CanadaGreat report from my surgery twin! At 12 weeks I have many of the same challenges although I still have one painful spot on the side of my knee that constantly reminds me of what has been done to it! My extension is at 0-1 but I can't seem to get and keep flexion beyond 95. The good news is we are functioning well and from everything we read on this site, it just keeps getting better from here!
TKR kmak's TKR recovery thread
- Thread starter kmak81230
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kmak81230
post-grad
Thanks @SusieShoes - I'm quite sure that the side sleeping is due to having one nonop leg as that's the side I can sleep on. Grateful for small victories. You are so right - "a good place to be, though not yet perfect" - perfect is overrated, don't you think?
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kmak81230
post-grad
You are so right @Canada35 - it just keeps getting better. I had a nagging painful spot on the lateral side that seems to have minimized over the past week. Last week the medial side of my upper shin was sore but that too is better in the past few days. You have great extension and the flexion will come slow but sure. My OS and PT say that extension is most critical for good walking form so hope to improve that over time. My nonop leg is not 0 - I think 4 or 5 so extension will be the bigger challenge for me I expect.
Pheebs52
big-cheese
@Kmak, I just caught up on your thread and my, your leg looks marvelous! Mine looks somewhat similar (of course) but I still have bruising.
Your 12 week report may not be *perfect* but hey, in this life, what is? As such, I think it's most impressive! I know you're a bit frustrated with the extension and it's my understanding that can be slow to resolve. However, with time and the right exercise, it will. Are you doing any specific exercises for that or just relying on walking with the longest strides possible? I know how painful the back of the knee can be so I would probably go for the walking instead of specific exercises.
Huge kudos on the side-sleeping! I suspect you're right on those of us who have *just* had one knee done being able to achieve this sooner than a bi-lateral. It was tough enough with just the one knee, eh? That said, I know it will also come eventually for our bi-lateral friends. All of us just need to keep dipping into our patience stores.
Your 12 week report may not be *perfect* but hey, in this life, what is? As such, I think it's most impressive! I know you're a bit frustrated with the extension and it's my understanding that can be slow to resolve. However, with time and the right exercise, it will. Are you doing any specific exercises for that or just relying on walking with the longest strides possible? I know how painful the back of the knee can be so I would probably go for the walking instead of specific exercises.
Huge kudos on the side-sleeping! I suspect you're right on those of us who have *just* had one knee done being able to achieve this sooner than a bi-lateral. It was tough enough with just the one knee, eh? That said, I know it will also come eventually for our bi-lateral friends. All of us just need to keep dipping into our patience stores.
SusieShoes
Former BoneSmart staff member
Well, I haven't been perfect for at least 30 years, so... yeah, let's hear it for Moving On Up!
I too have a nagging, sometimes painful spot on my left knee, medial side, that is determined to be the last thing to go. It's most likely an inflamed bursa. It's quieter now, and some days doesn't complain at all anymore, so I'm hopeful it will become a memory soon.
It took me a long time to get Lefty's extension to 0. It started out at 3-4. It's still just barely 0, meaning I have to press down to achieve it; it doesn't just naturally fall flat the way the right knee does. Extension is a long game, because those tendons, the hamstrings, are big and tough, and it takes lots of stretching to get them to extend. Walking has helped me a lot, and putting my heel up on an ottoman while gravity pulls at the knee. When it starts to get painful, I stop. Walking is more fun, and I enjoy feeling the slight, painless, stretch of proper form.
I too have a nagging, sometimes painful spot on my left knee, medial side, that is determined to be the last thing to go. It's most likely an inflamed bursa. It's quieter now, and some days doesn't complain at all anymore, so I'm hopeful it will become a memory soon.
It took me a long time to get Lefty's extension to 0. It started out at 3-4. It's still just barely 0, meaning I have to press down to achieve it; it doesn't just naturally fall flat the way the right knee does. Extension is a long game, because those tendons, the hamstrings, are big and tough, and it takes lots of stretching to get them to extend. Walking has helped me a lot, and putting my heel up on an ottoman while gravity pulls at the knee. When it starts to get painful, I stop. Walking is more fun, and I enjoy feeling the slight, painless, stretch of proper form.
