent this week doing laundry and preparing the guest room for them. It is impossible for me to ask others for help, and I have had to accept the fact that Mary will have to visit a less than clean house. The worst part is the messiness that seems to accompany illness---the piles of books everywhere, the pile of magazines and mail that I just got rid of today, I also got rid of the raised toilet seat and the shower chair---I could not stand to look at them and their mess for one more minute. But, I still have to put away all the bottles of Aleve, Aspirin, vitamins, glucosomine, etc, etc that are cluttering the bathroom. Ugh
Through this all is my frustration that I am so impaired at this time. I did get out the compression stockings I have and started wearing them around the house, which helps with the swelling when I am standing. I have to work in my studio, I just can't stand to live when I don't---but, now, I am only working on smaller projects. I wrote to four galleries and told them that due to family illness, I will be late. They will be skeptical, but there is less pressure.
The overriding pain is the biggest problem. When I take Percoset on a regular basis, my brain becomes mush and I feel like crying all the time. When I try to space it out during the day, my brain is better, but the pain builds up all day. Now, tonight, it is impossible to sleep because of the pain in my leg. I am trying to take tramadol and tylenol during the day, and it almost gets me past the pain---but the night is a different story. It is impossible to find a comfortable position to lie down, so I find myself in a chair with myleg propped up in another chair. i really do think this is a good time to go down to my studio, since sleep is impossible anyway. Just sitting here is driving my crazy. The sleep thing makes sense to me---since I don't do anything physical, my body requires less sleep.
And all of you are right--it is useless to think that I wish I had not done this surgery---because I did do it. Thinking of how much I hate this knee is not getting me anywhere.
Crystal is does scare me that you skied last winter--but only went 8 times. I will have to ski about 100 days---and I will ski them knee swelling or no knee swelling. Since my doc lied about everything else, I assume he lied about skiing too. Yesterday I met a woman in pt whose doc told her she could ski after 3 months. Even i thought that was crazy.
I have always healed so quickly---this surgery has brought me to my knees!!! My right knee has an injury at work---my leg caught on a piece of equipment and was twisted. I lost almost all of my meniscus and my knee went from full joint space in March to bone on bone in July. Traumatic arthritis. Until this surgery, it hurt most of the time, just ached. But, since the surgery, it has not hurt at all. And there is NO Way THAT I would have surgery on it until at least five years has passed---I am set on that, I can ignore the pain because, it is not like I won't have pain after the surgery anyway. I won't do the knee until I am at least 70. I don't care.
As most of you can see, I prefer to deal with life directly and head on---and I am pretty good at taking it when the same technique is directed my way too! Since I live in Montana, I am prepared to be a Big Buckaroo---anything but the big girl panties!!!
Jo, I really do understand how we all only have so much energy--but, sometimes exercise--like my upper body exercise gives me More energy--not less. Remember, before this surgery, I worked out at least two hours every day---more before ski season. So, my body needs a certain amount of moving and stretching just to work properly.
I have to admit that since I am such a jock, I don't have the mental resources that some of you have---I simply do not know what to do with myself all day. I refuse to sit in bed another minute. I sit in a chair, then I'm bored and I walk around, then I read for an hour, then I walk around, then I go somewhere for an erran, then I walk around some more--then into the studio for an hour or two, then walk around, then sit for a while, etc, etc. I am so incredibly bored!!! I hate tv and am tired of reading. I am used to more interaction with other people and I miss having friends to talk to and laugh with. But, when I go to a quilt meeting, I become so tired that I am not good company.
Usually I am the happy go lucky one---this surgery has changed my personality---I can see that the lack of sleep and the isolation from other humans is what does it. My husband is depressed and usually it does not bother me because I have so many other friends---spending day in and day out with a depressed person is really wearing me out.
