TKR It's Amazing!

[Newone15]

Dear Pumpkin, Thank you for your encouraging words. I have been depressed all day about this. When the PT pushed it too far today, I actually called out to Jesus and yelled "Enough!" My leg still aches me, even though the PT session was over more than twelve hours ago. Next week is supposed to be my last week for home visits, and then I see the doctor to arrange outpatient PT. I was thinking of cancel king the rest of the home visits, but they seem to be dragging their heels as far as letting me use just the cane, so I can drive.

 

[Jamie]

Remember, the therapists don't "let" you do anything. You are in charge. You have the right to insist they not hurt you. You also can try the cane if you want. Just be sure it gives you enough support. If you limp when you walk with it, it's too soon. There is nothing magic about the cane and driving. If you needed a walker to be stable when you go to your car, use it. The idea is to be able to take good strong strides with whatever aid you use.

The key to being able to drive is whether or not you can use the pedals in an emergency. This can be impacted by your surgery or the drugs. You want to be alert and strong enough to react if needed.

 

[Spencieca]

Why don't you try driving with someone else in the car and going to a parking lot..testing out the leg...I started driving this last week, but can only do it short distances...my knee aches a bit when Im driving but it does not hurt when I push the gas or the break...I think you should drive when you feel safe enough to do so.....

 

[Newone15]

Thank you, Jamie and Spencieca, for your feedback. It was my left knee that was replaced, so there should be no problem with the pedals. I am going to enlist a friend to take a ride with me, however, since I haven't driven in over a month and don't want any car issues. I know not to drive with medication in my system, so that won't be a problem. When I can get the swelling to go down, I am going to make a few strides with MY cane. After yesterday, I have had enough of the bullying. I am not a child. I was able to take care of myself fine before this happened. To quote a song, "nobody knows the struggles I've seen." It's time for them to back off!

 

[vinny]

Hi @Newone15 one thing you have not mentioned is ice...are you icing on a regular basis? That will help your swelling and make getting around much easier.....as for your PT's you need to ditch the one who hurts you and that will also send a message ...your ROM is fine and will not suffer if you wait for the PT who you favor...agree with everyone else on the shower...have someone help you with clothes on and once you do it you will be fine...it's just a matter of getting confidence as the implant is rock solid and you will keep building up your muscles by using them....

Vinny

 

[referee54]

Remember, the therapists don't "let" you do anything. You are in charge.

This is an excellent point!

You also can try the cane if you want. Just be sure it gives you enough support. If you limp when you walk with it, it's too soon. There is nothing magic about the cane and driving. If you needed a walker to be stable when you go to your car, use it. The idea is to be able to take good strong strides with whatever aid you use.

Too many folks are in a hurry to abandon the walker, as it seems to represent a sense of tremendous dependence. It is better to use it two days longer than you should than to toss it out and lose stability and gait with a cane.

 

[kneeper]

I took hydrocodone before bed for about 7 weeks, I think. I was driving at about 6 weeks with the left knee even though I was taking the hydrocodone at night only at that point. Not that I did a lot of driving.

The right knee took longer since that's the driving leg.

 

[Newone15]

I am still in a lot of pain from when the PT pushed it to 100 degrees ROM. Tonight my leg actually gave out on me when I was washing my hands. I grabbed the walker just in time. It feels wiggly I. My knee cap. I have been icing all day. I will take Meds for sleep and tell the PT hands off tomorrow. I think my body is crying out for me to protect it. I have my follow-up visit with my surgeon on April 7. I can't wait. I will try driving to pick up Easter dinner fixings, with a friend to carry the bags and offer moral support, next week.

 

[Newone15]

Ok now this is bugging me. My PT came today and I told her hands off because I have been in agony since the other PT pushed it too 100 degrees ROM. She measured me without pushing and found it to be 90 degrees ROM, and responded that she thought I could do better. I told her that's all she's going to get today. She massaged my leg and recommended icing and elevation with exercises as tolerated until Monday. She also made a point if saying that when I get to outpatient PT I will hear people screaming because they really push it in there. Really??


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[referee54]

She measured me without pushing and found it to be 90 degrees ROM, and responded that she thought I could do better

She obviously has never had a TKR, otherwise, she would realize that it is not up to the person---it is up to the knee. The knee will gain ROM when the swelling goes down, on its own schedule.