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kmak81230
post-grad
oh no, major ear worm @SusieShoes - "moving on up . . to the east side..." @Pheebs52 - just the long stride walking for me currently as I have been sore back there lately. I have PT next week so will see what she says about healing that strain. I also am going to start some more targeted massage on calves and hamstrings now that I am cutting back on PT. Last night I used the ottoman but had to stop after about 15 minutes as it was getting a bit sore. Looking for my little red box under the bed . . .
Pheebs52
big-cheese
Oh nooo, I remember that song but NOT the name of the show, lol!
I meant to suggest some massage, so I'm glad you thought of it. It won't increase extension, but it's possible the hills of San Fran may have aggravated your hamstrings a bit. Do you heat or ice the area? Sometimes, alternating heat and ice is helpful.
Hmmm, 15 minutes of that gravity exercise sounds rather ouch-worthy; eeeuuuw.
Now, if you need a new shiny, red box, you know I'll send one to you. My garage is simply overflowing with them.
I meant to suggest some massage, so I'm glad you thought of it. It won't increase extension, but it's possible the hills of San Fran may have aggravated your hamstrings a bit. Do you heat or ice the area? Sometimes, alternating heat and ice is helpful.
Hmmm, 15 minutes of that gravity exercise sounds rather ouch-worthy; eeeuuuw.
Now, if you need a new shiny, red box, you know I'll send one to you. My garage is simply overflowing with them.
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kmak81230
post-grad
I will try the heat again @Pheebs - I've been slacking a bit on that . . . actually slacking on everything except my ADLs. Can't wait to get this surgeon visit over with - I don't know why I get so anxious about it. I think it's because he's a little more uptight about recovery and pushing things. I wish he was more like my PT. Oh well, I have my list of questions, will try to keep things loosened up in the waiting room and conjure up my best walking form - he likes to walk behind me out of the x-ray room to check on the gait - ULK!
Pheebs52
big-cheese
Oh, Kmak, my surgeon also does the dreaded "Walk Behind!" Just be sure to move around in the waiting room and while you are waiting in the exam room. Sit on the table like I did and let those legs swing!
It really is strange how anxious we all get before these doc visits, isn't it? I know I have this desire for him to view me as a successful TKR, and that's all tied up in not wanting an MUA, but even beyond that, I don't want to feel as if I have somehow *failed.* Intellectually, of course I know I have not, and really, no one could. After all, it's not a school exam, but yet....that fear of failure is a strong one. Why, I do not know. What I do know now is that my next visit will not be as anxiety ridden. I'm learning, and so are you!
It really is strange how anxious we all get before these doc visits, isn't it? I know I have this desire for him to view me as a successful TKR, and that's all tied up in not wanting an MUA, but even beyond that, I don't want to feel as if I have somehow *failed.* Intellectually, of course I know I have not, and really, no one could. After all, it's not a school exam, but yet....that fear of failure is a strong one. Why, I do not know. What I do know now is that my next visit will not be as anxiety ridden. I'm learning, and so are you!
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kmak81230
post-grad
Exactly @Pheebs52. Though I'm celebrating my status as a "C" student I want to be an "A" student in the eyes of my doc. I know I'm fine and will be fine - and am so grateful to not have some of the complications others on here are dealing with. I don't want him to think of me as a "lazy laggard" - of course it's true but you and I both know it's the only way to succeed in this recovery. I am firm about not doing an MUA. I hope he says, "I'll see you at the one year anniversary" - I'll have 9 months to chill and get on with my life.
Pheebs52
big-cheese
@kmak81230, that's it! The nail on the head....ouch! I definitely had a fear of being branded a "Lazy Laggard," before my last visit, but I don't know why since the surgeon hadn't made any statements on prior visits that he felt such was even a remote possibility. And here's the thing; I don't think either of us actually ARE lazy, we're simply following Bonesmart guidelines until we are fully recovered. That's certainly different than being a garden variety slug, right? Even my PT warns me all the time to not walk "too much," or do anything "too much," because right now, it will only lead to swelling. All of us have experienced this, so "lazy" should be substituted with "sensible" , right? He told me to expect swelling from too much of anything for at least the first 6 months....sound familiar?
I really hope he does say "See you in a year," and I have a feeling he will. Or, at least my PT would put his $$$ on that since he's indicated that's what most surgeon's do because.....they don't want to hear our complaints, lol! When is your appointment?