Bob's daughter is coming for a visit and I have spent this week doing laundry and preparing the guest room for them. It is impossible for me to ask others for help, and I have had to accept the fact that Mary will have to visit a less than clean house. The worst part is the messiness that seems to accompany illness---the piles of books everywhere, the pile of magazines and mail that I just got rid of today, I also got rid of the raised toilet seat and the shower chair---I could not stand to look at them and their mess for one more minute. But, I still have to put away all the bottles of Aleve, Aspirin, vitamins, glucosomine, etc, etc that are cluttering the bathroom. Ugh
Through this all is my frustration that I am so impaired at this time. I did get out the compression stockings I have and started wearing them around the house, which helps with the swelling when I am standing. I have to work in my studio, I just can't stand to live when I don't---but, now, I am only working on smaller projects. I wrote to four galleries and told them that due to family illness, I will be late. They will be skeptical, but there is less pressure.
The overriding pain is the biggest problem. When I take Percoset on a regular basis, my brain becomes mush and I feel like crying all the time. When I try to space it out during the day, my brain is better, but the pain builds up all day. Now, tonight, it is impossible to sleep because of the pain in my leg. I am trying to take tramadol and tylenol during the day, and it almost gets me past the pain---but the night is a different story. It is impossible to find a comfortable position to lie down, so I find myself in a chair with myleg propped up in another chair. i really do think this is a good time to go down to my studio, since sleep is impossible anyway. Just sitting here is driving my crazy. The sleep thing makes sense to me---since I don't do anything physical, my body requires less sleep.
And all of you are right--it is useless to think that I wish I had not done this surgery---because I did do it. Thinking of how much I hate this knee is not getting me anywhere.
Crystal is does scare me that you skied last winter--but only went 8 times. I will have to ski about 100 days---and I will ski them knee swelling or no knee swelling. Since my doc lied about everything else, I assume he lied about skiing too. Yesterday I met a woman in pt whose doc told her she could ski after 3 months. Even i thought that was crazy.
I have always healed so quickly---this surgery has brought me to my knees!!! My right knee has an injury at work---my leg caught on a piece of equipment and was twisted. I lost almost all of my meniscus and my knee went from full joint space in March to bone on bone in July. Traumatic arthritis. Until this surgery, it hurt most of the time, just ached. But, since the surgery, it has not hurt at all. And there is NO Way THAT I would have surgery on it until at least five years has passed---I am set on that, I can ignore the pain because, it is not like I won't have pain after the surgery anyway. I won't do the knee until I am at least 70. I don't care.
loggon
big-cheese
Skigirl
Why do you have to ski about 100 days? Is it for teaching?
You are 65 and you will be losing a lot of your
athleticism. It is just a fact. I too always healed quickly and I guess I am healing a little faster than some here in spite of my age. I do not have the intense pain and I never had the crying or lows, but I do think that has a lot to do with the type of meds you are taking. Also, I had so many loved ones and friends around me I would not have had time to feel sorry for my self. My husband is a peach, his problem is he wants to baby me too much. He is so scared I will hurt my knee, I just have to tell him to back off I need to get the knee back in shape.
I do wish you would let more people such as the many friends you say you have in on the surgery you had. True friends are helpful and they know when and when not to ask questions.
Yes we all here may do some tongue lashing, but only because we care.
The not sleeping, not hungry, being tired, and for some the lows and crying is normal after the surgery. But when you hit around 9 or 10 weeks, you will be amazed at how you will be able to do more and more things with ease. At least that is how it was for me.
My left knee needs some care, but I have NO plans to have this surgery again. I just want to get back to my normal life which is very active. I waited for 3 years to have this surgery. I wish I would have done the TKR 3 years ago.
I know in a couple of months I will be back to near if not normal routine and I can't wait. I have so much planned.
Best think you can do is take the advise of Jo. She is one traffic person and she knows her stuff.
Why do you have to ski about 100 days? Is it for teaching?
You are 65 and you will be losing a lot of your
athleticism. It is just a fact. I too always healed quickly and I guess I am healing a little faster than some here in spite of my age. I do not have the intense pain and I never had the crying or lows, but I do think that has a lot to do with the type of meds you are taking. Also, I had so many loved ones and friends around me I would not have had time to feel sorry for my self. My husband is a peach, his problem is he wants to baby me too much. He is so scared I will hurt my knee, I just have to tell him to back off I need to get the knee back in shape.
