I'm so happy to have found Bonesmart! The articles, posts, and experiences have been so helpful. I wish I would have pre-surgery as I would have been better prepared. I was so unprepared that the recovery journey could take a year+. But, here I am now.
My journey before finding Bonesmart-had Left TKR on 12/4/20. As everyone says the first six weeks are so tough, but each week I made some progress. I live alone and was able to do many daily living activities quickly, including driving. Had insomnia for pretty much 8 weeks due to pain/aching. I was doing PT 3 times a week for most of the time then switched to 2 times a week. I was so challenged with everything my PT therapist had me do - I keep thinking too much and vocalized how I have not been able to that in 15+ years (sit stands without hands 3 times a day!). But, they kept pushing so I did. My pain levels would escalate greatly and I was not resting enough. My low back would get torqued and I have high pain every day. My ROM moved from 60-80-92-100-105 by week 7 which I thought was great, despite the pain. I drank the koolaid that this was a key indicator of progress.
Then I had my 8 week post-op with my Ortho who is was not happy with my progress. What?! She wanted to see ROM at 115-120, and to keep pushing hard, She said to call back in 2 weeks and if not at 110-115 she recommends doing a MUA. I was surprised and it made no sense to me without much info yet as I was progressing each week. I told her I would think about it but in my mind was already saying No. So I started some research.
And found Bonesmart! And how I have been feeling was validated-I need a more gentle approach and it will work. I have been pushing and doing too much! It's OK to slow down and rest. I am also learning to be patient. The ROM will come (thank you to many of you who posted your ROM progress month by month - I bookmarked to remind myself to relax and not worry). Yes, I declined the MUA.
After finding Bonesmart-I quit PT 2/8/21 and am taking a 4-6 week break to settle everything. I am only doing very light stuff like gentle stretching, some knee exercises, pool walking, and outside walking but stop if anything hurts. I am taking rest days - gasp. And am not going to measure ROM for awhile. The hardest part still is the chronic knee pain and aching and low back pain and overall gait. My knee still feels stiff/tight band but it does lessen if I move a bit. It's almost week 11 for me.
I have been able to find answers to many of my questions using the index or search feature. But, here are a couple that I have not found anything?
Questions
1. My scar is hypertrophic-thanks for the picture knee scar picture gallery - makes mine look "normal" I am using Bio Oil and massaging and using the Gaia cooling roller plus Mederma PM at night. It is improving, but does anyone have any other tips?
2. My other challenge is foot/leg neuropathy in both left and right legs. It was light before surgery but is definitely much worse. My Ortho says unrelated, but I have doubts. Has anyone else dealt with this? I think it may be back related or even my body reacting to all the trauma? I will have to see a Neurologist if it doesn't improve. Everything I have read doesn't bode well....I am going to try the Metagenics Neurosol supplement for nerve function.
3. My 3 mo Ortho followup is 3/1. I so want to cancel as I don't want pressure or a fair progress discussion. I keep going back and forth if I should cancel or not. Stay tuned.
So, thanks for being here, posting, sharing information, and listening to my journey. I don't feel so alone and overwhelmed now. When I get discouraged I read through other journey threads and keep going.
Roxanne
PS. I too would not consider doing my other knee-haha. Thankfully doesn't need it yet.
My journey before finding Bonesmart-had Left TKR on 12/4/20. As everyone says the first six weeks are so tough, but each week I made some progress. I live alone and was able to do many daily living activities quickly, including driving. Had insomnia for pretty much 8 weeks due to pain/aching. I was doing PT 3 times a week for most of the time then switched to 2 times a week. I was so challenged with everything my PT therapist had me do - I keep thinking too much and vocalized how I have not been able to that in 15+ years (sit stands without hands 3 times a day!). But, they kept pushing so I did. My pain levels would escalate greatly and I was not resting enough. My low back would get torqued and I have high pain every day. My ROM moved from 60-80-92-100-105 by week 7 which I thought was great, despite the pain. I drank the koolaid that this was a key indicator of progress.
Then I had my 8 week post-op with my Ortho who is was not happy with my progress. What?! She wanted to see ROM at 115-120, and to keep pushing hard, She said to call back in 2 weeks and if not at 110-115 she recommends doing a MUA. I was surprised and it made no sense to me without much info yet as I was progressing each week. I told her I would think about it but in my mind was already saying No. So I started some research.
And found Bonesmart! And how I have been feeling was validated-I need a more gentle approach and it will work. I have been pushing and doing too much! It's OK to slow down and rest. I am also learning to be patient. The ROM will come (thank you to many of you who posted your ROM progress month by month - I bookmarked to remind myself to relax and not worry). Yes, I declined the MUA.
After finding Bonesmart-I quit PT 2/8/21 and am taking a 4-6 week break to settle everything. I am only doing very light stuff like gentle stretching, some knee exercises, pool walking, and outside walking but stop if anything hurts. I am taking rest days - gasp. And am not going to measure ROM for awhile. The hardest part still is the chronic knee pain and aching and low back pain and overall gait. My knee still feels stiff/tight band but it does lessen if I move a bit. It's almost week 11 for me.
I have been able to find answers to many of my questions using the index or search feature. But, here are a couple that I have not found anything?
Questions
1. My scar is hypertrophic-thanks for the picture knee scar picture gallery - makes mine look "normal" I am using Bio Oil and massaging and using the Gaia cooling roller plus Mederma PM at night. It is improving, but does anyone have any other tips?
2. My other challenge is foot/leg neuropathy in both left and right legs. It was light before surgery but is definitely much worse. My Ortho says unrelated, but I have doubts. Has anyone else dealt with this? I think it may be back related or even my body reacting to all the trauma? I will have to see a Neurologist if it doesn't improve. Everything I have read doesn't bode well....I am going to try the Metagenics Neurosol supplement for nerve function.
3. My 3 mo Ortho followup is 3/1. I so want to cancel as I don't want pressure or a fair progress discussion. I keep going back and forth if I should cancel or not. Stay tuned.
So, thanks for being here, posting, sharing information, and listening to my journey. I don't feel so alone and overwhelmed now. When I get discouraged I read through other journey threads and keep going.
Roxanne
PS. I too would not consider doing my other knee-haha. Thankfully doesn't need it yet.
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