I really hope he does say "See you in a year," and I have a feeling he will. Or, at least my PT would put his $$$ on that since he's indicated that's what most surgeon's do because.....they don't want to hear our complaints, lol! When is your appointment?
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kmak81230
post-grad
I like sensible much better than lazy - I do feel lazy sometimes but you are correct in that we are being sensible - as our PTs remind us. My appt is tomorrow afternoon. I will update after the big event :rolleyes:
SusieShoes
Former BoneSmart staff member
Oh, I wish you well on your appointment. I too feared my surgeon would be disappointed with me. I fretted to Mr. Shoes all the way to the office. What if my flexion isn't good enough? What if my extension blows chunks? What if he wants me to do more PT, and I hate PT because it HURTS... he'll think I'm a wuss. And Mr. Shoes just said, "You're doing fine. He sees people who still can't walk without a cane or walker. He sees people who are still in pain. You're not in pain. You're walking without assistance. He'll be happy." But I was certain I was going to come up small.
My surgeon was thrilled.
We're all so fearful of failure, of not being "good enough" and focused on our own shortcomings, that we overlook how truly successful our surgeries have been.
My surgeon was thrilled.
We're all so fearful of failure, of not being "good enough" and focused on our own shortcomings, that we overlook how truly successful our surgeries have been.
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kmak81230
post-grad
Thanks for the uplifting words @Pheebs and @SusieShoes. I will do my best walk in there today with confidence . . .
Great report, Kathleen. I love the detailed lists, I'm always nodding my head and raising my eyebrows ticking off each one - impressive. Good timing that you are feeling up to the beginning of term-itis.
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kmak81230
post-grad
Of course this morning I woke up stiffer than usual, nagging pain behind the knee, the old tiresome discomfort under the knee that I thought was a distant memory. My spouse asked if my knee was bothering me - "why do you ask?" - "You are limping terribly" - all of this on the big day of my three month checkup. 
I must have been practicing my swimming strokes during the night, or perhaps it's the cycle of the moon, or maybe I forgot to bury St Christopher in the front yard (Oh wait, that's for selling your house). Oh well, unless a miracle happens in the next four hours he'll see me on a "regular" day in the life of my recovery. I will keep Mr Shoes' advice in mind and try to think about the vast improvements I've made since my 6 week appt. I decided it's too hot to make meatloaf (per our discussion on @nensi thread) so will bring some fresh rasberries from my garden. Stay tuned . . .
I must have been practicing my swimming strokes during the night, or perhaps it's the cycle of the moon, or maybe I forgot to bury St Christopher in the front yard (Oh wait, that's for selling your house). Oh well, unless a miracle happens in the next four hours he'll see me on a "regular" day in the life of my recovery. I will keep Mr Shoes' advice in mind and try to think about the vast improvements I've made since my 6 week appt. I decided it's too hot to make meatloaf (per our discussion on @nensi thread) so will bring some fresh rasberries from my garden. Stay tuned . . .
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becticu
graduate
You will do great at your visit today. I always swung my legs off
The exam table to keep warmed up as well! I think we all have the same fears. The equipment people were at the house to get the CPM machine the other day. She had replacement and had MUA with hers about two years ago. Her first question to me when I told her I had to have one was, well did you not do your PT and exercises? I wanted to scream. So many judgmental supposedly well meaning folks out there. I think we all are getting good at ignoring them ! We can't wait to hear your report and we are all in this with you no matter what!!
Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
The exam table to keep warmed up as well! I think we all have the same fears. The equipment people were at the house to get the CPM machine the other day. She had replacement and had MUA with hers about two years ago. Her first question to me when I told her I had to have one was, well did you not do your PT and exercises? I wanted to scream. So many judgmental supposedly well meaning folks out there. I think we all are getting good at ignoring them ! We can't wait to hear your report and we are all in this with you no matter what!!
Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
I wish you ladies would quit stressing over what your OS will say regarding a MUA. You do not have to have one even if he wants you to. It's your body and your knee. You have control over what happens to it. Please don't sweat these visits. You always have the last say so. I know you want to please your OS, but it's your OS that should be pleasing you! Mine asked if I was happy with my knee, if so, he said he's happy!
. Just shaved my legs and am elevating before I head to see the doc.- Status