I do wish you would let more people such as the many friends you say you have in on the surgery you had. True friends are helpful and they know when and when not to ask questions.
Yes we all here may do some tongue lashing, but only because we care.
The not sleeping, not hungry, being tired, and for some the lows and crying is normal after the surgery. But when you hit around 9 or 10 weeks, you will be amazed at how you will be able to do more and more things with ease. At least that is how it was for me.
My left knee needs some care, but I have NO plans to have this surgery again. I just want to get back to my normal life which is very active. I waited for 3 years to have this surgery. I wish I would have done the TKR 3 years ago.
I know in a couple of months I will be back to near if not normal routine and I can't wait. I have so much planned.
Best think you can do is take the advise of Jo. She is one traffic person and she knows her stuff.
Texas
alpha
Ski this surgery broguht me to my knees as well. Maybe I dont ski but I have 2 kids. They need attention and want to play. It kills me that I cant. I am getting back into it slowly because if I go to fast I will end up going backwards. When you say I dont want to be in bed or sit with my feet up because you feel lazy. Thats not true and at the same time we are not lazy. You are choosing to be mad at the situation. Its done now it is what it is just do what your supposed to then you will get back out there...As stubborn of a person as you are you will be just fine. I sure hope you send us a pic of yourself on a slop. I know it with all my heart. Just go with it right now its not ideal but let it heal, you have come this far just finish. I dont think my Dr told me everything either but my choices are limited and I choose to have friends to hep me. Do what Im told and soon I will go on vacation and enjoy my kids. Always driving them somewhere here there school, practice, games etc. and I worked....clean, dinner all of it. You will be just fine.....In time and when your ready to ski you will be so ready !!!!
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
That is simply a fallacy, my dear. It doesn't work that way, simple physics. You cannot get more energy by using energy. What you get is a high and that's more energy draining than anything.
It's obvious you have great strength of mind and purpose. You are a driven lady and feel that your life is only justified by how much activity you can cram into it. Now you have another challenge - use that strength and determination to rein yourself in, set yourself boundaries with rewards of extra activity each time you spend a day with real rest - that's no housework and only a limited amount of walking/standing. When you've done that, allow yourself ten or twenty minutes of something you really want to do. You have to take a handle on this or you're going to go mad! So take it in small bites; stop looking at the bigger picture and all the things you want to do. Just go from one small challenge and reward to the next. Your feeling tearful and frustrated and ending up not being good company are all features that everyone experiences.
ship4
graduate
Skigirl,
I only skied 8 times last season because I work full time all week at my home business which is Family Child Care. I have 6 preschool children in my home between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday.
I skied on the weekends and got out early in the AM as the lifts opened. As a ski instructor, you know the mountain is packed with weekend guests and the best skiing is always early in the AM. I also, at this point in my life, prefer to ski on 'perfect' ski days. My 8 days of skiing starting in February after having both knees replaced, was great for me. I waited for the good days. The OS saw no issue with me returning to skiing as I am an accomplished skier. He did warn me to stay out of the bumps (as skiing the bumps will wear the spacer out faster). He also told me the greatest risk to my knee replacements would be by being hit by another skier. As an instructor, you know that is a hazard you will be facing..... You will be back on the hill skiing and teaching, and will have to learn to trust your new knee. Remember I am not a full time ski instructor, nor did I ever enjoy skiing in the bumps. I am a weekend skier who enjoys skiing the mountain for enjoyment not my livelihood. My 8 perfect days were wonderful for me last season.
My husband is a PSIA Level 3 instructor who trains the new hire instructors @ Loon Mountain every season. When I went out skiing the first time everyone from ski school instructors to ski friends were cheering me on. They were all pleased for me.
You will be able to get back on your skis once the ski season starts...... If you can get the rest your body requires to heal itself. You will find others in the ski school (not having you as this year's topic of gossip) genuinely pleased for you to not only have overcome your knee issue, but to be back on snow actually teaching again!