She also made a point if saying that when I get to outpatient PT I will hear people screaming because they really push it in there. Really??

I would hope that this is a scare tactic (as to why, I have no idea.)

The out-patient PT clinic that I went to did not do this---everything was done gently and on my knees' schedule--they really never tried to intimidate me or scare me into trying to get more ROM.

 

[referee54]

I was just thinking about his incredible remark:

She measured me without pushing and found it to be 90 degrees ROM, and responded that she thought I could do better.

That is like somebody timing me in the 100-meter dash---and telling me that I could run it under 11 seconds.

I could run it over and over again, but I will never run it under 11 seconds (maybe not even 11 minutes!)

It just ain't going to happen!

 

[kneeper]

Sure you can do better---down the road when the swelling decreases and more healing happens. Jeepers, it's not a willpower situation you silly PT.

 

[Newone15]

Five weeks out from Left TKR today. PT person came early, but I was already, sponge bathed and dressed with socks and sneakers on. I requested that she bring me out to my car and show me the best way to get in and out(also wanted to see if it would start, since it's been sitting there for five weeks). She brought me out; the car started; I was thrilled. I told her that I had been resting it, icing, and doing mild stretches, since last week when I had the flare up from doing too much. It measured at 90 degrees ROM without her pushing on it. I will be walking with a cane, until/unless I get tired at the end if the day. Starting to feel more confidence. I will drive this week, without Meds in my system , of course, to a few close by places. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and support during this difficult time. It's hard when you live alone. Having you guys out there has been a life line for me.


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[vinny]

And if she massaged you and worked on your leg a little bit you would get more than the 90 degrees cold....at this stage your need to warm it up a little bit like a car starting in winter....I have recently been working with a PT who measured my ROM walking in the door and then massaged my legs and measured again and it is always 6-8 degrees more.....when you are able to get out on your own you will find everyday activities a big help with ROM...as long as you are stable..

Vinny

 

[Maggie94]

Hi @Newone15 I can only echo what others have said...no bullying. You do what you can and no more. I don't understand why these PTs are so aggressive. If you go too far you hurt your knee. Your knee swells in response and you can't do as much as before cause swelling stops bendind. Not rocket science.
Stick to your guns and take control of what they do to you.
I have put your thread on "watch" so will do same and I look forward to following your progress. Cheers, Maggie x

 

[Newone15]

I am five weeks and a few days out of left TKR and have been walking with a cane for three days. I actually feel more stable with the cane; it feels like my operated leg is getting stronger. I took myself out on close by car rides two days in a row. Yes, I drove myself. I have been taking only regular strength Tylenol. I got my oil changed, two new tires put on my car, and got my inspection sticker. I also managed a stop at the post office and bought some toothpaste at the store. I am pooped out when I come home, and have to ice my leg. I have lost 10 lbs. because nothing appeals to me. Hoping that will pass with time. I see the doctor next week, for my six week out post-op checkup.


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[Maggie94]

Hi there. Great news on getting out and about. Well done. Totally understand being pooped after that lot. You will find that any activity a way from your bed or lounge, even being a passenger in a car, will contribute to making you tired. I agree with you about using a cane and feeling stable.
All up I think you are doing really well. Keep it up. Cheers Maggie x

 

[Spencieca]

Getting out and about it a big booster for the mind, but sometimes it makes the knees a bit fussy...good job on the driving..Im just 5 days ahead of you and I had my right leg done..Ive been driving for a couple of weeks now but pretty short distances..this week was one of my longest drives, I had to drive to my 6 week doc appt..I keep my cane in the car in case I need it...I did go grocery shopping yesterday by myself and was shocked! It does get better..slow and steady....keep up the good work!

 

[Newone15]

Woo Hoo! I am happy to say that I am six weeks out from Left TKR, and have been cleared from home PT. My ROM is 100 Degrees, with a -2 Degree on the extension. I see my surgeon for the post-op on Thursday. I am walking with a cane, managing the stairs well, and even driving a little. My energy level is slowly coming back. I just wish my appetite would. Everything tastes funny! I am using regular strength Tylenol for pain, and ice. Will be scheduling outpatient PT soon.


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[Pumpkin]

Wonderful to hear how well you are doing, your appetite will come back with time.