Currently since you are only 4 weeks out from major surgery it is difficult to expend energy that your body no longer possess. It is very much like pouring from an empty cup. Nothing comes out.....
Pain and exhaustion, no matter how much you despise it and view it as weak, is the consequence of pushing your body when the energy is absent. You need to allow your body to rest to recover and become rejuvenated.
Remember, your energy was depleted when you were under anesthesia as it is totally abnormal for the body to be still like that for such a long period of time. If you were out for an hour and a half or 2 hours for the surgery, your body is now after 4 weeks just recovering from the anesthesia, never mind the surgery.
You will find at the 8-12 week mark your energy will return with gusto, you will start to sleep much better, which will in turn fuel your body with the energy reserves you are normally used to having.
I found I required a nap during the day during the first 6 weeks. Between not sleeping at night, and working on healing and getting my ROM where I wanted it to be, I required lots of energy. I had a few issues with my appetite, but did find I required fruit juice to drink to quench my thirst. I drank lots of cranberry juice, and apricot nectar cut with water and ice. When you are not fueling your body with nutrients, you also are slowing your body from doing it's job of healing.
I wish you well in your recovery.
I only skied 8 times last season because I work full time all week at my home business which is Family Child Care. I have 6 preschool children in my home between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday.
I skied on the weekends and got out early in the AM as the lifts opened. As a ski instructor, you know the mountain is packed with weekend guests and the best skiing is always early in the AM. I also, at this point in my life, prefer to ski on 'perfect' ski days. My 8 days of skiing starting in February after having both knees replaced, was great for me. I waited for the good days. The OS saw no issue with me returning to skiing as I am an accomplished skier. He did warn me to stay out of the bumps (as skiing the bumps will wear the spacer out faster). He also told me the greatest risk to my knee replacements would be by being hit by another skier. As an instructor, you know that is a hazard you will be facing..... You will be back on the hill skiing and teaching, and will have to learn to trust your new knee. Remember I am not a full time ski instructor, nor did I ever enjoy skiing in the bumps. I am a weekend skier who enjoys skiing the mountain for enjoyment not my livelihood. My 8 perfect days were wonderful for me last season.
My husband is a PSIA Level 3 instructor who trains the new hire instructors @ Loon Mountain every season. When I went out skiing the first time everyone from ski school instructors to ski friends were cheering me on. They were all pleased for me.
You will be able to get back on your skis once the ski season starts...... If you can get the rest your body requires to heal itself. You will find others in the ski school (not having you as this year's topic of gossip) genuinely pleased for you to not only have overcome your knee issue, but to be back on snow actually teaching again!
Currently since you are only 4 weeks out from major surgery it is difficult to expend energy that your body no longer possess. It is very much like pouring from an empty cup. Nothing comes out.....
Pain and exhaustion, no matter how much you despise it and view it as weak, is the consequence of pushing your body when the energy is absent. You need to allow your body to rest to recover and become rejuvenated.
Remember, your energy was depleted when you were under anesthesia as it is totally abnormal for the body to be still like that for such a long period of time. If you were out for an hour and a half or 2 hours for the surgery, your body is now after 4 weeks just recovering from the anesthesia, never mind the surgery.
You will find at the 8-12 week mark your energy will return with gusto, you will start to sleep much better, which will in turn fuel your body with the energy reserves you are normally used to having.
I found I required a nap during the day during the first 6 weeks. Between not sleeping at night, and working on healing and getting my ROM where I wanted it to be, I required lots of energy. I had a few issues with my appetite, but did find I required fruit juice to drink to quench my thirst. I drank lots of cranberry juice, and apricot nectar cut with water and ice. When you are not fueling your body with nutrients, you also are slowing your body from doing it's job of healing.
I wish you well in your recovery.
OP
OP
skigirl
Former BoneSmart staff member
- Joined
- May 5, 2009
- Messages
- 13,594
- Age
- 81
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
- Gender
- Female
- Country
- United States
Dear Pat,
I ski 100 days for the joy of it and because that is how many days our resort is open. I also teach skiing--but it does not make me ski more---I would ski that many days anyway.
Even though I am 65, I am NOT "loosing my athleticisim" that is ****!!! I have been an thlete all my life, played field hockey in high school. Went to college on a field hockey scholarship. (Majored in art and philosophy---minored in Physics)
After two years in school, I switched to the soccer team, played soccer all thorugh school. Aftter my kids were born, I played with senior amateur teams for 20 years. Also coached my kids and the high school.
Crystal---I relate to your life I ran a day care in my home for three years. But soccer was my mental salvation---played three nights per week. In the winter, Iplayed indoor soccer and ice hockey. all of my kids are athletic--and for some years, their teams and trips took over a part of my life. But, I always maintained a team.
When we moved out west, I became more active---hiking 20 mile hikes twice a week, biking every day to town and back--10 miles--and working out in the gym, every day without fail. I have coached soccer here too, but most of my energy has been spent in skiing and hiking. I am an expert skier---much better now than I was 20 years ago. Each year I can see my skill level INCREASE and my enjoyment increase too. Crystal, I am a level II=-was working on Level III when the drated injury of my right knee slowed me down a little[-- and now this . . .
But, in fact, I am in better shape now than I was when my kids were at home---and I spent so much time taking care of them. Now, finally, it is all about ME!!! I live in Montana and I have friends who are in their 70's and 80's who kick my butt---so, I don't see myself declining just yet--- I am still trying to keep up with my friend Alice who is 78---I can barely walk as fast as she does in hikes---actually to be honest, I can't walk as fast as she does during hikes---that is my goal, to keep up with Alice.
We live our life outdoors here--and I just have to turn my head to see people who are older than me in the gym, so now, I am not at all worried about loosing my athleticism. I am more worried right now about loosing my MIND---which is in a much more precarious position. And yes, I know that percoset is a major cause of my depressive feelings---I wish I could cut it out of my life entirely. Kelly
I ski 100 days for the joy of it and because that is how many days our resort is open. I also teach skiing--but it does not make me ski more---I would ski that many days anyway.
Even though I am 65, I am NOT "loosing my athleticisim" that is ****!!! I have been an thlete all my life, played field hockey in high school. Went to college on a field hockey scholarship. (Majored in art and philosophy---minored in Physics)
After two years in school, I switched to the soccer team, played soccer all thorugh school. Aftter my kids were born, I played with senior amateur teams for 20 years. Also coached my kids and the high school.
Crystal---I relate to your life I ran a day care in my home for three years. But soccer was my mental salvation---played three nights per week. In the winter, Iplayed indoor soccer and ice hockey. all of my kids are athletic--and for some years, their teams and trips took over a part of my life. But, I always maintained a team.
When we moved out west, I became more active---hiking 20 mile hikes twice a week, biking every day to town and back--10 miles--and working out in the gym, every day without fail. I have coached soccer here too, but most of my energy has been spent in skiing and hiking. I am an expert skier---much better now than I was 20 years ago. Each year I can see my skill level INCREASE and my enjoyment increase too. Crystal, I am a level II=-was working on Level III when the drated injury of my right knee slowed me down a little[-- and now this . . .
But, in fact, I am in better shape now than I was when my kids were at home---and I spent so much time taking care of them. Now, finally, it is all about ME!!! I live in Montana and I have friends who are in their 70's and 80's who kick my butt---so, I don't see myself declining just yet--- I am still trying to keep up with my friend Alice who is 78---I can barely walk as fast as she does in hikes---actually to be honest, I can't walk as fast as she does during hikes---that is my goal, to keep up with Alice.
We live our life outdoors here--and I just have to turn my head to see people who are older than me in the gym, so now, I am not at all worried about loosing my athleticism. I am more worried right now about loosing my MIND---which is in a much more precarious position. And yes, I know that percoset is a major cause of my depressive feelings---I wish I could cut it out of my life entirely. Kelly
I have had an extremely successful and quick recovery from a total arthoplasty on both of my knees (as of today eleven months on my left and four months on my right)....am able to do just about any physical activity. Received permission from my doctor for all my activities.
However, want to reiterate the prior comments. With my first surgery, for a variety of reasons, I experienced extreme anemia (had considerable bleeding after sugery and had blood drawn for two separate tests within a week of the surgery). Additionally I went back to work the second week after surgery. Coupled with the fact that I worked extremely hard in physical therapy....I experienced major fatique for two weeks and almost had to go to the emergency room I felt so bad.
With the second surgery....no blood tests and no blood loss after surgery. Went back to work the week following surgery and worked even harder in physical therapy. Still had extreme fatigue for a few weeks following surgery.
Bottom line....I was slow to realize that a total arthroplasty is a major surgery and the body takes time for recovery....I needed to heed the signals from my body. I thought that I could just "overpower" the fatique....but boy was I wrong!! Fortunately I had the capability to work either from my office or home and when the fatique occurred....was able to take time and rest.
For me, it was somewhere between week four and six that I no longer experienced fatique to a major degree....felt close to 100 percent physically after that time frame.
Another factor....I believe that pain contributes to fatique. I stopped the narcotic pain medication the week after my first surgery and did not take after I left the hospital with the second. Absolutely hated the way I felt. This probably exacerbated my situation. As your pain abates it will get better.....I know.
Be patient...it gets better soon!!
Steve
However, want to reiterate the prior comments. With my first surgery, for a variety of reasons, I experienced extreme anemia (had considerable bleeding after sugery and had blood drawn for two separate tests within a week of the surgery). Additionally I went back to work the second week after surgery. Coupled with the fact that I worked extremely hard in physical therapy....I experienced major fatique for two weeks and almost had to go to the emergency room I felt so bad.
With the second surgery....no blood tests and no blood loss after surgery. Went back to work the week following surgery and worked even harder in physical therapy. Still had extreme fatigue for a few weeks following surgery.
Bottom line....I was slow to realize that a total arthroplasty is a major surgery and the body takes time for recovery....I needed to heed the signals from my body. I thought that I could just "overpower" the fatique....but boy was I wrong!! Fortunately I had the capability to work either from my office or home and when the fatique occurred....was able to take time and rest.
For me, it was somewhere between week four and six that I no longer experienced fatique to a major degree....felt close to 100 percent physically after that time frame.
Another factor....I believe that pain contributes to fatique. I stopped the narcotic pain medication the week after my first surgery and did not take after I left the hospital with the second. Absolutely hated the way I felt. This probably exacerbated my situation. As your pain abates it will get better.....I know.
Be patient...it gets better soon!!
Steve
Kelly, I really enjoyed reading your last two posts and finding out more about you and the life you enjoy. You are one amazing lady and I can see that you have LOTS more to do in life.
You know there are other pain medications you could try besides the Percoset. I was on Hydrocodone for 3 weeks, didn't like what it was doing with me, and switched to Darvoset for the remaining time I needed prescription pain meds. You might try calling the nurse practitioner you worked with and see if she could try something else for you. If that doesn't work, call and ask your primary care doctor for a different medication. They don't all knock you loopy.
I truly believe it when you say you are getting better at skiing. Who says you have to go into a decline when you hit 65??? Not me!! I'm looking forward to the day when you write here that you are hiking again and that you are not only keeping up with Alice, but leading the way.
Your lifestyle is definitely different than what most of us on the forum do each day. That high level of physical activity worked for you before surgery and you will be back at it after a few months recovery. You are determined and you will get there.
Life is full of challenges. Your biggest one right now is to find a way to spread things out throughout the day (and night) so that you are allowing periods of activity mixed with periods of rest. I'm sure that's a totally different schedule than you're used to, but if you can master it, life will be easier for you. I do think you did the right thing by writing to the galleries. You might be surprised to find how much people there understand. Most people have dealt with things like this in their own lives and can relate....whether it's surgery, aging parents, sick kids, an accident, an unexpected illness....all those "little" things that happen to a person. I think it was Ann Landers who said, "LIFE is what happens when you're busy making plans!"
I am sorry to hear that your knee damage was the result of a work accident. Something happening like the sudden change you experienced from March to July is traumatic. I know because it happened to me that way. I had an arthroscopic surgery (the "easy" kind) two years ago in February and by summer I was bone on bone and limping! I was mad!!! I grieved for the loss of my knee and was not particularly happy with the surgeon who did the arthroscopic procedure. I couldn't believe I needed a knee replacement and actually toughed it through the pain until the following winter.
But in the end I did get the replacement and I'm glad I did. My knee is more stable than it has been for years. What I have come to realize now is that it was actually in bad shape, but I just didn't let pain bother me. I was having times it would give out (and I'd fall flat on my face), but I didn't realize that was because the joint was failing. The NEW surgeon I had for my TKR was even surprised at how bad it was once he got in there!
I hope that you continue to post here because I believe that you will have some fabulous success stories in the weeks and months to come. God bless you for being such a strong person and I think your story will be an inspiration to others. You have already been one to me.
You know there are other pain medications you could try besides the Percoset. I was on Hydrocodone for 3 weeks, didn't like what it was doing with me, and switched to Darvoset for the remaining time I needed prescription pain meds. You might try calling the nurse practitioner you worked with and see if she could try something else for you. If that doesn't work, call and ask your primary care doctor for a different medication. They don't all knock you loopy.
I truly believe it when you say you are getting better at skiing. Who says you have to go into a decline when you hit 65??? Not me!! I'm looking forward to the day when you write here that you are hiking again and that you are not only keeping up with Alice, but leading the way.
Your lifestyle is definitely different than what most of us on the forum do each day. That high level of physical activity worked for you before surgery and you will be back at it after a few months recovery. You are determined and you will get there.
Life is full of challenges. Your biggest one right now is to find a way to spread things out throughout the day (and night) so that you are allowing periods of activity mixed with periods of rest. I'm sure that's a totally different schedule than you're used to, but if you can master it, life will be easier for you. I do think you did the right thing by writing to the galleries. You might be surprised to find how much people there understand. Most people have dealt with things like this in their own lives and can relate....whether it's surgery, aging parents, sick kids, an accident, an unexpected illness....all those "little" things that happen to a person. I think it was Ann Landers who said, "LIFE is what happens when you're busy making plans!"
I am sorry to hear that your knee damage was the result of a work accident. Something happening like the sudden change you experienced from March to July is traumatic. I know because it happened to me that way. I had an arthroscopic surgery (the "easy" kind) two years ago in February and by summer I was bone on bone and limping! I was mad!!! I grieved for the loss of my knee and was not particularly happy with the surgeon who did the arthroscopic procedure. I couldn't believe I needed a knee replacement and actually toughed it through the pain until the following winter.
But in the end I did get the replacement and I'm glad I did. My knee is more stable than it has been for years. What I have come to realize now is that it was actually in bad shape, but I just didn't let pain bother me. I was having times it would give out (and I'd fall flat on my face), but I didn't realize that was because the joint was failing. The NEW surgeon I had for my TKR was even surprised at how bad it was once he got in there!
I hope that you continue to post here because I believe that you will have some fabulous success stories in the weeks and months to come. God bless you for being such a strong person and I think your story will be an inspiration to others. You have already been one to me.
calling_all_angels
big-cheese
Kelly,
I guess what it all boils down to is you are going to do this your way. Which is "it is what it is" and no one can live your life but you. I understand really I do. I do not like to say "Uncle either" I told my OS that I would like for him to just chop the left leg off so I could get on with my life. He told me that it would only make it worse!! LOL I guess I needed him to tell me that. So now we will do a MUA on both knee's tomorrow and then maybe I will be able to start getting my life back!! Like you I hate spinning my wheels!! But I don't want to cry over spilled milk so I suck it up and keep my pain to myself. Which may not be the best thing to do but it is my way. I do not have time to waste this summer I need to be up and running!!!
So Kelly, you do what you have to do, you are the only person who knows what you can and can not do. Tell Alice to watch out because you will be gaining on her any day now. Good Luck with Your Future
I guess what it all boils down to is you are going to do this your way. Which is "it is what it is" and no one can live your life but you. I understand really I do. I do not like to say "Uncle either" I told my OS that I would like for him to just chop the left leg off so I could get on with my life. He told me that it would only make it worse!! LOL I guess I needed him to tell me that. So now we will do a MUA on both knee's tomorrow and then maybe I will be able to start getting my life back!! Like you I hate spinning my wheels!! But I don't want to cry over spilled milk so I suck it up and keep my pain to myself. Which may not be the best thing to do but it is my way. I do not have time to waste this summer I need to be up and running!!!
So Kelly, you do what you have to do, you are the only person who knows what you can and can not do. Tell Alice to watch out because you will be gaining on her any day now. Good Luck with Your Future
Linda2
post-grad
I really hope you know that all the lovely people here really do care about your outcome. Four weeks just isn't far enough along for most of us to know we are actually glad we did this. (OK, Gringo's an exception!) Even another four weeks will make a big difference, and 12 weeks is yet again exponentially better. Try cutting your Percocets in half and see if that helps the pain without adding fogginess. I had my first one day last July, and I signed up for the second one this July. Time does grant better perspective.
JackieS
junior member
Why don't you ask your OS for something less strong? Percoset makes me feel like a zombie. I had it after a minor knee surgery and hated the feeling. For my own TKR, after my release from the hospital, I was given Vicoden ES. It handled the pain unless I absolutely did too much. But it was a lot less all-encompassing mind-wise than Percoset.
bluegrassanne
junior member
I had RTKR on May 18th. My doctor told me I would be able to go back to work in three weeks and I did. I was doing just great. I was released from PT right before I went back to work. I had full ROM. I was doing my exercises twice a day and walking twice a day. Last Wednesday I found a short knee friendly flight of stairs and walked them twice, alternating my feet. I was almost ready to abandon my cane. Then Thursday my left knee went out. It hurt worse than anything I have experienced with my right knee. I feel like I took two steps back. I did manage to do most of my exercises this morning. Do I think I over did it? 
Yes, but I have no idea where I went wrong so take it easy and don't push too hard.
Yes, but I have no idea where I went wrong so take it easy and don't push too hard.loggon
big-cheese
Jo will be able to tell you where you went wrong.
I think you over over did. So So Sorry about your knee.
Wow I do hope you get better real soon, but think you need
to rest and back off for a while. YOu need to ice, elevate, rest and take the pain pills.
You also need to call your doctor.
Good luck
I think you over over did. So So Sorry about your knee.
Wow I do hope you get better real soon, but think you need
to rest and back off for a while. YOu need to ice, elevate, rest and take the pain pills.
You also need to call your doctor.
Good luck
Hi, Bluegrass....so sorry to hear your OTHER knee is acting up. That happens often in recovery as it has to pick up the slack for the recovering one. Follow the same program for it too....rest, ice, elevation, anti-inflammants and/or pain meds....and it should improve.
It's great that you were able to head back to work so quickly. But do realize that your body is still in MAJOR healing mode. Be kind to yourself. Working is a lot of activity for you at this stage, so you shouldn't need to work out a whole lot more....probably just some exercises for your quad. But go at them easy and increase the intensity gradually.
Was your left knee diagnosed as needing a TKR? If not, it should be fine once you allow it to rest a little.
It's great that you were able to head back to work so quickly. But do realize that your body is still in MAJOR healing mode. Be kind to yourself. Working is a lot of activity for you at this stage, so you shouldn't need to work out a whole lot more....probably just some exercises for your quad. But go at them easy and increase the intensity gradually.
Was your left knee diagnosed as needing a TKR? If not, it should be fine once you allow it to rest a little.
- Status
